Are electric plate compactors any good? Evolution Hulk Electro!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Here’s a link to this plate compactor: rebrand.ly/ghm-evo-hulk-electro Use discount code GOSFORTH for 10% off. If you use that code I earn a small amount of commission per sale. More info about affiliate links in the description. Thank you! 👍

[@robertdewar1752]

The link is 404 Not Found (27th July 2024)

[@ng178jt]

I’ve had one for about 5yrs and I think I paid about £140 at the time for it. Day job is a highway engineer so am use to bigger machines, that being said this has made its money back over and over again. I’ve only used it for small paths and done my mot in 4 layers so abit more time consuming but it does the job, just wish I had brought the mat at the same time. Downside is the cord, nice and long but does get in the way and that cord holder is pants. The bolts also have a tendency to work there self loose. For the amount of work it has done I can’t fault it, however if you keep your eye’s peeled then Lidl of all places have machines come up that a lot of landscapers seem to get for the smaller jobs.

[@Brown969]

Bought a petrol compactor from Aldi for £210 (Oct 2022). I agree with you that the electric evolution is small jobs only.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Will be interesting to see if the cheap Aldi wackers make a return - they all seem to be double the price now! 😭

[@ng178jt]

@@GosforthHandyman everything has gone up in price to quick. There is some tools that I’ve brought for one job and then sold it on. Done that because it can work out cheaper than hire and I am a tight git with a padlock on the penny jar 😂. The reviews for the Aldi machine has been decent to be fair. Not sure on the specs

[@michaeltaylor4824]

@@ng178jt I got the Aldi one during 2022 as a long term investment; when we move I anticipate the delivery /collection costs for a hire whacker will make this pay for itself. Been solid enough thus far, but time will tell as I’ve stupidly left fuel in it for over a year🤦🏼‍♂️

[@prnfl]

how thick for each layer?

[@peterhousley]

thanks for your content... i bought a Schappes from Aldi for 300 and used it for a driveway reconstruction... and sold it a year later for 250...that allowed me to take time with the job as it was going to cost me 100+ to hire similar machine . please dont be guided by the bound up surface...what really matters is compaction through the full depth of foundation, this can be achieved by keeping surface moist, and building up in thinner layers...normally max layers 2.5 times max aggregate size... Freeze thaw and frost is the enemy to poorly compacted slabs so thats why many thinner layers within the capacity of machine is better...

[@dannyboy9817]

Would be handy for prepping for concrete floors inside the house where petrol fumes would be an issue. Great review Andy, many thanks.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Should be fine for something like that as long as you do plenty passes! 👍

[@MK-yo4jn]

Thank you for the review. Even though I’m not likely to buy a compactor, I just enjoy watching your reviews. 😊

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you!

[@chris_hertford]

Can't fault this compactor! I bought one of these Nov 2017 it was £139 back then! Laid 80sqm of patio with it also taken on numerous light duty jobs over the years since, folds nicely to fit in the car boot. I had a problem with the lead early on just a lose connection but Evolution collected it replaced the lead and it was back to me within a few days, I was very impressed!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Fantastic! I've also had good experiences with Evolution's customer service. 👍

[@Oli_Hudson]

I had that exact same issue too - they repaired it quickly

[@dbat3291]

I've watch a few reviews on this over the last year or so and most of them say it's a good machine. One suggestion was build up in thinner layers. People get use to the chord after a while. I've seen it used in a house on the whole ground floor before the slab etc as ventilation was restricted. As you say for DIY or a handlful of jobs it looks a good option. Happy New Year.

[@K2teknik.]

Yes, the trick is to compact thin layers, it will be just as fine as with any other compacter, but it will take a lot of time.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers and happy new year too!

[@BadHorsie1]

I've just got a manual tamper. For home use, shed bases etc it's good enough, no need for petrol or electric machines

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah they can be great too for smaller jobs! 👍

[@stevebosun7410]

Hi Andy, great little tool by the looks of it for the intended purpose, but as you said don't expect big plate performance. For re-sanding driveways it looks ideal, as the hard compacting will already have been done.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Great for re-sanding I think! Ideal as you say since it doesn't need so much force. 👍

[@bruceriley4898]

At 4:22 you put the cross brace with rubber nubs on backwards. The rubber nubs rest against the plate edge when stored. They are not power cord holders.

[@prnfl]

The discount still works. Good deal buying direct. Thanks

[@tom314]

your conclusion is the same as mine, I've had one for a couple of years, used it a few times for smaller jobs and it's worked well each time. For my gravel drive with MOT sub base I've ended up using time and vehicles to compact it (then scrape it flat again and a bit more time) it's flat enough and doesn't move significantly under a 40t truck so is ok :)

[@GosforthHandyman]

We've done similar - it's not going to get much more compacted than a big car driving on it for a year or so. 👍😁

[@andymora5595]

I also saw this device and I am not sure if it has enough power for my garden projects. I also need to renew floors in the basement of my house. Electro device would be great for indoor projects. Perhaps I wait until there is a bigger, more powerful device.

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Good honest review. As you say DIY at best . I’ve always thought that the weight Would be an issue and that bloody cord 😫🧱👍🏼

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Steve! You guys will be so used to the bigger petrol ones the cord would do your head in. I swore a few times and I'm forever getting in a tangle. 😂😂👍

[@Richardincancale]

Looks as if it would compact my plates a treat! Would be able to get loads of them in the dishwasher after treating them!!

[@GosforthHandyman]

😂😂

[@itwillbenicewhenitsfinished]

Great vid Andy, can we have a review on different types of MOT, cant get my head round it all, tatty bye 😀👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! I only ever use Type 1 so no expert but I think: Type 1: 40mm to dust (general purpose) Type 2: 20mm to dust (better drainage, apparently) Type 3: 40mm to 5mm (used in road construction, apparently) 👍

[@marshal-psiren]

Sling the cord over your shoulder then you won't risk going over it at all, same trick works wonders with electric lawnmowers as well.

[@rossMIE]

I do the same thing, 👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Can help! 👍

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Andy, Handy little compactor for garden projects. A good demonstration on your green house base, and as always great honest video , Take care👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you - all the best! 👍

[@shayhoulihan4391]

Shay checking in from dublin Ireland thank you ❤❤

[@JPHeath]

Looks like this would be ideal for tarmac pothole repair ?

[@MarvinofMars]

I have one of these plus a 6HP Petrol compactor. It is not that it is a bad compactor but designed to do a certain depth. the electric unit has 5KN down force the petrol is 15 KN. So I never layer stone or sand deeper than 50mm compacted so so 75mm raked loose. Petrol unit can manage to 200mm loose compacted back to 150mm. I would not layer up any deeper than 75mm, plus you need to pass over area up to 6 times. Plus string the area. of use a laser level mark 3-4 spots dip check the level every 2-3 passes keep compacting until the reading remains the same.

[@Marktb363]

Helpful review, thank you; I was curious about these leccy whackers! 🙂

[@andyc972]

Thanks Andy, horses for courses I guess, for a one off job it makes sense to hire, if you're going to be doing regular larger jobs then definitely bigger, heavier, petrol model, but if you've got a few smaller diy jobs lined up this could be just the job and you avoid faffing around with fuel etc ! Btw those two handles on the top of the housing look perfect for slinging a 25kg bag of sand across - that would make it heavier and less jumpy ! 😉

[@GosforthHandyman]

Defo! For lots of smaller jobs and no need to constantly visit the hire shop this seems great! 👍

[@JasonSmith-uk7zh]

Someone tryed the bag of sand on the top and the machine stopped vibrating the motor would run but no vibration 😢

[@kayaksnorkeluk8272]

Im thinking of getting a 2nd hand one of these for a large shed base. I would compact it in thin layers until reaching the desired level. It'll give me more time than a weekend hire. A weeks hire is no good if I'm at work. I bought a hand whacker but itll take forever. Im not sure how much more effective this would be over the hand one though?

[@kayaksnorkeluk8272]

Now £274 that's one hell of a price jump in 12 months. £209 on Amazon. And all the used ones for sale are up north collection only 😕

[@papparocket]

Thanks for the great review. I am going to be putting in some brick pathways and a good size brick patio this summer. With only having evenings and weekends to do this, it will take a good few months in many small segments to accomplish this. Thus it just wouldn't be economical to rent a plate compactor either for the entire period, or for a day here and a weekend there. I saw this electrical compactor, but thought it would be far too light to really get a good firm level of compaction so that the bricks won't settle. So it is good to see that it can compact the hard base sufficiently for foot traffic. But still I would be a little happier if it weighed a bit more. To add some more weight, what do you think of building a little wood tray of plywood with a rim of a plywood strips and clamping it to the bars on top. Then 5-10 kg of heavy things (perhaps plates from a weight lifting or concrete retainer wall blocks) can be layed in the tray to add a bit more weight. A square of foam under the weights would help keep them from bouncing and clattering about. Oh, and cushioned hose or pipe clamps could be used to hold the tray in place while providing some protection to the bars and eliminating clatter. Do you think the additional weight would help better compact the base to any meaningful additional degree, or would it just overload the machine and wear it out faster. BTW, the rubber pad is supposed to allow the compactor to go right on top of the bricks to help level and seat them without requiring a thick layer of protective sand on top like you would need with a larger more aggressive compactor. This helps solve the dilemma of what to do with all of that protective sand at the end of the project. Thanks again.

[@awantamta]

Looks okay for small jobs

[@davidshortall9302]

I think what's missing from this discussion and the comments is the moisture content or otherwise of hardcore filling. even a 100 kg whacker plate would be useless if the screenings or hardcore filling is dry. if you hose down and soak hardcore filling and come back when its soaked away, half of the compaction work will have been done, if left for a time it will also settle it quite a bit. The effectiveness of a light compactor will be increased if the material has the optimum amount of moisture content. Finally, just to say, If the foundation hasn't been dug deep enough it wont make a difference how good the whacker is... you cant make the base strong enough for pedestrian, or vehicular traffic. So the argument regarding the weight of a whacker has many other variable factors to consider...

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup - very valid points! 👍

[@rossMIE]

Thanks for this. Ive been thinking about this, or maybe one of the attachments for my breaker. This would be quicker for sure.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I haven't tried the breaker attachment - think it would be tricky on larger areas. 👍

[@rossMIE]

@@GosforthHandyman agree, also there about 100 quid anyway, so 🤷

[@rossMIE]

Easier to store though 🤣

[@RichardDowd]

The Scheppach HP110S Petrol Compactor from Aldi gets excellent reviews, though need wait til its back on again, was 250 quid.

[@GosforthHandyman]

The Scheppach's are great - I'm sure Restoration Couple did a vid on one. They've shot up in price though! 😭

[@richardgregory4640]

Surely the most useful cost comparison, for DIY use anyway, would be with the cost of hiring a decent one for a day?

[@GosforthHandyman]

About £30/day to hire a smaller one, £50-60 for a weekend. But then there's also the hassle of picking it up etc. Even the smaller one needs two people to lift it. 👍

[@Mistah_john]

what kind of wood did you use for your raised beds? it looks a nice size

[@hhuynh121]

@GosforthHandyman awesome video! is this plate compactor loud at all? Is this loud in comparison with lawn mower and petrol machines? Would you need to wear ear plugs while operating this? Thanks

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Hey Andy! Do you suppose you could strap a bit more weight to the top of the compactor to get a little more downforce? Just another 10kg or so? Do you think it would reduce the effective vibration too much? Just a thought. Cheers.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Did wonder that - I do think the vibration is since the machine is so light. Might give it a try! 👍👍

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

@@GosforthHandyman Yeah, I had in my head, strapping half a bag of cement or something like that, so it wouldn't beat the machine up like a hard piece of stone or metal would.

