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Electric compaction from Hamm on test

The latest, zero-emission battery-powered electric tandem rollers from Hamm have proven their worth in a series of working applications.
By Mike Woof January 16, 2024 Read time: 3 mins
Hamm says that tests show its new electric compactors offer increased cost efficiency combined with lower maintenance requirements

According to the trials on a range of construction sites, the units have shown themselves able to match the performance of conventional diesel machines, while working more quietly and with zero emissions.

The rollers with electric drive are now available in the DACH region, Central Europe and Scandinavia. The compact models have the same compaction power as their sister models with combustion engine, yet they produce zero local emissions. The electric rollers are operated in exactly the same way as the other models in the HD CompactLine series from Hamm. In the electrified variant, customers can choose from eight different tandem rollers, some with oscillation drums.

With the fully electric rollers, Hamm says it has addressed the issue of energy efficiency and energy availability. The low-voltage system supplies the energy for operating in ambient temperatures of up to 45°C. At temperatures below 0°C, the battery is heated. This allows a typical work day to be handled easily. To be ready for use again the next day, the battery can be charged overnight. Charging the battery from 0% to 100% at 400V using a rapid-charging plug requires around four hours.

Four of the electric models from Hamm are equipped with oscillation drums, including two combination rollers. This is where the already quiet oscillation meets the quiet electric drive. The result of this is quiet compaction machines that produce zero local emissions and cause very few vibrations in the surrounding area. They are ideal for compacting in noise-sensitive and vibration-sensitive areas, such as near hospitals or historical buildings. The oscillation models also suit use on bridge deck compaction work as the drum resonance is directed locally and not transmitted to the rest of the structure.

The vibration or oscillation unit is driven by electric means only via specially designed, compact synchronous motors. As a result, the efficiency rating more than doubles and the energy demand reduces accordingly. The extensive electrification decreases the hydraulic oil volume by 70%. In addition, a high percentage of the braking energy is fed back into the system by regeneration. Overall, the roller has significantly fewer wear parts on board. All electric components, such as the battery, electric motors, inverter or DC-DC converter are completely maintenance-free.

The standard automatic electric motor-off function preserves precious battery capacity, just like the control of the working speed in ECO mode. No energy is consumed in park position. The steering motor is only activated once the electric driving lever is actuated. The high power is continuously available and peak power can be called up at any time. HAMMTRONIC monitors and controls all components. The driver can work comfortably and achieve high working precision.

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