Find Your Perfect Tamping Rammer: Top 5 Rammers For Sale in 2023

Compaction is one of the common and essential procedures in construction. It involves compressing construction material; soil, rocks, e.t.c. to required standards for stable and structurally sound surfaces. While it can be done manually by human labor, compaction sizeable areas and volumes of materials is done using machinery such as rollers and rammers.

There are several types of rammers depending on operating mechanism, size and application. This article focuses on tamping rammers and their applications in the construction industry. A tamping rammer is a compact and powerful piece of equipment used to compress construction material for various applications; including firm base construction. It is commonly used to lay foundations for buildings, prepare sub-grades for paving and level surfaces for construction projects.

The tamping rammer operates by using a piston powered by either an engine or an electric motor, to create a high-frequency vertical vibration that compacts the material.

Several features make tamping rammers common in the construction industry. These features affect where they are used, durations that they remain in use and the results of their application. The distinguishing features of tamping rammers include; engine power and performance, size and weight, vibration damping and durability.

These features could be used to classify tamping rammers; they are discussed in detail below.

Engine power and performance

Engine power and performance are critical features of a tamping rammer. A tamping rammer with more horsepower and a higher impact force compacts construction material more effectively.

Rammers are sized to be manageable depending on the engine capacity. For instance, hand held rammers have lesser engine power compared to truck mounted tamping rammers. Suitable engine sizes make it easy to control the tamping rammers.

A high-quality engine should also be able to start easily, run smoothly and provide reliable performance over the life of the machine.

Size and weight

Engine functioning results in exertion of compression forces on plates mounted on the tamping rammers through pistons. These plates transfer the force to the surface of the material under compression. The size and weight of ramming plates combined with the engine power determines the compression exerted on the material being compacted.

Smaller plates are attached to smaller tamping rammers while larger ones to larger rammers. The size and weight of tamping rammers determines when and where they are used. For instance, small tamping rammers are used for indoor compaction works while larger ones are used for external works such as road construction.

Vibration damping

Vibration damping

When in operation, the ramping force and engine vibration is transmitted to all parts of the ramper. This transmission of force and vibration through parts of the tamping rammer causes discomfort to the operator and puts delicate parts at risk. For instance, electrical connections and fuel distribution systems are likely to break when subjected to high vibration. This makes vibration damping and essential feature of tamping rammers.

Vibration damping refers to prevention of the impact of forces as a result of movement to specific parts of the rammer. With vibration damping, comfort of the operator and delicate parts of the equipment is guaranteed leading to a safer and comfortable operation

Durability

Durability is also an important factor to consider when selecting a tamping rammer. A machine that is well-constructed and made from high-quality materials will be able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use, providing reliable performance over the life of the machine.

It is important to choose a machine that is designed to withstand harsh construction environments and can withstand exposure to moisture, dust, and other elements.

Types of Tamping Rammers

engine type and electric type

There are two main types of tamping rammers: engine tamping rammers and electric tamping rammers. These are discussed in detail below.

Engine tamping rammers

Engine tamping rammers are powered by a small gasoline engine. They are highly portable and can be used in a variety of applications, making them a popular choice for contractors. Engine tamping rammers are typically more powerful than electric tamping rammers and are ideal for use in remote locations where access to electricity is limited.

However, they do produce emissions and require regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements.

Electric tamping rammers

Electric tamping rammers are powered by an electric motor and are typically powered by an extension cord. They are more environmentally friendly than engine tamping rammers and are ideal for use in confined spaces or indoor applications where emissions from a gasoline engine are not allowed.

Electric tamping rammers are typically less powerful than engine tamping rammers and are not as portable, as they require access to a power source.

Considerations When Buying Tamping Rammers

When buying a tamping rammer, there are several key considerations that need to be taken into account. These include the purpose and size of the project, budget and price range, and maintenance and repair.

The purpose and size

If the project is small, a compact machine with a lower impact force may be sufficient. However, if the project is larger or requires more compacting power, a larger machine with a higher impact force may be needed. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of material that will be compacted, as this can impact the type of tamping rammer that is required.

Budget and price range

Tamping rammers are available at a wide range of price points, and it is important to choose a machine that fits within the budget and price range. However, it is also important to consider the long-term costs of the machine, including maintenance and repair costs, to ensure that it provides good value for money over the life of the machine.

Maintenance and repair

It is important to choose a machine that is easy to maintain and repair, and that has readily available parts and a reliable warranty. A well-maintained tamping rammer will provide reliable performance over the life of the machine.

Best Tamping Rammers For Sale

There are various brands and manufacturers of tamping rammers on the market. However, the following rammers top the list of tamping rammers to buy.

  • Wacker Neuson BS50-2 
    Features a 150mm ramming head and a 2-stroke engine. The rammer has an operating weight of 59kgs with a 715compactions/minute rate. Its compact for easy maneuverability, and a high-quality vibration damping system for reduced operator fatigue.
  • Belle Group BVP 140 
    Features a 5.5 horsepower engine, weighs 49kg, has an ergonomic handle for easy operation, and a durable construction for long-lasting performance.
  • Atlas Copco LP6500 
    Features a 5.7 horsepower engine, weighs 94 lbs, has a large fuel tank for extended use, and a durable construction for long-lasting performance.
  • MBW MH-4 
    Features a 4-cycle Honda engine with a power output of 4 horsepower, weighs 63 lbs, has a compact size for easy maneuverability, and a high-quality vibration damping system for reduced operator fatigue.
  • Makita MH0810T 
    Features a 4-cycle Honda engine with a power output of 4.8 horsepower, weighs 69 lbs, has a compact size for easy maneuverability, and a high-quality vibration damping system for reduced operator fatigue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when selecting a tamping rammer, it is important to consider features such as engine power and performance, size and weight, vibration damping, durability, and type. These factors have a direct impact on the application of the rammers.

By taking the time to carefully evaluate these factors, contractors can choose the machine that best meets their needs, helping to ensure the success of their construction projects.