What is a Plate Vibrator?

A plate vibrator is a machine designed for compacting soil, asphalt, and similar materials. It is typically used when laying groundwork in order to complete overlay projects. A plate vibrator can be used to lay the foundation for roads, sidewalks, and any other areas that need to be overlaid with material. The plate vibrator is also used when trying to impact embankments for canal usage. Smaller versions of the unit can be used to impact the stone or brick inlay for walkways.

The plate vibrator consists of a bottom plate mounted to a vibrating machine. This makes the plate vibrator look similar to a lawn mower without a bottom. A plate vibrator is driven by a gas-powered unit that fits on top of the bottom plate.

The plate vibrator has at least two counter rotating eccentric weights, which are mounted on a shaft. The phase positions of the weights are capable of adjustment in relation to each other through use of an adjusting mechanism. The element and power unit are located on the topside of the plate vibrator, which moves by redistributing the weight of the entire machine. This causes oscillation in the bottom plate, minimizing the height of the plate vibrator and maximizing translational motion while the machine is moving either forward or in reverse. This design makes the plate vibrator easier to use, as well as easier to transport.

To change the phase position of the eccentrics of the plate vibrator, one or more of the eccentrics is mounted in a manner allowing rotation in relation to the shaft. The direction of rotation of the weights is accomplished with the help of a sprocket and chain transmission. The other weights are rigidly mounted on the shaft in an area that is just opposite of the transmission. This creates a vibration force.

The design of the plate vibrator makes it easy to change directions when necessary. In addition, the user can manipulate adjusting controls on the plate in order to give it a vibratory compacting motion in a forward or a reverse motion on the surface being compacted.