Wen 56035M User manual

Construction Zone
Plate Compactor
Item # 56035M
Owner’s Manual
Manual del Propietario
Questions? Problems?
Please call our customer help line:
[phone] M-F 8-5 CST
FEATURES
•Heavy Duty 24"x18" Compacting Plate
•Swing-over Handle Allows Instant Operation on Both Sides
•5400 Vibrations per Minute
•4496 lbs Compaction Force
•Heavy Duty Frame Features a Central Lifting Point for Easy Loading/Unloading
•Powerful 212 cc 4 Stroke Engine
•Low Oil Automatic Shutoff
•1 Gallon Fuel Tank Capacity
•Engine Meets EPA Emission Standards

i
PLATE COMPACTOR IDENTIFICATION
For information and questions, please contact the Customer Service Help Line by calling (888) 315-
3080. Certain information will be requested by the Customer Service Representative and to facilitate
that, please fill in the information below.
Refer to the illustration below for the location of Serial Number. Record plate compactor information
in the spaces provided below.
DATE OF PURCHASE: ______________________________________________
PURCHASED FROM: ______________________________________________
MODEL NUMBER: __________________________________________________
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER: _________________________________________
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
SERVICE RECORD
Record Service Dates:
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Oil Change
Change spark plug
Clean Fuel Tank
Clean Air Cleaner

ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PLATE COMPACTOR IDENTIFICATION .................................................................................i
SERVICE RECORD .........................................................................................................................i
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................1
SAFETY INFORMATION..............................................................................................................2
GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES ...........................................................................................3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................5
PLATE COMPACTOR COMPONENTS......................................................................................6
ASSEMBLY ......................................................................................................................................7
PLATE COMPACTOR PREPARATION.....................................................................................8
Using the Plate Compactor for the First Time................................................................................8
Step 1 - Fill Oil ...........................................................................................................................8
Step 2- Add Gasoline..................................................................................................................9
STARTING THE PLATE COMPACTOR..................................................................................11
SUBSEQUENT STARTING OF THE PLATE COMPACTOR ...............................................12
Step 1- Check the Oil................................................................................................................12
Step 2 – Check the Fuel Level..................................................................................................12
USING THE PLATE COMPACTOR ..........................................................................................13
STOPPING THE PLATE COMPACTOR ..................................................................................14
MAINTENANCE / CARE .............................................................................................................15
Cleaning the Plate Compactor ......................................................................................................15
Checking the Oil...........................................................................................................................15
Changing/ Adding Oil ..................................................................................................................16
Air Cleaner Maintenance..............................................................................................................17
Spark Plug Maintenance...............................................................................................................18
Draining the Fuel Tank.................................................................................................................18
STORAGE / TRANSPORT PROCEDURES ..............................................................................19
SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................20
TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................................21
EXPLODED VIEW AND PARTS LIST......................................................................................22
WARRANTY STATEMENT ........................................................................................................28

1
INTRODUCTION
Thank You for Purchasing a WEN Construction Zone TM Product.
.
This manual provides information regarding the safe operation and maintenance of this product.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this manual.
Construction Zone TM reserves the right to change this product and specifications at any time
without prior notice.
Please keep this manual available to all users during the entire life of the plate compactor.
Special Messages
This manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential safety concerns, plate
compactor damage as well as helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all the
information carefully to avoid injury and machine damage.
Questions? Problems?
In order to answer questions and solve problems in the most efficient and speedy manner,
contact Customer Service at:
[phone] M-F 8-5 CST
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engines that are certified to comply with U.S. EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off
Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the
following emission control systems: (EM) Engine Modifications and (TWC) Three-Way Catalyst
(if so equipped).

2
SAFETY INFORMATION
Before operating this plate compactor read and observe all warnings, cautions, and
instructions on this sheet, on the plate compactor, and in the Owner’s Manual.
NOTE: The following safety information is not meant to cover all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. Read the entire Owner’s Manual for safety and operating
instructions. Failure to follow instructions and safety information could result in serious
injury or death.
This safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards that can result in
personal injury.
A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) is used
with the alert symbol to indicate the likelihood and the potential severity of injury.
In addition, a hazard symbol may be used to represent the type of hazard.
DANGER indicates a hazard, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard, which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazard, which, if not avoided, might result in minor or
moderate injury.
CAUTION, when used without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could
result in damage to the engine or plate compactor.
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS

3
GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES
For any questions regarding the hazard and safety notices listed in this manual or on the
product, please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST before using the plate compactor.
DANGER: CARBON MONOXIDE. Using an plate compactor indoors
CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.
Plate compactor exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). This is a poison gas you
cannot see or smell. If you can smell the plate compactor exhaust, you are
breathing CO. But even if you cannot smell the exhaust, you could be breathing
CO.
•NEVER use an plate compactor inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, or other partly
enclosed areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up in these areas. Using
a fan or opening windows and doors does NOT supply enough fresh air.
•ONLY use a plate compactor outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents.
These openings can pull in plate compactor exhaust.
Even if you use a plate compactor correctly, CO may leak into the home. ALWAYS use a
battery-powered or battery-backup CO alarm in the home.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after the plate compactor has been running, move to
fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNING: The exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: This plate compactor may emit highly
flammable and explosive gasoline vapors, which can
cause severe burns or even death, if ignited. A nearby open flame can lead to
explosion even if not directly in contact with gasoline.
•Do not operate near open flame.
•Do not smoke near plate compactor.
•Always operate on a firm, level surface.
•Always turn engine off before refueling. Allow engine to cool for at least 2 minutes
before removing fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.
•Do not overfill fuel tank. Gasoline may expand during operation. Do not fill to the
top of the tank. Allow for expansion.
•Always check for spilled fuel before operating.
•Empty fuel tank before storing or transporting the plate compactor.
•Before transporting, turn fuel valve to off and disconnect spark plug wire.
•Do not allow children or non-qualified persons to operate.

4
WARNING: This plate compactor produces heat when running. Temperatures near
exhaust can exceed 150º F (65º C).
•Do not touch hot surfaces. Pay attention to warning labels on the plate compactor
identifying hot parts of the machine.
•Allow engine to cool down after use before touching engine or areas of the engine that
become hot during use.
CAUTION: Misuse of this plate compactor can damage it or shorten its life.
•Use plate compactor only for its intended purposes.
•Allow plate compactor to run for several minutes before engaging the compactor.
•Turn engine switch to “off” position when the engine is not running.
Do not operate the Plate Compactor in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which can ignite flammable materials.
Keep bystanders and children at least six feet away while operating the Plate Compactor.
Distractions can cause you to lose control. Protect others in the work area from debris such as
chips and sparks. Provide barriers and shields as needed. Never allow children operate or play on
or near the Plate Compactor.
The Plate Compactor should only be used in outdoor areas. Carbon monoxide fumes (from the
gasoline engine) are a colorless, odorless gas that, if inhaled, can cause serious illness or death. If
the Plate Compactor is used in enclosed spaces, the area must be well-ventilated and Engine
exhaust fumes must be piped out of the enclosed space using leak-free, heat-resistant piping. The
pipes should not use any flammable materials, nor should they be installed near the same. Engine
exhaust fumes must be within legal limits.
Before performing compacting work near buildings or above pipelines, check the effect of the
vibrations on the buildings and pipelines. If necessary, immediately stop the compacting work.

5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important instructions for plate
compactor product that should be followed during installation and maintenance of the plate
compactor.
•Plate compactors vibrate in normal use. Have damaged items repaired or replaced as
necessary.
In addition to the previous safety notices, please become familiar with the safety and hazard
markings on the plate compactor.

6
PLATE COMPACTOR COMPONENTS
When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown on the parts list is included.
If there are any damaged or missing parts, please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST for
customer service
Please familiarize yourself with the locations and functions of the various components and controls
of your plate compactor.
1- Muffler
2- Handle
3- Handle Lever
4- Gas Tank Cap
5- Gas Tank
6- Air Cleaner
7- Engine Switch
8- Choke Lever
9- Fuel Valve
10- Recoil Starter handle
11- Lifting Handle
12- Base

7
ASSEMBLY
In order to best protect the plate compactor while in the package, this product comes with some
components disassembled. Please complete the following assembly step before proceeding to use
the plate compactor.
If after reading this section, you are unsure about how to perform any of the steps, please call
[phone] M-F 8-5 CST for customer service.
WARNING: This plate compactor is heavy. Some procedures may require
lifting equipment or two people.
Handle Assembly
The Plate Compactor is shipped with the lower handle already assembled and attached to the plate.
To complete the handle assembly, loosen the knobs in the middle of the handle and swing the
upper handle into place.
Next, insert the bolt, washer and nut into the hole directly above the plastic knob as shown in the
illustration. Tighten the nut and the plastic knob.
Repeat the process on the other side of the handle.

8
PLATE COMPACTOR PREPARATION
Using the plate compactor for the First Time
The following section describes steps necessary to prepare the plate compactor for use. If
after reading this section, you are unsure about how to perform any of the steps please call
[phone] M-F 8-5 CST for customer service. Failure to perform these steps properly
can damage the plate compactor or shorten its life.
Step 1 -Fill Oil
The plate compactor is shipped without oil. User must add the proper amount of oil before
operating the plate compactor for the first time. The oil capacity of the engine crankcase is 20
fluid oz.
Select good quality detergent oil bearing the American Petroleum Institute (API) service
classifications SJ, SL, or SM. (Synthetic oils may be used.) Use the SAE viscosity grade
of oil from the following chart that matches the starting temperature anticipated before
the next oil changes.
Figure 2- Engine oil recommendations
To fill oil to the crankcase, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the plate compactor is on a level surface. Tilting the plate compactor to assist
in filling will cause oil to flow into engine areas and will cause damage. Keep plate
compactor level!
2. Remove the oil filler/dipstick cap from the engine as shown in figure 3.
3. Using a funnel, add the appropriate type and amount of oil into the crankcase. The
crankcase is full when the oil level has reached the second thread from the lip of the
opening (see figure 4).
4. Check for oil leaks. Reinstall oil filler cap before starting engine.

9
Figure 3-Unscrewing the oil cap Figure 4- filling oil
Step 2-Add Gasoline
WARNING: This plate compactor may emit
highly flammable and explosive gasoline vapors,
which can cause severe burns or even death if ignited.
A nearby open flame can lead to explosion even if not directly in contact with
gasoline.
•Do not operate near open flame.
•Do not smoke near plate compactor.
•Always operate on a firm, level surface.
•Always turn plate compactor off before refueling. Allow plate compactor to cool for
at least 2 minutes before removing fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in
tank.
•Do not overfill fuel tank. Gasoline may expand during operation. Do not fill to the
top of the tank. Allow for expansion.
•Always check for spilled fuel before operating. Clean up any spilled fuel before
starting.
•Empty fuel tank before storing or transporting the plate compactor.
•Before transporting, turn fuel valve to off position and disconnect spark plug wire.
Use fresh (within 30 days from purchase), unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87 octane rating. Do
not use gasoline which contains Methanol. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
To add gasoline, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the plate compactor is on a level surface.
2. Unscrew fuel tank cap and set aside (NOTE: the fuel cap may be tight and hard to
unscrew).
3. Slowly add unleaded gasoline to the fuel tank. Be careful not to overfill. Please refer to the
chart in figure 4 for the fuel capacity. The fuel gauge on the top of the plate compactor
indicates how much gasoline is in the plate compactor fuel tank. NOTE: Do not fill the
fuel tank to the very top. Gasoline will expand and spill over during use even with the
fuel cap in place.
4. Reinstall fuel cap and wipe off any spilled gasoline with a dry cloth.
IMPORTANT:
•Never use an oil/gasoline mixture.
•Never use old gasoline.

10
•Avoid letting dirt or water into the fuel tank.
•Gasoline can age in the tank and make it hard to start up the plate compactor in the future.
Never store plate compactor for extended periods of time with fuel in the tank.
Model number
56035
Fuel tank
capacity
1 Gallon
Figure 5- Fuel Tank Capacity
NOTE: After completing the 2-step Plate compactor Preparation, the plate compactor is
ready to be started.

11
STARTING THE PLATE COMPACTOR
Before starting the plate compactor, make sure you have read and performed the steps in
the “Plate compactor Preparation” section of this manual. If you are unsure about how to
perform any of the steps in this manual please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST for
customer service.
DANGER: CARBON MONOXIDE. Using a plate compactor indoors CAN
KILL YOU IN MINUTES.
Plate compactor exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). This is a poison gas you
cannot see or smell. If you can smell the plate compactor exhaust, you are
breathing CO. But even if you cannot smell the exhaust, you could be breathing
CO.
•NEVER use a plate compactor inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, or other partly
enclosed areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up in these areas. Using
a fan or opening windows and doors does NOT supply enough fresh air.
•ONLY use a plate compactor outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents.
These openings can pull in plate compactor exhaust.
Even if you use a plate compactor correctly, CO may leak into the home. ALWAYS use a
battery-powered or battery-backup CO alarm in the home.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after the plate compactor has been running, move to
fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
To start your plate compactor, perform the following steps:
1. Check the oil and fuel levels.
2. Turn the fuel valve to the “on” position (to the right).
3. Move the choke lever to the “start” position (to the left).
4. Set the engine switch to the “on” position.
5. Move handle lever to MIN position.
6. Pull on the recoil starter handle slowly until a slight resistance is felt. Then pull quickly to
start the engine. Return cord gently into the machine. Never allow the cord to snap back.
7. If engine fails to start, repeat step 6. NOTE: After repeated failed attempts to start the
engine, please consult the troubleshooting guide before attempting again. If problems
persist please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST.
8. Once the engine has started, slowly return the choke lever all the way to the “open”
position.
9. Allow the plate compactor to run for several minutes before engaging the compactor.
10. Move handle lever to MAX position to engage the plate.

