MechMaxx PC90Z
A mid-price plate with a believable force rating for landscapers and serious homeowners. The warranty is short.
Amazon $899$899
The MechMaxx PC90Z is the better plate compactor overall, rated 3.6 to 3.4. The MechMaxx PC90Z leads on value. The MechMaxx PC90H wins on build. The MechMaxx PC90Z costs $600 less ($899 vs $1,499).
MechMaxx PC90H
#10 in Plate compactorsFull review
The PC90Z with a Honda engine, for buyers who want easy engine service. It costs $600 more for the same plate.
MechMaxx $1,499$1,499
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the MechMaxx PC90Z for value ($249.72 per 1,000 lbf ($899, 3,600 lbf credited) vs $416.39 per 1,000 lbf ($1,499, 3,600 lbf credited)).
- Choose the MechMaxx PC90H for build (name-brand engine vs wheel kit included).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every plate compactors plate compactor; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | MechMaxx PC90Z | MechMaxx PC90H |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 78 $249.72 per 1,000 lbf ($899, 3,600 lbf credited) | 56 $416.39 per 1,000 lbf ($1,499, 3,600 lbf credited) |
| Force 25% | 70 3,600 lbf | 70 3,600 lbf |
| Plate 10% | 71 378 sq in (18 x 21 in) | 71 378 sq in (18 x 21 in) |
| Build 15% | 30 wheel kit included | 40 name-brand engine |
| Warranty 20% | 33 1-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| MechMaxx PC90Z | MechMaxx PC90H | |
|---|---|---|
| Compaction | ||
| Claimed force | 3,600 lbf | 3,600 lbf |
| Credited force | 3,600 lbf | 3,600 lbf |
| Plate or shoe | 18 x 21 in | 18 x 21 in |
| Vibrations per minute | 4,750 vpm | 4,750 vpm |
| Travel speed | 72 ft/min | 72 ft/min |
| Compaction depth | 12 in | 12 in |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Zonsen GB210 208cc | Honda GX160 163cc |
| Power | 5.8 hp | 4.8 hp |
| Build | ||
| Water tank | No | No |
| Wheel kit included | Yes | - |
| Weight | 196 lb | 199 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |