Compaction's competitive competitors

New technologies and new partnerships will heighten the rivalry in the compaction sector, Mike Woof reports

The competitive compaction equipment market is providing customers with a broad and growing array of innovative technologies and solutions. At the same time, many firms are looking to increase market share through reorganisation of their operations and developing new international partnerships.

This sector of the equipment market is certainly now more competitive, with major brands like 172 Bomag, 178 Caterpillar and 228 Hamm seeking to capitalise on their respective strengths while other well-known firms including Ammann, 206 Dynapac, and now 255 JCB and 2394 Volvo, are also jostling for market share.

Technology plays a key role in the compaction market and many of the leading players are now developing systems that capitalise on the benefits of GPS machine control systems initially aimed at earthmoving applications. Using GPS, roller operators can ensure that materials can be compacted to the required density by following a following on-screen instructions. This technology is particularly important for freshly laid asphalt, as the system gives a representation of temperature gradients and also allows the operator to schedule compaction work accordingly. The technology for measuring compaction varies however and different manufacturers use different methods, while claiming that their own systems are the most effective.

On a more down to earth level, new technologies and business deals are still coming to the fore in the compaction sector. For example, Dynapac is offering improved compaction plates that feature low-vibration handles. The design minimises hand and arm vibrations, allowing each operator work with the plates for 8 hours, enough for a full shift and according to 3287 EU regulations. The low-vibration handle is being introduced by Dynapac for its LF range of soil and asphalt plates and this design gives full control over the machine. According to the firm a plate equipped with this improved handle is as easy to operate and handle as with the conventional type.

Italian compaction equipment and grader supplier Safer Sicom is broadening its operations through a partnership with a firm in Asia. Under the terms of the agreement, the Asian company will market Safer Sicom's current compaction machine range in Asia, while also manufacturing some previous models for sale in the local market. The products involved in the manufacturing cooperation are the 3, 4 and 9tonne double drum rollers.

Meanwhile Safer Sicom is to carry out a feasibility study to market some of the Asian firm's products in Europe, and to update these products to meet the latest European requirements with both firms benefiting from the other's local strength and experience. The Asian firm's products Safer Sicom will develop are mainly asphalt pavers with screed widths of 5-7.5m.

At present Safer Sicom offers five twin drum asphalt rollers, aimed at the 1, 1.5, 2, 2.7, 4 and 5tonne weight classes. Offset drums are available and the machines can also come with either double or single vibration. The only self-propelled roller in the range at present is the 12tonne class 200 S model, which features a 2.135m wide by 1.45m diameter drum and with power from a 97kW diesel.

And US firm 5730 Stone Construction Equipment is also hoping to develop international sales, particularly with its WolfPac 4100 model, which features 1.016m wide drums and is aimed at use in confined area asphalt compaction of base, binder and finish coats. The machine has double-drum drive and double-drum vibration and can be used in all types of asphalt compaction job. Its design allows the operator to select vibration to either the front or rear drum, with a specially-designed electro-hydraulic circuit and a custom-designed manifold that means the operator can activate vibration where needed. Power comes from an 18.5kW water-cooled 1265 Kubota diesel and the machine delivers 18kN of impact force/drum. Other features include centrepoint articulation, a short wheel base, and high curb and minimum wall clearance on both sides.