Caterpillar’s new twin drum asphalt compactor

Caterpillar is introducing a new rubber tyred compactor designed for use on granular materials and all types of asphalt-mix designs. The firm says that its new CW16 pneumatic roller is available as a standard nine-wheel model with a 1754mm compaction width or as an optional 11-wheel model with a 2,132mm compaction width. The CW16 is designed for efficient performance on highways, city streets, county roads, lane additions, industrial sites, overlays, or other mid-size jobs. Depending on ballast used (inclu
October 2, 2018 Read time: 3 mins
Caterpillar’s CW16 is a rubber tyred compactor designed for tasks such as finishing work
178 Caterpillar is introducing a new rubber tyred compactor designed for use on granular materials and all types of asphalt-mix designs. The firm says that its new CW16 pneumatic roller is available as a standard nine-wheel model with a 1754mm compaction width or as an optional 11-wheel model with a 2,132mm compaction width. The CW16 is designed for efficient performance on highways, city streets, county roads, lane additions, industrial sites, overlays, or other mid-size jobs.


Depending on ballast used (including water, sand, steel, or combinations), operating weight of the CW16 varies from a 5.2tonne base configuration to an approximate maximum weight of 15tonnes for the nine-wheel configuration and 14.9tonnes for the 11-wheel configuration. Operating weight can be adjusted to suit job requirements. Per-wheel weight can be varied from 580kg to 1,670kg for the nine-wheel model and from 480kg to 1,350kg for the 11-wheel model.

Oscillating front wheels assist in compacting soft voids across the entire machine width, and the 11-wheel configuration increases efficiency in chip-and-seal applications. A tyre overlap of 32mm ensures even compaction across the surface. Each wheel is equipped with self-adjusting scrapers, and a water-spray system deters material from adhering to the wheel surface. Standard cocoa mats help retain water to keep wheels wet, and heat-retention aprons are available.

The CW16's pressurised water-spray system is designed with dedicated spray nozzles for each wheel. The system includes a single water pump, triple filtration, and adjustable intermittent operation. Triple filtration (with filters at the fill point), in conjunction with the design of the water pump and spray nozzles, provides protection against clogging. The adjustable intermittent-spray mode conserves water and reduces the number of refills required, adding to the CW16's efficiency.

Two engines are available for the CW16 to meet regional emissions requirements. The Cat C3.4B ACERT engine meets Tier 4 Final/Stage IV standards, and the Cat C4.4 meets the equivalent of Tier 3/Stage IIIA/China NR III standards. An Eco mode, in combination with an exclusive automatic speed-control system, is designed to save fuel, lower sound levels, and deliver smooth transitions for optimum mat quality. Both engines are rated at 75kW.

The CW16's two-speed hydrostatic propel system is electronically controlled and designed to provide both jobsite maneuverability and speeds up to 19km/h. The propel system automatically shifts between speed ranges and has a coast feature that conserves fuel. Tyre choices include a 12-ply 7.5 x 15 radial or a 14-ply 7.5 x 15 bias-ply.

The operator station  is said to have been designed to maximise all-round visibility and the machine is offered with a ROPS canopy or sun canopy, in addition to the enclosed cab.

Meanwhile, the machine features a 500-hour, engine oil service interval that helps to lower routine maintenance time and overall operating costs. The CW16 also has large-capacity hydraulic- and engine-cooling systems keeping components at optimum temperatures, even in high ambient temperatures.

Asphalt milling, paving & compaction

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