[@ianc7866]

i love my 2nd hand Robin 5Hp. Only paid 200 quid for it and yes its battered but it works. The main issue is you have to dismantle it to take it anywhere cos it's so damn heavy. I think the EVO is ideal for paths and stuff.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah the bigger ones often need 2 people to lift them - but that sounds like a bargain! 👍

[@normanboyes4983]

Nice one Andy. Don’t try hanging it up in the shed with magnets tho.😉

[@mervinprone]

Do you think this could be used for compacting polymeric sand in between pavers? The driveway’s already installed and the base was compacted by a petrol plate compactor already but those workers are long gone and I’ve got to do the polymeric myself.

[@grahamallen1970]

Could you strap on a bag of sand ontop of body to improve wack! ....or would that overload the motor?

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Cute. Much more manageable than a Whacker brand packer.

[@peem1244]

Happy New Year, Andy. Could you add some extra ballast? Bag of sand?

[@douglasflores1462]

Thanks, I will buy one!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dwalsh3469]

I think that the downward force should be considered with respect to the area of the plate. 5kN of force over a small plate produces the same pressure as a force of 10kN over a plate with twice the area. It seems to me that the real performance downgrade with the compact machine is that it takes longer (twice as long in this example) compared to the bigger machine, and not the compacting ability.

[@johannes.f.r.]

Indeed, was about to comment on staring too much at the higher number and not what it means. Same goes for the comments about the weight of a vehicle.But in the end, it doesn't really change the recommendations. If you're doing a bigger project, you might as well rent a big machine. For someone with a big garden that comes with regular small jobs, it kind of makes sense.

[@dwalsh3469]

@@johannes.f.r. Agreed. I really just wanted to note that it actually does the job, but takes a bit longer. There is nothing second rate about the offering at the price point. The time penalty for a diyer doing a patio or whatever, even just once, is trivial. For me, the immediate alternative is my Roughneck tamper. As one ages, 💪not so good 😅.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup, would concur. Plus a 2000kg car would theoretically have 4 x point loads of (total guess) 2 x 700kg at the front and 2 x 300kg at the back. So multiple layers / passes of 5kN force would probably be OK. I've also seen plenty pavements sink due to bad compaction using big industrial wackers - insufficient layers of wacking. 👍

[@dwalsh3469]

@@GosforthHandyman Most modern cars have a 60 / 40 or a 55 /45 weight split between the front and real axles FYI. If you wanted to go full nerd, you can calculate the actual load at each wheel station by measuring the tyre contact patch (rectangular) and measuring the individula tyre pressure in SI units. The force is the product of the two.

[@PazLeBon]

@@dwalsh3469 i use the van and ramp the tyre pressures as high as im comfortable with haha

[@revbobuk]

Could you drop a bag of sand on top to make it a bit heavier? Might reduce the vibration a bit too.

[@rossMIE]

I thought that too. It like those bars are crying out for something to be on top of them 🤣

[@dwalsh3469]

That idea is missing the point a bit, I think. The down force (or more accurately the down pressure) does not come from the weight of the machine. The machine weighs 26 kilograms, which is about 0.25kN of compressive force. The machine produces 5kN of down force according to the spec. The compacting force / pressure generated by the machine is dynamic. Adding a bag of sand just makes it harder to move. It wouldn’t help with the compacting. (It would help with high frequency vibration.)

[@GosforthHandyman]

I wondered that too - as @dwalsh3469 says I'm not sure it would massively impact the downward force created by whatever it uses - some sort of off-set flywheel presumably. Difficult one to test! 🤔

[@robbristow]

Could you strap a breeze block on top to give it a bit more weight!😆

[@GosforthHandyman]

Not sure it would help but might stop it bouncing around so much! 😁

[@0skar9193]

I just took a chance buying the Evolution dry wall sander. I don't have the budget for Mirka or Festool at this time :( Anyway, for £150 it's brilliant for my needs. It has LEd lights round the head & LED spot and long reach. Bit heavy but perfect for occasional use. Basically, I'm taking Evolution a bit more seriously now.

