It’s a major undertaking to determine the most crucial equipment landscapers need to make a nicely landscaped yard look even better by adding concrete, brick or clay elements. Tools and equipment can vary depending on the types of hardscaping services your company offers, but there are a few key pieces landscapers should not overlook.

Compactors essential for quality
Landscapers and distributors agree a plate compactor is of utmost importance. Additional equipment, such as a skid steer and a transit instrument may also be necessary for hardscape jobs, but a plate compactor is essential for quality, says Jake Mathieu, vice president of Family Tree Landscaping, a landscape design/construction firm in Bangor, Maine.

Jim Carlson, field service representative for Pave Tech, agrees that a plate compactor is critical for proper installation of pavers. The company offers compactors ranging from a minimum of 4,000 pounds up to 14,000 pounds of centrifugal force. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute recommends at least 4,000 pounds of centrifugal force for compaction.

“The size and maneuverability of plate compactors make them ideal for all phases of the installation process,” says Mark Conrardy, sales engineering manager for Wacker. “The vibratory action of the plate will provide better results by compacting the sand under the pavers, as well as forcing the extra top layer in between the pavers for stability and overall quality.”

Wacker offers a series of single direction plates for hardscape applications, ranging from 15.5 to 19.5 inches of baseplate width. An optional urethane pad is also available and bolts easily onto the front of the baseplate to protect the paving stones during final compaction.

Mathieu says it is important to note that compaction circumstances are different for every landscaper’s jobsite location and climate. Typical residential applications, such as sidewalks and patios, can have a uniform final compaction depth from about four to eight inches, says Bob Cramer, director of operations at Pave Tech. For example, if a landscaper decides to go with six inches of compacted base material, this must be the same in all areas to ensure uniformity.

Big (and little) extras that count
The piece of equipment that saves landscapers the most time according to Mathieu is a skid-steer loader. “Skid steers are small and versatile,” he explains, “and they definitely provide the most payback on jobs. If I could hire laborers that cost less than my monthly skid steer payment, I would, but it is just not possible.”

Other components that aid in the creation of durable hardscapes include edge restraints and a device to extract misshapen or damaged pavers, Carlson says. “Edge restraints are most important for the interlocking of units, whether concrete or clay.” The units and the restraints must be able to withstand loads, either vehicular or pedestrian, and also must support a plate compactor.