Thread: Plate Compactor - Chinese knock off, experiences

You might have better luck on the Renovators forum, they have threads on landscaping and such.

Hey Philby
I can't tell you how the thing will go but here are a few thoughts. What sort of petrol motor will it have? If it is anything like those Baumr Chainsaws, it could be a lottery. I bought 2. One worked straight out of the box while the other has done 2 hours and bailed up.
Next problem component would be the gear box that gives you the vibrating effect. How good is it? Is the mechanism up for the job? Will the whole machine do the little bit of work you have for it?
All unknown commodities. If you were to find a second hand one you could be asking the exact same questions of it.
Your thinking is sound for the principle for the job at hand to buy instead of hiring with the convenience of doing the job at anytime rather than having to work in with the hire mob.
I would be interested to see how you get on.

Originally Posted by ClintO

You might have better luck on the Renovators forum, they have threads on landscaping and such.

Hi Clint,
I did consider this; the renovate forums are more about the actual renovation work. My question is really about the actual gear, not the landscaping itself

I also read this which was interesting and led me here anyway.
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rc...OuNf-RmWbLMMIg

Good point about the motors. They're a four stroke, from the pics identical to the old mans 1500 buck honda 4 stroke. Chainsaws being 2 stroke I am not surprised at your experience.

The exciter is basically a spinning eccentric weight, as basic as it comes. I'm an engineer by profession so I've got no issue fixing and modifying if I have to. I would probably take delivery and pull the thing apart just to look for the likely points of failure!

Anyone actually own one?

I suspect Chinese quality would be just fine for such a machine. Expect all the screws and bolts to be loose within a couple of hours and you won't be disappointed.
I have a very old crappy home-made one (not by me) that I did not expect to survive for long - it did. I've loaned it out almost indiscriminately and it has never needed any maintenance other than basic engine care.
Vely rittle to go wong
Joe

Joe, sounds great, I would love to see some pics of your home made unit!

Cheers.

The most common problems with the Chinese ones is what u stated bearings & motor. Resale value is also a drama with the Chinese machines. It of our customers usually buy the better name brand ones like easy mix, master finish etc when they finish up with them they sell them & get on average 50-70% of the value back due to it being a quality machine used by tradies, another option might be the Kincrome ones we have sold over 50 without one back yet

If you do buy the Chinese one change the oil frequently to avoid shavings inside the motor scoring the insides