NEW PLATE COMPACTOR - When Buying Makes Sense! - HIRE v BUY

[@Danish1der]

Something I learnt while doing the "cold lay" course (for filling holes in the highway). Your base material (typically type 1, maybe crushed concrete or road plainings) should have a certain amount of moisture in it to help it bind when you compact it. What this means in practice (usually on hot sunny days) is that you need to give it a good spray with a hose, and you'll be able to feel it binding together more as you move the compaction plate over it, plus it eliminates most of the dust that can get kicked up when it's too dry. Hope this helps a bit in the future. Appreciate the work you put into the channel.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

I thought that might come up in the comments! 😀 We did exactly that, hosing down between layers especially with the self binding gravel. But the last few clips I filmed of the plate compactor I just ran it over to get some extra footage and it happened to be the dry dusty section. 🙄 When you water the self binding as you go, it ends up like a hard screed. Worked great. 👌

[@ukconstruction]

I got one too!! Its well worth the money too, hope you and the family are well, best Robin

[@TheRestorationCouple]

👍 Can’t complain really, if you service the engine well. I have enough projects planned within the warranty period that it was a low risk purchase.

[@zedman442]

The legend that is Robin Clevett! Glad you are perusing over the same channels as us mere mortals! 😃 also I was very tempted by this wacker.

[@stephenjon3502]

Mine keeps cutting out. Seems to over heat, no major use just patio , drive and earth. The throttle lever isn't great either. Waiting for Aldi to pick it up to check it out.

[@rb2516]

Likewise - great vfm! @Tim - sucking eggs, but if yours was shipped as mine was, the bolt through the throttle lever clamp needs to be reversed so it can tighten!

[@hartleygeorge6177]

I've just picked one up myself. Does anyone know where the small tube coming from the carburetor is meant to go? Mine is hanging loose.. Thanks in advance!

[@SmR8008]

I needed a whacker when laying a brick pavement. I didn't have one and didn't want to hire. So I made a plate from some old steel box section and plate, modified a 1/2 inch drive extension with a socket on the end. Attached this to a large bolt on the plate and put this on my Lidl 'kango' . Not as convenient as a wacker plate, but did the job😊

[@Chingy8]

I ordered the same one few months ago. Your video helped me to get it set up. The instructions that came with it didn’t have much diagrams for how to fill up the oil. Thanks!

[@isyt1]

I usually just ask my mother in-law to walk over the gravel a couple of times. She’ll easily exert about 2 tonnes of down force with each step

[@craigchristensen6082]

Harsh - but then I haven't met your Mother in law

[@gerryquinn5224]

You wait 'til I get hold of you! Regards, The Mother-in-law.

[@The70s80scollection]

Is she available for hire?

[@frank1847]

@@The70s80scollection Only of a night.

[@TrueBrit1]

Nice to see a simple, fact based review without dramatic music. Thanks - so good to hear Joe Public give a real world review. I previously used an Evolution Hulk electric compactor that I got on offer from Amazon a couple of years ago. I paid about £160 from memory. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't really up for any heavy duty work - I just did a small patio area of about 5m x 8m. It coped, but wasn't perfect. I sold it the following year for £180! So yes, I agree, you could sell this after use for the same, or quite possibly more, than you paid for it. The key is to keep it clean and looked after. Cheers!

[@cjhification]

Velcro double sided tape, can rap it round the handle shaft, then round the wheels when they're up, and back on to shaft. When you need to drop wheels, it's really easy and quick to undo Velcro, and rap it back round itself when wheels in use.

[@Dazzlar7]

Mine arrived Monday 😬 can’t wait to use it

[@jasonmurphy435]

got mine delivered from aldi today. cant wait to use it👌

[@RogerBurgess]

Cutting a piece of old inner tube to go between handlebar and throttle leaver clamp might help. I hired & used one for the first time for a patio extension. I must admit, you have been a big influence and given me confidence to do it myself. Cheers, Roger

[@RogerBurgess]

I also love these hire or buy vids as I think you usually buy.

[@jeffvaudrey8774]

Wise move, I've a similar one I've had for 18 months, saved me a fortune as I can use it for a few minutes and get it out the next day for an ongoing project. My throttle level is fine, just needs a good tighten with some rubber/foam strip under the clamp. The wheels are handy, saves dragging it around the place and scratching any surfaces. Done the same with a mini excavator, laser level and cement mixer, all of which I will sell when my renovation project ends. Buying makes a lot of sense and is so convenient for some things.

