An automatic residual load relief system for hydraulic compactors having rotary pumps relieves residual load inherent in the compacted material by releasing hydraulic fluid from the cylinder prior to reversal of the rotary pump while preventing the fluid from returning to the pump. The system comprises in general a rotary pump powered by a motor, one-way suction check valves, a flow check valve, a one-way, normally-open, pilot operated check valve, a cylinder comprising a reciprocating piston, the piston defining a disk void and an annular void within the cylinder, and a tank.

An automatic residual load relief system for hydraulic compactors having rotary pumps relieves residual load inherent in the compacted material by releasing hydraulic fluid from the cylinder prior to reversal of the rotary pump while preventing the fluid from returning to the pump. The system comprises in general a rotary pump powered by a motor, one-way suction check valves, a flow check valve, a one-way, normally-open, pilot operated check valve, a cylinder comprising a reciprocating piston, the piston defining a disk void and an annular void within the cylinder, and a tank.