Trench Rammer Technology: What to Know
A trench rammer is a specialized machine used for compacting soil in trenches when you are digging footings. It is particularly effective when you are compacting trenches with cohesive soils because the machine delivers direct and focused compaction. Rammers will come in handy when you take on construction projects, road maintenance and landscaping, among other tasks. Certainly, it helps to get the best equipment in the market if you want a good outcome during compaction. The following piece focuses on the technology and essential details about trench rammers to help you gain more insight about the machine:
Trench Rammers Versus Compactors
The big debate for most newbies is whether they should get a trench rammer or a compactor. The difference between making the right choice or ending up disappointed lies in knowing the details of the two machines. Rammers are ideal for compaction in trenches because of their slim and upright design. They allow you to reach tight spaces that would otherwise be difficult to compact with plate compactors. Secondly, the upright nature also means that rammers compact deeper layers of soil compared to plate compactors. Generally, plate compactors spread their force over a large area, making them suitable for superficial compaction applications.
Pre-Start Safety Checks
Trench rammers are vibrating equipment, and the risk of injury is apparent for those who don't pay attention to the safe use of the machine. On the same note, it helps to know the things expected of you when using the equipment, especially if it is a do-it-yourself project. Always start by checking that the machine has enough fuel. Move on to ensuring that the compaction leg has enough oil by examining the sight glass installed on the side of the machine's leg. Lastly, make sure that the area you are compacting is free of foreign objects such as electrical cables and plumbing pipes.
Features to Go For
Just like other equipment, it helps to have a machine with the latest features on the market. First, look out for a comfortable transport handle made from toughened rubber or flexible plastic. It helps when you need to carry the trench rammer from one place to another. Secondly, the rammer should have a standard catalytic convertor to guarantee low emission levels. A multi-stage air cleaner is also essential for mitigating harmful emissions. You can also do with an automatic shutdown feature that turns the machine off when it idles for a certain duration, say ten minutes. The feature also turns the machine off when you start it with low fuel levels.