What is the fundamental difference between a plate compactor and a roller compactor?

A plate compactor uses a vibrating flat base plate suited to granular soils, thin asphalt layers, and confined spaces, while a roller compactor uses a rotating drum or tyres to cover larger areas and thicker lifts more efficiently. Plate compactors are more manoeuvrable but slower over large areas, while rollers achieve higher production rates but cannot access tight spaces. The choice depends on soil type, lift thickness, and available working area. Sparkline Group stocks both equipment types and can advise which fits a specific job scope. Most real projects actually need access to both at different stages.