Rammer Hire in Melksham, Wiltshire
Deep Compaction in Clay and Backfill
Petrol trench rammers for Oxford Clay backfill and cohesive soil compaction, from our Melksham depot. Call 01380 828988.
54 Years Trading
CPA Member
Constructionline
Fully Insured
A plate compactor will not compact clay. Clay is cohesive — it needs impact, not vibration. A rammer drives compaction deep into trench backfill and confined fills. If you are searching for rammer hire near me in Melksham, our depot has the upright rammer at short notice. Call 01380 828988.
When Do You Need a Rammer?
Oxford Clay across Melksham, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Devizes is one of the most common 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 01380 828988 if you are unsure — describe the material and we will confirm the right tool.
Rammer Specifications
On housing sites across Trowbridge, Chippenham and Devizes, drainage runs through Oxford Clay 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 Melksham 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 Wiltshire
If you need rammer hire near me in Wiltshire, groundworks here regularly involve Oxford Clay — heavy, waterlogged through winter and cohesive year-round. For drainage and utilities trenches across Trowbridge, Chippenham and Devizes, 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 Melksham. Contractors across Trowbridge, Chippenham, Devizes, Bath, Warminster and Frome 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 01380 828988 to check availability.
For longer groundworks contracts across Warminster, Frome and Bath, 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 Melksham 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 01380 828988.
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
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 Oxford Clay, 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 Melksham depot is straightforward. Delivery is also available. Call 01380 828988.
Need Rammer Hire near me in Melksham or Wiltshire, Bath and Somerset?
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.
