Rammer Hire in Brighton, West Sussex
Deep Compaction in Clay and Backfill
Petrol trench rammers for clay-with-flints backfill and cohesive soil compaction, from our Southwick depot. Call 01273 596 979 — describe the material and we will confirm the right rammer.
54 Years Trading
CPA Member
Constructionline
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A plate compactor will not compact clay — clay is cohesive and needs impact, not vibration, to drive compaction deep into trench backfill and confined fills. Clay-with-flints on the South Downs and Weald Clay north of the escarpment behave exactly this way, which is why Coppard’s petrol rammers are built for the job. If you are searching for rammer hire near me in Brighton, our Southwick depot has the upright rammer ready for same-day collection or next-day delivery across West Sussex. Call 01273 596 979.
When Do You Need a Rammer?
Clay-with-flints on the Downs above Hove and Patcham is one of the most common heavy soils in this area — and it does not compact under vibration. If you compact clay backfill with a plate, you get surface compaction but the material below stays loose. The rammer hits the ground repeatedly with high-impact force and drives compaction deeper.
Rammer situations: drainage trench backfill, foundation backfill around footings, utility trench reinstatement in clay, confined strips alongside walls and retaining structures. Any job where the material is cohesive and the space is narrow. Call 01273 596 979 if you are unsure — describe the material and we will confirm the right tool.
Rammer Specifications
On housing sites across Brighton, Hove and Burgess Hill, drainage runs through clay-with-flints are one of the most common uses for a rammer. The trench is dug, the pipe laid, and the clay backfill needs compacting in layers around the pipe without displacing it. A rammer handles this because the narrow foot fits beside the pipe. The best results come from compacting evenly on both sides to avoid lateral pressure on the pipework.
The petrol-powered jumping jack rammer delivers rapid impact compaction through a narrow foot. It handles trenches, confined areas and narrow strips where a plate cannot reach. The narrow foot gets within 100mm of a wall or footing face.
Typical weight is around 68kg. The machine runs on petrol — no mains power needed. The Southwick depot keeps rammers serviced and ready for same-day collection or next-day delivery.
Full specifications for the complete rammer range are listed in the Coppard online catalogue.
Rammer Hire for Groundworks Across West Sussex
If you need rammer hire near me in West Sussex, groundworks here regularly involve clay-with-flints on the Downs — heavy, waterlogged through winter and cohesive year-round. For drainage and utilities trenches across Brighton, Hove and Burgess Hill, clay backfill needs compacting in 150mm layers. The rammer handles this efficiently.
If you are looking for rammer hire near me, same-day collection from Southwick. Contractors across Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lewes and Burgess Hill hire from this depot regularly.
Collecting and Using the Rammer
The rammer is compact enough to collect in a van or estate car — around 68kg upright. At collection, the yard team runs through the start procedure. Gloves and steel toecaps are recommended.
Call 01273 596 979 to check availability.
For longer groundworks contracts across Worthing, Lewes and Chichester, consider hiring a rammer and a plate compactor together. Many jobs involve clay trench backfill followed by granular sub-base reinstatement — you need both tools. Hire both from the same Southwick depot.
Why Hire a Rammer from Coppard?
54 years supplying compaction plant. We stock rammers, plate compactors and rollers — the full compaction range. If your job needs more than one type, we supply them together from the same account. Call 01273 596 979.
Searching for the best rammer hire near me? Coppard covers Brighton, Hove, Portslade, Southwick, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Worthing, Steyning, Henfield, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Hurstpierpoint, Littlehampton, Arundel and Chichester. Call 01273 596 979.
For the full range of Plant & Machinery Hire available from our Southwick depot, visit the Plant & Machinery Hire page.
View the full Rammer Hire catalogue — specifications, models and current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions — Rammer Hire
What is the difference between a rammer and a plate compactor?
A rammer uses impact for cohesive soils like clay. A plate uses vibration for granular materials like sub-base. For trench backfill in clay-with-flints, you need a rammer. For driveways and paving sub-base, you need a plate. Many groundworks jobs need both.
How deep does a rammer compact per layer?
Compact clay in 150mm layers. Place 150mm, ram until the foot no longer sinks, then add the next layer. Compacting thicker layers leaves the bottom loose.
Can I collect the rammer?
Yes. It weighs around 68kg and fits upright in a van or estate car. Collection from the Southwick depot is straightforward. Delivery is also available. Call 01273 596 979.
Need Rammer Hire near me in Brighton or West Sussex?
Call 01273 596 979. Same-day dispatch from Southwick. Delivery across Brighton, Hove, Portslade, Southwick, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Worthing, Steyning, Henfield, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Hurstpierpoint, Littlehampton, Arundel and Chichester.
