Key Features
How The BT Reversible Plate Compactor 14 Inch Compares To Other Plate Compactor Options
Landscapers and small contractors evaluating plate compactors usually face this question: should I get the BT Forward Plate Compactor for straightforward jobs, this smaller reversible model with a gas Honda engine, or the larger diesel reversible unit for bigger footprints?
| Feature | BT Forward Plate Compactor, GX160 | BT Reversible Plate Compactor 14 In, GX160 | BT Reversible Plate Compactor 18 In, Yanmar Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reversing Mechanism | Forward only | Hydraulic, forward and backward | Hydraulic reversing mechanism |
| Centrifugal Force | 3,035 lb | 3,372 lb | 11,240 lb |
| Weight | 154 lb | 176 lb | 573-1,014 lb |
| Best Suited For | Basic paver and walkway compaction | Tighter spaces needing forward and backward control | Large footprints, aggregate base, heavy granular soils |
Product Description
How The BT Reversible Plate Compactor 14" Compares To Other Plate Compactor Options
Landscapers and small contractors evaluating plate compactors usually face this question: should I get the BT Forward Plate Compactor for straightforward jobs, this smaller reversible model with a gas Honda engine, or the larger diesel reversible unit for bigger footprints?
Here's the honest comparison:
| Feature | BT Forward Plate Compactor, GX160 ($1,498) | BT Reversible Plate Compactor 14", GX160 ($2,849) | BT Reversible Plate Compactor 18", Yanmar Diesel ($7,124) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Honda GX160, 5.5 HP | Honda GX160, 5.5 HP | Yanmar L70 diesel, 4.7 HP |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Reversing Mechanism | Forward only | Hydraulic reversing mechanism for forward and backward movement | Hydraulic reversing mechanism |
| Plate Size | 16.5 in. x 21.4 in. | 13.7 in. x 18.8 in. | 17.7 in. x 27.5 in. |
| Centrifugal Force | 3,035 lb. | 3,372 lb. | 11,240 lb. |
| Vibration Frequency | 6,000 VPM | 6,000 VPM | 5,200 VPM |
| Weight | 154 lb. | 176 lb. | 573-1,014 lb. |
| Frame Protection | Fully enclosed frame, cast aluminum guard, ductile iron base | Fully enclosed frame, cast aluminum belt guard, ductile iron base | Fully enclosed frame, cast aluminum belt guard, ductile iron base |
| Transport | Standard | Integrated hoist hook recess for easy loading and unloading | Integrated hoist hook recess |
| Climbing Gradient | Up to 35% | Up to 35% | Up to 35% |
| Best Suited For | Basic paver and walkway compaction, forward passes only | Tighter spaces needing precise forward and backward control | Large footprints, aggregate base, heavy granular soils |
Why The BT Reversible Plate Compactor 14" Is Worth The Investment
This isn't just a plate compactor, it's built with a hydraulic reversing mechanism in a compact 14-inch size, giving landscapers and small contractors precise forward and backward control in tighter spaces where a forward-only compactor would require constant repositioning.
The BTPC60RH specifically addresses the needs of landscapers and small contractors working in confined areas like narrow walkways, trench backfill, and tight paver borders who need reversible maneuverability without the size and cost of the larger diesel model.
Reversible Control In A Compact Footprint. The hydraulic reversing mechanism allows easy forward and backward movement, meaning operators can work tight spaces, edges, and trench backfill without having to lift and reposition the compactor the way a forward-only unit requires.
Built For Durability On The Job Site
The cast aluminum belt guard protects the clutch from job site debris and impact damage
A ductile iron base adds long-term longevity compared to lighter stamped steel bases
The fully enclosed frame protects the reliable Honda GX160 engine for maximum reliability
Engineered For Practical Job Site Use
Delivers 3,372 lb. of centrifugal force at 6,000 vibrations per minute for tight, consistent compaction
Travels at 65 to 82 feet per minute, even on slopes up to a 35% climbing gradient
An integrated hoist hook recess makes the compactor easy to load and unload at job sites
Real Savings
Hydraulic reversing reduces the labor and time spent repositioning the compactor in tight spaces compared to forward-only units
A ductile iron base and cast aluminum belt guard reduce the risk of costly damage from job site debris
Higher vibration frequency reduces the number of passes needed to achieve solid compaction, saving labor time
Free shipping and no sales tax through Summit Forge Supply keeps the total cost down compared to buying elsewhere and paying tax and freight separately
The Bottom Line Landscapers and small contractors working in tight spaces, trench backfill, or narrow paver borders can't afford a forward-only compactor that requires constant repositioning. The BT Reversible Plate Compactor 14" is built with a hydraulic reversing mechanism, a durable ductile iron base, and a reliable Honda GX160 engine, so it delivers precise, efficient compaction in confined areas. For anyone working tight spaces as a regular part of the job, this is the compactor built to maneuver where forward-only units can't.
- Enclosed frame to protect the Honda GX160 engine
- Hydraulic reversing mechanism allows forward and backward movement
- Cast aluminum throttle and ductile iron base
- 13.7 by 18.8 In. plate provides great coverage for compaction
- Travels at 65 to 82 feet per minute, at up to 35% climbing gradient
- 15k Newton centrifugal force, with 6,000 VPM frequency
- Easy to load and unload with hoist hook recess
| Equipment Type | Reversible Plate Compactor |
| Centrifugal Force (Lb.) | 3,372 lb. |
| Dimensions | 20 in. L x 20 in. W x 35 in. H |
| Engine | GX160 |
| Engine Brand | Honda |
| Gradient Climb | 35% |
| Horsepower | 5.5 HP |
| Plate Size L x W (In.) | 18.9 in. L × 13.8 in. W |
| Travel Speed | 82 Ft./Min. |
| Vibrations Per Minute | 6000 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Water Tank | No |
| Weight | 176 lb. |
Full Spec Sheet
| Model | BTPC60RH |
| Engine | Honda GX160, 5.5 HP |
| Centrifugal Force | 3,372 lb |
| Dimensions | 20 in L x 20 in W x 35 in H |
| Plate Size | 18.9 in L x 13.8 in W |
| Travel Speed | 82 ft/min |
| Vibrations Per Minute | 6,000 |
| Gradient Climb | 35% |
| Weight | 176 lb |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
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