[@Brown969]

The LED lights around the head of the sander are brilliant. Wish more manufacturers adopted that design. The 220mm Mirka mesh sheets fit the Evolution...I find 180grit work perfect for polyfiller/easifil.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup Evolution have some real gems now!

[@mikiex]

I have the hybrid circular saw with track.. well worth a look. Ok its not a plunge saw, but good for cutting anything straight. The multi material blade also goes through steel fine, so not problem hitting nails as it just cuts through them like butter :)

[@awt]

Why did you leave that bare patch in the middle of the pad?

[@GosforthHandyman]

It's the bare soil 'letterbox' in the greenhouse (see greenhouse vid) 👍

[@awt]

Aha! Makes sense.

[@romeishka]

@GosforthHandyman What will happen if you just would add some additional weight (20-50 kg) on that metal frame? It's looks like frame would handle it and probably compactor would do much better job... 🤔

[@raydriver7300]

Looks like a nice DIY toy for only £200. Here’s hoping 2024 is healthy and successful 🌞

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Ray - same to you and yours! 😎

[@logik100.0]

I have 2 questions. 1 I have to fill in a pond with earth from elsewhere and it's to be paved over. It will be multi passes. Is it upto it. 2 What the hell do you do with it afterwards?

[@CH-jd8km]

You can sell it afterwards.

[@stuartandrews4344]

Better hire one for a weekend.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Depends what's going on top of where the pond used to be - if it's only for one job I'd just hire.

[@WhiteDieselShed]

Cable tie a bucket on top and add more weight? Will it still work or will it struggle?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Was wondering that! Not sure it would add much to the downward compaction force. 🤔

[@dustinmorton942]

could you just strap a sandbag to the top to give it some more heft and weight?

[@rupertm2542]

The fact you can pick it up so easy tells me all I need to know. I’ll stick with my Lumag.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Apparently the weight isn't so critical in the downwards force it applies! 👍

[@rupertm2542]

Not strictly true is it. The way a whacked works is by having a small crank shaft, which has an offset weight on it, this is heavily off balance and when rotated it vibrates. Hence the low power draw. Not that dissimilar to an impact driver. The heavier is it, the heavier the blow!

[@ianroughley1933]

I wonder with that metal construct going over the top of it...........could you add more weight? giving more down force?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Was wondering that too! Apparently more weight doesn't necessarily produce much more downward force. 👍

[@megaman2016]

How was it done in the old days without these

[@GosforthHandyman]

In the old days they didn't even bother with hardcore. 😬

[@Tom-Lahaye]

Good review, you pointed out well what this tool is suited for and what not. For the kind and amount of work I have to do a petrol one of 10-15kN is probably a better choice. Anyway, you can sell these quickly after your project is done, and when using it for more than a week it's cheaper than renting one. Looking by the jumping at the front end it could use a bit more weight, and do a bit better job, just don't overload it, when it stops rattling it's too heavy.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers - yup would agree!

[@SME_Ste]

Strap a couple of bags of sand to the top of it to stop it from bouncing around.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Could work! 👍

[@darren92redrum67]

Probably better of renting a petrol one if u only need it for couple occasions

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah, would probably pay for itself in 3-4 jobs. Also the hassle factor of not having to book one out, pick it up etc. 👍

[@TheBalrogwillpass]

could you not just strap 5kg or 10kg weights on the top? Improve performance a wee-tad without straining the motor? Be easy to make a little caddy to strap on those handles.. increase the weight by 30% , better tamping? Reason I ask is I'm about to rip up the ground floor in the house and put concrete slab, then water underfloor heating, worried about fumes, also near me to rent a whacker plate is near £100 a day. Many thanks in advance.

