BT Forward Plate Compactor | 20-in. | GX160 | With Water Tank BTPC95H

How The BT Forward Plate Compactor 20" (GX160) Compares To Other Plate Compactor Options

Contractors evaluating forward plate compactors with dust control usually face this question: should I get the smaller 17" BT model, this 20" gas-powered model with a water tank, or the diesel version of the same size for better fuel efficiency?

Here's the honest comparison:

Why The BT Forward Plate Compactor 20" (GX160) Is Worth The Investment

This isn't just a plate compactor, it's built with an onboard water tank and a larger 19.6 by 20.8 in. plate, giving contractors more coverage and dust control than the smaller 17" model while keeping the familiar convenience of gasoline power.

The BTPC95H specifically addresses the needs of contractors compacting larger areas of dry, dusty soil who want water-assisted compaction without switching to diesel fuel.

Water Control Without Switching Fuel Types. The onboard water tank sprays down loose soil during operation, giving contractors the same dust-taming benefit as the diesel model while sticking with the widely available gasoline that most crews already stock and service.

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 Job Site Use

Delivers 3,372 lb. of centrifugal force at 6,000 vibrations per minute for tighter, more consistent compaction

Travels at 65 to 82 feet per minute, even on slopes up to a 35% climbing gradient

The cast aluminum throttle provides consistent, durable control of engine speed

Real Savings

The onboard water tank eliminates the need for a separate water source or manual watering can on dry soil jobs

Gasoline power keeps fuel and maintenance familiar and widely available compared to switching to diesel

Higher centrifugal force than the 17" model reduces the number of passes needed on larger areas, 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 Contractors compacting larger areas of dry, dusty soil who want to stick with gasoline power can't afford a compactor without water control on tough, dry materials. The BT Forward Plate Compactor 20" is built with an onboard water tank, a wider plate, and a reliable Honda GX160 engine, so it delivers dust-controlled compaction without switching fuel types. For anyone working dry soil compaction on a regular basis without wanting to manage diesel fuel, this is the compactor built to handle it.

• Enclosed frame to protect the Honda GX160 engine
• Cast aluminum throttle and ductile iron base
• 19.6 by 20.8 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
• Onboard water tank for spraying down loose soil for compaction