Tomahawk 5.5 HP Honda Reverse Plate Compactor 19x14 Plate for Asphalt, Aggregate, Cohesive Soil Compaction

5.5HP HONDA GX160 ENGINE

Durable and tough, this compactor is built with a robust roll cage and larger vibration isolation mounts to protect your Honda engine from the harshest jobsite conditions - making it perfect for professionals, contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike.

ACHIEVE 100% COMPACTION

Use on for cohesive soils such as subbase, clay silt, clay, or mixed soils - for projects involving landscapes, hardscapes, road repair, and more.

COMPACTION OF 3,500 lbs/ft

Achieving a 100% Compaction Rating on cohesive and granular soils, up to 20 inches, this plate compactor is perfect for professional applications requiring nuclear density testing and field compaction tests.

HYDRAULIC STEERLING

With hydraulic handles, maneuver cramped areas in forward or reverse - delivering power and precision!

STURDY CRATE

This is an oversized item which requires shipment on a freight truck. Once the the item reaches the carrier's destination terminal, the trucking company will call you to schedule a delivery.

Features

• 5.5 HP air-cooled 4-stroke Honda GX160 Engine  
• Achieve 100% compaction ratings on field density tests and nuclear densometers! 
• Compaction of cohesive and granular soils up to 16.3 in.  
• Adjust the handlebar to the desired height.  
• Tachometer displays the cumulative time that the machine has been in use and during operation it displays the RPM. 
• Robust cast iron plate with curved, seamed edge base for mark less compaction.  
• Self-cleaning open base plate to minimize rock and dirt build up.  
• CARB and EPA compliant  

Specifications

• Engine: Honda GX160
  
• Power: 5.5 HP
  
• Weight: 210 lbs. (95kg)
  
• Plate Size: 19 in. × 14 in.  (48.2 x 35.5 cm)
• Centrifugal Force: 16.5 KN
• Compaction Force: 3500 lbs/ft² (15kN)
• Compaction Depth: Up to 16"
• Noise Level: 82DB @ 22ft (7m)
• Travel Speed: 64 ft./min (20M/min)
• Gradeability: 35%
• Compaction Depth Per Lift at 100% compaction : 5-6 Inches
  
  

Package Includes

Applications

• Retaining Walls
• Footings and Foundation Projects
• Landscapes and Hardscapes
• Patchwork on Asphalt
• Pipeline Applications
• Road Repair and Trenchwork
• Backfill Pools, Parks, Cemeteries, and Golf Courses
• Cohesive Soils and Granular Soils
• Sticky Soils - such as clay or silt
• Gravel, sand, or mixed soils
• Base, Subbase, Subgrade, Subsoil 

What Compactor Do I Need?

A compactor is an essential tool for preparing a solid base for structures such as patios, retaining walls, concrete slabs, and more. Tamping rammers and compactors are used to increase the density of soil by reducing air voids, which help to improve soil stability, support structures, and prevent settling. With so many options on the market, choosing the right plate compactor can be a daunting task. 

Small Jobs

If you are installing artificial turf, building dirt pathways, or need to improve soil stability - but do not need to adhere to a minimum compaction rating you can use a compactor in the 110 lbs (50 kilo) range. These are great for anyone looking to get a job done by themselves with little headache.

Medium Jobs

If your project involves building a retaining wall, patio, driveway, sidewalk, or concrete slab you will need a bit more muscle. Rammers and compactors in the 130-200 lbs (60-90 kilo) range that can achieve a compaction force above 3,000 lbs²/ft are best. You will achieve 98-100% compaction ratings needed for proper compaction to prevent soil settling and foundation damage. 

Large Jobs

Equipment needed for large compaction projects should also be able to achieve a minimum compaction force of 3,000 lbs²/ft to reach 98-100% compaction ratings needed for proper compaction. Where this equipment differs from medium range equipment is it's efficiency. Large jobs are typically performed by professional contractors where speed and jobsite efficiency are critical to their success. Compactors that help jobsite efficiency may feature reverse control, hydraulic drive, and the ability to compact asphalt. If you are not too worried about the time it takes to complete a project, you can save a few bucks and invest in equipment in the medium range.

Renting vs. Buying 

Buy
Investing in your own plate compactor is ideal for professionals who need reliable, on-demand access to equipment. Ownership means no rental wait times, lower long-term costs, and the freedom to choose the right model for your jobs. With proper care, your compactor can serve you for years—paying for itself after just a few projects. It’s the smart choice for contractors, landscapers, and construction crews who compact frequently.

Rent
Renting is best for one-off or infrequent projects where the upfront cost of buying isn’t justified. It offers flexibility and no maintenance responsibilities, but can get expensive over time. If you’re using a compactor more than a few times a year, buying will quickly become the more cost-effective option.

How Does this Ship?

⚠ This is an oversized item which requires shipment on a freight truck. Ship this item to a business address to shave 1-2 days off the transit time!

HOW DOES THIS SHIP?

Blogs

Buying vs. Renting a Plate Compactor: Which Is Right for You?

Info and Guides

• Specification Sheet

• Operations Manual