2 breakdowns in only a few hours,
January 14, 2008
"I tried this compactor based on very good experience with a smaller Northern Tool plate compactor (that model has since been changed). After unpacking and filling the unit with oil and gas I started it for a trial run. After only 5 minutes one of the clutch springs had broken. When I removed the clutch cover I noticed that the drive belt was very loose but the adjusters were already at their max adjustment. I contacted customer service and we looked at the parts breakdown in the manual for a new spring. The photos/parts list did not match what was actually installed on the machine. I was also told that the belt adjustment was an "issue" and was being addressed with the manufacturer (as well as the IPB in the manual). Customer service sent an entire new clutch that I installed. I then ran the unit on a job site and observed the following:
The plate is narrow which may be good if you are compacting in a trench but also makes the machine top heavy to use on a side grade, even a slight one such as compacting for a garage apron.
The controls have forward and reverse only, There is no compacting in one spot as with other machines.
The Honda engine started easily but needed a long warm up and backfired if not idled for an extended time on shutdown. It might have just needed tuning.
The actual compaction force was good but the narrow plate made for more passes to cover the area.
The forward/reverse control cable broke somewhere inside the cable cover within the first few times I used the machine and I boxed it back up and requested a refund.
While I was very disappointed with the unit I was happy with the customer service response, both the technical and the returns representatives were very good to work with. I do plan to buy other items from Northern Tool, but I will check their sourcing before I order. Hopefully they will change back to the former source that built the smaller compactor that I'm still happy with after almost 3 years."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional
Vibrating plate compactor,
July 9, 2007
By Denny from Escondido, CA
"Thanks for the great tool! We are on the job today. Brand New, Started on the 1st pull!
This obviously is a well made, heavy duty tool...without the heavy duty price. We are thrilled. Thanks again."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional
