Soil compaction advances from key firms

The pace of development continues in the soil compaction sector, with key firms rolling out new machines - Mike Woof reports. New soil compaction technology is now being offered by several key manufacturers. Improved machines and new systems to boost performance are being offered by various firms. From BOMAG comes the availability of its Economizer system for its soil compactors. The technology has been well-proven in the BOMAG twin drum asphalt compactors as well as on the reversible plates and trench c
February 9, 2018 Read time: 4 mins
Volvo CE’s latest compact soil compactor offers high productivity for its class
The pace of development continues in the soil compaction sector, with key firms rolling out new machines - Mike Woof reports


New soil compaction technology is now being offered by several key manufacturers. Improved machines and new systems to boost performance are being offered by various firms. From 172 BOMAG comes the availability of its Economizer system for its soil compactors. The technology has been well-proven in the BOMAG twin drum asphalt compactors as well as on the reversible plates and trench compactors for boosting the quality of compaction jobs. As a result, the firm is now extending this technology to its latest generation soil compactor range as an option.

The firm opted to make this offering following a survey of its customers, which showed that the Economizer measuring technology has proven successful in compaction work. The system is claimed to be easy to use and does not require any activation or calibration and nor does its use necessitate any operator training. The display has a light strip that expands progressively with the degree of compaction showing working progress to the operator and warning against over-compaction. According to BOMAG, the system is a cost-effective method for measuring soil compaction and is being offered on models including the SDR-5, SDR-40/-4 and BW 124-5.

359 Volvo CE says that its new SD45B soil compactor will offer long-lasting performance and versatility as well as low running costs. This is a compact machine designed for applications such as commercial and residential site development, utility installations, driveways and landscaping jobs.

Its design allows up to 12° of oscillation and 41° of frame articulation in each direction, while the machine is said to offer stability and versatility for operation in confined areas. The machine is offered with an optional strike-off blade and padfoot shell kit to extend its capabilities. The integrated traction system optimises climbing capabilities on steep inclines or slippery surfaces while the machine also has a NoSPIN differential that limits wheel or drum spin.

The machine has a drum system that allows the user to reach target density in fewer passes through he combination of a heavy drum, high amplitude of 1.99mm and a high centrifugal force of 93kN. When the machine is returned to neutral, the vibration system also shuts off, preventing over-compaction.

Power comes from a 2394 Volvo Tier 4 Final/Stage IV-compliant D3.3 engine that delivers 55kW and high torque at low engine speeds, for fuel efficiency. When controls are inactive for more than five seconds, the automatic idle feature reduces the engine speed, decreasing fuel consumption.

Operator safety is said to be maximised due to the ROPS/FOPS canopy, for example, which offers protection as well as all-round visibility. The machine shares the same ergonomic control layout as larger soil compactors in the range.

Due to its compact size, the Volvo SD45B can be easily moved around jobsites or loaded onto a transport vehicle without removing components, further suiting it to the rental market. For added efficiency, the two-piece, clamp-on padfoot shell kit can be installed or removed in less than an hour, and fits any SD45 single drum compactor.

Efficient from the ground up, the machine is said to be designed for quick and safe serviceability, with minimal maintenance costs. The machine weighs in at 4.95tonnes for the canopy version and 5.3tonnes for the cab version. It delivers a centrifugal force of up to 75kN and has a vibration frequency of 27.5Hz, while the drum is 1.37m wide.

At the other end of the soil compaction scale, 1175 Zoomlion’s ZR5326 is a high output machine designed for use in large projects. This 26tonne single drum roller is powered by a 174kW 201 Deutz diesel, a significant increase from the 160kW of the model being replaced. Productivity and performance have been increased according to the firm. Also in the new soil compactor range are models weighing 20, 22, 25 and 36tonnes.

Earthmoving & soil compaction

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Further new European pavers were launched at bauma 2013
    May 30, 2013
    Earlier this year several manufacturers announced new European asphalt pavers being launched at bauma 2013, but more surprises were in store at the show - Mike Woof writes. At the beginning of 2013 a number of manufacturers revealed new asphalt pavers being launched at the bauma 2013 exhibition. BOMAG, Caterpillar, Vögele and Volvo CE all announced new asphalt pavers in the shape of the BF900, AP300D, -3 Series units and new wheeled P-6870C respectively. These machines were at the show and all attracted con
    Read More
  • Testing advanced compaction technology
    April 6, 2020
    Contractor Max Bögl and BOMAG have worked together on a major infrastructure project in Germany to carry out practical tests of the BW 174 Hybrid and BOMAP system.
    Read More
  • An array of crushing and screening innovations was presented at the recent INTERMAT 2012 exhibition
    July 19, 2012
    The crushing and screening phase is a crucial component in aggregate production and new development will help optimise performance - Mike Woof reports Crushing and screening is a key part of the quarrying cycle and has a huge impact on overall operating performance. Optimising operations will cut running costs, reduce materials wastage and also provide a more consistent product quality, boosting cost-effectiveness dramatically. An array of innovations were revealed to the market at the recent INTERMAT 2012
    Read More
  • Aggregate machinery makers raise the efficiency bar
    May 22, 2018
    Manufacturers of crushers and screens are making their equipment more efficient as well as quieter. Among new entrants into the jaw crusher market is the MC 120 Pro, from Writgen company Kleemann. It was launched last September at the industry trade fair in Homberg/Nieder-Ofleiden, Germany. Both the diesel-electric jaw crusher – operating as part of an interlinked machine combination additionally comprising the MCO 11 PRO cone crusher and MS 953 EVO screening plant – and the MBRG 2000 granulator showed off
    Read More

Highlighted Content