Bobcat Compactor Attachments Offer Versatile Soil Densification for Tight Spaces

[MikePhua]

The Role of Compacting Attachments in Site Preparation
Compaction is a critical step in construction, ensuring that soil, gravel, or asphalt is properly densified to support structures, prevent settling, and improve load-bearing capacity. While large rollers dominate highway and foundation work, compacting attachments for skid steers and compact track loaders offer a nimble solution for confined areas, trench backfill, and utility installations. Bobcat, a pioneer in compact equipment since the 1960s, has developed a range of hydraulic plate compactors and roller attachments that integrate seamlessly with its loader platforms.
These attachments transform a skid steer into a multi-purpose compaction tool, eliminating the need for separate machines and reducing labor costs. Whether working in urban alleyways, around manholes, or along retaining walls, Bobcat compactors deliver targeted force with precision.
Terminology Notes

• Hydraulic plate compactor: A flat steel plate powered by hydraulic vibration, used to compact soil or aggregate.
  
• Trench roller: A cylindrical drum attachment designed to compact narrow trenches.
  
• Exciter mechanism: The internal component that generates vibration in a plate compactor.
  
• Dynamic force: The energy transmitted into the ground during compaction, measured in pounds or kilonewtons.
  

Attachment Types and Performance Metrics
Bobcat offers several compacting solutions:

• Plate compactors (models like PCF34 and PCF64)
  
• Vibratory rollers (single or double drum)
  
• Trench rollers for narrow applications
  

Typical specs for the PCF64 plate compactor include:

• Operating weight: approx. 900 lbs
  
• Dynamic force: up to 6,400 lbs
  
• Frequency: 2,000 vibrations per minute
  
• Plate width: 24–30 inches
  
• Flow requirement: 13–25 GPM (gallons per minute)
  

These attachments mount via Bobcat’s standard quick coupler and are powered by the loader’s auxiliary hydraulics. Some models include pivoting mounts for angled operation or rubber isolators to reduce vibration transfer to the host machine.
A Story from the Pacific Northwest
In 2018, a contractor in Oregon used a Bobcat T650 with a plate compactor to backfill trenches for fiber optic cable installation. The narrow urban corridors made traditional rollers impractical. The compacting attachment allowed the operator to densify soil in 12-inch lifts, meeting compaction specs without disturbing adjacent sidewalks. After 1,500 hours of use, the only maintenance required was a hose replacement and exciter bolt retorque. The crew lead said, “It turned our loader into a trench finisher.”
Installation and Operational Tips
To maximize performance:

• Ensure hydraulic flow matches attachment requirements
  
• Use a flat, stable surface for initial compaction passes
  
• Avoid over-compacting, which can cause surface cracking
  
• Monitor hydraulic temperature during extended use
  
• Clean the plate or drum after each shift to prevent material buildup
  

Operators should be trained to recognize soil types and adjust lift thickness accordingly. Clay-rich soils may require thinner lifts and more passes, while granular materials compact more easily.
Maintenance and Longevity Strategies
To extend attachment life:

• Grease pivot points weekly
  
• Inspect hydraulic hoses for abrasion or leaks
  
• Check exciter bolts and mounts monthly
  
• Replace worn isolators to maintain vibration control
  
• Store attachments indoors to prevent rust and seal degradation
  

Use OEM parts and follow torque specs during repairs. Avoid pressure washing near seals or bearings.
Compatibility and Upgrade Options
Bobcat compactors are compatible with:

• Skid steer loaders from S450 to S770
  
• Compact track loaders like T595, T650, and T770
  
• Excavators with appropriate couplers and hydraulic flow
  

Upgrade suggestions:

• Add a tilt coupler for angled trench walls
  
• Install a flow control valve to fine-tune vibration intensity
  
• Use GPS or laser grading systems for uniform lift thickness
  
• Retrofit with rubber pads for asphalt applications
  

Some contractors pair compactors with trenchers or augers for a full excavation and backfill workflow using a single machine.
Final Thoughts
Bobcat compacting attachments offer a powerful, flexible solution for soil densification in tight or complex environments. By leveraging hydraulic vibration and loader mobility, these tools reduce the need for dedicated rollers and streamline jobsite logistics. With proper setup and care, they deliver consistent compaction that meets engineering standards and keeps projects moving forward. In the compact equipment world, versatility is king—and Bobcat’s compactors wear the crown.