Rammer Hire in Melksham, Wiltshire
Deep Compaction in Clay and Confined Fills
Petrol trench rammers for clay backfill. Call 01380 828988.
54 Years Trading
CPA Member
Constructionline
Same or Next-Day Delivery
A plate will not compact clay. Oxford Clay across the Melksham vale needs impact not vibration. If you are looking for a rammer hire near me in Melksham, call 01380 828988.
When Do You Need a Rammer?
Oxford Clay across Melksham, Trowbridge and Chippenham does not compact under vibration. A rammer hits the ground with impact force and drives compaction deep into trench backfill. The narrow foot fits beside pipes and within 100mm of a wall face.
Suitable for drainage trench backfill, foundation backfill and utility reinstatement in clay. If you’re unsure which machine you need, call 01380 828988 and describe the material.
Our Rammer Range
Petrol-powered jumping jack rammer. Around 68kg. Handles trenches and confined areas. No mains power needed.
Full specifications for the complete rammer range are listed in the Coppard online catalogue.
Rammer Hire for Wiltshire Ground Conditions
Oxford Clay across Melksham, Trowbridge and Chippenham is one of the most common cohesive soils in the area. Many developments on these soils require a rammer for trench work. Around Corsham and Bradford-on-Avon, crushed stone backfill on limestone responds well to vibration, making a plate compactor the better choice. However, clay over limestone is common, so many projects require both machines.
Compact clay in 150mm layers, evenly on both sides of the pipe.
Collecting and Using the Rammer
Fits in a van at around 68kg when upright. Our yard team will run through the starting procedure before you leave. Gloves and steel toe-capped boots are recommended. For larger projects, hire a rammer alongside a plate compactor, as many jobs involve both materials.
Call 01380 828988.
Why Hire a Rammer from Coppard?
54 years supplying compaction plant across Wiltshire. Rammers, plates and rollers from one depot.
Searching for the best rammer hire near me? Coppard covers Melksham, Devizes, Chippenham, Bath, Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon, Westbury, Warminster, Calne, Corsham, Frome, Marlborough, Bristol and Salisbury. Call 01380 828988.
For the full range of Plant & Machinery Hire available from our Melksham depot, visit the Plant & Machinery Hire page.
View the full Rammer Hire catalogue — specifications, models and current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions: Rammer Hire in Melksham and Wiltshire
Rammer vs plate?
A rammer uses impact force for Oxford Clay. A plate compactor uses vibration for granular materials. For clay trench backfill, a rammer is the better choice.
How deep per layer?
Around 150mm. Compact each layer until the foot no longer sinks before adding the next.
Can I collect?
Yes. At around 68kg, most rammers fit in a van. Call 01380 828988.
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. The HSE explains the importance of correctly compacting trench backfill in its guidance on excavation safety. Tell Coppard’s Melksham 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.
Need rammer hire near me in Melksham or Wiltshire?
Call 01380 828988. Same-day dispatch from Melksham. Delivery across Melksham, Devizes, Chippenham, Bath, Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon, Westbury, Warminster, Calne, Corsham, Frome, Marlborough, Bristol and Salisbury.
