A Backfill Tamper butt (often referred to as a tamper butt or tamper foot) is a replaceable tool attachment used in pneumatic or hydraulic backfill tampers. It is essential for compacting soil, gravel, and other fill materials in trenches or confined areasparticularly after pipe laying or excavation work.
- Design: Typically cylindrical, round, or rectangular, with a flat bottom surface for uniform compaction. Common sizes include 4″ to 6″ diameter for round butts and variable rectangular sizes (e.g., 3″x5″, 4″x6″). It is designed to fit specific backfill tampers (e.g., CP, Ingersoll Rand, Rhino), usually via a bolt-on or slip-fit system. The wear surface is slightly beveled or chamfered edges to avoid gouging while compacting. The Pole Butt (also called a pole tamper butt or pole tamping tool) is a specialized attachment designed for use with pneumatic or hydraulic backfill tampers to compact soil around poles, posts, or other vertical structures. It features a narrow, contoured footprint optimized for working in tight spaces around cylindrical or square poles without damaging them.
- Materials:Tamper butts are commonly made from forged or cast steel, ductile iron or aluminum. The mount interface is made from tool steel or hardened alloy. They may be finished with black oxide or painted to enhance appearance and resistance to corrosion.
- Applications:
- Trench backfilling after pipe or conduit installation
- Utility and municipal work, such as gas, water, and sewer lines
- Road repair and patching
- Landscape and foundation preparation
- Tight or confined space compaction where plate compactors can’t be used
- Applications for Pole (Kidney, Concave) Butt
- Utility pole installation (e.g., telephone, electrical poles)
- Fence post tamping
- Guardrail post backfilling
- Compacting around signposts or small-diameter piles
- Pole barn construction or agricultural posts
- Configurations:2-1/2″, 5″, or 6-1/4″ Round, Concave or Kidney in Aluminum or Iron.