[@TDTNr1]

Well Tim, that’s me finished watching all the videos from the first until now! 😊 Great work and amazing progress! I’ve learned a lot and already used a bunch of the lessons learned on the house. I upgraded from completely renovating a two bedroom flat to now living in a house while doing it up with a young family (every DIYers dream!). If you are ever up in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 let me know, I’ll buy you a pint or two. 🍺

[@jamiboothe]

I just purchased one of these under a different name, in the U.S. It is called a Yard Max, 6.5 HP with wheels the same as yours. Your comments about purchasing one was my same thinking. I am going to build a small house in the desert and my vehicle got stuck on the property. This tool will be very well used, by the time I don`t need it anymore. Thanks for the in depth review. =) I paid $410 U.S. dollars.

[@bongsound]

I've been considering buying one of these, as I will have several patios and concrete slabs to lay over the next few years. My main argument against hiring is being rushed or limited by the weather that day. I think I'll buy one. Thanks!

[@sharonhancock8609]

We got one of these during lockdown as we are doing a total garden makeover it did a really good job excellent price to also from aldi.

[@jetwalking]

A great concise and informative review. I bought an 'Aldi special' Schep petrol chainsaw- had to go back would not start. This vid has renewed my confidence to take the plunge and buy this piece of equipment. Thanks for posting; much appreciated.

[@Youaremychildren]

Have you received it yet?

[@casaMariaPT]

Thanks for sharing

[@aritshah2220]

Throttle lever, put some insulation tape round and round the handle, then clamp the throttle lever over it. Won’t move for ages!

[@manskinuk]

The issue with the wheels not staying on the unit is due to the fact you have tightened the bolts to tight at 2:24 in the video, I had the same issue :-)

[@JoshRampling]

Put the throttle clamp on the thicker part of the handle where you hold 👍

[@anthonysalisbury6945]

I got one too.....like you hired before.....but just to drag it out the shed and get a job done...is so much easier

[@clivewilliams1406]

I've found that its more economical to purchase smaller tools new or s/h than to hire them and it makes so much sense, especially if you can see a possible future use. 2 uses often means that you are in profit! My last hire item was a 3 stage industrial ladder that cost me the same price on a one day hire as purchasing the same item 12 months later !!!! I suppose that larger items such as Genies and the like would take a few more than one job to show a profit. Also, hire equipment often is not used or maintained properly, meaning that job you were going to do today will have to be put off until the hire equipment is exchanged - all the best kit goes to the big contractors.

[@NylonStrap]

I made the exact same mistake with the "on" switch and I still do :D

[@slywind30]

Haha hilarious! I hired one of these a few weeks back for £54 for the week! Wasn't to bad!, I did the exact same thing trying to originally get it started and missed the red on/off switch as I ignored the instructions... After fixing the pull start as it was dodgy anyways I finally got it started and away!, Anyways keep up the videos love them man!

[@marcoliverreinschmidt5775]

I have the same tool. Working fine. With the same problems with the wheel 😂. Please moisten the soil bevor working. Greetings from Germany

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi, I have a good selection of “supermarket” tools but I did not know about this one. I am part of a group of 10 likeminded people, we use that to buy tools that can then be used by any of the 10 people, and the beautiful part of this is that by dividing the cost over the group I will get this tool for less than £30:00. Thanks a lot for finding this compactor I can hardly wait to get it.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

That’s a good way to work. I share a few bigger tools with my Dad, that way they can clutter up his garage rather than mine! 😂

[@cparkuk]

Absolutely brilliant video Thank you!

[@donnarapley9854]

Really enjoyed thanks 🙂

[@nigelweaving9045]

I bought a breaker from Screwfix as I needed it for a while. It cost 2 weeks hire and I have used it lots and lent it to friends too. Best £150 spent!

[@SwimBikeRunFastest]

I sold mine and I wish I hadn't. I've needed it loads since!

[@scottrobertson5554]

Same. I bought a Macallister one from Screwfix for £150 and it's a decent tool. Very handy to have, particularly when breaking concrete in old post holes.

[@Sparkybyfifty]

Not sure if you’ve come across alkylate fuels like Aspen but much better than petrol for tools that don’t get used very often. They do a two stroke or plain four stroke. Lasts 2 years in a fuel tank and 5 years in the can.

[@andresmontana4466]

I have owned this machine for about 5 years. It served it's purpose but it is near death this last couple of years. I don't think it will see another Christmas. Poor Scheppach :-(

[@kasirmir1925]

What oil are you supposed to use? Thank you

[@peterridding4874]

Got one myself . It packed up . Small part In The drive wheel came adrift . Aldi gave me a full refund but I managed to mend it myself ! Result !

