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BOMAG is offering new soil compactors

BOMAG has a range of new single drum soil compactors as well as compact units for rental markets that are said to offer advanced technology - Mike Woof reports BOMAG is keen to continue being a technology leader. Jonathan Stringham, vice president of marketing at BOMAG explained that the firm is working on introducing new technology to the road construction market. He said that the new products developed by BOMAG are all the result of close partnerships with customers. The company has held workshops in t
January 15, 2016 Read time: 4 mins
BOMAG soil compactor
A special variant of the range is fitted with a rock breaking drum designed for crushing aggregate into smaller fractions
BOMAG has a range of new single drum soil compactors as well as compact units for rental markets that are said to offer advanced technology - Mike Woof reports

172 BOMAG is keen to continue being a technology leader. Jonathan Stringham, vice president of marketing at BOMAG explained that the firm is working on introducing new technology to the road construction market. He said that the new products developed by BOMAG are all the result of close partnerships with customers. The company has held workshops in three locations, Boppard, Dubai and Bali, to investigate local customer needs, so as to be able to develop machines for those regions. He said, “We try to understand the different needs of different markets.”

BOMAG is broadening its offering in the 11-26tonne soil compactor range with the addition of a new model for the 12tonne class. Key features for the line-up include increased working efficiency, lower exhaust and noise emissions and ease of operation. All of the new soil compactor models are available in Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions compliant versions.

BOMAG says that the compactors benefit from advanced engine technology as well as intelligent power control. Customers in most territories are concerned about fuel costs, so these new machines are available with Ecomode and Ecostop functions that adjust engine speed and also shut it off, should it be left idling for too long. The Ecomode function is fitted as standard and the firm says this system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%, while delivering the same compaction performance. The optional Ecostop adds further fuel savings, as well as lowering engine wear. The company claims that this technology will pay for itself in a short space of time due to the fuel savings, while also adding to machine resale value by lowering engine hours.

The new BW213, BW219 and BW226 are all equipped with the firm’s novel Variocontrol (BVC) compaction system, with an automatic control function. This proven technology has been further improved due to a single switch in the seat arm that is used to adjust all settings. In manual mode the operator chooses the required amplitude. Meanwhile in automatic mode, the operator can set EVIB values and the Variocontrol system controls the amplitude. The control panel display shows the operator whether the machine is in manual or automatic compaction mode, and also indicates when maximum compaction has been reached.

The Variocontrol package automatically optimises energy transfer and ensures that the work is controlled effectively. The system prevents over-compaction also and reduces the number of passes required, boosting productivity and compaction performance quality at the same time.

Some features are the same for new models sold globally. For the new generation of soil compactors such as the BW219 and BW226, the cabs are 40% larger and have better visibility, while ease of operation and ergonomics were prioritised during development. A new loading function on the speed switch is particularly practical, which is said to make loading of the roller safer and easier.

A special feature of the high gradeability DN versions is the improved climbing ability due to the use of double pump hydraulics and allows a gradeability of over 60% when moving forwards and backwards. Other benefits include long servicing intervals, better access to maintenance points, and the use of many maintenance-free components to maximise availability while reducing running costs.

Meanwhile one notable development for the firm’s small compaction equipment line is a tamper unit that is powered by bottled gas. This has been developed to meet the needs of the German market, for use when compacting in trenches. Some rival firms offer electric machines for this market segment but Stringham said that the performance of these units tends to be comparatively low and that BOMAG believes higher output is needed in the market. The basic idea is that the gas-fuelled trench compactor has extremely low emissions, optimising safety for the operator. Stringham said, “Our gas tamper is designed for use in deep trenches and the operator is not exposed to any dangerous fumes.”

For the moment this product is only available in Germany, but it seems likely that this will be made more widely available, and not just in Europe either.

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