01 · Compaction Equipment

Jumping Jack Rammer (Ele & Kanga)

Also called Tamping rammer · Jumping jack · Ele · Elephant · Kanga · Kangaroo · Trench rammer

An upright rammer that pounds cohesive clay soils into compaction — ideal for trenches and around pipes.

Petrol engine

Sizes & models we rent

Show all models
Ele“Elephant” — the larger rammerKanga“Kangaroo” — the smaller rammer

Selected model

Jumping Jack Rammer (Ele & Kanga) · Kanga

“Kangaroo” — the smaller rammer

View the Kanga in the catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

A rammer, or jumping jack, compacts by pounding. A spring-loaded foot hammers straight down, driving force deeper than a vibrating plate reaches and squeezing the air out of cohesive soil.

That makes it the clay machine: trench backfill around pipes and cables, footings, post holes and tight spots where compaction has to go deep and the space is narrow.

We rent two sizes — the Ele (“Elephant”), the larger, and the Kanga (“Kangaroo”), the smaller. Sand and gravel are the wrong material for either; granular work belongs to a plate.

Guide it, do not push down on it. The machine's own weight and stroke do the work, with a slight forward tilt in the direction of travel.

Catalogue specifications · Kanga

  • Lightweight and portable - only 101 pounds (46 kg)
  • Convenient handle allows rammer to be lifted by one person
  • Designed specifically for narrow trench work - grease lubricated design for long life
  • Ideal for landscapers, electrical contractors and plumbing contractors
  • Optional foot extensions available for trench work
  • SPECS.
  • MODEL MTR-40F U.S. (metric)
  • Overall Height 43.7 in. (1,110 mm)
  • Overall Width 13.8 in. (351 mm)
  • Overall Length 24.5 in. (622 mm)
  • Shoe Size 5.9 x 10.6 in. (150 x 270 mm)
  • Blows/minute 650 ~ 699
  • Tamping Area 1,453 sq. ft. per hr (135 sq.m per hr)
  • Impact Force 1,215 lbs./blow ( 550 kg/blow)
  • Clutch Automatic Centrifugal
  • Travel Speed 30 fpm (9 mpm)
  • Stroke (Jump Height) 2.2 in. (55 mm)
  • Operating Weight 101 lbs. (46 kg

Best uses

  • Clay and cohesive soils
  • Trench backfill around pipes and cables
  • Footings, post holes and tight spots
  • Deeper compaction than a plate

Not suited for

  • Sand and gravel — use a plate compactor
  • Large open areas

Troubleshooting

Leaking fuel or oil after transport, or hard to start

Likely causes

  • Transported lying down
  • Fuel valve left on

Checks to try, in order

  1. Rammers must travel upright. Laid on its side, the engine floods and leaks fuel and oil.
  2. Stand it upright, wipe up spills and wait 10–15 minutes before starting.
  3. Pull with the choke open if it smells strongly of fuel.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Jumps erratically or won't travel forward

Checks to try, in order

  1. Run at full throttle — at part throttle the stroke is uneven.
  2. The ground may already be compacted. Move on.
  3. Stop and check the shoe (foot) bolts. A loose shoe makes it jump sideways.

Loose or cracked shoe, or a split bellows: tag it out.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Engine won't startShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Fuel valve or switch off
  • Stale fuel
  • Low oil sensor
  • Choke position
  • Spark plug cap loose

Checks to try, in order

  1. Turn the fuel valve ON and the engine switch to ON.
  2. Cold engine: close the choke. Warm engine: leave the choke open.
  3. Check there is fresh petrol in the tank — stale or water-contaminated fuel is the most common cause.
  4. Check the engine oil. Many engines have a low-oil shutdown that stops them starting when oil is low or the machine is on a slope — top up and set the machine on level ground.
  5. Make sure the spark plug cap is pushed fully onto the plug.
  6. Pull the starter rope with a smooth, firm pull — don't let it snap back.

If the starter rope is locked or unusually hard to pull, stop — don't force it. Tag the unit and return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Starts, then stalls or runs roughShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Choke left on
  • Blocked air filter
  • Low fuel
  • Low-oil shutdown

Checks to try, in order

  1. Open the choke gradually once the engine has warmed up.
  2. Check the fuel level and that the fuel cap vent isn't blocked.
  3. Check the air filter — a dusty filter chokes the engine. Tap it out or swap it.
  4. Check the oil level again; the low-oil sensor can cut the engine on uneven ground.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Smell of fuel or a visible leakShared · Petrol engine

Checks to try, in order

  1. Switch the engine off immediately and move away any ignition sources.
  2. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
  3. Check the fuel cap is seated and look for a wet fuel line or carburettor bowl.

Don't run a machine that is leaking fuel. Tag it out and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Keep feet clear of the shoe, and wear steel-toe boots and hearing protection.
  • Don't operate in a trench deeper than knee height unless it's properly shored and ventilated.

For petrol engine

  • Refuel only with the engine off and cool. No smoking or open flames nearby.
  • Exhaust contains carbon monoxide — never run it indoors, in trenches or in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
  • Wear hearing protection, safety glasses and safety boots.

Videos & links

Related equipment

All Compaction Equipment →

Always follow the manufacturer’s manual and site safety rules. Favourites and viewing history are stored on this device.