Installing a paver sidewalk requires careful planning—not just in layout or design, but in selecting the right equipment for soil and base compaction. Whether you’re a professional contractor preparing for a multi-unit development or a homeowner transforming your front path, using the correct compaction tool determines how well your sidewalk performs over time. The question is: should you use a jumping jack rammer or a plate compactor? And if you opt for a rammer, is the GX100 or GX120 engine better suited for your conditions?
This guide helps clarify those decisions by breaking down where each tool excels, based on soil type, trench width, and surface size. By comparing models like the Tomahawk 3 HP Rammer with GX100, the 3.6 HP GX120 Rammer, and the 5.5 HP Plate Compactor, we’ll help you find the right fit for your paver sidewalk job.
When to Use a Jumping Jack Rammer
Jumping jack compactors are designed for vertical impact and are ideal for narrow, deep, or cohesive soil conditions. If your sidewalk project involves trench backfill, compacting clay-heavy subsoil, or navigating tight edges near retaining walls or curbs, a rammer offers superior maneuverability and compaction depth.
Tomahawk’s 3 HP model equipped with a GX100 engine delivers reliable performance for smaller, less demanding tasks. It’s lightweight, agile, and fits easily in narrow trenches. For tougher jobs or thicker lifts of fill material, the 3.6 HP version with the GX120R engine provides greater compaction force and a slightly larger shoe for increased surface coverage. When comparing GX100 vs GX120 rammer performance, the latter is favored for professional-grade demands or commercial sidewalks where production efficiency matters.
Where the Plate Compactor Excels
For wider, flatter areas like the open stretch of a paver sidewalk or driveway, a vibrating plate compactor is generally the better choice. It provides uniform surface compaction and is effective when working with granular fill, such as road base or bedding sand. Plate compactors are also preferred when leveling the surface after the pavers have been placed—a process known as “seating the pavers.”
Tomahawk’s 5.5 HP Honda-powered plate compactor is reconditioned for value but delivers the same professional results expected from new equipment. With its larger compaction plate and consistent vibration pattern, it’s well suited for finishing large surfaces and reducing the risk of future settlement or shifting.
Matching the Tool to the Task
So which should you choose? That depends on the nature of your project:
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Tight trenches or edge zones: Opt for a jumping jack compactor, especially if you’re working near footings or existing structures. The vertical force and slim design allow for targeted, thorough compaction.
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Open base or final surface prep: A plate compactor will offer speed and consistency over wide areas, especially when seating interlocking pavers or flattening aggregate base layers.
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Mixed conditions: Many contractors keep both tools available. Rammers handle the subsurface and perimeter zones, while plate compactors finish the base and surface layers.
Budget and Versatility Considerations
If your project size or frequency doesn’t justify owning both types, consider the scope of your typical work. For landscapers or paver installers dealing with repetitive sidewalk jobs, starting with a plate compactor may be more versatile. But if your work often includes utility trenching or challenging soils, a rammer—especially the GX120-powered version—can be indispensable.
Reconditioned options, like Tomahawk’s 5.5 HP plate compactor, provide a cost-effective entry point for pros or serious DIYers who want dependable equipment without the premium price tag. Similarly, the smaller 3 HP GX100 rammer can be a strategic investment for projects focused on precision and portability.
In the end, building a sidewalk with pavers isn’t just about choosing the right stone pattern or color. Success depends on what’s underneath—and how well you compact it. Choosing the right Tomahawk compactor ensures your work will stand the test of time.
