How to Assemble and Operate Your Tomahawk Reverse Plate Compactor: A C – Tomahawk Power

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When it comes to compacting soil, gravel, or asphalt, a reverse plate compactor is an essential tool for achieving a solid and even surface. The Tomahawk Reverse Plate Compactor is built for efficiency and professional-grade results, and assembling it is a straightforward process. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from unboxing to operating the machine effectively—so you can start compacting like a pro.

Step 1: Unbox and Prepare Your Compactor

Start by unboxing the Tomahawk compactor and removing the protective packaging and cage. Before diving into assembly, verify that all necessary parts are included. Having the right tools on hand is crucial: you'll need an adjustable wrench, along with 10 mm, 13 mm, and 19 mm sockets.

Step 2: Assemble the Handles

Locate the bolts at the base of the compactor’s handles.
Using a 13 mm socket and wrench, remove these bolts.
Flip the handles into the upright position.
Re-secure the bolts to lock the handles firmly in place.

This simple step ensures that you have full control over the machine when in operation.

Step 3: Install the Wheel Kit

Adding the wheel kit makes transporting the compactor much easier:

Use a 17 mm socket to remove the bolt and washers that hold the rubber mount at the base of the handle.
Align the wheel kit’s faceplate with the exposed holes at the base.
Fasten the wheel kit using 10 mm bolts and nuts.
Reattach the rubber mount.
Slide the wheel brace over the bracket and secure it using two additional 10 mm bolts and nuts.

To release the wheels for use, simply pull the locking pin located at the base of the handles.

Step 4: Prepare the Engine

Before you start the engine for the first time, check and fill fluids:

Check the oil level by removing the oil filler cap and inspecting the dipstick.
If empty, fill the tank with SAE 10W-30 four-stroke motor oil up to the upper limit and securely replace the cap.

Fill the fuel tank with unleaded gasoline, 86 octane or higher, then tightly replace the fuel cap.

Proper fuel and oil management ensure optimal performance and engine longevity.

Step 5: Starting the Engine

Follow these steps to safely start your Tomahawk compactor:

Turn the fuel valve lever ON.
Set the choke lever:
- Closed for a cold engine,
- Open for a warm engine.
Ensure the red engine switch and hydraulic handle are both in the ON position.
Set the throttle to idle.
Pull the recoil start grip until you feel resistance, then pull briskly to start the engine.
As the engine warms, gradually open the choke and increase the throttle for operation.

Step 6: Compacting Your Project Area

With the engine running:

Use the direction control lever to move the compactor:
- Push forward to move forward.
  - Pull back to move in reverse.
  1. Start compacting at one edge of your project area.
  2. Move the machine in straight, overlapping passes.
    - Overlap each new pass by one-third to one-half of the plate’s width to ensure complete and even compaction.
  3. Continue moving across your entire surface until it's uniformly compacted.
- Proper overlap is critical to eliminate gaps and create a stable, even surface.

Step 7: Transporting with the Wheels

When you're ready to move the machine:

Turn off the engine completely.
Release the wheels from the brace.
Push the compactor forward, sliding the wheels under the plate for easy rolling and transportation.

The convenient wheel kit ensures that moving your Tomahawk compactor is hassle-free, even over rough terrain.