MQ Multiquip MVH308GH User manual

OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL
THIS MANUAL MUST ACCOMPANY THE EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES.
SERIES
MODEL MVH308GH
REVERSIBLE PLATE COMPACTOR
(HONDA GX270UT2SMXC/GX270UT2SCM
GASOLINE ENGINES)
Revision #3 (11/17/17)
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PAGE 2 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
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PAGE 4 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MVH308GH Reversible
Plate Compactor
Proposition 65 Warning ........................................... 2
Table Of Contents.................................................... 4
Parts Ordering Procedures...................................... 5
Safety Information .............................................. 6-10
Specifications ........................................................ 11
Dimensions............................................................ 12
General Information............................................... 13
Components ..................................................... 14-15
Basic Engine.......................................................... 16
Inspection ......................................................... 17-18
Startup.............................................................. 19-20
Operation.......................................................... 21-22
Maintenance..................................................... 23-29
Troubleshooting (Compactor) ................................ 30
Troubleshooting (Engine).................................. 31-32
Explanation Of Code In Remarks Column............. 34
Suggested Spare Parts ......................................... 35
Compactor Component Drawings
Nameplate And Decals Assembly..................... 36-37
Vibrating Plate Assembly.................................. 38-39
Vibrator Assembly ............................................ 40-41
Base And Engine Assembly.............................. 42-45
Electrical Device Assembly .............................. 46-47
Control Assembly ............................................. 48-51
Honda GX270UT2SMXC/
GX270UT2SCM Engines
Cylinder Head Assembly................................... 52-53
Cylinder Barrel Assembly.................................. 54-55
Crankcase Cover Assembly.............................. 56-57
Crankshaft Assembly. ....................................... 58-59
Piston Assembly ............................................... 60-61
Camshaft Assembly. ......................................... 62-63
Recoil Starter Assembly ................................... 64-65
Fan Cover Assembly......................................... 66-67
Carburetor Assembly. ....................................... 68-69
Air Cleaner Assembly (GX270UT2SMXC) ....... 70-71
Air Cleaner Assembly (GX270UT2SCM).......... 72-73
Muffler Assembly .............................................. 74-75
Fuel Tank Assembly.......................................... 76-77
Flywheel Assembly........................................... 78-79
Ignition Coil Assembly....................................... 80-81
Control Assembly.............................................. 82-83
Engine Decal Assembly.................................... 84-85
Terms And Conditions Of Sale — Parts ................ 86
NOTICE
Specifications and part numbers are subject to change
without notice.
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PAGE 6 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not operate or service the equipment before reading
the entire manual. Safety precautions should be followed
at all times when operating this equipment.
Failure to read and understand the safety
messages and operating instructions could
result in injury to yourself and others.
SAFETY MESSAGES
The four safety messages shown below will inform you
about potential hazards that could injure you or others.The
safety messages specifically address the level of exposure
to the operator and are preceded by one of four words:
DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION
or NOTICE.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
WILL result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
COULD result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
COULD result in MINOR or MODERATE INJURY.
NOTICE
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
Potential hazards associated with the operation of this
equipment will be referenced with hazard symbols which
may appear throughout this manual in conjunction with
safety messages.
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MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17— PAGE 7
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL SAFETY
CAUTION

NEVER operate this equipment without proper protective
clothing, shatterproof glasses, respiratory protection,
hearing protection, steel-toed boots and other protective
devices required by the job or city and state regulations.

NEVER operate this equipment when not
feeling well due to fatigue, illness or when
under medication.

NEVER operate this equipment under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.

ALWAYS check the equipment for loosened threads or
bolts before starting.

DO NOT use the equipment for any purpose other than
its intended purposes or applications.

ALWAYS clear the work area of any debris, tools, etc.
that would constitute a hazard while the equipment is
in operation.
NOTICE

This equipment should only be operated by trained and
qualified personnel 18 years of age and older.

Whenever necessary, replace nameplate, operation and
safety decals when they become difficult read.

Manufacturer does not assume responsibility for any
accident due to equipment modifications. Unauthorized
equipment modification will void all warranties.
NEVER
use accessories or attachments that are not
recommended by Multiquip for this equipment. Damage
to the equipment and/or injury to user may result.
ALWAYS know the location of the nearest
fire extinguisher.
ALWAYS know the location of the nearest
first aid kit.
ALWAYS know the location of the nearest phone or
keep
a phone on the job site.
Also, know the phone numbers
of the nearest ambulance, doctor and
fire department.
This information will be invaluable in the case of an
emergency.
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PAGE 8 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
SAFETY INFORMATION
COMPACTOR SAFETY
DANGER

NEVER operate the equipment in an explosive
atmosphere or near combustible materials.An
explosion or fire could result causing severe
bodily harm or even death.
WARNING

NEVER disconnect any emergency or safety devices.
These devices are intended for operator safety.
Disconnection of these devices can cause severe injury,
bodily harm or even death. Disconnection of any of these
devices will void all warranties.
CAUTION

NEVER lubricate components or attempt service on a
running machine.
NOTICE

ALWAYS keep the machine in proper running condition.

Fix damage to machine and replace any broken parts
immediately.

ALWAYS store equipment properly when it is not being
used. Equipment should be stored in a clean, dry location
out of the reach of children and unauthorized personnel.
ENGINE SAFETY
DANGER

The engine fuel exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon
monoxide. This gas is colorless and odorless, and can
cause death if inhaled.

The engine of this equipment requires an adequate
free flow of cooling air. NEVER operate this equipment
in any enclosed or narrow
area where free flow of the
air is restricted. If the air
flow is restricted it will cause
injury to people and property
and serious damage to the
equipment or engine.
MVH-306
WARNING
DO NOT
place hands or fingers inside engine
compartment when engine is running.
NEVER
operate the engine with heat shields or
guards removed.
Keep fingers, hands hair and clothing away
from all moving parts to prevent injury.
DO NOT remove the radiator cap while the
engine is hot. High pressure boiling water will gush out
of the radiator and severely scald any persons in the
general area of the compactor.
DO NOT remove the coolant drain plug
while the engine is hot. Hot coolant will
gush out of the coolant tank and severely
scald any persons in the general area of
the compactor.
DO NOT
remove the engine oil drain plug while the
engine is hot. Hot oil will gush out of the oil tank and
severely scald any persons in the general area of the
compactor.
CAUTION
NEVER touch the hot exhaust manifold,
muffler or cylinder. Allow these parts to cool
before servicing equipment.
NOTICE
NEVER
run engine without an air filter or with a dirty air
filter. Severe engine damage may occur. Service air filter
frequently to prevent engine malfunction.
NEVER tamper with the factory settings
of the engine or engine governor. Damage
to the engine or equipment can result
if operating in speed ranges above the
maximum allowable.
NEVER
tip the engine to extreme angles during lifting as
it may cause oil to gravitate into the cylinder head, making
the engine start difficult.
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MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17— PAGE 9
SAFETY INFORMATION
FUEL SAFETY
DANGER
DO NOT add fuel to equipment if it is placed inside truck
bed with plastic liner. Possibility exists of explosion or
fire due to static electricity.
DO NOT start the engine near spilled fuel or combustible
fluids. Diesel fuel is extremely flammable and its vapors
can cause an explosion if ignited.
ALWAYS refuel in a well-ventilated area, away from
sparks and open flames.
ALWAYS use extreme caution when working with
flammable liquids.
DO NOT fill the fuel tank while the engine is running
or hot.
DO NOT overfill tank, since spilled fuel could ignite if it
comes into contact with hot engine parts or sparks from
the ignition system.
Store fuel in appropriate containers, in well-ventilated
areas and away from sparks and flames.
NEVER use fuel as a cleaning agent.

DO NOT smoke around or near the
equipment. Fire or explosion could result
from fuel vapors or if fuel is spilled on a
hot engine.
MVH-306
MVH-306
BATTERY SAFETY (ELECTRIC START ONLY)
DANGER
DO NOT
drop the battery. There is a possibility that the
battery will explode.
DO NOT expose the battery to open flames,
sparks, cigarettes, etc.The battery contains
combustible gases and liquids. If these
gases and liquids come into contact with a
flame or spark, an explosion could occur.
WARNING
ALWAYS wear safety glasses when
handling the battery to avoid eye irritation.
The battery contains acids that can cause
injury to the eyes and skin.
Use well-insulated gloves when picking up
the battery.
ALWAYS
keep the battery charged. If the battery is not
charged, combustible gas will build up.
DO NOT
charge battery if frozen. Battery can explode.
When frozen, warm the battery to at least 61°F (16°C).
ALWAYS
recharge the battery in a well-ventilated
environment to avoid the risk of a dangerous concentration
of combustible gases.
If the battery liquid (dilute sulfuric acid)
comes into contact with clothing or skin,
rinse skin or clothing immediately with
plenty of water.

If the battery liquid (dilute sulfuric acid) comes into
contact with eyes
, rinse eyes immediately with plenty
of water and contact the nearest doctor or hospital to
seek medical attention.
CAUTION
ALWAYS disconnect the
NEGATIVE battery terminal
before performing service on the equipment.
ALWAYS
keep battery cables in good working condition.
Repair or replace all worn cables.
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PAGE 10 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
SAFETY INFORMATION
TRANSPORTING SAFETY
CAUTION

NEVER allow any person or animal to stand underneath
the equipment while lifting.
NOTICE

Before lifting, make sure that the equipment parts (hook
and vibration insulator) are not damaged and screws are
not loose or missing.

Always make sure crane or lifitng device has been
properly secured to the lifting bail (hook) of the
equipment.

ALWAYS shutdown engine before transporting.

NEVER lift the equipment while the engine is running.

Tighten fuel tank cap securely and close fuel cock to
prevent fuel from spilling.

Use adequate lifting cable (wire or rope) of sufficient
strength.

Use one point suspension hook and lift straight
upwards.

DO NOT lift machine to unnecessary heights.

ALWAYS tie down equipment during transport by
securing the equipment with rope.
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY/
DECOMMISSIONING
NOTICE
Decommissioning is a controlled process used to safely
retire a piece of equipment that is no longer serviceable.
If the equipment poses an unacceptable and unrepairable
safety risk due to wear or damage or is no longer cost
effective to maintain (beyond life-cycle reliability) and is to
be decommissioned (demolition and dismantlement),be
sure to follow rules below:

DO NOT pour waste or oil directly onto the ground, down
a drain or into any water source.

Contact your country's Department of
Public Works or recycling agency in your
area and arrange for proper disposal of
any electrical components, waste or oil
associated with this equipment.
When the life cycle of this equipment is over, remove
battery and bring to appropriate facility for lead
reclamation. Use safety precautions when handling
batteries that contain sulfuric acid.

When the life cycle of this equipment is over, it is
recommended that the trowel frame and all other metal
parts be sent to a recycling center.
Metal recycling involves the collection of metal from
discarded products and its transformation into raw
materials to use in manufacturing a new product.
Recyclers and manufacturers alike promote the process
of recycling metal. Using a metal recycling center
promotes energy cost savings.
EMISSIONS INFORMATION
NOTICE
The diesel engine used in this equipment has been
designed to reduce harmful levels of carbon monoxide
(CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
contained in diesel exhaust emissions.
This engine has been certified to meet US EPA Evaporative
emissions requirements in the installed configuration.
Attempting to modify or make adjustments to the engine
emission system by unauthorized personnel without proper
training could damage the equipment or create an unsafe
condition.
Additionally, modifying the fuel system may adversely affect
evaporative emissions, resulting in fines or other penalties.
Emission Control Label
The emission control label is an integral part of the emission
system and is strictly controlled by regulations.
The label must remain with the engine for its entire life.
If a replacement emission label is needed, please contact
your authorized Kohler Engine Distributor.
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MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17— PAGE 11
SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1. MVH308GH Specifications
Centrifugal Force 10,116 lbf (45 kN)
Vibration Frequency 4,400 vpm (73 Hz)
Maximum Traveling Speed 79 ft/min (24 m/min)
Plate Size (W x L) 18 x 34 in (445 x 860 mm)
Plate Size (W x L) with extension plates 24 x 34 in (600 x 860 mm)
Max. Forward Speed 79 ft./min (24 m/min)
Operating Weight 683 lbs. (310 kg.)
Operating Weight with extension plates 717 lbs. (325 kg.)
Table 2. Engine Specifications
Engine Make HONDA
Engine Model GX270UT2SMXC GX270UT2SCM
Engine Type Air-cooled, 4 stroke Gasoline Engine
Cylinder Bore X Stroke 3.03 in. x 2.28 in. (77 mm x 58 mm)
Displacement 16.48 cu-in (270 cc)
Maximum Ouput 8.5 BHP (6.3 kW) @ 3600 RPM
Fuel Tank Capacity Approx. 1.4 U.S. gallons (5.3 liters)
Fuel Type Unleaded 86 Octane or Higher
Oil Capacity 1.16 qts (1.1 liters)
Air Cleaner Cyclone Dual Filter Element
Starting Method Recoil Start
Dry Net Weight Recoil/Electric 56.88 lbs (25.8 Kg.)
Dimensions (L x W x H) 15 x 16.85 x 16.61 in (381 x 428 x 422 mm)
Table 3. Noise and Vibration Emissions
Measured Sound Power Level in dB(A) 105
Guaranteed Sound Power Level in dB(A) 107
Guaranteed Sound Pressure Level at Operator Station in dB(A) 93
Hand-Arm Vibration in m/s22.8
NOTES:
1. Products are tested for sound pressure level in accordance with European Directives 2000/14/EC and 2005/88/EC, relating to Noise Emission
in the Environment by equipment for use outdoors.
2. Products are tested for hand/arm vibration (HAV) level in accordance with European Directives 2002/44/EC and EN500-4 and ISO 5349-1:2001,
ISO 5349-2:2001.
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PAGE 12 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
DIMENSIONS
Table 4. Dimensions
REF. DES IN. (MM)
A 17.52 (445)
B 23.62 (600)
C 34.65 (880)
D 47.64 (1210)
E 53.54 (1360)
F 33.86 (860)
G 60.63 (1540)
Figure 1. Dimensions
STORED POSITION
WORKING POSITION
EXTENSION PLATE (OPTION)
ED
A
C
G
F
B
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MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17— PAGE 13
GENERAL INFORMATION
DEFINITION OF PLATE COMPACTOR
The Mikasa MVH308GH is a reversible plate compactor
designed for efficient compaction of sand, gravel and
cohesive soils. This plate compactor is a powerful
compacting tool capable of applying a tremendous force
in consecutive high frequency vibrations to a soil surface.
Its applications include compacting for road, embankments
and reservoirs as well as backfilling for gas pipelines, water
pipelines and cable installation work.
VIBRATORY PLATES
The vibratory plates of the compactor produce low
amplitude high frequency vibrations, designed to compact
granular soils and asphalt.
The resulting vibrations cause forward motion.The engine
and handle are vibration isolated from the vibrating plate.
FREQUENCY/SPEED
The compactor's vibrating plate produces a vibration
frequency of 4,400 VPM (vibrations per minute).
The travel speed of the compactor is approximately
79 ft/minute (24 meters/minute).
ENGINE
This plate compactor is equipped with a Honda GX270,
8.5 HP air cooled, 4-cycle gasoline engine. The engine
drives an eccentric weight at a high speed to develop
a compaction force. Reference Table 2 for detailed
specifications.
CONTROLS
Before starting the plate compactor identify and understand
the function of all the controls and components.
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PAGE 14 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
COMPONENTS
Figure 2. Plate Compactor Components
S/N B1677 AND BELOW
S/N B1678 AND ABOVE
6
4
5
11
S/N B1677 AND BELOW
2
1
34
6
5
16
7
8
10
12
13
14
15
10
11
REVERSE
NEUTRAL
FORWARD
(STORED POSITION)
(WORKING POSITION)
9
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MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17— PAGE 15
Figure 2 shows the location of the basic controls and
components of the MVH308GH Plate Compactor. The
function of each control is described below:
1. Rubber Cover — Lift this rubber cover to gain access
to the fuel tank.
2. Hour/Tachometer — Displays the cumulative time
that the machine has been in use. During operation it
displays the rpm reading.
3. Handle Bar Height Adjuster — Adjusts the handle
bar to the desired height by loosening the wing nut and
turning the grip clockwise to raise the handle bar and
counterclockwise to lower the handle bar.
4. Breather Plug — Allow pressure to escape to the air
in the form of a gas from heat.
5. Hydraulic Pump (Oil Reservoir) — Regulates
hydraulic oil flow produced by the direction of the
control lever.
6. Hand Grip — When operating the compactor use this
hand grip to maneuver the compactor.
7. Lifting Bale — When lifting of the compactor is
required either by forklift, crane etc., tie rope or chain
around this lifting point.
8. Vibrating Plate — A flat, open plate made of durable
cast iron construction used in the compacting of soil.
9. Extension Plate — Provides additional area of
vibration to the vibrating plate.
10. Handle Bar — When operating the compactor, this
handle is to be in the downward position. When the
compactor is to be stored, move the handle bar to
the upright position.
11. Direction Control Lever — Push the lever forward to
move compactor in a forward direction. Pull the lever
backwards to move compactor in backwards direction.
Placing the lever in the middle (midway) will cause the
compactor not to move (neutral).
12. Throttle Lever —Controls speed of the plate
compactor. Place straight vertically to start, push fully
counterclockwise for full throttle and fully clockwise to
stop plate compactor.
13. Vibrator Oil Drain Plug — Used to drain vibrator oil
from the machine.
14. Vibration Case Oil Filler — Used to add oil to the
vibration case.
15. Engine — This plate compactor uses a Honda GX270
8.5 HP series gasoline engine. Refer to the owner’s
manual for engine information.
16. Engine ON-OFF Switch — Used to turn the engine
on or off.
COMPONENTS
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PAGE 16 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
BASIC ENGINE
Figure 3. Engine Controls and Components
2
12
11 1
4
3
10
9
8
7
65
INITIAL SERVICING
The engine (Figure 3) must be checked for proper
lubrication and filled with fuel prior to operation. Refer to the
manufacturer's engine manual for instructions and details
of operation and servicing.
1. Throttle Lever – Used to adjust engine RPM speed.
For normal operation this lever should always be placed
in the RUN position.
2. Fuel Cap – Remove this cap to add unleaded gasoline
to the fuel tank. Fill with unleaded gasoline.
3. Fuel Tank – Refer to Table 2 for fuel tank capacity.
Make sure cap is tightened securely. DO NOT over
fill. For additional information refer to Honda engine
owner's manual.
4. Engine ON/OFF Switch – ON position permits engine
starting, OFF position stops engine operation.
DANGER
Add fuel to the tank only when the engine
is stopped and has had an opportunity to
cool down. In the event of a fuel spill, DO
NOT attempt to start the engine until the
fuel residue has been completely wiped up
and the area surrounding the engine is dry.
5. Recoil Starter (Pull Rope) – Manual-starting method.
Pull the starter grip until resistance is felt, then pull
briskly and smoothly.
6. Fuel Valve Lever – OPEN to let fuel flow, CLOSE to
stop the flow of fuel.
7. Oil Drain Plug – Remove this plug to remove oil from
the engine's crankcase.
8. Dipstick/Oil Filler Cap – Remove this cap to determine
if the engine oil is low. Add oil through this filler port as
recommended in (Figure 3).
9. Choke Lever – Used in the starting of a cold engine,
or in cold weather conditions. The choke enriches the
fuel mixture.
10. Spark Plug – Provides spark to the ignition system.
Set spark plug gap according to engine manufacturer's
instructions. Clean spark plug once a week.
11. Muffler – Used to reduce noise and emissions. NEVER
touch when hot!
12. Cyclone Air Cleaner – Prevents dirt and other debris
from entering the fuel system. Remove wing-nut on
top of air filter cover to gain access to filter element.
Reference the maintenance section in this manual for
servicing.
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MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17— PAGE 17
INSPECTION
BEFORE STARTING
1. Read all safety instructions at the beginning of manual.
2. Clean the compactor, removing dirt and dust,
particularly the engine cooling air inlet, carburetor and
air cleaner.
3. Check the air filter for dirt and dust. If air filter is dirty,
replace air filter with a new one as required.
4. Check carburetor for external dirt and dust. Clean with
dry compressed air.
5. Check fastening nuts and bolts for tightness.
ENGINE OIL CHECK
1. To check the engine oil level, place the compactor on
secure level ground with the engine stopped.
2. Remove the dipstick from the engine oil filler hole
(Figure 4) and wipe clean.
Figure 4. Engine Oil Dipstick Removal
3. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it into
the filler neck. Check the oil level shown on the dipstick.
4. If the oil level is low (Figure 5), fill to the edge of the
oil filler hole with the recommended oil type as listed
in Table 4. Refer to Table 2 for maximum engine oil
capacity.
Figure 5. Engine Oil Dipstick (Oil Level)
DIPSTICK
UPPER LIMIT
LOWER LIMIT
Table 5. Oil Type
Season Temperature Oil Type
Summer 25°C or Higher SAE 10W-30
Spring/Fall 25°C~10°C SAE 10W-30/20
Winter 0°C or Lower SAE 10W-10
FUEL CHECK
1. Visually inspect (Figure 6) to see if fuel level is low. If
fuel is low, replenish with unleaded fuel.
Figure 6. Fuel Check
2. When refueling, be sure to use a strainer for filtration.
DO NOT top-off fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel
immediately.
V-BELT COVER REMOVAL
To inspect the V-belt, remove the four bolts that secure the
belt cover to the frame as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. V-Belt Cover Removal
DANGER
EXPLOSIVE FUEL!
Motor fuels are highly flammable and can
be dangerous if mishandled. DO NOT
smoke while refueling. DO NOT attempt
to refuel the compactor if the engine is
hot! or running.
FUEL
CAP
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PAGE 18 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
V-BELT INSPECTION
Visually examine the V-belt (Figure 8) and determine if it
is full of tiny cracks, frayed, has pieces of rubber missing,
is peeling or otherwise damaged.
Also, examine the belt and determine if it is oil soaked or
"glazed " (hard shiny appearance on the sides of the belt).
Either of these two conditions can cause the belt to run hot,
which can weaken it and increase the danger of it breaking.
If the V-belt exhibits any of the referenced wear conditions
replace the V-belt immediately
Figure 8. Drive Belt Inspection
V-BELT TENSION
The V-belt tension is proper if the V-belt bends 10 to 15 mm
(Figure 9) when depressed with finger at midway between
the clutch and vibrator pulleys.
Figure 9. V-Belt Tension
GLAZED
OIL SOAKED
BROKEN
CORD FAILURE
CRACKS
MISSING RUBBER
SIDEWALL
WEAR
WORN BACK
COVER
CORRECT V-BELT
TENSION 10-15 MM
WHEN DEPRESSED
AS SHOWN.
V-BELT
CLUTCH
PULLEY
VIBRATOR
PULLEY
INSPECTION
VIBRATOR OIL CHECK
1. Place the plate compactor horizontally on a flat surface.
Make sure the compactor is level when checking the
oil in the vibrator assembly.
2. Check vibrator oil level by removing the oil plug (vibrator
oil gauge) as shown in Figure 10. Clean the oil gauge
and re-thread back in. Remove the oil gauge again and
confirm oil level does not exceed the cross hash of the
oil plug. DO NOT OVERFILL!
3. The vibrator holds approximately 20.3 oz. (600 cc).
IMPORTANT, if oil is required, replace using only SAE
10W-30 motor oil.
Figure 10. Vibrator Oil Check
HANDLE BAR
The height of the handle bar can be adjusted for ease of
use. Adjust the handle height as follows. Refer to Figure 11.
1. Loosen the wing nut.
2. Turn the grip clockwise to raise the handle or
counterclockwise to lower the handle.
3. When the handle bar is raised to the desired height,
tighten the wing nut.
Figure 11. Handle Height Adjustment
Effective
Oil gauge
(19mm wrench)
Drain plug
(14mm wrench)
Grip
Wing nut
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MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17— PAGE 19
This section is intended to assist the operator with the
initial startup of the compactor. It is extremely important
that this section be read carefully before attempting to use
the compactor in the field.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Place the engine fuel valve lever (Figure 12) to the
“ON” position.
Figure 12. Engine Fuel Valve Lever (ON Position)
2. Move the throttle lever (Figure 13) slightly higher from
the idle position.
Figure 13. Throttle Lever (Higher Position)
CAUTION
DO NOT attempt to operate the compactor
until the Safety, General Information and
Inspection sections of this manual have
been read and thoroughly understood.
FUEL VALVE
LEVER
ON
OFF
Idle position
Slightly higher
position
Throttle lever
Handle
STARTUP
3. Place the choke lever (Figure 14) in the “CLOSED”
position if starting a cold engine.
Figure 14. Choke Lever (Closed)
4. When the engine is stopped, the hour tachometer
always shows "cumulative time" (Figure 15).
Figure 15. Hour Tachometer (Cumulative Time)
5. Place the engine ON/OFF switch (Figure 16) in the
"ON" position.
Figure 16. Engine ON/OFF Switch (ON Position)
OPEN
CLOSE
CHOKE LEVER
NOTICE
The CLOSED position of the choke lever enriches the
fuel mixture for starting a COLD engine. The OPEN
position provides the correct fuel mixture for normal
operation after starting, and for restarting a warm
engine.
DIESEL
ENGINE TACH &HOUR METER
HRS
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PAGE 20 — MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17
STARTUP
6. Grasp the starter grip (Figure 17) and slowly pull it
out. The resistance becomes the hardest at a certain
position, corresponding the compression point. Rewind
the rope a little from that point and pull out sharply.
Figure 17. Starter Grip
7. When engine starts, release the starter grip and allow
the rope to recoil.
8. If the choke lever was moved to the "CLOSED" position
to start the engine, gradually move it to the "OPEN"
position (Figure 18) as the engine warms up. If the
engine has not started, repeat steps 1 through 6.
Figure 18. Choke Lever (Open)
STARTER GRIP
NOTICE
DO NOT pull the starter rope all the way to the end
DO NOT release the starter rope after pulling. Allow it
to rewind as soon as possible.
OPEN
CLOSE
CHOKE LEVER
9. Before the compactor is placed in to operation, run the
engine for several minutes. Check for fuel leaks, and
noises that would associate with a lose component.
10. During operation, the hour tachometer displays
"rotation number" (Figure 19).
Figure 19. Hour Tachometer (Rotation Number)
DIESEL
ENGINE TACH &HOUR METER
HRS
DIESEL
ENGINE TACH &HOUR METER
RPM
Rotation number
Cumulative time
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MVH308GH PLATE COMPACTOR • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 11/17/17— PAGE 21
OPERATION
OPERATION
1. Once the engine has started, move the engine throttle
lever quickly to the operation position (Figure 20).
Figure 20. Throttle Lever (Operation Position)
2. With the throttle lever in the run position, the engine
speed should be around 2,300 RPM, therefore
engaging the centrifugal clutch.
3. The direction control lever allows the machine to be
moved either backward or forward (Figure 21). When
the direction control lever is pushed forward, the
machine moves forward. When pulled backward, the
machine moves backward.
CAUTION
ALWAYS follow all safety rules in the safety
section of this manual before operating
compactor. Keep work area clear of debris
and other objects that could cause bodily
injury or damage to the compactor.
Throttle lever
Handle
Idle position
Operation
position
NOTICE
ALWAYS move the throttle lever quickly without
hesitation, because increasing the engine speed slowly
causes the clutch to slip.
NOTICE
Your unit may be equipped with direction control levers
on both the right and left side of the handle. Earlier
models only have one control lever located on the right
side of the handle.
Figure 21. Direction Control Lever
4. When the direction control lever is the neutral position,
the machine vibrates staying at the same location
5. Compactor traveling speed may drop on soils which
contain clay, however there may be cases where
traveling speed drops because the compaction plate
does not leave the ground surface easily due to the
composition of the soil. To rectify this problem do the
following:
• Check the bottom plate to see if clay or equivalent
material has been lodged in the plate mechanism. If
so, wash with water and remove.
• Remember the compactor does not work as efficiently
on clay or soils that have a high moisture content level.
• If the soil has a high moisture level, dry soil to
appropriate moisture content level or carry out
compaction twice.
Reverse Neutral
Forward
Direction
control lever
NOTICE
NEVER stop the engine suddenly while working at
high speeds.
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