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- Regular price
- $1,498.00
Estimated Shipping Time
Estimated Shipping Time
At Summit Forge Supply, we offer free standard shipping on all U.S. orders, with most orders processing within 1–2 business days and delivering in approximately 3–5 business days. We ship via trusted carriers including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and LTL freight providers, and all orders include tracking and shipment insurance. If your order is delayed, damaged, lost, or missing items, please contact us within 7 days so we can promptly assist with a replacement or refund. Returns are accepted within 30 days on unused items in original packaging, with return shipping covered by Summit Forge Supply. See full policy here: Shipping Policy
What Is Your Return Policy?
What Is Your Return Policy?
Summit Forge Supply accepts returns on eligible U.S. orders within 14 days of delivery, provided items are unused, undamaged, and in their original packaging with proof of purchase. Returns must be initiated within 7 days of receipt, and approved returns include prepaid return shipping; refunds are issued to the original payment method within up to 14 days after inspection, with a 25% restocking fee for change-of-mind returns. Defective, damaged, incorrect, or lost items qualify for a full refund or replacement at no cost to the customer when reported promptly. Custom or personalized items, perishable goods, gift cards, and downloadable products are non-returnable. See full policy here: Return Policy
How The BT Forward Plate Compactor Compares To Other Plate Compactor Options
Landscapers and small contractors evaluating forward plate compactors usually face this question: should I get a basic homeowner-grade compactor, this Honda-powered BT model with a ductile iron base, or step up to a heavier reversible compactor for larger jobs?
Here's the honest comparison:
| Feature | Basic Homeowner Plate Compactor ($500-$900) | BT Forward Plate Compactor BTPC70H ($1,498) | BT Reversible Plate Compactor, Diesel ($7,124) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-6.5 HP, generic or Honda | Honda GX160, 5.5 HP | Yanmar diesel, 4.7 HP |
| Plate Size | 14-18 in. wide | 16.5 in. x 21.4 in. | 17.7 in. x 27.5 in. |
| Centrifugal Force | 2,000-2,800 lb. | 3,035 lb. | 11,240 lb. |
| Vibration Frequency | 4,500-5,500 VPM | 6,000 VPM | 5,200 VPM |
| Base Material | Steel or basic cast | Ductile iron base for added longevity | Ductile iron base |
| Clutch Protection | Basic belt cover | Cast aluminum guard protects the clutch | Cast aluminum belt guard |
| Frame | Open or partially enclosed | Fully enclosed frame protects the engine | Fully enclosed frame |
| Travel Direction | Forward only | Forward only | Hydraulic reversing, forward and backward |
| Climbing Gradient | Not always rated | Up to 35% climbing gradient | Up to 35% climbing gradient |
| Best Suited For | Light residential compaction | Walkways, patios, and paver bases needing more force and durability | Large footprints, aggregate base, granular soils |
Why The BT Forward Plate Compactor Is Worth The Investment
This isn't just a plate compactor, it's built with a fully enclosed frame, a cast aluminum clutch guard, and a ductile iron base, giving landscapers and small contractors more centrifugal force and vibration frequency than basic homeowner-grade units at a similar size.
The BTPC70H specifically addresses the needs of landscapers and small contractors compacting walkways, patios, and paver bases who need more consistent force and durability than a basic compactor can deliver.
More Force And Frequency In A Compact Footprint. With 3,035 lb. of centrifugal force and 6,000 vibrations per minute, this compactor delivers a higher vibration frequency than many units in its size class, meaning tighter, more consistent compaction on granular soils and paver bases in fewer passes.
Built For Durability On The Job Site
The cast aluminum 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 Maneuverability
Travels at 65 to 82 feet per minute, even on slopes up to a 35% climbing gradient
The compact design is easy to maneuver in tighter spaces like walkways and paver installations
A cast aluminum throttle provides consistent, durable control of engine speed
Real Savings
Higher vibration frequency reduces the number of passes needed to achieve solid compaction, saving labor time
A ductile iron base and cast aluminum clutch guard reduce the risk of costly damage from job site debris
The fully enclosed frame reduces engine wear from dust and debris exposure over repeated use
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 compacting walkways, patios, and paver bases can't afford a basic compactor that lacks the force or durability for consistent professional results. The BT Forward Plate Compactor is built with a Honda GX160 engine, a ductile iron base, and a fully enclosed frame, so it delivers reliable, high-frequency compaction job after job. For anyone installing pavers or prepping bases as a regular part of the work, this is the compactor built to get it tight and level.
- Enclosed frame to protect the Honda GX160 engine
- Cast aluminum throttle and ductile iron base
- 16.5 by 21.4 in. plate provides great coverage for compaction
- Travels at 65 to 82 feet per minute, at up to 35% climbing gradient
- 13.5k Newton centrifugal force, with 6,000 VPM frequency
- Compact design is easy to maneuver
| Equipment Type | Forward Plate Compactor |
| Centrifugal Force (Lb.) | 3,035 lb. |
| Dimensions | 22 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.) | 21.5 in. L x 16.5 in. W |
| Travel Speed | 82 Ft./Min. |
| Vibrations Per Minute | 6000 |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Water Tank | No |
| Weight | 154 lb. |