Advanced asphalt compaction machine deliver quality surfaces

RSSManufacturers are introducing new compaction machines to meet the latest market requirements - Mike Woof writes

A wide array of new asphalt compaction machines is now coming to market, with advanced equipment being introduced by leading players in the sector. New developments in engine technology have pushed through a lot of changes for asphalt compaction machines, however there have also been notable developments in the systems the equipment use. Intelligent compaction technologies are becoming more widespread and more sophisticated, with machine control systems also playing an increasingly important role. For larger highway projects, the use of machine control systems is now widely accepted by major contractors and their clients. These systems offer substantial gains in productivity and efficiency, reducing working time and costs while delivering optimum quality and ensuring that specifications are met.

Development of the machines has been progressive and a wide array of new and improved models is coming to market, both from established players and firms looking to develop their presence in western markets. 172 Bomag is now offering its tandem rollers for asphalt applications with a novel tangential oscillation system. This technology is being rolled out to the North American market on the new BW 161 ADO-4 tandem roller.  

This innovative exciter system now offers increased compaction productivity. According to the firm, co-ordination of the exciter system to drum weight ratios is the key to Bomag’s tangential oscillation system and this technology can be used on bridge structures, in close proximity to buildings, and for finishing applications.  With TanGO always directed horizontally, it maintains continuous ground contact and efficient compaction is often evident after a few passes.  The interaction of TanGO oscillation from the rear drum and traditional vibration from the front drum provides advantages on difficult to compact asphalt mixes.

For North America, 176 Case Construction Equipment has unveiled its new Tier 4 Interim DV209 and DV210 high frequency asphalt compactors, both designed to improve fuel efficiency by up to 10% compared with previous models.

The two new compactors add to the range of high frequency double-drum models, and are said to give road builders more control and versatility to match the thickness and required density of each layer. The DV209 and DV210 have operating weights of 9.54tonnes and 10.3tonnes respectively, and use a standard drum width of just over 1.67m on both machines. They have both been designed to suit most mid-size and large road projects.

Both the DV209 and DV210 are compatible with optional ACEforce asphalt compaction technology. ACEforce is a compaction management and documentation system that provides precise measurement and evaluation of material stiffness, and allows for continuous adjustment of speed, frequency and amplitude depending on compaction measurement.
This is said to improve compaction efficiency by assisting in completing the job in as few passes as possible, and helps minimise the risk of over compaction and material destruction. Additionally, both machines feature large water and fuel tanks to allow the machine to work all day without fill-up, maximising productivity. Both models are also compatible with the Case SiteWatch telematics system, which helps equipment owners better manage maintenance, equipment utilisation, operator performance, equipment security and overall production.

Aimed at the utility segment, 4018 Caterpillar Paving has introduced its versatile CB22B, CB24B, CB24B XT, CB32B, CB34B, CB34B XW, CC24B and CC34B models. These share a number of technical and performance features and compete in the 1.8-5tonne size range. Improvements include better visibility, larger drum diameters and multiple frequency vibratory systems, while some models can have extra ballast as an option. The B-Series compactors are powered by the firm’s C1.5 and C2.2 engines, with a turbo-charged C1.5 engine that meets Tier 4 Final requirements offered for the North American market. In other regions, the engines meet emissions equivalent to Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIA emission needs, while the engines are equipped with multiple speed settings and an eco-mode system for fuel efficiency.

The vibratory system offers a range of frequencies and single amplitude that provide lower sound levels and job site versatility. Increased drum diameters provide efficient compaction, while the smooth rear tyres on the CC24B and CC34B variants provide a kneading action for a tight mat finish. A 50mm drum offset allows good control when working close to a kerb, while the machines have various ballast options. Meanwhile the water spray system has a large capacity for up to 12 hours of use without refilling.

6097 Chicago Pneumatic has launched a new line of compact tandem asphalt rollers, aimed at the utility and rental segments. The models being introduced in North America include articulated tandem asphalt rollers, with a choice of both petrol and diesel engines. The AR90G is the small petrol powered machine and features vibration on the front drum, with drive on both the front and rear drums. Meanwhile the AR100 has a diesel engine and comes with vibration and drive standard on both front and rear drums. Both the AR90G and AR100 models share a similar platform. Slightly larger is the AR120 compact articulated tandem asphalt roller, which is diesel driven and again meets the latest emissions requirements for use in North America. These newly-introduced rollers are said to be designed for operator comfort, with ergonomic layouts, shock mounts and a sliding operator Seat. The machines also have an instrument panel with a warning panel and a fuel gauge. Maintenance is said to be straightforward while running costs are low.

