Abstract: A self-inflating, cushioned, shock-absorbing compacting apparatus especially adapted for mounting onto the boom of a backhoe tractor is provided which ensures that a large proportion of the vibratory reaction forces and shocks attendant to earth-tamping or compacting operations are safely absorbed without damage to the backhoe itself or causing the operator to experience severe shocks. The apparatus includes an air-filled, multiple-ply resilient bag situated between a hydraulically actuated, reciprocable, earth-engaging compacting foot and the boom-mounting structure of the apparatus, in conjunction with a check valve permitting self-inflation of the bag when the apparatus is elevated to extend the bag. The bag provides support for the compacting foot in order to safely absorb vibratory shocks and the like over essentially all vibration frequencies and amplitudes exprienced in practice.