GEAR 5438432 - Caterpillar

For specific information on your host machine, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual of your host machine.
The compactor is a device that uses available force to the best advantage. The dynamic force of the eccentric turning at 2200 RPM produces a vibratory force. The compactor produces a force of compaction when the compactor is positioned correctly. The down pressure of the host machine on the compactor produces a high static pressure, which assists in compaction or driving materials into the ground. The compactor's vibration frequency is controlled by the flow of hydraulic oil that is introduced into the motor of the compactor.Note: Efficient performance of the compactor is directly related to the specified flow rate of oil for each model. A higher flow rate of oil does not improve performance, but results in overheating of the lubrication fluid in the reservoir. Overheating of the fluid contributes to early bearing failure. A lower flow rate of oil causes reduced performance of the compactor.Compaction
General Instructions
The following instructions are very important to the proper performance of the compactor and important to attaining the proper specified density of compaction.The compactor should not be held in a down position with full down pressure for more than ten seconds. The pattern of application should always begin next to a bank or footing. The pattern of application should begin at an area that has been previously compacted. When the maximum attainable compaction for the particular soil condition is reached, the operator will feel a slight increased vibration to the tool. The increase in vibration is not harmful to the host machine. The increased vibration indicates that the soil has reached full compaction. Additional working of the particular location may actually loosen the soil that has been compacted.Work as much area as possible from one position. Each section that has been compacted should be overlapped with incremental placement of the compactor. The vibration frequency of the compactor attains maximum efficiency in coarse soil by using lifts of 610 mm (2 ft) to 1219 mm (4 ft). The highest compactive effort of the compactor is delivered when the width of the compactor relatively matches the width of the trench that is being compacted.The compactor must be turned off during transportation. The compactor must be turned off when the compactor is idle. The compactor and the host machine will vibrate excessively if the compactor is placed on a hard surface and no downward pressure is being applied to the compactor. Downward pressure transmits the vibration into the soil. The host machine will rattle with neutral pressure to the compactor.Testing of Soil
Specifications of soil compaction are based on samples of soil with a set moisture content and samples of soil with a set composition. Changing weather conditions can alter the moisture content of the fill that is used. Specifications may not be met if the moisture content of the soil has changed. It is critical that frequent, reliable tests be conducted during the application of the compactor to