Moving up the size scale, the CG2300 twin drum asphalt roller from Atlas Copco Construction Equipment’s 206 Dynapac brand is said to offer compact compaction, despite its size. This is due to its novel drum steering system, which allows tight turning. Measuring 3.99m long by 2.99m high, the CG2300 offers an inner turning radius of just 2.65m as well as a maximum offset of 1.2m, which allows it to operate in comparatively small jobsites. This capability makes the machine more versatile and highly manoeuvrable, while also making it easier to transport to and from site.
The ergonomically-designed cab is said to offer good visibility of the drum edge as it has a sliding Seat and steering assembly. The visibility allows an operator to see a 1m high object placed just 1m from the machine, boosting safety. Meanwhile the good all round visibility allows the operator to see the drum surfaces and the flow of water from the sprinklers. The control panel provides key machine information, while further operating data can be accessed with the firm’s optional (and highly sophisticated) DCA-A software. This package displays the temperature ahead of the roller as well as to the rear of the machine, while also showing how many passes have been made on the respective road sections.

Power comes from a Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant diesel and the firm has addressed the issue of fuel consumption too by fitting an ECO Mode system, cutting fuel use by around 15% as well as lowering operating noise. The hydraulically driven, temperature-guided cooling fan further cuts the machine noise as this cooling system only switches on when it is needed.

Operating performance is further optimised by twin pumps for the vibration circuitry, with one pump for the front drum and the second at the rear. This layout increases overall efficiency, eliminating the need for special valves and making servicing simpler, while also lowering fuel consumption. Meanwhile options include an edge presser/cutter (left and right) and a chip spreader.

Part of the 364 Wirtgen Group, 228 Hamm is another major player in the compaction market and unveiled its new line of HD+ i-series tandem asphalt compactors at Conexpo. A key development for the firm is its use of Tier 4 Interim engines in the latest models.

The 6.4tonne Hamm HD+ 70i VT combines a smooth drum with pneumatic tyres. The HD+ 80i weighs in at 7.3tonnes, while the HD+ 90i weighing 9.1tonnes and both models come with various options. Customers can choose from conventional vibration, high frequency compaction, the novel oscillation compaction, split drums, and have the choice of either smooth drums or a smooth drum combined with pneumatic tyres. The 10.4tonne HD+ 110i VO also features both conventional vibration and Hamm’s oscillation system. Meanwhile the 12tonne HD+ 120i VV HF is a high-frequency roller aimed at specialised use and the 14tonne HD+ 140i VV is a more conventional vibration type compactor.
All the rollers share the firm’s proven Hammtronic machine management system, aimed to optimise performance while minimising fuel consumption, by operating the engine in the optimum load range at all times. The machines feature fully adjustable seats with integral control levers that move with the console from side to side and swivel through 180°.

2624 Sakai’s SW502 compactor weighs in at 4.1tonnes and is new to the North America market. Aimed at use in small-medium tonnage jobs the machine can be used for compacting road shoulders, ramps and widening, road maintenance and parking lots and driveways. The machine generates compaction forces at 3,300 VPM using a system of counter-rotating eccentric weights and controlled from the instrument panel. Drive to the drums is hydrostatic with independent drum vibration, while good drum edge visibility ensures accurate working. Chamfered drum edges combine with good side and kerb clearance for effective compaction, while a multi-filtered spray system prevents blockages. Other features include a heavy duty centre hitch design, ROPS and Seat belt as standard and a full lighting package.

From 1651 Wacker Neuson comes the new RD27 compactor, which is said to offer manoeuvrability and versatility. The machine has compact dimensions and is just 2.5m long by 1m wide and offers a turning radius of 3.6m, allowing it to operate in tight spaces.

The versatility is augmented by the choice of low or high compaction forces, with the former suiting asphalt compaction and the latter for compacting granular materials. The control layout features a multi-function lever for selecting the vibration options and the water supply, while the machine has improved all-round visibility. Safety is offered by an integrated roll-over structure that can be folded back or forward for use in low height areas or for transport. The operator benefits from a vibration damped working area along with an ergonomic Seat and Controls. The machine is designed with no lateral overhang so that it can work up close to walls or highway barriers and is said to be robust and durable in construction. Two versions are offered, a standard model featuring the forward and backward folding roll-over protective structure and ergonomic driver's Seat and a variant with a central lifting point, a left-sided armrest, drum-edge lighting, and a fold-down scraper bar, as well as an optional automatic vibration connection and water cut-off.

With 2490 XCMG’s North American range being widened it remains to be seen how long it will be before the company’s latest asphalt compactors are homologated for sale in developed markets. However the firm’s XD3 models are up-to-date twin drum designs featuring digital electro-hydraulic proportional drive control. This system is said to allow soft starting and stopping and helps deliver high compaction quality when the machine is at the start or end of each pass. The firm says it has also developed a sophisticated control system that optimises vibration and water flow to match travel speed.RSS