How to Use a Power Gravel Compactor

You can use your power gravel compactor to pack down gravel or soil for a building site. With a firm base, your construction project will experience less shifting and maintain its stability. Learn how to use this time-saver with these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Power compactor
• Gasoline

1. Prepare your site for gravel compacting. Smooth out gravel with a rake to evenly distribute the gravel. Remove any large stones that may cause uneven compacting.

2. Fill your powered compactor with gasoline. Place the compactor at the corner of your work site. Turn the compactor on.

3. Run the compactor over the entire area, first going north to south, and then east to west. In this way you cover the entire area twice in all directions to get the smoothest surface possible.

4. Remove the compactor from the site, and turn off the power.

5. Check your site for pitch and level measurements. If necessary, run the compactor over the site again until you achieve the desired measurements.

6. Run the compactor over the site after each layer of material is laid down. If you are placing paving stones or other material over the layer of gravel, run the compactor over the top surface to achieve a smooth, level surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Run the compactor over the site in all directions, running over edge lines from your previous passes over the site. This ensures that the site is compacted evenly and thoroughly.
• Exercise care when filling equipment with gasoline. Fill the gas tank away from sparks, flames or other heat sources.
• Never fill the gas tank while the compressor is turned on. Do not top off the tank or spill excess gasoline.
• Keep your face away from the tank opening to avoid fumes.
• When operating the compactor, be cautious and work at a slow, even pace. Keep both hands on the handles at all times.