FORWARD COMPACTOR
OWNER’S MANUAL
16
OI
– B19014
OPERATION
Operating Principle
An eccentric weight mounted on the exciter shaft contained within the exciter housing is driven
at high speed by a clutch and belt drive system. This high speed shaft revolution causes the
rapid lifting and downward ramming motion of the machine as well as imparting a forward
motion. The plate compactor is designed to run at an engine speed (engine take off shaft) of
3600 rpm. (Normally considered full throttle).
Running the engine at lower rpm’s will result in a
decrease of compaction force and lower travel speed. It will create excessive “out-of-synch”
vibrations resulting in poor compaction, maneuverability, excessive wear to the machine, and
discomfort to the operator.
Starting Procedure- WARM CLIMATE
Open fuel valve on gas tank. Set throttle lever to
“Fast” idle position, set choke to closed position, start engine. Open choke slightly to prevent
flooding. Move to “Open” or “Run” position when engine is warm, increase throttle to maximum
operation position (3600 rpm).
Starting Procedure- COLD CLIMATE
Follow same procedure as above but allow longer warm-up period
– 3 to 5 minutes. In cold
weather, oil is much heavier to move and requires more time to work its way into the moving
parts. If maximum power is not attained, allow further warm-up time.
Fill fuel tank with clean gasoline, use safety approved gas containers. DO NOT MIX OIL WITH
GASOLINE
– USE UNLEADED GAS ONLY.
Stopping Procedure
1. Throttle engine down.
2. Depress or turn off stop switch.
OPERATION
1. In operation, guide the machine, but let the compactor do the work. Bearing down on the
handle is unnecessary and causes shock absorber wear. On level surfaces the
compactor moves forward rapidly. On uneven surfaces or inclines, light forward pressure
on handle may be required to assist the compactor in moving forward.
2. ALWAYS OPERATE THE MACHINE AT FULL THROTTLE. If excessive vibration is felt
through the handle, do not operate until the engine is checked and set at its maximum
running speed of 3600 rpm. Insure the drive belt is adjusted properly. Refer to belt
tension section.
