Efficient new asphalt compactors from leading firms

New asphalt compactors from leading firms offer greater versatility and lower running costs - Mike Woof writes

A notable development in the asphalt compaction sector is how major manufacturers have achieved similar advances in boosting machine versatility while cutting the running costs of their latest machines. These new models comply with the latest, stringent exhaust emission requirements for Europe and North America, while also offering better performance and lower fuel consumption.

6791 Ammann has redesigned its range of ARX light tandem rollers, which are designed for use on small-medium sized construction sites. There are 13 models in all in the ARX range, which weigh from 1.5-4.8tonnes and offer compaction widths from 0.82-1.38m. The machines retain the firm’s proven high-performance, vibration system as well as featuring new and efficient hydraulics. Power for the ARX range comes from 7139 Yanmar diesels, which are said to be economical on fuel and also meet the latest emissions requirements for Europe and the US. The company claims that the improved hydraulics increase operating efficiency, allowing the engine to run lower rpm, cutting both fuel consumption and working noise.

The ARX models features articulated steering with Teflon-coated gliding bearings, eliminating the need for manual lubrication and reducing maintenance needs, while increasing working life. The ARX range also comes with Ammann’s vibration control (AVC) system, which is automatic and prevents vibration when the machine is stationary. The company claims that the AVC system helps to ensure homogeneous compaction performance. The drive control is said to be precise, with the system claimed to prevent the ARX rollers from pushing creases into hot asphalt, and also preventing crack formation.
From 172 Bomag comes the option of its novel tangential oscillation system, now offered on the BW 161 ADO-4 tandem roller.  This has an exciter system that is designed to increase compaction productivity. A precise matching of the exciter system to drum weight ratios helps optimise compaction performance and the tangential oscillation system can be used on bridge structures, in close proximity to buildings, and for finishing work. The forces generated by the TanGO system are directed horizontally, which is said to maintain continuous ground contact and efficient compaction. The combination of the TanGO oscillation from the rear drum and conventional vibration from the front drum can also allow effective compaction of mixes that would be difficult for standard machines to compact.

178 Caterpillar says that its compact asphalt rollers offer a series of key upgrades. This range of utility compactors is designed for the rental market and the various models are said to offer easy operation, durable components, extensive legroom, and fuel-efficient engines. The CB22B, CB24B, CB24B XT, CB32B, CB34B, CB34B XW, CC24B and CC34B models are said to be versatile and efficient and weigh from 1.8-5tonnes. Better visibility, increased drum diameters, multiple frequency vibratory systems and optional ballast additions on some models all help to improve compaction. The B-Series models are equipped with C1.5 and C2.2 engines. A turbo-charged C1.5 diesel is offered that meets the Tier 4 Final requirements. Engines that meet the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIA emissions requirements are also offered and all the diesels offer low fuel consumption due to an eco-mode system and multiple speed settings.
The vibratory system can deliver a range of frequencies, with one amplitude setting. The increased drum diameters are said to boost compaction efficiency, while the smooth rear tyres on the CC24B and CC34B variants provide a kneading action to improve finishing. The 50mm drum offset allows good control when working close to a kerb and other features include various ballast options as well as a water spray system with a capacity for up to 12 hours of use without refilling.

The narrow frame designs and contoured engine covers are said to optimise visibility to the drum edges and front of the machine. The control panel has a backlit LCD display and sealed switches with bright LED lights, while the ROPS and canopy options can be lowered without needing tools for transport or for use in low overhead applications.

The new CG2300 twin drum asphalt roller from 161 Atlas Copco’s 206 Dynapac road machinery range is said to offer versatility and manoeuvrability across a range of compaction applications. The CG2300 measures 3.99m long by 2.99m high, with 1.5m-wide drums and it has an inner turning radius of just 2.65m as well as a maximum offset of 1.2m. The design of the drum steer system allows the machine to operate in tight spaces, making it more versatile and manoeuvrable. According to company president Peter Lauwers, the 7.9tonne CG2300 is big enough to handle compaction work on large highway construction jobs, while also being sufficiently compact and manoeuvrable to work in urban applications with restricted space. The firm also said that the CG2300’s comparatively short length allows it to be loaded onto a truck with a paver, reducing transport costs for contractors.

The high comfort cab with its sliding seat is said to provide full visibility of the drum edges, while ergonomic design provides easier operation. The cab design means that the operator can see a 1m high object at a distance of 1m from the machine, increasing safety. A control panel shows operators key machine information, while further operating data can be accessed with the optional DCA-A software, which shows the temperature in front of and behind the roller as well as the number of passes made on each section of the asphalt.
Power comes from a fuel efficient 201 Deutz diesel rated at 55kW and which meets the Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions requirements and Lauwers said, “We spent a lot of time getting the noise and emissions down.”

The CG2300 is equipped with an ECO Mode as standard, which further lowers fuel consumption and also helps reduce operating noise. A hydraulic driven, temperature-guided cooling fan is fitted that only operates when required, further reducing operating noise. A twin pump vibration system eliminates the need for a vibration valve, increasing efficiency, aiding servicing and reducing fuel consumption. There is one pump for the front drum and one for the rear and both can be shut off if necessary. The CG2300 has a system that automatically lowers engine speed to idling if the machine is left for 10 seconds at full rpm in neutral. A number of options are available, such as an edge presser/cutter (left and right) and a chip spreader. The machine features a sprinkler system with double sprinkler bars and pumps, and a water capacity of over 700litres of water, allowing operation throughout a working shift with no need for refilling.

228 Hamm is now offering both its oscillation and vibration compaction options for its Compact Line in the shape of the HD 12 VO. This is first time that the oscillation and vibration compaction methods have been available on a compact roller and the machine is said to be highly versatile. The oscillation system offers an alternative to conventional compaction with vibration and a key feature is its ability to minimise the transmission of resonance to surrounding structures. Because of this, oscillation type compactors can be used on bridge decks without risk of structural issues arising from tertiary harmonic frequencies. For the same reason, the oscillation type compactors can be used in urban areas without risk of affecting any sensitive equipment located nearby, as well as close to historic buildings that would be vulnerable to damage from more conventional equipment.