Skip to main content

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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Caterpillar 318D L Series 2 hydraulic excavator
    April 23, 2013
    The new Caterpillar 318D L Series 2 excavator is said to include powerful hydraulics, a heavy-duty front end and enhanced operator comfort. Fitted with an economical Tier 2/Stage II compliant engine, the 318D L Series 2 model is also described as easy-to-service and capable of high production with low fuel consumption. With a net power rating of 82kW and operating weights to 17.3tonnes, the new model provides a choice of a boom and two sticks to best fit its application. As well as offering a high level of
  • High production compaction from Hamm
    June 24, 2024
    Hamm is offering productive new soil compactors.
  • New developments in earthmoving with radical loader and excavator designs
    March 15, 2017
    The market is seeing new wheeled loader and excavator models coming to market, including some radical new designs - Mike Woof writes. The global market for earthmoving machines is seeing some important developments. Manufacturers are now offering separate machines for customers in developed and developing markets. Meanwhile there are also some innovative concepts being made available. One of the most notable new earthmovers is the innovative VL70A vertical lift wheeled loader from LiuGong. This model featur
  • Versatile machines offer improved efficiency
    April 28, 2015
    An array of versatile new machines from different segments is available for the rental sector - Mike Woof writes The rental machine market continues to develop in many countries around the world. Equipment rental has a long history in the UK and the US and in more recent years has developed well in France also, while other countries are also benefiting from growth in this sector. As with other machines, equipment for the European and US rental sector now has to meet tough exhaust and noise emissions legi