A pro plate for asphalt and paver crews who want a long warranty. Homeowners will get more for the money from a budget plate.
Amazon $2,499.99The Tomahawk TPC90H is the better plate compactor overall, rated 3.8 to 3.4. The Tomahawk TPC90H leads on warranty, build and plate. The MechMaxx PC90H wins on value. The MechMaxx PC90H costs $1,000.99 less ($1,499 vs $2,499.99).
The PC90Z with a Honda engine, for buyers who want easy engine service. It costs $600 more for the same plate.
MechMaxx $1,499Prices 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 Tomahawk TPC90H for warranty (6-year warranty vs 1-year warranty), build (name-brand engine, water tank vs name-brand engine) and plate (440 sq in (20 x 22 in) vs 378 sq in (18 x 21 in)).
- Choose the MechMaxx PC90H for value ($416.39 per 1,000 lbf ($1,499, 3,600 lbf credited) vs $741.40 per 1,000 lbf ($2,499.99, 3,372 lbf credited)).
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 | Tomahawk TPC90H | MechMaxx PC90H |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 31 $741.40 per 1,000 lbf ($2,499.99, 3,372 lbf credited) | 56 $416.39 per 1,000 lbf ($1,499, 3,600 lbf credited) |
| Force 25% | 62 3,372 lbf | 70 3,600 lbf |
| Plate 10% | 96 440 sq in (20 x 22 in) | 71 378 sq in (18 x 21 in) |
| Build 15% | 70 name-brand engine, water tank | 40 name-brand engine |
| Warranty 20% | 100 6-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Tomahawk TPC90H | MechMaxx PC90H | |
|---|---|---|
| Compaction | ||
| Claimed force | 3,372 lbf | 3,600 lbf |
| Credited force | 3,372 lbf | 3,600 lbf |
| Plate or shoe | 20 x 22 in | 18 x 21 in |
| Vibrations per minute | 5,400 vpm | 4,750 vpm |
| Travel speed | 79 ft/min | 72 ft/min |
| Compaction depth | 12 in | 12 in |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Honda GX160 163cc | Honda GX160 163cc |
| Power | 5.5 hp | 4.8 hp |
| Build | ||
| Water tank | Yes | No |
| Water tank size | 14 qt | - |
| Wheel kit included | No | - |
| Weight | 240 lb | 199 lb |
| Warranty | 6 years | 1 year |
