YARDMAX YC1390
A solid mid-price plate for homeowners who want a name-brand engine. It is slower than most, but its force claim is believable.
Amazon $696.90$696.90
The YARDMAX YC1390 is the better plate compactor overall, rated 3.8 to 3.4. The YARDMAX YC1390 leads on build and plate. The WEN 56096 costs $96.91 less ($599.99 vs $696.90).
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 YARDMAX YC1390 for build (name-brand engine, wheel kit included vs wheel kit included) and plate (346 sq in (21 x 16.5 in) vs 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in)).
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 | YARDMAX YC1390 | WEN 56096 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 81 $232.30 per 1,000 lbf ($696.90, 3,000 lbf credited) | 82 $227.27 per 1,000 lbf ($599.99, 2,640 lbf credited) |
| Force 25% | 50 3,000 lbf | 38 2,640 lbf credited of 3,350 lbf claimed (capped at 20 lbf per lb of its 132 lb) |
| Plate 10% | 58 346 sq in (21 x 16.5 in) | 18 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in) |
| Build 15% | 70 name-brand engine, wheel kit included | 30 wheel kit included |
| Warranty 20% | 67 2-year warranty | 67 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| YARDMAX YC1390 | WEN 56096 | |
|---|---|---|
| Compaction | ||
| Claimed force | 3,000 lbf | 3,350 lbf |
| Credited force | 3,000 lbf | 2,640 lbf (capped) |
| Plate or shoe | 21 x 16.5 in | 13.8 x 17.8 in |
| Vibrations per minute | 5,500 vpm | 5,700 vpm |
| Travel speed | 50 ft/min | 125 ft/min |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Briggs & Stratton 208cc | WEN 196cc |
| Power | 6.5 hp | 6.5 hp |
| Build | ||
| Water tank | No | No |
| Wheel kit included | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 185 lb | 132 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |