Backfill Tampers & Air Tampers
Backfill tampers also called air tampers or pneumatic rammers compact soil to reliable density in narrow trenches, around pipe, and at footings where plate compactors can’t reach. The CP 0035, CP 0004, CP 0003, and versatile APT 131 use a vertical-impact foot and high-frequency action for utility and pipeline work. Shop Chicago Pneumatic, APT, Texas Pneumatic, and Toku. New to compaction tools? See our tampers buyer’s guide. Free shipping on every backfill tamper.
Showing all 3 resultsSorted by popularity
Showing all 3 resultsSorted by popularity
Compaction in Tight Spaces
Backfill tampers run 18–40 CFM at 90 psi off an air compressor, in butterfly and pole styles with tamper feet to pack around pipe. For foundry and casting sand, see bench and sand rammers; for the full range, see tampers & rammers. New to sizing one? See the tampers buyer’s guide.
Air Tamper Comparison
Backfill tampers are sized by butt (foot) size and air demand — a bigger foot and higher CFM compact faster, while smaller tampers reach tighter around pipe and fittings. All are pneumatic and run off a compressor.
| Model | Brand | Butt size | Impact (BPM) | Air (CFM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP 0003 | Chicago Pneumatic | 5 in. | 800 | 18 |
| CP 0004 | Chicago Pneumatic | 6-1/4 in. | 780 | 28 |
| CP 0035 | Chicago Pneumatic | 6 in. | 800 | 38.5 |
| Texas Pneumatic TX6TN | Texas Pneumatic | 6 in. | 800 | 38.5 |
| Tamco JET-06 | Tamco/Toku | 6 in. | 750 | 35.2 |
| APT 131 | APT | 3 in., 6 in. & pole | 1680 | 40 |
Size the tamper to an air compressor that sustains its CFM. See all models above.
Common Questions
What is a backfill tamper? A backfill tamper — also called an air tamper or pneumatic rammer — is a handheld compaction tool that drives a flat foot straight down at high speed to pack soil in trenches, around pipe, and at footings where a plate compactor won’t fit.
What size compressor runs an air tamper? These draw 18–40 CFM at 90 psi, so a compressor rated 45+ CFM keeps up with any single tamper. See air compressors.
What’s the difference between a backfill tamper and a plate compactor? A backfill tamper is a narrow handheld tool for confined trench and around-pipe work; a plate compactor is a walk-behind machine for open areas. Crews often run both — the tamper handles what the plate can’t reach.
Do you sell rammers for foundry sand? Yes — for casting and foundry sand ramming, see bench and sand rammers.