Skip to main content

Compact compaction units are now available

New compaction solutions also come in compact form - Mike Woof writes New compaction tools are now being made available for the rental market, increasing efficiency over previous generation units. These new tools are more productive than earlier equipment, while also being quieter and safer to operate. Atlas Copco is introducing three new LF forward plate compactors, which can be used for soil compacting and asphalt patching applications. These now benefit from integrated water distribution systems a
February 7, 2017 Read time: 3 mins
Aimed at the rental market, Atlas Copco’s LF models are said to be tough and durable
RSSNew compaction solutions also come in compact form - Mike Woof writes

New compaction tools are now being made available for the rental market, increasing efficiency over previous generation units. These new tools are more productive than earlier equipment, while also being quieter and safer to operate.

161 Atlas Copco is introducing three new LF forward plate compactors, which can be used for soil compacting and asphalt patching applications. These now benefit from integrated water distribution systems and vibration-reduction handles, as well as the lightweight bodies for better manoeuvrability.

These are the LF60, LF75 and LF100 and all three feature rounded plate designs, along with tubeless watering system. This design helps to prevent asphalt from sticking to the bottom of the plate. With a full water tank, the LF60 weighs in at 63.5kg while the top-of-the-line LF100 tips the scales at 118kg. The relatively light weight allows contractors to lift them easily into a trailer or truck, suiting the units to use on road patching projects.

The rounded edges allow the operator to turn while compacting in tight corners or near obstacles without leaving a mark. The water distribution system allows for water coverage on the bottom of the plate, which helps optimise mat quality by preventing asphalt from collecting on the bottom of the plate.

The units also offer relatively high centrifugal forces, also suiting them to compacting soil before paving a driveway or foot path.

Meanwhile 6097 Chicago Pneumatic has expanded its range of light compaction equipment with the introduction of a new mid-sized forward and reversible plate compactor. The MV 504 is said to be easy to operate and maintain, and intended for deep and medium deep compaction of granular soils.

The firm says that the MV 504 offers an alternative to rollers when compacting soil in small areas, as well as providing good performance and traction, even on wet soil.

The MV 504 has a bottom plate made of Hardox 400 grade steel that is durable and resistant to wear and tear. The compactor is equipped with a heavy-duty frame to protect internal components, with the hydraulic pump mounted on the engine to reduce the risk of impact damage.  

For ease of maintenance, the machine is designed to prevent rocks becoming stuck between the plate and the frame. In addition, the design provides operators with easy access to the fuel tank, drive belt and eccentric box, meaning it requires minimal effort to maintain.

The firm adds that the MV 504 has good ergonomic qualities and comes equipped with a vibration reducing handle.
RSS

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Concrete paving a smoother surface using machine control technology
    May 17, 2017
    Innovative technology has been used to deliver a smooth concrete road surface on a busy stretch of highway in Nebraska. Much-needed work on a busy section of Interstate 80 has been carried out in Nebraska to improve the road surface. This is one of the most important highways in the US, providing a link that stretches right across the country between the east and west coasts. This busy highway carries a high percentage of heavy truck traffic as it is a vital transport route. However this constant flow of la
  • Utility machines with cutting edge design and efficiency
    May 29, 2013
    Utility machines with standout efficiency and cutting-edge cab design have come onto the market during the first few months of 2013. Guy Woodford looks at some of them. Case Construction Equipment and New Holland Construction have brought out what they claim are the market’s first Tier 4 Final emissions standard midi-excavators. The CX75C SR and CX80C models from Case are said to offer more performance power and greater operator cabin comfort than previous models. Tier 4 Final standards are said to have bee
  • Improved airport for Thimarafushi atoll
    August 29, 2014
    Thimarafushi forms part of the Thaa Atoll lying in the Indian Ocean but access has been limited in the past. However the construction of a new airport planned by the Maldives Government will help develop the tourist trade, boosting the local economy. Most visitors previously used the country’s two international airports, using these as hubs for flights to the country’s six domestic airports. This has limited travel to only a few of the country’s 1,192 islands, of which around 200 are inhabited. As a result,
  • Wacker Neuson’s compaction machines in action
    January 15, 2016
    Wacker Neuson has unveiled a range of new compactor tools – Nick Johnson writes. Staged in a gravel pit near Munich in Germany, an event called The Wacker Neuson Universe recently enabled customers to check out the latest machines in the company’s growing product portfolio. On the compaction front, the highlights included electric rammers, two new reversing plates, an improved trench roller, a new range of lightweight tandem rollers and two small self-propelled single drum vibrating rollers.