A theoretical model of a rammer compactor machine is described and its dynamic behaviour is analysed. The differential equations of the model are solved numerically by using standard software. Simulation results are presented as time series, phase plane diagrams, mappings and bifurcation diagrams. The results show that the system is highly nonlinear and indicates that harmonic, subharmonic and chaotic behaviour is present for the parameter variations used. This parameter sensitivity emphasizes the need for this kind of simulations in the product development process.