Economical vibratory plate compactor the GP18, is portable, and offers outstanding compaction performance. A patented suspension system places shock mounts in a predominantly shear mode at the high amplitude front end of the plate and a predominantly compressive mode at the low amplitude trailing end of the plate. This system reduces hand arm vibration and also better isolates all upper mass components, including the engine, from vibrations produced by the machine's exciter. This lightweight plate compactor is easy to lift and maneuver about the jobsite. Accompanied by intense vibration this plate is ideally suited as an economical alternative for small to medium compaction applications.