DYI plate compactor

[Eugen]

Has any of you built a vibratory tamper? I got this crazy idea to make a tamper out of a k301 that I was told is a smoker. Meaning, the k301 becomes the vibrator, as to cut part of the crankshaft so it's unbalanced and rotate it with another small engine.

I'm thinking it's gotta be sturdier than a vibrator made with pillow block bearings.

[Spike188]

That's an interesting idea @Eugen . Maybe grind some of the crankshaft counterweight off for more bounce.

[Toolslinger]

Well if it's toast already, then no harm in trying it. It might be kinda chunky as a vibrating element though, unless your drive motor sits above this, and then you might get top heavy.
I'm basing that just on the little trench plate compactor I have. The vibrating element is just forward of the center of the plate, and the very small 2 cycle engine that drives it is tucked up tight to it. That keeps almost all the weight centered, and the action is just forward of the CL.

[JSinMO]

I have no experience doing this. These are just some thoughts that are bouncing around between my ears! Is the engine really junk? Can it be stated and see how bad it is?
I’m wondering if a modified crank would translate enough vibration to compact things?
What about attaching a pulley offset on the crank to act as an eccentric?

I’m sorry I don’t have answers to help!

[Eugen]

You guys make some good points.

This engine can be rebuilt but it's not something I need. A vibrating element of this size would not be a lot cheaper to build. Sure, I feel a little guilty sacrificing the engine.

[Harry]

Eugen, on a whim I searched tamper on CL. There a lot of them on there. I found some one selling two for $150 which appeared to be complete. Ad read he purchased a group of equipment at an auction and had no use for the tampers. I’m not sure how much you want to invest in a project or what you need one for. You could rent one for your project or find a deal on one. Harry

[Eugen]

Eugen, on a whim I searched tamper on CL. There a lot of them on there. I found some one selling two for $150 which appeared to be complete. Ad read he purchased a group of equipment at an auction and had no use for the tampers. I’m not sure how much you want to invest in a project or what you need one for. You could rent one for your project or find a deal on one. Harry

Harry, thank you.

Here in Canada I could find no tamper under $400 on the second hand market.

[Timj]

Are you thinking like a plate compactor? You could build an unbalanced swinging weight if you need more vibration.

[Eugen]

Are you thinking like a plate compactor? You could build an unbalanced swinging weight if you need more vibration.

Yes, sorry, that's what I meant, a plate compactor.

I want to modify the crankshaft of the k301 as the unbalanced swinging weight.

Look here at this k321 crankshaft. All I need to do is cut off the balancing weights. The k301 block gives me a sturdy enclosure for the unbalanced crankshaft, thus creating a big and strong vibrating element. I'm thinking a pulley on the keyed shaft, belt driven by a smaller engine I got here.

[Timj]

Are you thinking like a plate compactor? You could build an unbalanced swinging weight if you need more vibration.

Yes, sorry, that's what I meant, a plate compactor.

I want to modify the crankshaft of the k301 as the unbalanced swinging weight.

Look here at this k321 crankshaft. All I need to do is cut off the balancing weights. The k301 block gives me a sturdy enclosure for the unbalanced crankshaft, thus creating a big and strong vibrating element. I'm thinking a pulley on the keyed shaft, belt driven by a smaller engine I got here.

IMG_1513.jpeg

Ahhh, I thought it was a running motor that vibrated bad.