The vibrating plate is a multifunctional construction tool, by means of which surfaces from the big and small soil are effectively rammed, sand or asphalt. Vibrating plate, as a tool is indispensable when laying tiles on sidewalks and preparing the base during the formation of the foundation.
The advantage of a vibrating plate in compact execution, at home, is its size, it allows to carry out works in the most inconvenient sites, the sizes of which do not give the chance to use an industrial skating rink. Convenient and compact unit can be purchased or rented. But, if you have a large amount of work and plan to use a vibrating plate often, making a vibrating plate with your own hands is a very good option.
The principle of operation of the vibrating plate
To understand the principle of operation of the vibrating plate, it is necessary to consider its device. This tool consists of four main parts:
- engine;
- cast iron or steel plate;
- vibrator;
- frame.
The basis of the unit is a metal plate, which is at its foot. The vibrator is located in the central part of the plate, on top is the engine. The engine drives the vibrator through the clutch and V-belt transmission. Then in the vibrator circular motions turn into oscillations.
From the vibrator oscillating movements are transmitted to the plate, and from the plate directly into the ground. Thanks to this vibration and the weight the unit carries out work - compacts soil of various density and thickness..
The basis of vibrating plates is made of steel or cast iron, engines are powered by gasoline, electricity or diesel fuel. Models have different engine power due to different configurations, mass, vibration moment.
Scope of vibrating plates
The scope of use of the unit - repair and construction, laying of roads and sidewalks, arrangement of various sites and other works. It is used on an industrial scale, and for the home. The uniqueness of this mechanism in its relatively small size and ability to work in those conditions, in which bulky devices will not fit. Example, laying a garden path or sidewalk in a private house.
With the help of the unit the asphalt is compacted, concrete, sand, ordinary land on the lawn and gravel. This device is indispensable when laying sidewalks and roads. Its work is carried out even in narrow pits and trenches. The advantage of the complete set of the mechanism is reversing, this greatly simplifies work in a small area, where it is often necessary to deploy or overcome obstacles.
Characteristics of vibratory plates based on their mass
The weight of a plate is the most important indicator at a choice of necessary model or purchase of details for assemblage of a vibrating plate in house conditions.. Mass determines 70 the percentage of productivity of the unit and its compliance with the work you need. Models by weight are divided into four types:
- light - weighing up to 70 kilogram;
- universal - with a mass of 71 to 90 kilogram;
- medium - weighing from 91 to 140 kilogram;
- heavy - with a mass of 141 kilograms.
The light type is optimally suitable for work on improvement of the house territory, the maximum depth of the soil should not exceed 15 centimeters. This type is also used for work related to laying paving slabs, laying on tracks of damping rugs made of polyurethane.
The middle type is used in time for partial repair of the roadway using asphalt, laying on the pavement tiles. The maximum depth of the soil should not exceed 25 centimeters.
Medium and heavy type copes well with more serious work, for example - laying of a paving in several layers. With the help of units of this type, the trench and the perimeter of the foundation of a small house are compacted after backfilling. The maximum layer of soil for this type is 60 centimeters. Weight restrictions when working on asphalt - 100 kilogram.
When choosing the optimal weight of the vibrating machine, you must pay attention to engine power. Weak motor, mounted on a solid plate, may disappoint you during the execution of the work plan. Such a unit will sink into the soil layer and requires extra effort from the person working. Particularly critical is the discrepancy that emerges in models with 3 and 4 type.
When purchasing or manufacturing a vibrating plate, it is necessary to calculate this ratio. An example of an irrational relationship is a weight plate 140 – 175 kilograms and installed on it engine power 6 l. With. An example of the correct ratio - on 100 kilogram 5 l. With. engine.
General characteristics of vibrators
Additional indicators when choosing units include:
- Working surface area.
- Vibration force.
- Engine power and type of fuel consumed.
These indicators determine the density of the vibratory rammer, as well as ease of management and operation.
Working surface area - this characteristic determines the pressure of your slab per unit area of the cultivated soil. In a surface with a small area, this value will be less. This parameter should not exceed the value 0,3. The highest performance of the model is shown with a cast iron base, at the bases, made of other materials, this figure is lower.
Vibration force is an indicator of the vibration power of the base mechanism. For coatings and dense soils, this characteristic should be as high as possible. As at weak shocks the firm ground is not rammed to necessary density.
