This document is the Operator's Manual for Super Handy Plate Compactors, providing comprehensive information on their function, specifications, usage, and maintenance.
Function Description
The Super Handy Plate Compactor is a vibratory plate compactor designed to compact various types of granular materials, including loose soil, gravel, crushed aggregate, and mixed soils. Its primary function is to increase the density and load-bearing capacity of these materials, reduce settling, and prevent frost damage. The machine achieves compaction through a combination of vibration and forward movement, making it suitable for preparing surfaces for concrete, asphalt, or other construction applications. It is designed for both small repair and maintenance work, as well as larger projects where increased density and stability of the ground are required. The compactor is equipped with an engine that drives an eccentric weight (exciter) to generate the necessary vibratory force for effective compaction.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual provides a specifications table for the Super Handy Plate Compactor, model GUO039:
- Item No.: GUO039
- Plate Size: 20"x15"
- Centrifugal Force: 4200lbf
- Exciter Speed: 5500vpm
- Compaction Depth: 12"
- Travel Speed: 115F T/min
- Engine: 209cc
- Operation Weight: 135lb
These specifications indicate a robust machine capable of significant compaction depth and force, suitable for a range of soil types and project sizes. The 209cc engine provides ample power for the centrifugal force and travel speed, while the 135lb operation weight contributes to its stability and effectiveness during use.
Usage Features
The Super Handy Plate Compactor is designed with several features to facilitate ease of use and effective operation:
- Throttle Control: Allows the operator to adjust the engine speed, which in turn controls the vibratory force and travel speed of the compactor.
- Operation Handle: Provides a secure grip and control for guiding the machine during operation.
- Muffler: Reduces engine noise during operation, contributing to a more comfortable working environment.
- Air Cleaner: Protects the engine from dust and debris, extending its lifespan and maintaining performance.
- Fuel Tank: Stores the fuel required for engine operation.
- Belt Guard: Encloses the drive belt system, protecting it from damage and ensuring operator safety.
- Base Plate: The primary component that makes contact with the ground, designed to transmit vibratory forces for compaction.
- Wheels Kit: An optional accessory that can be attached to the compactor for easier transport to and from the work site. The wheels can be folded up during compaction.
- Starting Engine: The manual outlines a clear procedure for starting the engine, including opening the choke, setting the throttle to the SLOW position, and engaging the starter.
- Operating: The compactor is designed to operate on concrete or extremely hard, dry, compacted surfaces. The plate will jump rather than vibrate and could damage both the plate and engine. It is recommended to warm up the engine and pull the throttle lever to accelerate engine speed before beginning vibrating and moving forward. The compactor is designed to run at an engine speed (engine take off shat) of 3600 rpm (Normally considered full throttle). Running the engine at lower rpm's will result in a decrease of compaction force and lower travel speed. It will create excessive "out-of-synch" vibrations resulting in poor compaction, maneuverability. Excessive wear to the machine, and discomfort to the operator.
- Stopping Engine: The procedure involves setting the throttle to the OFF position, moving the throttle lever to the SLOW position, letting the engine idle for one or two minutes, turning the engine switch to the OFF position, and turning the fuel valve to the OFF position.
- Speed Control: The throttle control allows for adjustment of the engine's "low" position to reduce stress on the engine when compacting is not being performed. Lowering the engine speed to idle helps extend the life of the engine, as well as conserve fuel and reduce the noise level of the machine.
- Safety Features: The manual emphasizes several safety precautions, including wearing eye protection, hearing protection, protective gloves, and safety footwear. It also warns against touching hot parts, operating in poorly ventilated areas, and handling fuel safely.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the Super Handy Plate Compactor. The manual details several maintenance procedures:
- Preventive Maintenance:
- Engine Check: Turn off the engine. Engine must be cool. Keep the engine's throttle lever in its SLOW position, and remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug and secure.
- Compactor Inspection: Inspect the general condition of the plate compactor. Check for loose screws, misalignment or binding of moving parts, cracked or broken parts, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation.
- Cleaning: Remove all debris from the plate compactor with a soft brush, vacuum, or compressed air. Then use a premium quality lightweight machine oil to lubricate all moving parts. Clean the bottom of the compactor base as soon as it begins to pick up soil being compacted. The unit can not do a good job if the bottom surface is not smooth and clean.
- Spark Plug: Replace the spark plug.
