01 · Compaction Equipment

Large Reversible Compactor

Also called Heavy reversible plate

A powerful reversible plate for deep and medium-deep granular soil — an alternative to a roller in confined areas.

Petrol engine

Sizes & models we rent

Show all models
Honda GX390Petrol engine

Selected model

Large Reversible Compactor · Honda GX390

Petrol engine

View the Honda GX390 in the catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

The large reversible is the heaviest plate we rent: a Honda GX390 petrol engine driving a reversing plate with enough force to stand in for a roller where a roller cannot fit.

It is the machine for deep granular fill and backfill, building pads and foundations, and for the edges and corners a roller has to leave behind. On a big job it often works alongside a roller rather than instead of it.

Clay and saturated soils are outside what any plate will do.

It is genuinely heavy. Load it with a hoist through the lifting point or up a proper ramp, never by the handle. The GX390 has a low-oil shutdown, so check the oil with the machine sitting level.

Catalogue specifications · Honda GX390

  • MOD MVH306DS
  • CENTRIFUGAL FORCE LBS(KN) 10,125(4,592)
  • EXCITER SPEED 3,600VPM
  • SPEED MIN FT(M) 75(23)
  • ENGINE HONDA HP(KW) 7.0(5.3)
  • PLATE SIZE IN(MM) 24x34 (61x86)
  • WEIGHT LBS(KG) 725(328)
  • MOD MVH306GH
  • ENGINE HONDA HP(KW) 9.0(6.7)
  • WEIGHT LBS(KG) 706(320)

Best uses

  • Deep granular fill and backfill
  • Building pads and foundations
  • Confined areas where a roller won't fit
  • Supporting a roller on edges and corners

Not suited for

  • Clay and saturated soils

Troubleshooting

Engine cuts out on uneven ground

Checks to try, in order

  1. The GX390 has a low-oil shutdown. Check the oil with the machine sitting level.
  2. Top up to the full mark if needed, then restart on flat ground.

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

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.