[@philsheldon2737]

Guy at work does his lawn with one of these, supposed to work awesomely bar the compaction of course

[@billywhizz98]

Aldi do sell some good tools and they come with a 3 year guarantee

[@partuden8568]

Thank for this video, very usefull for me to understand; bye or rent. This machine pops up in the Swedish Market under another brand. I have ordered the 25000-machine, so we will se how it will works :-)

[@87Chopper]

Bicycle inner tube between the handle and the throttle clamp should steady up the throttle.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Good shout. 👍

[@trulysurprised-bk7cy]

$80 plus per day in my area, to rent. I bought one and although I don't make a living with it, I think it's worth purchasing.

[@markleigh3]

Glad you have done a video on this I spotted in stepper vid and was going to ask you, it looks ok ideal for diy/ domestic I would thought but those hire and buying number you stated could of warranted a pro one or a good used one but what ever kind tools do seem to hold there money to sell on anyway thanks

[@denisehorton6941]

Hi there. Sorry this is unrelated. Did you ever finish your campervan build and do you have a van tour please? Have watched your playlist but it doesn’t get to the end of the project. Many thanks in advance

[@nickc3053]

Good video. Just bought it for £150 on Aldi website so think I’ve got a bargain

[@bee8515]

Great video. I bought one but have a question. What is that transparent tube hanging from the side where the throttle is? Do you leave it hanging or connect to the top bit?

[@graemesmith8509]

Just got mine delivered, maybe a dumb question. how do you fill the oil ?

[@ridgmont61]

I have a log splitter by Scheppach which is very good. Can you wrap the handle in insulating tape (hockey stick tape!j beneath the throttle so that the clamp has something to bite into?

[@akhilarab3267]

Very nice Prices indiya

[@D4ENX]

I got one too, decent bit of kit for the money :)

[@SwimBikeRunFastest]

The trouble with these little petrol engines is they work fine for the first season, then over the winter when it's not being used it gums up the petrol tubes and carb and don't work the following year. Ivw spent hours trying to revive my titan petrol strimmer this year.

[@landcruiser801]

Use Aspen fuel

[@SPaddy-fb7hy]

Drain the petrol after the season is over. Yes, it's that easy🙃

[@nomdeplume3755]

I had one of them 2 years ago, didn't last past the first patio and driveway. It stopped compacting made a noise and vibrated but no compaction. Took it back Aldi who refunded no problem so not a totally bad experience.

[@SIBUK]

I just bought this same machine from Aldi and it is arriving tomorrow. I wanted to be able to relax and do the job a bit at a time when I felt like it so I couldn't be bothered with hiring. I'm just going to sell it on eBay once I'm finished with it. I do have a concern though. I have to get this thing up and down 2 flights of stairs every time I need to use it. Do you think I can do it on my own or will it need a second person?

[@peterfriel5129]

Stay Safe !!

[@rotabom]

What weight is it? 50kg or 60kg?

[@enzobel]

Creo que además de todo, lo único q puedo agregar es que no vertió agua al terreno. Las planadoras vierten agua en sus rodillos y también los terrenos son rociados con agua. Del resto, pues no es una máquina industrial..

[@johnvickers5750]

Sheppach do wood working machines as well.

[@stuartrich4574]

I keep saying the same about a cement mixer

[@nickwalton8864]

Buy one second hand, use it for however long you want, then sell it on. I did that and made £50 profit on the sale. Result.

[@Limitlessassets]

Would you recommend this 100% then

[@LOGiKaLL123]

How much was it? The aldi link says no longer available

[@jonnysegway7866]

Its on sale at Aldi from tomorrow 21/03/21 @ £299

[@taratanballbag]

Its back on sale again at aldi

[@ianwagstaff3936]

What's the clear rubber pipe hanging down next to the pull cord? Should that be attached to the air filter?

[@Wilkinson77]

I had that exact concern on the one I bought, surely it cant just hang down can it?! There is a black "nipple" right underneath the air filter that looks like the pipe should attach to. Bit fiddly but I managed to put it on there and the machine works fine. However every single picture and YT video of this machine shows it hanging down! Now I don't know who is right or not! Oh well

[@JonGiles]

Any tips on how to drain the fuel tank after use apart from running it dry? I'm guessing could either siphon or dismantle carb assembly and drain through the fuel line... Am I missing something more often? Also, before long term storage is there some kind of flush or cleaner I should use to keep things from getting gummed up? The manual is silent on these things other than saying empty for transport or storage...

[@Wilkinson77]

Did you work out how to do this? I was wondering the same thing!

[@JonGiles]

@@Wilkinson77 no unfortunately not. I ran it dry and will hope for the best.

[@thebeast9869]

Completely f'd mine up two types of fuel fml going smash it up with a sledge hammer and set it a light.

[@Limitlessassets]

I'd love for you to review Evolution Hulk Electro - 230V Electric Compactor

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Did look at getting one actually if I ever do a new floor in our cellar as fumes would be pretty nasty down there with this!!

[@JUNK4UCREW]

I looked into buying one recently to and saw this one in Aldi as like you said you can make nearly your money back after finishing your job! My only recommendation on these "chinese" engines is always fully drain the petrol and run it until dry before storing over winter. Should last years then.

[@nikroche2621]

I thought they were made in Germany....

[@noelkealey]

Nope, that looks like either a Bison or Loncin engine, Loncin use to supply engines to BMW for motorbikes back in the day.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Like iPhones are ‘designed’ in California. 👍

[@landcruiser801]

Nothing to do with the engine, petrol goes off so any small engine will fail with stale petrol

[@dorsetengineering]

Just put a Chinese gx clone on my power barrow. Brilliant engines. You'll have many years service from that, I'm sure

[@Willz708]

are you going to putting any additives in the fuel system especially when storing it for the winter?

[@spinaway]

You should drain the fuel, and run it dry before storing in winter, otherwise you will have Problems next time you try to use it.

[@dwsimon1]

Run it on Aspen 4

[@jwheeler91]

I bought it 2 years ago and made the same mistake with the on switch lol

[@danielchapman9890]

Spent two mins shouting turn the red knob lol

[@davidedwards6935]

What oil do you put please

[@Jimmybuckrogers]

The manual says SAE-10W-30

[@leonardfairground5937]

Loving the channel; I’ve just binged watched everything whilst unable to do any projects myself, at the moment. Back on my feet soon. I’ve noticed that both you and your Dad, in the early videos, wear ex-military stuff- t-shirts, overalls etc- as do I. Did either/both of you have a military background?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Dad is ex Navy, I probably just pinched an overall! 😂

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Fair play for getting through the videos! There are quite a few over the years. 😀

[@leonardfairground5937]

😀I’ve had a lot of time on my hands and it’s better than the tele. Keep up the good work and I’m looking forward to seeing what you and your family are up to next. All the best.

[@noelkealey]

Must ask, how many tools have you bought, used and sold on eBay afterwards? I’ve used that line with herself but have yet to sell one there!!! Looks like the project is coming along nicely!

[@noelkealey]

You could also make a compost sifter that incorporates that plate compactor, 🤨

[@TheRestorationCouple]

🤫 The option is there I guess! 😂

[@metallitech]

I would have thought a manual tamping tool would be fine for that area.

[@jimgeelan5949]

Good luck with that one matey 🥴

[@metallitech]

@@jimgeelan5949 Well that's what a tamping tool is for, and it's a small area.

[@wm302]

Darn - out of stock at the moment. Literally in need of a whacker to do some jobs here in Scotland but cannot get any to hire. Don't have the £600+ to drop on one though. How much did you say this was when on offer?

[@johnlever6696]

£280

[@JonGiles]

Also special buy today (7 June)!

[@dommer256]

How much do you charge for a weekend hire Tim? 😂

[@gavjlewis]

Is the filter a foam and paper filter? It so should you be washing it? Should you not just vacuum the dust off it?

[@andyg3]

iv just hired one, only for my delivery to not turn up....

[@Nothing-g7e]

Wow that pull string won't last two minutes pulling it like that

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Fear not, starts with barely half a pull when you remember to turn it on. 😉

[@SwimBikeRunFastest]

£280? Your Amazon link is currently £680! Ouch

[@MAGAMAN]

Name sounds like "Cheap ass"

[@Dazzlar7]

And no longer available in Aldi 🙄

[@TheRestorationCouple]

These products come on and off so I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s back on in a matter of weeks.

[@Dazzlar7]

Hope so, good review

[@Dazzlar7]

The Restoration Couple just managed to order one off Aldi, joys of waking up early on a Sunday. Have a good day

[@testingtimes713]

Back in stock at Aldi, just ordered one!

[@trollmanrs]

Great review Tim, I have been buying a few tools recently for my Timber garage build (check out my channel -shameless plug), I have to build up the slope into the garage soon so this might be worth considering. As you say sometimes in the long run it's far more cost effective to buy/resell then to hire. Keep up the good work.