[@MeRas87]

according to what u say if my car is 2800kg i need same force in wacker before... sorry byt im not having 28kn

[@DP80s]

Got one last summer for a job with the intention of selling it on but I have a soft spot for it now so ive kept hold of it. It rattles it's bolts loose on occasion and the cord is a bit of a pain in the arse but I was very happy with it's performance for the cost. Has to do it in several smaller layers than with a bigger machine but it is what it is. Would quite like to be able to fold up the handle for storage. I didnt think about hanging it as you mentioned so may give that a look into

[@UberAlphaSirus]

130W! There must be cordless versions if that's the case. Whacka do, whacka day.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah crazy low power! 😮

[@paulb8186]

Why would any diyer buy that lightweight when they could hire a 'real' compactor for a fraction of what that costs?

[@garvielloken3929]

Nooice!

[@mikiex]

being quite low power why don't they scale it up :)

[@PazLeBon]

If on a tight budget, dont buy budget products :) buy once, cry once

[@gonefishing8947]

Hire one for twenty quid you get over twice the compaction and no cables to worry about I've just sold mine was a waste of time all right if your compacting fairy dust I suppose

[@elliot8595]

you would just rent one for the day

[@GosforthHandyman]

You could! Or you could buy one and never rent again. 🤷‍♂️

[@graemeharper765]

Think id use that for a back massage. Thats about it

[@Sundog0811]

Anyone else get shocked everytime you grab the handle while its compacting?

[@Rufeo0]

mmm for 200quid id just hire a proper one for the day

[@GosforthHandyman]

Depends how many jobs you have! Would pay for itself in 3-4 jobs. 👍

[@Rufeo0]

@@GosforthHandyman not sure where your hiring a wacker from? round here we pay as little as £5 a day. Most I've seen is about £20 a day. A proper wacker will do a better job in half the time. I've been a builder and landscaper for years, if your jobs big enough it needs several days of compacting its probably not a DIY job anyway. With a proper wacker you can compact a 300sq/m driveway in half an hour, per lift anyway.

[@freetolook3727]

I don't understand the market that the company is trying to hit. Even at that low price, a homeowner would be better off going to the local rental center and rent a real one for the day. If you're a contractor, then you're gonna go out and buy a real one.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Multiple smaller jobs - DIY use. 👍

[@freetolook3727]

I guess. I mean how many jobs can a homeowner possibly have that would require the use of this tool to make it practical enough to own?

[@mark675]

That vacuum's rubbish it didn't suck up anything 😒

[@GosforthHandyman]

😂😂

[@captainwin6333]

Be cheaper to hire one if all you're doing is a bit for a greenhouse.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Would pay for itself in 3-4 jobs. 👍

[@TREBORANDERSON]

It's a diddy whacker ... small jobs only.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Teeny!

[@jamessouthall4189]

Seems totally useless, i think it would be quicker to put a bit of wood on the ground and jump up and down on it!

[@Monkeh616]

Give it a try, let us know how it works.

[@GosforthHandyman]

@jamessouthall4189 this is another option! kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLaZapvjMyLmbM

[@freetolook3727]

For the jobs that I do, I have a twenty pound metal hand tamper. A little more effort but effective.

[@graemeharper765]

Definitely if your my weight

[@nyashachimwara6352]

Dic

[@andersnrregren9087]

Lol useless just say it

[@PoohBear01]

Is this channel done then, no substance left other then Evolutions product line and other freebies? Not to be harsh, just not what I signed up for.

[@rossMIE]

Give yourself a day off pal 🤦

[@GosforthHandyman]

@PoohBear01 here's a vid to cheer you up kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLaZapvjMyLmbM

[@PoohBear01]

Its ok to be upset, I am to. Hes not going to do another extention or any "big" projects. Hes not selling up to do it all again with another house. I dont blame him, its hard work and expencive. Its come to an end, its finished. @@rossMIE

[@lewiskelly14]

You do babble a bit

[@GosforthHandyman]

Less babble on this kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLaZapvjMyLmbM