Vibration frequency
The frequency of movements made by the sole of the tool in normal operation. For different materials, the optimal vibration frequency may also be different; specific recommendations can be found in special sources. It should be noted that classical vibrating plates (see "Type") have a rather high frequency of operation — from 3700 beats / min and above, but in vibrating rammers this figure is much lower and rarely exceeds 700 beats / min; such differences are due to differences in the way they work.
Compaction depth
The depth of compaction provided by the vibrating plate, in other words, the maximum thickness of the material layer that the unit is capable of compacting with high quality. This parameter is directly related to weight (see below), but models of similar weight may still differ in compaction depth — especially if they are of different types (see above).
Anyway, a large compaction depth is convenient when working with layers of material of great thickness, but it significantly affects the weight, fuel consumption, and most importantly, the price of the vibrating plate. In addition, in many cases it is possible to compact the material in layers, in several passes. Given all this, it is worth specifically looking for a model with a large compaction depth only if the ability to cope with a thick layer of material in one run is critical.
Speed
The speed of the vibrating plate in normal operation. This parameter, along with the size of the sole, determines the performance of the unit. High speed allows you to quickly cope with a vast amount of work, however, it requires the appropriate engine power, which affects the "gluttony" and the price of the vibrating plate.
Performance
The surface area that the vibrating plate is able to process per hour in normal operation. High performance requires a large footprint and/or a high travel speed; both require high engine power, as a result, they significantly affect the price (and a large plate can also worsen patency). Therefore, it makes sense to specifically look for a performant model only for large volumes of work that need to be dealt with quickly.
Motor type
Model of the engine installed in the vibrating plate. With this data, you can refine the detailed characteristics of the engine, which is important for some specific tasks. In addition, model information can be useful when repairing or searching for spare parts.
Engine size
The working volume of the internal combustion engine installed in the vibrating plate. The power of the unit and fuel consumption directly depend on this indicator. At the same time, manufacturers usually choose the volume in such a way as to provide the necessary power; therefore, this parameter in fact is secondary, and when choosing, it makes sense to focus more on power, and not on volume.
Power
Vibratory plate motor power in horsepower. Horsepower is traditionally used to denote the power of internal combustion engines (see "Engine"); 1 HP approximately equal to 735 watts.
Higher power, other things being equal, makes the tool easier to work with and reduces the effort required to control it. On the other hand, this indicator significantly affects the cost and consumption of electricity or fuel (depending on the type of engine, see above). Also note that the vibrating plate motor must be powerful enough to, firstly, move it forward, and secondly, provide the desired vibration frequency and not allow it to “burrow” into the material being processed. At the same time, in inexpensive models, the cost is sometimes reduced precisely through the use of low-power engines. Therefore, if the power seems too small for such a weight, it is better to clarify this ratio (there are special tables for this) and, if necessary, refrain from buying.
Power
Vibratory plate motor power in kilowatts. Watt (kilowatt) is the universal unit of power; unlike horsepower, this designation is used for all types of engines.
Higher power, other things being equal, makes the tool easier to work with and reduces the effort required to control it. On the other hand, this indicator significantly affects the cost and consumption of electricity or fuel (depending on the type of engine, see above). Also note that the vibrating plate motor must be powerful enough to, firstly, move it forward, and secondly, provide the desired vibration frequency and not allow it to “burrow” into the material being processed. At the same time, in inexpensive models, the cost is sometimes reduced precisely through the use of low-power engines. Therefore, if the power seems too small for such a weight, it is better to clarify this ratio (there are special tables for this) and, if necessary, refrain from buying.
Fuel consumption
Nominal fuel consumption of a vibrating plate with an internal combustion engine (see "Engine type"). This parameter allows you to estimate how much fuel is required for certain jobs (taking into account the speed of movement, see above). In addition, knowing the volume of the fuel tank (see above), fuel consumption can be used to calculate the operating time at a gas station. Note that powerful performant engines inevitably have a rather high consumption.
