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Whether new or used, equipment needs to be in top operating condition to be most productive. Take a ride-on vibratory compactor, for example. In order to produce a smooth mat with the desired density, all critical components need to be in good working order.

"All equipment is bright and shiny when it leaves the factory," comments Bruce Monical, Wirtgen America. "But no matter how good it is, if it's mechanical, it will eventually wear out."

The single biggest influence on how quickly that happens is maintenance. "If you follow the recommended maintenance procedures for your particular compactor, you should be able to extend the life of the machine," says Monical. "And that also influences the performance, because the better the machine is maintained, in general, the better it will perform... If the engine doesn't 'miss', if the pumps don't surge, if the drums are smooth and not pitted, if the water system is clean and provides a constant spray of water to the drum - all of that will improve the job because the performance of the machine is what it should be."

Keep it serviced
Maintenance of the engine and hydraulic system components is particularly critical. "In order for a hydraulic vibratory system to have the proper output to compact the asphalt, the engine has to run at its specified rpms," notes Dave Dennison, BOMAG. "If the engine isn't turning fast enough, the hydraulic system won't perform as designed and your vibratory performance will be diminished."

Using clean, high-quality lubricants also plays an important role in reducing wear, lowering operating temperatures and obtaining the maximum service life from components.