Key advances in asphalt compaction technology

A wide range of new models is being introduced for the asphalt equipment compaction market – Mike Woof reports

The asphalt compaction equipment market is seeing the introduction of new machines from an array of major manufacturers. Manufacturers have introduced both steel drum and rubber tyred rollers to meet customer demands in specific markets as well as globally, and have also developed innovative new compaction practices.

Competition in the asphalt compaction market is increasingly tough, with many of the leading Chinese firms now offering units that compete with the European and US brands. The quality of the products from the leading Chinese brands has improved enormously in recent years and in the asphalt compaction sector, with a wider array of models available.

The Chinese market is of key importance and although the country is currently experiencing a slowdown in its highway construction sector, further investment is expected to come from the government later in the year. It is worth noting that several of the leading international compaction equipment manufacturers also have extensive facilities in China where they make units for sale in the country, as well as emergent territories. These are built to the same quality standards as the units manufactured in Europe or the US, with only detail changes such as different engines or emission packages for local markets. And in several instances, these manufacturers have now developed models for worldwide sale at their Chinese factories.
The recent 5930 Bauma China event in Shanghai saw the introduction of several new items of equipment, aimed at customers in emergent markets. And more new models are planned for launch this year with the upcoming 688 Bauma Munich event in Germany in April.

The 172 Bomag BW115AC-3 is a compact asphalt compactor made at the firm’s plant in China and aimed at meeting the demands of customers in Japan. Based on the firm’s standard compact machines, the BW115AC-3 has a number of features to suit the needs of the Japanese market, although the model is also sold in other territories in Asia.

From 178 Caterpillar come the latest CB534D XW and CB534D twin drum compactors, which were unveiled at bauma China 2012. Sharing a 4.93m length measurement, the CB534D XW weighs 11.3tonnes and has 2m wide drums; while the CB534D is a lighter 10.4tonnes and has 1.7m wide drums. The machines are said by Caterpillar to offer operator comfort and to be easy to operate due to their in-built automatic speed control. This last feature is also said to improve compaction performance, while the CB534D XW and CB534D have low running costs and high utilisation rates.
From the 364 Wirtgen Group come the new 228 Hamm HD 128, HD O 128 V and HD 138 articulated tandem roller, which feature two drums. The trio of new tandem roller models are said to be simple to maintain and offer high efficiency and versatility, along with good handling and a wide field of vision from the cab. The machines have been developed for emergent markets, without the low emission engines of the HD+ range, but retaining many of the performance features and also having the same high build quality. The HD 138 has a 98kW rated engine, a drum width of 2.24m and competes in the 14tonne class. The HD O 128V model features the firm’s novel oscillating drum technology, while the HD 128 is the standard vibrating drum variant and both compete in the 13tonne class. A variety of advanced features from the HD+ series have been integrated into the new HD tandem roller models but have been tailored to meet the needs of customers in emergent markets.
And Chinese firm 1170 Sany Road Machinery says it is looking to increase exports of asphalt compactors and has had sales success with exports in certain key territories, most particularly Latin America, Africa and South Asia. Indonesia has been a particularly strong market for the company and Sany Road Machinery wants to capitalise on the strong demand for equipment in the country as Indonesia pushes ahead with its major programme of expansion for its tolled highway network. The company has a recently upgraded line of road construction machines, including its STR30C double drum asphalt roller.

Another Chinese firm adding to its range of asphalt compaction equipment is 1171 Shantui. This range was acquired a number of years ago and was then rebranded with the Shantui name. The company has invested in this line-up, introducing the SR14D to compete in the 14tonne class, as well as the 4tonne SR04D-5. The two larger machines feature efficient water spraying over the drums and a design that incorporates a low centre of gravity for stability, as well as good all round visibility from the cab.