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Proctor penetrometer
Proctor penetrometer (Product Code: SLE/CE/72) is a spring-dynamometer needle penetrometer used to establish the relationship between moisture content and penetration resistance of fine-grained soils, in compaction testing and for checking rolled fills. Soil laboratories use it with nine interchangeable needles, from 28.55 mm down to 4.52 mm diameter, reading the push on a 0 to 55 kg scale. It is made by Jain Scientific Equipments Pvt Ltd (ScienceLab), an OEM engineering lab equipment manufacturer, at its own factory in Ambala, India.
Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Establishing the moisture content – penetration resistance relationship of fine-grained soils |
| Measuring system | Special spring dynamometer with pressure-indicating scale on the stem of the handle |
| Load scale | 0 to 55 kg, 1 kg subdivisions |
| Maximum reading | Sliding ring on the stem indicates the maximum pressure reached |
| Interchangeable needles | Diameters 28.55, 24.79, 20.22, 16.54, 12.83, 9.07, 6.40, 5.23 and 4.52 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 3.5 kg |
| Product code | SLE/CE/72 |
| Manufacturer | Jain Scientific Equipments Pvt Ltd (ScienceLab) — OEM |
| Country of origin | India (made in Ambala, Haryana) |
What Is the Proctor Penetrometer Used For?
In the laboratory, a needle is pushed steadily into each compacted specimen as the compaction test proceeds, and the maximum force — held by the sliding ring — is divided by the needle's end area to give penetration resistance. Plotting resistance against water content produces a curve that sits alongside the compaction curve. On site, a quick push into the rolled fill can then be compared with that curve to judge whether the fill was placed too wet or too dry.
Swapping needles keeps readings within the 0 to 55 kg scale: broad needles for soft, wet soil and slender ones for stiff, dry soil. For lab equipments for technical institutes, it shows students clearly how moisture changes soil strength. Clean each needle after use and store the set in order of size so the right end area is always used in calculations.
OEM Manufacturer
ScienceLab, the trading name of Jain Scientific Equipments Private Limited, manufactures the Proctor penetrometer as its own OEM product at its licensed factory at Saha, Ambala, Haryana, India. It is shipped factory-direct to soil laboratories, universities, polytechnics, dealers and importers.
The same manufacturer can quote extra or replacement needles if yours wear or go missing — ask us. Details of the company are on our company profile.
Related Civil Engineering Lab Equipment
Moisture control of compacted soil draws on several simple instruments. These items complement the penetrometer:
- Load ring penetrometer — cone resistance and compaction checks with a 1 kN load ring
- Dial penetrometers — lightweight pocket readings on sand and clay
- Moisture Tins — oven-dry water content of each tested specimen
- Core cutters — field density of the same rolled fill
View all Civil Engineering Lab Equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Proctor penetrometer used for?
The Proctor penetrometer is used to establish the moisture content versus penetration resistance relationship of fine-grained soils, so the moisture condition of compacted soil can be checked quickly in the laboratory or on a rolled fill.
What is the load range of the Proctor penetrometer?
The Proctor penetrometer reads from 0 to 55 kg in 1 kg subdivisions on a pressure-indicating scale along the stem of its handle, with a maximum load indicator to hold the peak value.
Which needle sizes are listed for the Proctor penetrometer?
The Proctor penetrometer is listed with nine interchangeable needles of 28.55, 24.79, 20.22, 16.54, 12.83, 9.07, 6.40, 5.23 and 4.52 mm diameter, allowing you to match the needle to the stiffness of the soil.
How does the Proctor penetrometer keep the maximum reading?
The Proctor penetrometer has a sliding ring on its stem that is pushed along by the scale and stays at the maximum pressure reached, so the operator can read the result after withdrawing the needle.
Who manufactures the Proctor penetrometer?
The Proctor penetrometer is manufactured by Jain Scientific Equipments Pvt Ltd (ScienceLab) as the OEM at its own factory at Saha, Ambala, Haryana, India. Buyers receive quotations and needle enquiries directly from the manufacturer.
How portable is the Proctor penetrometer?
The Proctor penetrometer weighs approximately 3.5 kg and needs no power, so it can be carried to the compaction bench or out to an embankment and used by one person.
Request a Quote
Ask for a Proctor penetrometer quotation via the contact page or place it in the enquiry cart. Quotes come direct from the manufacturer, for single units, class sets or export to international markets.
Last updated: 24 September 2026
