US
Vestil

Vestil MTC-55 Mechanical Trash Compactor 55 Gallon

  • 55 gallon drums, drum not included
  • 7000 lb compacting force from a manual ratchet lever
  • 85.57 in tall, 32.06 in wide, 24.25 in deep
  • 166 lb unit with two wheels for tilt and roll moves when empty
  • Steel frame in blue, freestanding
  • 90 day limited warranty

Updated 26 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A manual ratchet compactor for pressing down the contents of a drum in a shop or loading dock. You supply the drum and the effort, and the short warranty covers only a few months.

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ASIN: B002S4LH08Model: MTC-55Category: Trash Compactors

Overview

Vestil builds this compactor around a ratchet mechanism: a lever drives the compacting plate down into a drum, selector levers set the plate direction, and the same ratchet retracts the plate afterward. A locking pin holds the lever in the up position between uses.

Pressing drum contents down with a manual ratchet means no power hookup and nothing to wire, which is the reason to put one beside a waste drum in a workshop. The drum itself is not part of the deal, and the unit is tall enough that ceiling height needs checking before it is wheeled in. Warranty cover is short.

Who it's for

Shops and facilities that fill drums with loose waste and want fewer drum changes will use the ratchet to press each load down. The operator works the lever, so a site that needs hands-off compaction should not buy it. Anyone without a drum on hand must buy one separately.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Manual ratchet needs no power
  • Selector levers set plate direction
  • Ratchet also retracts the plate
  • Locking pin secures the lever
Cons
  • Drum not included
  • Operator supplies the compacting effort
  • Very tall frame
  • Heavy to move once loaded

Performance notes

Compacting force comes from the ratchet multiplying the operator's lever strokes, so each stroke drives the plate a little further and the load stays pressed until the plate is retracted. Selector levers switch the ratchet between driving and retracting, and the locking pin parks the lever upright so it does not swing. Moving the unit relies on tilting it onto its two wheels, which only works with the drum removed.

Specifications

BrandVestil
ModelMTC-55
Dimensions & fit
Item weight166 pounds
Item Dimensions D x W x H24.2 × 32.1 × 85.6 inches
Capacity & performance
Capacity55 gallons
Power & efficiency
Power SourceCorded Electric
Construction & materials
Material TypeSteel (listed As Blend)
ColorBlue
Compatibility & installation
Installation TypeFreestanding
Warranty & support
Warranty Description90 days
Other details
Compacting force7000 lb
OperationManual ratchet lever

Frequently asked questions

How do you raise the compacting plate on the Vestil MTC-55 after a stroke?

The same ratchet mechanism retracts the plate. Selector levers change the plate direction, and a locking pin secures the ratchet lever in the up position when you are done.

Can the Vestil MTC-55 be moved around a shop?

It includes two wheels for tilt-and-roll portability, but only when the unit is empty. It weighs 166 pounds.

Does the MTC-55 come with a drum?

No. The drum is not included; the compactor is designed for 55 gallon drums.

Is the Vestil MTC-55 electric?

The description calls it a manual trash compactor worked by a ratchet lever. The listing's power source field says ac, so confirm with the seller if you need a powered unit.

How much ceiling height does the MTC-55 need?

The unit is listed at 85.57 inches tall; no additional clearance for lever travel is stated.