We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Machinery

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Used Compactor?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,588
Share

The first and most important step in choosing a used compactor is determining how you intend to use the unit. Many varieties of compactors exist to suit countless applications, and choosing the wrong compactor for the job can mean wasting your money and losing time in the compacting process. Determine if you need a fine particulate matter compactor of the sort commonly used on construction sites, or if you need a fixed compactor used to compress metals, plastics, or other solids. This will help you narrow down your search for a used compactor.

If you will be compacting a specific material only, try to find a used compactor designed specifically for this material. Tire compactors, for example, are designed specifically to compress rubber tires into a bale for storage or transport. Other compactors are designed to handle many types of materials: the compactor might be able to compress metal, plastic, and even cardboard. Some trash compactors can compress any variety of materials placed in the trash bin for storage before disposal. Other types of compactors are handheld units often used in construction settings to help settle soil or other materials before paving or other processes.

Regardless of the type of used compactor you will be choosing, make sure to test out the unit to ensure it starts up and works properly. Look for overt signs of neglect or damage, such as dents, significant amounts of rust, broken components, or parts that do not move freely. Power the unit on and take note of how long it takes to get started; listen for any unusual noises, and take note of any burning odors. While these actions will help you avoid obviously damaged units, they may not necessarily prevent you from buying a unit that will break down in the near future, so it is best to consider repairs or maintenance in your budget before purchase.

Try to find a used compactor from a reputable and well known manufacturer. This is beneficial because you will be more likely to find replacement parts readily when necessary. The manufacturer's warranty probably won't apply to a used compactor unit, but you will be able to get owner's manuals, replacement parts, and even professional guidance from the manufacturer. This does not necessarily mean you should totally avoid off brands, but keep in mind that parts may be more difficult to come by, and quality may not be as high with some of these companies.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/how-do-i-choose-the-best-used-compactor.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.