- Pressure Washer Warning: Never use a "pressure washer" to clean your plate compactor. Water can penetrate tight areas of the unit and cause damage to spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The use of pressure washers will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
- Checking V-Belt:
- Tension: To ensure optimum power transmission from the engine to the eccentric shaft, the V-belt must be in good condition and operate under proper tension.
- Inspection: Turn off the engine. Engine must be cool. Remove the belt guard to access the V-belt. Check the condition of the V-belt. If any V-belt is cracked, frayed, or glazed, it should be replaced as soon as convenient.
- Deflection Check: Check the V-belt tension by squeezing them in the center. The normal deflection on each side should be 9mm (3/8") to 13mm(1/2") with moderate pressure from your thumb or finger.
- Adjustment: On new machines or after installing a new belt, check belt tension after the first 20 hours of operation. Check and adjust belt every 50 hours thereafter.
- Tensioning V-Belt:
- Proper belt tension is critical to good performance.
- Proper adjustment will assure long belt life.
- Too much or too little belt tension will cause premature belt failure.
- Procedure: Loosen 4 engine mount bolts (do not remove) only enough to move the engine forward. Loosen the jam nuts (A), leaving enough space between the nut and bracket (B). Push the engine toward the back of the plate to remove any slack in the V-belt. When adjusting the belt, make sure that the clutch pulley is in alignment with the exciter pulley. When the V-belt tension is correct, tighten the jam nuts A and the engine mount bolts. Replace the belt guard.
- Replacing V-Belt:
- Loosen 4 engine mount bolts (do not remove) only enough to move the engine forward.
- Loosen the jam nuts A shown in the above figure.
- Slide the engine toward the front of the plate and slip the old V-belt off of the wheel pulley and install the new V-belt in their place.
- Position the V-belt over the engine pulley.
- Move the engine back.
- When adjusting the belt, make sure that the clutch pulley is in alignment with the exciter pulley.
- When the V-belt tension is correct, tighten the jam nuts A and the engine mount bolts.
- Replace the belt guard.
- Exciter Lubrication:
- The exciter housing is pre-serviced using Automatic Transmission Fluid Dextron I, Mercon, EXXON(ESSO) NUTO H-32 or its equivalent. Change fluid after 200 hours of operation.
- Procedure: Let the exciter cool before changing exciter oil. Remove the belt guard (A), V-belt (B), and baffle (C). Remove the bolts that hold the deck to the housing. Lift the entire deck with the engine from the housing. Remove the pipe plug (D) from the top of the exciter housing. Tilt the housing upside down so oil drains from the exciter. Examine oil for metal chips as a precaution to future problems. Return the plate housing to the upright position. Fill the exciter housing with exciter oil (300ml). Do not overfill. Apply pipe sealant to the pipe plug and reinstall into the top of the exciter housing. Reinstall the deck, V-belt, and belt guard.
- Engine Maintenance: Refer to the Engine Manual included in your plate compactor for information on engine maintenance. Your engine manual provides detailed information for performing the tasks.
- Storage:
- If the plate compactor will not be used for a period longer than 30 days, follow the steps below to prepare your unit for storage.
- Drain the fuel tank completely. Stored fuel containing ethanol or MTBE can start to go stale in 30 days. Stale fuel has high gum content and can clog the carburetor and restrict fuel flow.
- Start the engine and allow it to run until it stops. This ensures no fuel is left in the carburetor. Run the engine until it stops. This helps prevent deposits from forming inside the carburetor and possible engine damage.
- While the engine is still warm, drain the oil from the engine. Refill with fresh oil of the grade recommended in the Engine Manual.
- Allow the engine to cool. Remove the spark plug and put 60 ml of SAE-30 high quality motor oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter rope slowly to distribute the oil. Replace the spark plug.
- Remove the spark plug and drain all of the oil from the cylinder before attempting to start the unit after storage.
- Use clean cloths to clean off the outside of the compactor and to keep the air vents free of obstructions.
- Do not use strong detergents or petroleum based cleaners when cleaning plastic parts. Chemicals can damage plastics.
- Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting guide for common problems like engine failure to start, engine running erratically, engine overheats, engine not stopping when throttle control is positioned at stop, or engine speed does not increase properly when throttle control is adjusted, and compactor being difficult to control when pounding (machine jumps or lurches forward). Each problem is accompanied by possible causes and remedies.
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