1. What kind of tamping rammer jumping jack do I need?
There are various types of rammers on the market. Some rammers have 2 stroke engines, 4 stroke engines, electric engines, and diesel engines. Rammers can range from 2,000 lbs per square ft to 4000 lbs per square ft. The Tomahawk Power Tamping Rammer TR68H is the perfect balance and has the necessary impact for almost all jobs.
2. My rammer does not fit into the trench?
There are typically two types of tamping rammers. The most common type has a rammer shoe of 11’’x13’’ such as the Tomahawk Power Vibratory Rammer. The reason the shoe size is 11’’ x 13’’ is because the average trench is 1 ft wide. If a rammer shoe is more than 12’’ + typically it cannot fit into the trench. If the trench is smaller than 12’’ you might need a smaller rammer with a 5.5’’ shoe that better fits your job.
3. My rammer or tamper engine won’t start?
There are several reasons a jumping jack, tamper, or rammer will not start. Most of the time it is an engine issue. The first step is to check the oil and gas and make sure that they are both sufficient. Many times there is a low oil sensor on the rammer engine, so if there is not sufficient oil then the rammer will not start. Another component to check will be the spark plug. If you seem to be pulling on the recoil starter many times and nothing happens make sure to check the spark plug is dry and working. One way to check is to unscrew the spark plug and place it into the spark ignition coil. Pull the recoil starter several times while holding the spark plug against some metal. If you see a spark then the plug is working. If there is no spark, change the spark plug. Spark plugs are typically cheap and can be found at your local auto shop.
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4. My rammer starts but the engine dies?
There can be several reasons for engine sensitivity. If a rammer has bad fuel this could be a reason the engine is stopping as it is being clogged up. Typically if you leave gasoline in an engine too long the octane reduces every month and this can cause gunk and build up. Change the oil and gas regularly to prevent this. Another reason the engine might shut down is the oil filter is clogged. Rammers operate in dusty and dirty conditions which is why many rammer manufactures’ such as Tomahawk Power make oil filters. The oil filters are typically located between the gas tank and the carburetor. Changing this can help keep your fuel clean. Another reason for engine stopping can be air filter. With Tomahawk and some other manufacturers the rammer is made with a dual air filter. Because of dusty conditions the engine typically a Honda GX100 and the rear part of the rammer have air filter systems. Changing these regularly is extremely important. If the filters get clogged the air cannot get through and the engine will not function.
5. My rammer starts but the tamper will not run?
Sometimes the rammer engine works fine but the tamper does not start. The rammer functions by having the engine spin a clutch. When the clutch reaches a certain RPM the rammer will engage and the gears will start cause the rammer to jump. The first thing to check when this happens is the clutch. See the Tomahawk Video on how to change a clutch. If a clutch is broken it will need to be replaced.
6. The rammer starts making really loud noises, what do I do?
Sometimes if there is not enough lubrication in the body of the rammer, the gears will start to grind and this can be very detrimental. Make sure the rammer is properly lubricated. You can do this by checking the oil level window near the shoe of the rammer. A good lubricant is SAE15W-40.
7. How do I lift a tamper or rammer by myself?
The Tomahawk TR68H rammer is designed to be lifted by one man. If you attach a wheel kit accessory, rammers can easily be maneuvered. The rammer also comes with a lifting handle near the shoe and roller mounted on the rear upper handle bar, which is designed to roll easily into a pickup truck. Other ways to lift rammers and construction equipment are to use the lifting hook. This can be lifted using a van or truck jib crane which is either powered by a winch or hydraulically.
8. My rammer is leaking oil?
Check the bellow and see if there is puncture in the bellow if so it will need to be changed. Check the oil drain plug on the bellow and engine. Make sure it is properly tightened. Look for air gaps, and follow oil leakage to locate the problem.
