New developments for soil compaction market

New compaction machines will meet the latest emission standards for Europe and North America while firms from China are also competing globally - Mike Woof writes

The market for compaction equipment has become very competitive in recent years, most notably in the segment for soil compactors. The major US and European firms have developed more productive machines for use in both developed and developing markets. Meanwhile Chinese manufacturers are also competing in the soil compaction segment for the local market and for exports, although for the latter the focus is particularly on emergent territories.

The soil compactor line-up from 6791 Ammann is being further extended with the addition of a new model in the 20-22tonne class. This high performance machine is intended for use in highway construction and repair applications, as well as other duties where a powerful and productive compactor is required.

The machine is available with a Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant diesel, sharing features with the existing mid-size models in the 10-17tonne range as well as the existing high output models that weigh up to 35tonnes. High compaction quality and productivity is claimed and the machine has a sophisticated control system to optimise performance. As with the other Amman compactors the new machine has no rear axle and instead has firm’s novel drive system, which Ammann claims allows precise operation as well as being highly efficient.
The machine is fitted with Ammann’s sophisticated continuous compaction control (CCC) functions. This delivers intelligent compaction for optimum working, while the machine also has the advanced ACEforce and ACEpro systems from Ammann, further maximising working productivity, efficiency and quality.

Atlas Copco has upgraded its 206 Dynapac road construction equipment line, with a focus on features such as operator comfort, safety and visibility. These new machines are designed to meet the latest emission requirements, as well as being more productive. Highly sophisticated, the new CA1300 and CA1500 soil compactors now have better gradability, which means the machines can be operated on steeper inclines than before. Traction control technology prevents wheel-slip when conditions are poor. The CA1300 is a compact machine that competes in the 5tonne class and features a 1.37m wide drum. The CA1500 competes in the 7-8tonne class, while both are offered in padfoot format and with the option of a dozer blade.
172 BOMAG has developed an all-new soil compactor, aimed specifically at the Chinese market. The new BW220-D4 single drum roller competes in the 20tonne class and features a drum width of 2.13m, while it is said to offer high performance at low cost. The machine is built in the company’s Chinese factory close to Beijing, which has benefited from major investment to boost both capacity and quality in recent months.

The recently unveiled H5i and H7i single drum models share many features with the larger machines in the 228 Hamm line-up. The compactors are said to feature compact designs, while also being easy to operate and offering good gradeability for use on challenging terrain. Good ground clearance and tractive effort are claimed due to the installation of wheel motors rather than a conventional axle. In addition the machines are compact in design, with the larger H7i measuring only 4.4m in length, which along with the three-point swivel joint, helps ensure versatility for use on urban construction sites where working space may be limited. Power is supplied by a Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant 55kW diesel for both variants, while the drums are available in smooth and padfoot configurations and the latter option includes the newly designed two-part padfoot segments. Other features include a new control panel which is based on the proven design used in the firm’s successful HD CompactLine, with the layout of the steering wheel allows an unobstructed view of the high visibility display. Visibility for the driver is also said to be good, boosting safety and ease of operation.
Meanwhile Hamm is also offering models developed specifically for the Chinese market, with its new 318 soil compactor. Designed and developed in China, the 18tonne unit features a 2.22m wide drum and can generate compaction forces of 242kN or 331kN, with power from a 153kW diesel.

Chinese manufacturer 2490 XCMG is extending its soil compactor range with the introduction of two new models it is aiming at export markets. This machine is available with the necessary low exhaust emission diesel for sale in Europe and North America. Reliablity and productivity are both said to be high due to the use of quality components. The XS83 is an 8tonne class machine, the smallest in the line-up and its key components are all imported quality units from major suppliers. To optimise performance the machine has an anti-slip driveline, while operator protection and safety are said to be maximised due to the FOPS canopy. Other features include an adjustable instrument panel, controller and LCD display. Optional features include detachable wheels and a dozer blade and the firm has already received orders from US customers.

The company is also introducing a new model at the top of its range, a 39tonne soil compactor that will be one of the largest such machines available anywhere in the world. The company claims a compaction depth of over 1m for this unit, which is suited to large projects where high productivity is required such as airport runway construction. Double hydraulic pumps and drives are said to help optimise productivity. As with the smaller machine in the line-up, it features an anti-skid system that helps on difficult terrain while gradeability is said to be good. Designed and manufactured to high quality standards according to the firm, the machine is said to be able to deliver high efficiency, reliability and productivity. The compactor is also equipped with a new generation panel and cab that was co-developed between XCMG and Tsinghua University.