MVH208GH Reversible Plate Compactor

Features

• Reliable Honda GX270 gasoline recoil-start engine
• Fold-out front cover for easy access to all maintenance points
• Hour/Tachometer to measure machine hour usage and engine RPM
• Cyclonic pre-cleaner to capture most airborne contaminants for engine protection and extended service life
• Heavy duty shock mounts to withstand harsh operating environment while reducing vibration to the operator and helping to extend component life
• Hydraulic controls enables operator to easily switch direction from forward to reverse while also allowing for spot compaction
• Rugged base plate manufactured from high strength steel for top performance and featuring open design for easy cleanup
• Steel frame protective guard with fully integrated cage protects the engine from loose debris or dirt while serving as a lifting bar for easy portability
• Low profile base plate lowers the center of gravity dramatically improving travel speed

The Multiquip MVH208GH Reversible Plate Compactor is a high‑production Mikasa reversible plate designed for powerful, efficient compaction of sand, gravel, and cohesive soils, delivering 8,318 lbs (37 kN) of centrifugal force with a 20" wide steel plate and a reliable Honda GX‑series engine. Built for foundations, roadwork, trench backfill, and large commercial job sites, it combines hard‑hitting performance with user‑friendly controls, low‑vibration operation, and easy maintenance access.

Overview of the Multiquip MVH208GH

The Multiquip Mikasa MVH208GH Reversible Plate Compactor is part of Multiquip’s premium line of reversible plates, offering forward and reverse travel plus “on the spot” compaction for tight areas. With a 20" (500 mm) wide plate and a 28.3" (720 mm) plate length, it balances maneuverability with enough coverage for serious production work.

Key headline specs:

• Centrifugal force: 8,318 lb (37 kN).

• Plate size: 19.7" x 28.3" (500 x 720 mm).

• Operating weight: approx. 463 lb (210 kg).

• Engine: Honda GX‑series gasoline engine (GX240 or updated GX270 depending on spec year).

These characteristics make the MVH208GH a solid mid‑size reversible plate that’s strong enough for compacting lifts in trenches and slabs yet easy enough to move and handle on everyday projects.

Engine: Honda GX‑Series Power

Different dealers list the MVH208GH with either a Honda GX240 or Honda GX270 engine, reflecting an update in some markets, but in all cases it uses a commercial‑grade Honda OHV gas engine built for reliability.

Engine highlights:

• Model: Honda GX240 or GX270 gasoline engine (per current configuration).

• Fuel type: Gasoline.

• Fuel consumption: approx. 0.67 gal (2.54 L) per hour at rated load.

Many listings also note:

• Cyclonic pre‑cleaner capturing most airborne contaminants before they reach the air filter, extending engine life in dusty conditions.

• Honda’s reputation for easy starting, strong torque, and long‑term parts support.

For contractors, the Honda engine means predictable performance and easy service anywhere small‑engine support is available.

Compaction Performance and Applications

The MVH208GH is designed as a reversible plate compactor for efficient compaction of a range of soils.

Performance specs:

• Centrifugal force: 8,318 lb (37 kN).

• Exciter speed: 5,200 VPM (vibrations per minute), equivalent to 87 Hz.

• Max forward speed: approx. 85 ft/min (26 m/min).

Recommended materials and uses:

• Sand and granular base materials.

• Gravel and crushed stone layers.

• Cohesive soils where a reversible plate is preferred over a rammer for production work.

• Foundations, slabs, roadbase, trench backfill, and large commercial pads.

Multiquip and Mikasa describe the MVH208GH as an “ideal high‑production machine” for efficient compaction on demanding job sites.

Reversible Travel and Hydraulic Controls

One of the defining features of the MVH208GH is its hydraulic forward/reverse control system.

Key control features:

• Hydraulic controls allow the operator to easily switch between forward and reverse travel with a simple lever.

• The same control setup allows “spot compaction”, where the plate can stay in one place and vibrate to achieve higher density in confined areas.

This reversibility is especially helpful when:

• Working in narrow trenches or behind obstacles.

• Backing out of a trench while compacting, rather than turning the machine around.

• Achieving uniform compaction along foundation walls or inside forms.

Compared with single‑direction plates, the reversible control system makes the MVH208GH far more versatile and productive in real‑world layouts.