12
SUBSEQUENT STARTING OF THE PLATE COMPACTOR
If this is not the first time using the plate compactor, user should take the following steps to
prepare it for operation.
IMPORTANT: At this point the user should be familiar with the procedures described in the
section titled “Using the Plate compactor for the First Time.” If the user has not yet read
this section, go back and read it now.
Step 1-Check the Oil
Oil consumption is normal during plate compactor usage. The plate compactor is equipped with a
low-oil shutoff to protect it from damage. The oil level in the engine should be checked before
each use to ensure that the engine crankcase contains sufficient lubricant.
To check or add oil, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the plate compactor is on a level surface. Clean around oil fill.
2. Remove the oil filler/dipstick cap and check oil level.
3. If oil level is below the second thread from the lip of the oil fill opening, slowly add oil
until the engine crankcase is filled.
4. Reinstall and tighten oil filler cap before starting the engine. .
Step 2 –Check the Fuel Level
Before starting the plate compactor, check to see that there is sufficient gasoline in the fuel tank.
The fuel gauge on top of the plate compactor will indicate the fuel level in the tank. Add gasoline
if necessary but leave sufficient room in tank for expansion.
WARNING: This plate compactor may emit highly
flammable and explosive gasoline vapors, which can
cause severe burns or even death if ignited. A nearby
open flame can lead to explosion even if not directly in contact with fuel.
•Do not operate near open flame.
•Do not smoke near plate compactor.
•Always operate on a firm, level surface.
•Always turn engine off before refueling. Allow engine to cool for at least 2 minutes
before removing fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.
•Do not overfill fuel tank. Gasoline may expand during operation. Do not fill to the
top of the tank. Allow for expansion.
•Always check for spilled fuel before operating. Clean up any spilled fuel before
starting.
•Empty fuel tank before storing or transporting the plate compactor.
•Before transporting, turn fuel valve to off and disconnect spark plug wire.
IMPORTANT:
•Use only UNLEADED gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
•Do not use old gasoline.
•Never use an oil/gasoline mixture.
•Avoid letting dirt or water into the fuel tank.

13
USING THE PLATE COMPACTOR
This plate compactor is designed for compacting loose, granular soils, gravel, and paving stones. It
is intended to be used in confined areas and areas next to structures such as walls, curbs, and
foundations.
This plate compactor is not recommended for compacting cohesive soils with heavy clay content.
Run the engine at full throttle and allow the plate to pull itself along at its normal speed.
When operating on an incline it may be necessary to assist the plate by pushing it forward slightly.
When operating downhill hold the plate back slightly, if it begins to pick up speed.
Depending on the material being compacted, three or four passes are recommended to achieve the
best compaction.
While a certain amount of moisture in the soil is necessary, excessive moisture may cause soil
particles to stick together and prevent good compaction. If soil is extremely wet, allow it to dry
somewhat before compacting.
If soil is so dry as to create dust clouds while operating plate, some moisture should be added to
the ground material to improve compaction. This will also reduce service to the air filter.
For compacting asphalt, use a water tank to wet the asphalt and the underside of plate.
This will prevent asphalt material from sticking. Two passes are usually sufficient to ensure good
compaction.
When using the plate on paving stones, attach a pad to the bottom of the plate to prevent chipping
or grinding surface of stones. A special polyurethane pad (Item # 56035-047) designed for this
purpose is available as an optional accessory.
WARNING: DO NOT operate the plate on concrete or on extremely hard, dry, compacted
surfaces. The plate will jump rather than vibrate and could damage both the plate and the engine.
Grip the handle firmly with both hands. To avoid injury, keep hands, fingers, and feet away from
the compactor base. Grip the handle of the compactor firmly with both hands. If both hands are
holding the handle and your feet are clear of the compactor base, your hands, fingers, and feet
cannot be injured by the plate.
Adjust the handle lever between its “MIN” to “MAX” position, depending on the desired vibration
speed.
Slowly guide the plate compactor in the desired direction.
Always keep a safe distance away from the edge of ditches and avoid any actions that may cause
the plate compactor to topple over.
Always ascend slopes carefully in a direct path and back up slopes to prevent the plate compactor
from toppling back onto the operator.

14
STOPPING THE PLATE COMPACTOR
To stop the plate compactor:
1. Move handle lever to MIN position to disengage the compactor.
2. Turn the engine switch to the “OFF” position.
3. Turn the fuel valve to the “OFF” position.
WARNING: Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before touching
areas that become hot during use.
CAUTION: Allowing gasoline to sit in the plate compactor tank for long periods of time
without use can make it difficult to start the engine in the future. Never store plate
compactor for extended periods of time with fuel in the tank.
Note: Always park the plate compactor on a firm and level surface.

15
MAINTENANCE / CARE
Proper routine maintenance of your plate compactor will help prolong the life of your machine.
Please perform maintenance checks and operations according the schedule in figure 6.
If you have questions about any of the maintenance procedures listed in this manual, please
call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST.
CAUTION: Never perform maintenance operations while the engine is running.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
each use
first month
then every
20 hrs
every 3
months or
50 hrs
every 6
months or
100 hrs
every year
or 300 hrs
check level
x
Engine oil
replace
x
x
check
x
Air cleaner
clean
x
spark plug
check/ clean
x
check fuel level
x
fuel tank
clean
x
Figure 6- Recommended maintenance schedule
Cleaning the Plate compactor
Never clean the plate compactor when it is running!
If the plate compactor becomes dirty, clean the exterior with a damp cloth, a soft brush, vacuum or
pressurized air.
Checking the Oil
Check the oil level of the engine according to the Recommended Maintenance Schedule in Figure
6. The engine is equipped with an automatic shutoff to protect it from running with low oil
pressure. The engine should be checked before each use for proper oil level. This is a critical step
for proper engine starting.
To check or add oil, follow these steps: (Figure 7)
1. Make sure the plate compactor is on a level surface. Clean around oil fill.
2. Remove the oil filler/dipstick cap and check oil level.
3. If oil level is below the second thread from the lip of the oil fill opening, slowly add oil
until the engine crankcase is filled.
4. Reinstall and tighten oil filler cap before starting the engine. .

16
Figure 7- Checking the oil
Changing/ Adding Oil
Change the oil according to the maintenance schedule in figure 6. Change the oil when the engine
is warm. This will allow for complete drainage. Change oil more often if operating under heavy
load or high ambient temperatures. It is also necessary to drain the oil from the crankcase if it has
become contaminated with water or dirt.
The oil capacity of the engine in this plate compactor is 20 fluid oz. Add oil when the oil level is
low.
Drain the oil from the engine according to the following steps:
1. Place a container underneath the engine to catch oil as it drains.
2. Using a hex wrench, unscrew the oil drain plug (see figure 8). Allow all the oil to drain
from the engine.
3. Reinstall the oil drain plug and tighten with a hex wrench.
To fill the crankcase with oil, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the plate compactor is on a level surface. Tilting the plate compactor to assist
in filling will cause oil to flow into engine areas and will cause damage. Keep plate
compactor level!
2. Remove the oil filler/dipstick cap from the engine as shown in figure 7 above.
3. Using a funnel, add the appropriate type and amount of oil into the crankcase. The
crankcase is full when the oil level has reached the second thread from the lip of the
opening (see figure 9).
4. Check for oil leaks. Reinstall oil filler cap before starting engine.
Figure 8- Draining oil Figure 9- Adding oil
NOTE: Never dispose of used motor oil in the trash or down a drain. Please call your local
recycling center or auto garage to arrange oil disposal.

17
Air Cleaner Maintenance
Routine maintenance of the air cleaner helps maintain proper air flow to the carburetor. Check that
the air cleaner is free of excessive dirt.
1. Remove air cleaner cover (a). Remove both elements and inspect them for holes or tears.
Replace damaged elements.
2. Wash foam element (b) in solution of mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly in
clean water. Allow element to dry thoroughly. Soak element in clean engine oil and
squeeze out excess oil.
3. Tap paper element (c) lightly to remove excess dirt. Replace paper element if it appears
heavily soiled.
Figure 10-air cleaner