Rammer Hire in Reading, Berkshire
Compact Clay in Any Trench, Any Depth
Your trench is backfilled with clay and it needs compacting layer by layer. A petrol trench rammer from our Winnersh depot does what a plate compactor cannot. Call 0118 979 2828.
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A rammer compacts what a plate compactor cannot reach — trenches, confined spaces, narrow strips alongside foundations. It delivers high-impact compaction to cohesive soils that vibration alone cannot consolidate. If you are searching for rammer hire near me in Reading, our Winnersh depot has the upright rammer available at short notice. Call 0118 979 2828.
Upright Rammer — Specifications
The petrol-powered jumping jack rammer is the industry standard for trench backfill and cohesive soil compaction. It delivers high-impact force through a rapid up-and-down action that drives material together vertically. On London Clay under Wokingham, Bracknell and Shinfield — which is cohesive — the rammer is more effective than a plate compactor. Impact force consolidates clay in a way that horizontal vibration does not.
When to Hire a Rammer Instead of a Plate Compactor
The choice depends on your soil type and the space available. A rammer uses impact force — it hits the ground repeatedly. A plate uses vibration to consolidate granular particles. Clay does not respond to vibration. If you compact clay with a plate, you get surface compaction but the material below stays loose. The rammer drives compaction deeper into cohesive material.
If you are unsure which your job needs, call 0118 979 2828 and describe the material. We will confirm the right tool.
For full specifications on the rammer range, view the Coppard online catalogue.
Rammer Hire for Groundworks Across the Thames Valley
Thames Valley groundworks regularly involve London Clay — one of the most challenging soils for compaction. For drainage and utilities trenches across Wokingham, Bracknell and Shinfield, clay backfill needs placing and compacting in 150mm layers. The rammer handles this efficiently — one pass per layer, working back from the far end.
For foundation backfill around footings and retaining walls, the rammer compacts close to structures where a plate cannot safely operate. The narrow foot gets within 100mm of a block or concrete face. Looking for rammer hire near me? Contractors across Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Earley, Woodley and Shinfield 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 make a difference on a long stint. The weekly rate represents better value than multiple day hires for longer trench runs.
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 0118 979 2828.
Searching for the best rammer hire near me? Coppard covers Reading, Winnersh, Wokingham, Shinfield, Twyford, Woodley, Earley, Bracknell, Crowthorne, Henley-on-Thames, Maidenhead, Pangbourne, Sandhurst, Newbury, Thatcham, Basingstoke, High Wycombe, Windsor and Slough. Call 0118 979 2828.
For the full range of Plant & Machinery Hire available from your Reading 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 London Clay, you need a rammer. For driveways and paving sub-base, 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 Winnersh depot is straightforward. Delivery is also available. Call 0118 979 2828.
Do I need training?
No formal licence is required. The yard team briefs you on safe operation at collection. Key points: steel toecap boots, keep the machine upright, work in layers.
Can I hire a rammer and plate compactor together?
Yes. Both from the same Winnersh depot, same account. Call 0118 979 2828 and we will have both ready.
Need the best rammer hire near me?
Call 0118 979 2828. Same-day collection from Winnersh. Delivery across Reading, Winnersh, Wokingham, Shinfield, Twyford, Woodley, Earley, Bracknell, Crowthorne, Henley-on-Thames, Maidenhead, Pangbourne, Sandhurst, Newbury, Thatcham, Basingstoke, High Wycombe, Windsor and Slough. Get Plant on Site Tomorrow.
Need Rammer Hire near me in Reading or the Thames Valley?
Call 0118 979 2828. Same-day dispatch from Winnersh. Delivery across Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Newbury, Maidenhead and the Thames Valley.
