*What it is:*
The yellow machine with the flat base plate and orange petrol engine on top. It’s used to compact soil, sand, gravel, asphalt, and paving stones by vibrating the base plate at high speed.
*How it works:*
The petrol engine drives an eccentric weight inside the machine. That creates strong vibrations that transfer through the base plate into the ground, removing air gaps and packing the material down so it’s dense and stable.
*Where it’s used:*
1. *Road and pavement work* – compacting sub-base before laying asphalt or interlocking stones
2. *Building foundations* – preparing ground before laying foundations and floor slabs
3. *Landscaping & drainage* – compacting soil for driveways, walkways, trenches
4. *Pipe and cable trenches* – backfilling and compacting after laying pipes