Rammer Hire in Reading, Berkshire
Deep Compaction in Clay and Confined Fills
Petrol trench rammers for clay backfill and cohesive soil compaction. Call 0118 979 2828.
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A plate will not compact clay. Clay needs impact, not vibration. If you are looking for a rammer hire near me in Reading, call 0118 979 2828.
When Do You Need a Rammer?
London Clay from Earley through Woodley and into Wokingham is cohesive and does not compact under vibration. If you compact clay backfill with a plate, you get surface compaction but the material below stays loose. Settlement follows.
Rammers are ideal for drainage trench backfill, foundation backfill, utility reinstatement in clay, and narrow strips alongside walls. They are the right choice where the material is cohesive and space is limited. If you’re unsure which machine you need, call 0118 979 2828, describe the material you’re compacting, and we’ll recommend the right tool.
Our Rammer Range
Petrol-powered jumping jack rammer delivering rapid impact compaction through a narrow foot. Around 68kg. Handles trenches, confined areas and narrow strips where a plate cannot reach. The narrow foot gets within 100mm of a wall or footing face. No mains power needed.
Full specifications for the complete rammer range are listed in the Coppard online catalogue.
Rammer Hire for Thames Valley Ground Conditions
London Clay from Earley through Wokingham is one of the most common cohesive soils across the Thames Valley. Many developments on these soils require a rammer for trench work. Thames Valley Gravel is granular and responds well to vibration, making a plate compactor the better choice. However, many sites have clay beneath the gravel, so you may need both tools.
On housing sites across Shinfield and Bracknell, drainage runs through clay are the most common use. Compact in 150mm layers, evenly on both sides of the pipe.
Collecting and Using the Rammer
Compact enough to fit in a van, with most models weighing around 68kg. The yard team will explain the starting procedure before collection. Gloves and steel toe-capped boots are recommended.
For longer projects, you can hire a rammer and a plate compactor together, as many jobs involve both cohesive and granular materials. Call 0118 979 2828 to discuss your requirements.
Why Hire a Rammer from Coppard?
54 years supplying compaction plant across Berkshire. Rammers, plates and rollers from one Reading depot. If your job needs more than one type, everything comes from one account.
Searching for the best rammer hire near me? Coppard covers Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Earley, Woodley, Shinfield, Newbury, Basingstoke, Maidenhead, High Wycombe, Windsor, Slough, Henley-on-Thames, Pangbourne, Twyford, Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Thatcham. Call 0118 979 2828.
For the full range of Plant & Machinery Hire available from our Reading depot, visit the Plant & Machinery Hire page.
View the full Rammer Hire catalogue — specifications, models and current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions: Rammer Hire in Reading and Berkshire
What is the difference between a rammer and a plate?
A rammer uses impact to compact cohesive soils such as London Clay, while a plate compactor uses vibration for granular materials. For clay trench backfill, use a rammer. For driveway sub-base, use a plate compactor.
How deep does a rammer compact per layer?
For clay backfill, compact in layers of around 150mm. Compact each layer until the rammer foot no longer sinks before adding the next layer.
Can I collect the rammer?
Yes. Most rammers weigh around 68kg and fit upright in a van. Collection is available from the Reading depot, and delivery can also be arranged. Call 0118 979 2828 to check availability.
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 Reading 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 Reading or Berkshire?
Call 0118 979 2828. Same-day dispatch from Reading. Delivery across Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Earley, Woodley, Shinfield, Newbury, Basingstoke, Maidenhead, High Wycombe, Windsor, Slough, Henley-on-Thames, Pangbourne, Twyford, Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Thatcham.
