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
The WEN 56096 is the better plate compactor overall, rated 3.4 to 3.2. The Tomahawk TPC80H wins on plate and build. The WEN 56096 costs $1,300 less ($599.99 vs $1,899.99).
Tomahawk TPC80H
#13 in Plate compactorsFull review
A Honda-powered plate for contractors and landscapers who use it every week. Homeowners doing one patio will not need to pay this much.
Amazon $1,899.99$1,899.99
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 Tomahawk TPC80H for plate (357 sq in (17 x 21 in) vs 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in)) and 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 | WEN 56096 | Tomahawk TPC80H |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 82 $227.27 per 1,000 lbf ($599.99, 2,640 lbf credited) | 36 $650.01 per 1,000 lbf ($1,899.99, 2,923 lbf credited) |
| Force 25% | 38 2,640 lbf credited of 3,350 lbf claimed (capped at 20 lbf per lb of its 132 lb) | 47 2,923 lbf |
| Plate 10% | 18 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in) | 63 357 sq in (17 x 21 in) |
| Build 15% | 30 wheel kit included | 40 name-brand engine |
| Warranty 20% | 67 2-year warranty | 67 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| WEN 56096 | Tomahawk TPC80H | |
|---|---|---|
| Compaction | ||
| Claimed force | 3,350 lbf | 2,923 lbf |
| Credited force | 2,640 lbf (capped) | 2,923 lbf |
| Plate or shoe | 13.8 x 17.8 in | 17 x 21 in |
| Vibrations per minute | 5,700 vpm | 6,400 vpm |
| Travel speed | 125 ft/min | 79 ft/min |
| Compaction depth | - | 22 in |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | WEN 196cc | Honda GX160 |
| Power | 6.5 hp | 5.5 hp |
| Build | ||
| Water tank | No | No |
| Wheel kit included | Yes | No |
| Weight | 132 lb | 176 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |