Multiquip MVC82VHW
A rental-yard standard for crews that compact every week. It costs more, but its force rating is honest and the warranty runs three years.
Amazon $2,394.95$2,394.95
The Multiquip MVC82VHW is the better plate compactor overall, rated 3.6 to 3.4. The Multiquip MVC82VHW leads on warranty, plate and build. The WEN 56096 costs $1,794.96 less ($599.99 vs $2,394.95).
WEN 56096
#11 in Plate compactorsFull review
A light, low-cost plate for homeowners laying a patio or walkway base. It rolls on its own wheels and carries a two-year home warranty.
Amazon $599.99$599.99
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 Multiquip MVC82VHW for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty), plate (396 sq in (17.7 x 22.4 in) vs 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in)) and build (name-brand engine, water tank 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 | Multiquip MVC82VHW | WEN 56096 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 29 $777.58 per 1,000 lbf ($2,394.95, 3,080 lbf credited) | 82 $227.27 per 1,000 lbf ($599.99, 2,640 lbf credited) |
| Force 25% | 53 3,080 lbf | 38 2,640 lbf credited of 3,350 lbf claimed (capped at 20 lbf per lb of its 132 lb) |
| Plate 10% | 78 396 sq in (17.7 x 22.4 in) | 18 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in) |
| Build 15% | 70 name-brand engine, water tank | 30 wheel kit included |
| Warranty 20% | 100 3-year warranty | 67 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Multiquip MVC82VHW | WEN 56096 | |
|---|---|---|
| Compaction | ||
| Claimed force | 3,080 lbf | 3,350 lbf |
| Credited force | 3,080 lbf | 2,640 lbf (capped) |
| Plate or shoe | 17.7 x 22.4 in | 13.8 x 17.8 in |
| Vibrations per minute | 5,600 vpm | 5,700 vpm |
| Travel speed | 72 ft/min | 125 ft/min |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Honda GX160 | WEN 196cc |
| Power | - | 6.5 hp |
| Build | ||
| Water tank | Yes | No |
| Water tank size | 11.6 qt | - |
| Wheel kit included | No | Yes |
| Weight | 181 lb | 132 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |