A budget plate with a big force claim for patio and walkway bases. Little is published about it, so treat the numbers with care.
Amazon $634.99
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.
- 3,350 lbfForce
- 13.8 x 17.8 inPlate
- WEN 196ccEngine
- 132 lbWeight
Price checked November 3, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Wheel kit in the box rolls it to the job without a second person
- At 132 lb it fits in a truck bed with two people lifting
- Two-year warranty for homeowners, longer than most budget plates
- Claims 25 lb of force per pound of machine, more than heavier pro plates, so the force figure is likely optimistic
- No water tank, so it is not suited to hot asphalt
- Commercial use is covered for only 90 days
How it scores
The rating comes from 5 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its type. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | 56096 |
|---|---|
| Compaction | |
| Claimed force | 3,350 lbf |
| Credited force | 2,640 lbf (capped) |
| Plate or shoe | 13.8 x 17.8 in |
| Vibrations per minute | 5,700 vpm |
| Travel speed | 125 ft/min |
| Engine | |
| Engine | WEN 196cc |
| Power | 6.5 hp |
| Build | |
| Water tank | No |
| Wheel kit included | Yes |
| Weight | 132 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Alternatives in this type
The PC90Z with a Honda engine, for buyers who want easy engine service. It costs $600 more for the same plate.
MechMaxx $1,499A wide budget plate for larger patios and driveway bases. Plan on a ramp or two people, since no wheels come with it.
Amazon $752.90Compare
Compare the WEN 56096 with any other plate compactor →
More from WEN: every WEN product ranked.