Rainhart Soil Compactor FAQs

The guide rod plates should be tight against the rods with no movement. If there’s any play, replace the plates.

To replace: 

1. Remove both bolts.
2. Slip the plate off the bottom.
3. Reinstall by reversing the steps.

When reinstalled, the distance between the plate and the guide rod disc should be 0.016”. If not, the compactor may need recalibration.

The upper guide bushing wears over time. Measure the inside diameter:

• Good: Less than 0.87"
• Replace: 0.87" or larger

If the tamping head doesn’t drop properly—or stutters, or hits a guide rod—the rotation is likely off.

To correct:

• Adjust the angle of the spacer rod at the back of the grabber.
• Measure from the frame to the outside of the engager handle block: it should be 4-¼”.
• At this distance, you should get 10–11 blows per rotation.

There must be a ½” gap between the grabber body and the releaser body. This is adjusted using the grabber cable.

• The u-bolt closest to the flywheel pulley = fine adjustment.
• The u-bolt further away = coarse adjustment.

How to Adjust Grabber Height:

1. Disengage the grabber by flipping the tripper arm down.
2. Rotate the flywheel handle to bring the grabber to its highest point.
3. Measure the gap between the grabber and releaser.

• If not ½”, adjust the fine u-bolt up or down.
• Use a gauge block for accuracy.

1. Once correct, tighten the fine adjustment bolt and recheck.

The guide disc’s outer curve wears flat over time. The flat area should never exceed 5/32”.

The brass teeth inside the grabber slowly wear down.

To inspect:

1. Without resting on anything, engage the grabber by flipping the tripper arm up.
2. Look from the side to check the inner angle bar.

The counter relies on correct spacing between the sensor and reflective tape.

Key checks:

• Use only the paired reflective tape (other types may not register).
• Sensor should be mounted on the bracket as shown.
• Keep tape clean and positioned correctly.

• If using an SCA, refer to the SCA troubleshooting guide.
• Clean and realign reflective tape.
• Verify sensor-to-tape distance.
• Confirm sensor is plugged in and undamaged.
• Check counter power.

• Check wall power and ensure motor is plugged in.
• Confirm blow count is set to desired number.
• Inspect the fuse on the back:
• Twist the fuse cap to pop it out.
• Stretch spring inside if over-compressed, then reinsert.

• Verify grabber height—too high may smash the tripper arm.
• Check rotation angle—tripper arm may be striking a guide rod. (See Proper Setup section.)

• Inspect grabber teeth for wear.
• Verify engager height is correct.
• Clean shaft with denatured alcohol. Do not lubricate.

This is usually a setup issue. Excess vibration can cause misalignment and prevent proper grabbing.

Recheck all setup steps above.