R/C Fun: A Remote-Controlled Trench Compactor

Trenches are man-eating cave-in monsters waiting for the right moment to spring their collapsing trap, so the last thing you want to do is anger one by walking in with a vibrating soil compactor. That’s why smart construction workers drive the compactor in by remote control.

Thankfully there’s no shortage of remote-controlled compactors on the market, with offerings from Bomag, Ingersoll-Rand, JCB, Multiquip, and others. In addition to keeping humans out of harm’s way, the remote control also puts some distance between the bone-jarring vibration and the operator’s body.

Of course, as practical as these demolition vehicles are, we can’t help but imagine the fun we could have playing around with ‘em. An article in JLC suggests taking on the kids’ R/C cars in a demolition derby — if you can catch ‘em, that is! Personally, I think one of these suckers disguised as a rock would be the perfect way to annoy your local seismologist.

What would you do with a ton-plus diesel-fueled R/C car? Tell us in comments!

Equipment: Today’s Compactor Spotlight [ForConstructionPros]