According to the type of fuel used, engines are gasoline, electric and diesel. The vibrating plate with use of the petrol motor among experts is the most demanded and convenient. The unit with a gasoline engine has a lower price, compared to a diesel unit, and it works in any weather and production conditions.
Vibrating plate with electric drive has a lower cost, than diesel or gasoline, while its performance and power are at the same level. The disadvantage is, that not everywhere there is access to the mains.
The diesel unit is the most expensive, but fuel is cheaper for him, compared to the petrol unit. The disadvantage of this type of drive is the high noise level.
The power of the drive determines the ability of the vibratory plate to move at an angle and on a viscous surface. The higher this characteristic, the easier the unit moves on the surface. The powerful engine itself goes forward and does not require additional effort from the employee. At low power the stove is buried in the ground, this is especially felt when working at an angle. Exceptions are models of the first type by weight, in which the weight of the plate and the power of the engine correspond to each other.
Useful additions when choosing a vibrating plate
In addition to the main characteristics, there are the necessary additions to the mechanisms, which facilitate the use of vibratory plates. One such application is the presence of a folding handle and wheel for transportation. These functions are not required in the application and management, but when transporting the unit significantly help.
A good functional addition is an irrigation system, by means of which consolidation by the asphalt unit is easily carried out. If to carry out consolidation of asphalt without irrigation system, then the vibratory rammer will stick to the asphalt surface.
The presence of a clutch cover and belt kit will extend the life of your unit. The casing is necessary for protection of the mechanism against hit of pieces of soil or the rammed surface during work.
Ability to move the vibratory rammer in reverse. This addition will significantly speed up and facilitate the operation of the unit in hard-to-reach and oversized areas.
Making a vibrating plate with your own hands
The process of making a vibrating plate with your own hands and self-design is quite simple, as the mechanism on the design is not difficult.
The vibrating plate consists of such elements:
- motor - selected at your discretion, example, you can use the IV-98E platform unit, which works from the network 220 volt, or petrol single-cylinder unit. Priority production of Honda;
- base platform - sheet metal, size 45 on 80 and thickness 8 millimeters;
- channel - two pieces;
- soft elastic pillows, which are necessary for fastening of the handle on a vibrating plate - 2 pieces;
- bolts of the M12 brand for fastening of gasoline or M10 for the electric motor;
- plastic wheels to facilitate construction - 2 pieces;
- pipe;
- the tube is hollow approximately 1,2 meters.
Having purchased the necessary materials, start assembling, you will not need a drawing.
- Remove the cover on the motor, to adjust the vibration force.
- Make an incision on the metal sheet with a Bulgarian knife. From the edge of the sheet - 100 mm, depth - approximately 5 mm. It is necessary to make two symmetrical cuts on two sides.
- Bend the edges along the incisions with a hammer, bending angle - approximately 25 degrees. This is necessary for that, so that the unit does not bury during operation.
- The places of the incisions must be welded and the position of the ends must be fixed.
- Vibrator, made with his own hands, fastens on a plate by means of two channels. They need to be adjusted this way, so that the edges do not protrude beyond the edge of the work surface. Channels are carefully welded.
- Bolts of the M12 or M10 brand fasten the vibrator to metal. It is necessary to measure the distance between the holes for mounting the motor, drill holes in the channels at the same distance, fasten the engine to the base by hand with the help of prepared bolts.
- Pipe and elastic cushions are needed to dampen vibration and make the handle of the unit.
For convenience of transportation of the self-made vibroplate to it it is necessary to weld a pipe cut, on which then you need to install the wheels. The weight of the finished device will be approximately 60 kilogram, so the wheels will not be superfluous. Fasten the wheels as follows, so that they can be easily dismantled and assembled by hand if necessary.
Rules of operation of your vibrating plate with the established petrol engine
In order to increase the service life of your vibratory plate with a gasoline engine installed, you need to follow a number of rules:
- Before, how to get started, the mechanism must be carefully inspected for damage, check upholstery of all fastenings.
- It is necessary to regularly check the oil level in the engine and if necessary, according to the regulations of the manufacturer, to change oil and filters. It is necessary to change oil on the warmed-up engine.
- Spark plugs in the engine should be periodically cleaned of soot and visually inspected.
- Regular cleaning of the engine air filter is required.
- Refuel only when the engine is switched off.
- Do not use the device on hard surfaces - hardened asphalt or concrete.