High quality asphalt compaction from new generation machines

The latest developments in asphalt compaction equipment will help boost productivity and finish quality. The new generation compactors can utilise the latest generation machine control tools to deliver quality within the short timeframe determined by the asphalt temperature

6791 Ammann has broadened its asphalt compaction range with the addition of the new ARP 95 K pivot-steer roller and the articulated ARX 90 and ARX 26 models. These units are available with Ammann’s proprietary ACE compaction systems to optimise performance. The Ammann ARP 95 pivot-steer roller weighs 9.6tonnes and features pivot steering, which is said to provide manoeuvrability and versatility. It meets Tier 4 Interim emissions requirements. Drum width is 1.68m but the offset capability of the pivot steer allows it a much wider compaction width. Its cab design improves visibility of the drum edges and surfaces, while the operator’s seat can be rotated 270° and can be slid from side to side for a better view of a specific area.

The Ammann ARX 90 tandem roller meets the Tier 4 Final emissions requirements and has a 1.68m-wide drum, while it weighs 9.56tonnes. The firm says that its compaction output is high and each drum has an independent vibratory pump. The roller also features a heavy-duty, two-stage vibrator and easy adjustment of amplitude and frequency. The ACE system is optional and provides a host of benefits including measurement and documentation, evaluation of material stiffness and operator guidance.

The Ammann ARX 26 tandem roller also meets the Tier 4 Final requirements, has 1.2m-wide drums, weighs 2.65tonnes and is suited to the rental market. The machine delivers 47kN of compaction force, making it powerful for its class, while it is compact enough to operate flush to kerbs and other obstructions. The machine is designed to provide a good view of the drum, while other features include a rubber-mounted platform that limits vibration and ergonomic controls.

Rubber tyred rollers offer an effective solution for fine finishing in asphalt surfacing operations and demand from contractors has once again increased in recent times. Manufacturers have developed new models to meet this demand, with 172 BOMAG having recently unveiled its BW 28 RH pneumatic roller.

The novel ballasting system means that the BW 28 RH can be adapted quickly to suit varying conditions to suit different application needs. The machine is available with finely graduated operating weights from 8.6-28tonnes and can be adjusted quickly and simply to the respective task with steel and concrete slabs that easily slide in or out. In addition, the 3m³-capacity ballast compartment can be used for custom ballasting. By changing the operating weight, it is possible to first compact the base layer and then the binder or wearing course of a road, or process construction sites with different applications, using a single machine. Overall the machine can handle a wide variety of tasks in earthworks and asphalt paving, as well as the compaction of stabilised soil layers and rolling in chippings for surface treatment work.

High productivity is claimed while the machine’s front end is configured so as to give the operator a good view of the mat as well as the front tyres. This allows the operator to make sure that the tyres are sufficiently wet so as to prevent any asphalt from sticking. The clear view of the working area boosts efficiency as it is possible to work more precisely to asphalt edges or joints.

178 Caterpillar says that its new CB68B tandem vibratory roller offers high operator visibility, while also benefiting from sophisticated vibratory systems, as well as intelligent compaction tools. The machine is offered with the optional Cat compaction control, which can boost productivity while recording key data for quality control purposes. Dual infrared sensors are fitted to provide real-time guidance on when to begin and stop rolling. Meanwhile pass-count and temperature mapping tools help operators achieve target density and ensure that the machine is operating within the ideal temperature range.

This 14tonne compactor features 2.13m-wide drums and is said to offer good sightlines, 180° seat movement and drum lighting for all-round visibility.

Two vibratory system options are fitted and this machine can be specified in either of these configurations to match the amplitude and frequency requirements of a compaction job. Five amplitudes are offered with a single frequency setting and the machine can be fine-tuned for use in applications such as thick lifts and tough mix designs. Meanwhile the Versa Vibe system offers four amplitudes and two frequencies, further boosting versatility across a wider range of duties. This allows a user to choose from two settings for lighter-hitting thin lifts, plus two more for when the job calls for heavy hitting and thick lifts.

Power comes from a proven Cat C4.4 ACERT engine, which meets the latest emissions standards, with a variety of features to reduce fuel consumption, including an eco mode. In addition, an electronic control module (ECM) also helps to optimise performance through accurate monitoring of hydraulic demand as well as fuel delivery.

206 Dynapac is offering a new small tandem asphalt roller, the CC950D that is aimed at use in small-scale compaction work, such as bicycle paths, narrow roads and small parking areas. The firm says that the machine is designed to meet the need for high-quality compaction in areas that are difficult to reach with a larger roller. This 1.6tonne roller offers a 965mm drum width, with power from a three-cylinder, four stroke 1265 Kubota D722-E4B-KEA-2 diesel engine rated at 15kW engine and meeting Tier 4 Final emissions requirements. The machine has large drum diameters for this class, with a vibration rate of 4,200vpm (70Hz) for the front drum and a static rear drum. Working features include high clearance along both edges of the drums for compaction close to kerbs. Meanwhile shock absorbers on the rear drum minimise vibrations in the operator’s platform.

The Dynapac CC950D is said to offer reduced maintenance. Both the steering hitch and steering cylinder are maintenance-free, and service points are said to be easy to access. A 189litre water tank allows longer operation, while other features include an hour meter, horn switch, brake warning lights, battery charging indicator and an engine oil pressure indicator.

228 Hamm is developing new models that benefit from the firm’s innovative operating concept, which is designed to boost performance and quality in asphalt compaction. The new asphalt machines include heavily revised tandem rollers for the HD+ Series, as well as the compact HD CompactLine. In addition the firm is now offering the tandem rollers from its DV+ Series to the North American market. These units were originally developed for European customers but Hamm believes that North American customers are increasingly aware of the benefits of compactors with the drum steer configuration for use in asphalt applications. These new rollers are said to offer precise compaction, even in confined conditions. Hamm also has a new pneumatic rubber tyred roller, which has been designed so that it is easier for the user to change the weight. Different ballast weights can be employed to suit varying compaction requirements. To optimise performance, the new DV+ and HD+ tandem roller models are both fitted with the firm’s novel Easy Drive operating system, as well as with ergonomic controls.

2624 Sakai America is launching its SW654, SW754 and SW994 asphalt compactors, with the SW754 and SW994 due to go into production at the firm’s US facility in Georgia during 2018. The three machines have been designed for improved comfort, increased efficiency and ease of maintenance. The units meet Tier 4 Final emissions regulations, with a 3.3litre Kubota diesel for the 7.4tonne SW654, a 3.8litre Kubota engine for the 10.4tonne SW754 and a 196 Cummins QSF3.8 diesel in the 14.1tonne SW994.

The SW654ND model offers the firm’s novel ND configuration and has independent dual drum vibration or oscillation capabilities due to its twin eccentric shafts. Amplitude and frequency for the ND version of the SW654ND are 0.52mm at 2,940vpm while it has 1.48m-wide drums.

The vibration system on the SW754 offers frequency rates of 2,500, 3000 and 4,000vpm, with a range of amplitude settings for its 1.7m-wide drums. A key feature of the SW754 is that it offers both vibration and oscillation on the same drum due to its novel gear-driven exciter system. Although its wheelbase has been extended, the machine is actually shorter than the model it replaces, allowing two of the units to be loaded onto a trailer for transport and helping to reduce haulage costs.

The SW994 is the first double drum roller from the Sakai range fitted with a fully enclosed cab, which is said to offer good all-round visibility. For ease of operation the seat is offered with a choice of five positions and can also be swivelled. The machine has 2.13m-wide drums, offering vibration speeds of up to 4,000vpm. Operators can use a switch to choose frequency and amplitude or no vibration from front or rear drum.