How Innovations in Compaction Lead to an Easier, Higher-quality Job

by Jenny Lescohier
Created: March 29, 2012

Metering devices, ergonomic improvements and more durable components improve compaction effort

BOMAG has taken the intelligent compaction technology from its heavy rollers and incorporated it into mid-size and heavy reversible plate compactors.
BOMAG has taken the intelligent compaction technology from its heavy rollers and incorporated it into mid-size and heavy reversible plate compactors.
The COMPAS (compaction analyzing system) on Mikasa reversible plate compactors helps operators avoid costly over-compaction.
The COMPAS (compaction analyzing system) on Mikasa reversible plate compactors helps operators avoid costly over-compaction.
The remote control system on Wacker Neuson trench rollers is completely sealed to withstand dust and water on the jobsite.
The remote control system on Wacker Neuson trench rollers is completely sealed to withstand dust and water on the jobsite.
Manufacturers are designing compactors to minimize fatigue and reduce the risks associated with hand-arm vibration.
Manufacturers are designing compactors to minimize fatigue and reduce the risks associated with hand-arm vibration.

For its part, "Wacker Neuson is the only manufacturer that invested in enough research and development to retain our WM80 two-stroke rammer engine," Schulenberg points out. "Wacker Neuson improved the WM80 cylinder design and added after treatment to not only continue offering the WM80, but to convert it into the lowest total emission rammer engine available."

Designed for durability

Manufacturers know that contractors can't make money if equipment is in the shop for repair, so durability of compaction is a primary focus and manufacturers are designing compaction equipment that can go the distance.

"For both single-direction and reversible plates, the trend is toward casting the base plate and the eccentric housing all in one unit," says Witt. "While the cost of a potential replacement base plate in the future would be higher, this is more than offset by multiple advantages: First the all-in-one cast removes any bolts that fasten the eccentric housing to the plate and thus, eliminates a potential source of failure such as loosening or broken bolts. It also decreases maintenance and repair time and thus, puts a machine back into (rental) operation sooner. Thirdly, it lowers the center of gravity as the eccentric weight is closer to the ground which dramatically improves compaction capabilities, climbing characteristics and overall control of the machine."

All three of Weber MT's single-direction plate models have been redesigned to incorporate this technology, and the company will complete the transition for reversible units within 12 months, Witt says.

Stenz says Bomag has also made improvements to keep i8ts compaciton equipment in the field. "We’ve put a lot of emphasis on making BOMAG products more durable to protect internal components and maximize longevity," says Stenz. "For example, our BMP8500 articulated trench roller utilizes a highly damage-resistant composite material for the engine hood."

Also designed for durability, the Wacker Neuson Smart Combi 2 infra-red control system is used on the RT trench roller and both the DPU 7060Ft and DPU 130 reversible plates, Schulenberg says. "The SC2 is Wacker Neuson exclusive remote control system and is the only remote control system on the market designed exclusively for the rigors of compaction work," he says. "The SC2 is a completely sealed design that can withstand the worst dust and water a jobsite can offer. In addition, the patented infra-red system is the safest system available since it requires the operator to see the machine in order to operate it. It also creates a safety zone around the operator where the machine cannot operate and injure the operator. Other machines use radio remote systems that allow the operator to control the machine when they cannot see it. This is a big safety risk on jobsites because the operator could unknowingly move the machine and put another worker in danger."