Plate Design and Vibration Isolation

The MVH208GH uses a rugged, high‑strength steel base plate optimized for compaction and ease of cleaning.

Plate and frame details:

• Plate size: 19.7" x 28.3" (500 x 720 mm).

• Low‑profile base plate lowers the machine’s center of gravity, improving tracking and travel speed.

• Open plate design makes it easier to wash off material and prevents build‑up that could affect performance.

The machine also uses heavy‑duty shock mounts:

• These mounts are designed to withstand harsh operating environments while reducing vibration transmitted to the operator.

• Lower hand‑arm vibration not only improves operator comfort but also helps extend the life of engine, frame, and fasteners.

Together, the plate and isolation system help deliver uniform compaction without beating up the operator or the machine.

Maintenance and Serviceability Features

Multiquip designed the MVH208GH for easy servicing, which is reflected in multiple user‑friendly features.

Key maintenance‑oriented elements:

• Fold‑out front cover for quick access to engine, exciter, and key maintenance points.

• Some configurations also have fold‑out rear cover, further simplifying access.

• Hour/tachometer integrated into the machine to track engine RPM and total hours, making it easy to schedule service intervals.

• Cyclonic pre‑cleaner on the engine to remove most dust before it reaches the filter, improving air filtration and engine life.

The combination of easy access covers and built‑in hour meter makes the MVH208GH straightforward to maintain in a rental fleet or contractor shop.

Dimensions, Weight, and Transport

Despite its strong compaction force, the MVH208GH remains compact enough to transport easily in trucks and on trailers.

Physical specs:

• Overall length: 51.6" (1311 mm).

• Overall width: 19.7" (500 mm).

• Overall height: approx. 39.2"–40" (about 996–1,010 mm depending on listing).

• Operating weight: 463 lb (210 kg).

Additional transport‑friendly design:

• Steel frame protective guard with fully integrated cage that protects the engine from debris and doubles as a lifting bar/point.

This lets you lift the compactor with a forklift, crane hook, or loader, and also provides good protection in the back of a truck.

MVH208GH in the Multiquip/Mikasa Lineup

According to Multiquip’s reversible plate compactor brochure, the MVH208GH occupies the mid‑range of their Mikasa reversible line.

From the brochure:

• Plate size: 19.7" x 28.3" (500 x 720 mm).

• Centrifugal force: 8,318 lb (37 kN).

• Exciter speed: 5,200 VPM (87 Hz).

• Operating weight: 463 lb (210 kg).

Above the MVH208GH sit models like the MVH308GH, MVH406, and MVH408/MVH508 with larger plates and higher centrifugal forces (up to 14,613 lb / 65 kN), intended for bigger, heavier jobs. For many contractors, the MVH208GH offers a sweet spot between power and portability.

Typical Use Cases and Ideal Users

Given its size, force, and reversible capabilities, the Multiquip MVH208GH is suited to a wide range of civil and commercial applications.

Common uses:

• Trench compaction around utilities and foundations, where reversible travel is crucial.

• Roadbase and subbase compaction for streets, driveways, and parking lots.

• Slab and foundation prep for commercial buildings, pads, and industrial floors.

• Backfill compaction around retaining walls and structures where maneuverability is required.

Ideal users:

• General contractors and sitework crews needing a reliable mid‑size reversible plate.

• Utility and pipeline contractors who regularly work in trenches.

• Rental houses looking for a durable, easy‑to‑service reversible plate with a Honda engine and strong OEM support.

Why Choose the Multiquip MVH208GH Reversible Plate Compactor

Choosing the Multiquip MVH208GH Reversible Plate Compactor gives you a balance of power, maneuverability, and long‑term durability backed by Multiquip and Mikasa’s compaction experience.

Key reasons to choose this model:

• Strong compaction: 8,318 lb (37 kN) centrifugal force and 5,200 VPM for rapid, deep compaction of sand, gravel, and cohesive soils.

• Reversible & spot compaction: Hydraulic controls make tight areas, trenches, and backing out while compacting much easier and more precise.

• Honda engine reliability: GX‑series power with cyclonic pre‑cleaner, low fuel consumption, and worldwide parts availability.

• Low vibration & operator comfort: Heavy‑duty shock mounts and low‑profile plate reduce vibration and improve handling.

• Easy service: Fold‑out front (and in some models rear) covers, plus hour/tachometer, support straightforward preventive maintenance.