Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and method for operating a self-propelled vibratory plate device. The vibratory plate of this device receives its vibratory motion from counter-rotating eccentric parts driven by an internal combustion engine. According to the method, the vibratory plate is stopped with a deadman's handle mounted on the device without the engine stopping. The method is realized with the arrangement of the invention which includes the deadman's handle. The deadman's handle is connected to the engine's fuel control and a centrifugal clutch between the engine and the eccentric parts is engaged only when the speed of the engine is above idle speed. A cam is provided with an interacting support which limits the angular movement of the deadman's handle to a position which corresponds to the idle speed of the engine.

Abstract: A vibrating tamper with side-by-side engine section and tamper section connected by a suspension system including leaf springs. The tamper section includes a reciprocating leg terminating in a tamping plate. The engine section includes handles, an engine with a rotary drive shaft, and a transmission for converting the drive shaft rotary motion to reciprocating motion to be imparted to the tamper. A driven, eccentrically mounted roller cooperates with a lever forked at one end to embrace the roller. At its other end, the lever applies reciprocating drive to the tamper. The reciprocating drive is applied through helical springs encircling the tamper leg. The forked lever end and eccentric assure that forces substantially parallel the axis of the tamper leg are transmitted to the tamper section, minimizing forces perpendicular the leg.

Abstract: A plate vibrator for compacting soil, asphalt and similar materials comprises a bottom plate on which is rigidly mounted a vibrating element driven by a power unit that is mounted resiliently on the bottom plate. The vibrating element comprises at least two counterrotating eccentric weights mounted on a shaft, the phase positions of the eccentrics being capable of adjustment in relation to each other by means of an adjusting mechanism so that the direction of the resultant of the centrifugal forces can be arbitrarily selected in relation to the bottom plate. The location of the element and power unit in relation to each other on the bottom plate and the distribution of the masses oscillating with the bottom plate are chosen to minimize structural height and maximize translational motion both forward and in reverse.