Rammer Hire in Crowborough, East Sussex —
Compact Clay and Cohesive Soils in Any Trench
The trench is backfilled with clay and it needs compacting layer by layer. A petrol trench rammer from Crowborough does what a plate compactor cannot in a narrow trench. Call 01892 662 777.
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A rammer compacts what a plate compactor cannot reach. Trenches, confined spaces, narrow strips alongside foundations — these are the places a plate compactor cannot work effectively. A jumping jack rammer gets in where a plate will not fit, and delivers high-impact compaction to cohesive soils that a plate’s vibration alone cannot consolidate. Coppard has the Wacker Neuson upright rammer available from Crowborough at short notice. If you are backfilling a trench or compacting around a foundation, call the yard. The rammer is usually available next day. £60/day, £100/week.
Upright Rammer -- Wacker Neuson BS68-2
The Wacker Neuson BS68-2 is a petrol-powered jumping jack rammer — the industry standard for trench backfill and cohesive soil compaction. It delivers high-impact compaction force through a rapid up-and-down action that drives material together vertically.
The rammer is self-propelled in the sense that the jumping action moves it forward along the trench or strip. The operator guides direction but does not need to push. On Wealden clay, which is a cohesive soil, the rammer is more effective than a plate compactor — the impact force consolidates clay in a way that horizontal vibration does not.
When to Hire a Rammer Instead of a Plate Compactor
The choice between a rammer and a plate compactor depends on the soil type and the space available. Getting it wrong means inadequate compaction — settlement, voids and failed inspections.
The key difference is compaction mechanism. A rammer uses impact force — it hits the ground repeatedly with high energy. A plate uses vibration to consolidate granular particles. Clay does not respond to vibration in the same way. If you compact clay with a plate, you get surface compaction but the material below can remain loose. The rammer drives compaction deeper into cohesive material.
If you are not sure which machine your job needs, call the yard and describe the material you are compacting. We will advise the right spec.
For full specifications and pricing on our complete rammer range, browse the Coppard online catalogue.
Rammer Hire for Groundworks in East Sussex
East Sussex groundworks regularly involve Wealden clay — one of the most challenging soils for compaction. It is cohesive, moisture-sensitive and difficult to consolidate if compacted at the wrong time or with the wrong machine.
For drainage and utilities trenches across the Crowborough area, clay backfill needs to be placed and compacted in layers. The standard practice is 150mm compacted layers, each one rammed before the next is placed. The Wacker Neuson rammer handles this efficiently — one pass over each layer, working back from the far end of the trench.
For foundation backfill around footings and retaining walls, the rammer compacts material close to the structure where a plate cannot safely operate. The narrow compaction foot and upright form factor let you get within 100mm of a block or concrete face without risk of damage from the plate edge.
On sites near Beacon Road, Jarvis Brook and across the High Weald where clay sits close to the surface, the rammer is a regular part of the groundworks package. If you are also laying sub-base or preparing a driveway, you will need both a rammer for the trench and a plate for the open area — both are available from the Crowborough yard.
We regularly supply rammer hire to customers across Tunbridge Wells, Uckfield, East Grinstead, Heathfield, Wadhurst, Forest Row and Tonbridge. Same-week delivery available from our Crowborough depot across East Sussex and Kent.
Collecting and Using the Rammer
The Wacker Neuson rammer is compact enough to collect in an estate car or van. It weighs around 68kg and fits upright in the back of most vans with the tailgate closed. Delivery to site is available if you need it.
When you collect, the yard team will run through the start procedure and operation. The rammer is straightforward to use but the vibration is significant — gloves make a difference on a long stint. If you are backfilling a long trench, the weekly rate at £100 is better value than four separate day hires.
Why Hire Your Rammer from Coppard
54 years supplying compaction plant from Crowborough. We stock rammers, plate compactors and rollers — the full compaction range. If your job needs more than one type, we can supply them together.
Rammer hire is straightforward. Call 01892 662 777, tell us the job and collection date, and the machine will be ready for you. If you also need a plate compactor for the open areas on the same project, we will have both ready together.
Searching for the best rammer hire near me? Coppard’s Crowborough depot covers Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells, Uckfield, East Grinstead, Heathfield, Tonbridge, Forest Row, Wadhurst, Hartfield and the wider High Weald area of East Sussex and Kent. Call 01892 662 777.
For the full range of Plant & Machinery Hire available from our Crowborough depot, visit our Plant & Machinery Hire page.
Browse the full Rammer Hire catalogue on the Coppard website — full specifications, models and current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions — Rammer Hire
What is the difference between a rammer and a plate compactor?
A rammer uses a high-impact jumping action to compact cohesive soils like clay and silt. A plate compactor uses vibration to consolidate granular materials like sand, gravel and sub-base. For trench backfill and clay groundworks, you need a rammer. For open areas, driveways and paving sub-bases with granular fill, you need a plate. Many groundworks jobs need both.
Can I collect the rammer or do you deliver?
The rammer can be collected from our Crowborough yard. It weighs around 68kg and fits upright in a van or estate car. We can also deliver to sites across East Sussex and Kent — call for delivery availability and cost. Most customers collect as it is straightforward to transport.
When should I hire a rammer instead of a plate compactor?
A rammer is generally the better choice for compacting soil and backfill in narrow trenches, around foundations and in confined areas where a wider plate compactor cannot work effectively. Plate compactors are normally better suited to larger, flatter areas of granular material such as Type 1 sub-base. Tell Coppard’s Crowborough team what material you are compacting, the width of the working area and the depth of the backfill, and they can advise whether a rammer or plate compactor is the right machine for the job.
How deep does a rammer compact per layer?
For best results on clay and cohesive soils, compact in 150mm (6 inch) layers. Place 150mm of backfill material, ram it until the foot no longer sinks, then place the next 150mm. Trying to compact thicker layers in one pass results in surface compaction only — the material below stays loose. For granular backfill, 200mm layers are acceptable.
Do I need training to operate a rammer?
No formal licence or certification is required for a pedestrian rammer. The yard team will brief you on safe operation when you collect. Key points: wear steel toecap boots, keep the machine upright, keep others clear of the working area, and work in layers rather than trying to compact in one deep pass. Ear defenders are recommended for extended use.
Need Rammer Hire near you in East Sussex or Kent?
Call 01892 662 777. Same-day collection from Crowborough. Delivery across East Sussex, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Uckfield, East Grinstead and beyond.
