Beton Trowel 17 Inch Forward Plate Compactor | 17-Inch General Purpose Series
The Versatile Workhorse for Foundations and Landscaping
For contractors who need one machine to handle everything from foundation prep to walkway installation, the 17-inch plate compactor is the industry standard. It offers the perfect compromise between speed and maneuverability. Unlike smaller trench units, the Beton Trowel 17 Inch Forward Plate Compactor covers a substantial 16.5-inch wide path with every pass, making it efficient enough for garage slabs and driveways while still being nimble enough to navigate around obstacles.
Reliability is the cornerstone of any jobsite tool, which is why this unit is powered by the legendary Honda GX160 engine. This commercial-grade engine is famous for its easy starting and durability, ensuring that your crew isn't wasting time struggling with equipment. The engine provides consistent vibration to the eccentric housing, ensuring uniform compaction density across the entire work area.
The base of this machine is constructed from high-strength ductile iron rather than standard steel. This material choice provides exceptional resistance to cracking and abrasive wear, allowing the unit to withstand years of use on crushed rock, mixed soil, and gravel. This durability ensures that the bottom of the plate remains flat and effective long after other machines have worn out.
Performance on uneven terrain is a standout feature, with the ability to climb and compact on slopes up to a 35% grade. This traction makes the Beton Trowel 17 Inch Forward Plate Compactor ideal for working on inclined driveways, drainage ditches, and tiered landscaping projects where maintaining forward momentum is critical.
To protect your investment, the machine features a fully enclosed tubular steel frame. This roll cage design wraps around the engine, shielding it from accidental drops, falling debris, or impacts during transport in a truck bed. Additionally, a rigid cast aluminum belt guard protects the clutch system from dust ingress and physical damage while helping to shed heat.
Operation is smooth and efficient, with travel speeds reaching up to 82 feet per minute. This high speed allows operators to complete multiple passes quickly, achieving the required soil density in less time. Whether you are a general contractor, a landscaper, or a rental fleet operator, this versatile compactor delivers the professional performance and longevity your business demands.
Why Choose The BT 17 Inch Forward Plate Compactor?
Universal 16.5-Inch Plate Width
The 16.5-inch plate width serves as the "Goldilocks" solution for general contractors, offering a surface area large enough to compact driveway subbases efficiently while remaining narrow enough to fit inside wider utility trenches and navigate around foundation footings.
Honda GX160 Commercial Power
Driven by the industry-standard Honda GX160 engine, this unit guarantees "first-pull" starting reliability and easy maintenance, as parts and service for this platform are available at virtually any outdoor power equipment shop in the country.
Heavy-Duty Ductile Iron Base
Unlike cheaper models that use stamped steel plates which can warp or crack under heavy load, this machine features a cast ductile iron base that provides superior fracture resistance and longevity when compacting abrasive crushed rock and aggregate.
Cast Aluminum Belt Guard
This unit is equipped with a rigid cast aluminum belt guard rather than a plastic cover, which not only offers superior physical protection against rocks and debris but also dissipates clutch heat more effectively to prolong belt life.
Fully Enclosed Roll Cage
The engine and critical components are protected by a robust tubular steel frame that wraps completely around the powerhead, acting as a roll cage to prevent crushing damage during transport or if the machine is accidentally tipped over on the jobsite.
Cast Aluminum Throttle Assembly
Durability extends to the controls with a heavy-duty cast aluminum throttle lever, replacing the fragile plastic levers found on competitor models that often snap off during cold weather or rough handling.
35% Grade Climbing Ability
Engineered with a low center of gravity and optimized weight distribution, this compactor maintains traction on steep inclines, allowing operators to effectively compact slopes up to a 35% grade without the machine slipping or stalling.
Additional Options: Check out other Plate Compactors & Vibratory Rollers or other Beton Trowel options