IRN looks at some recently launched light compaction equipment.

IRN looks at some recently launched light compaction equipment.

Stone adds walk-behind roller

The new WBR650 walk-behind roller from US manufacturer Stone Construction Equipment is a double drum model with a 64.8 cm (25.5 in) drum width and hydrostatic transmission.

Powered by a 7.5 kW Lombardini diesel engine, the roller has a compaction force of 1327 kg (2925 lb) and a maximum travel speed of 4 kph (2.5 mph). The roller has a 25.4 cm (10 in) curb clearance and 2.5 cm (1 in) side clearance on both sides allowing it to operate tight to curbs and other obstructions.

Stone says it is ideal for work on bridge abutments, large sidewalks, parking areas and road shoulders, and particularly for confined area compaction, in trenches and general asphalt patching and repair.

The hydraulic and water tanks are easily removed for cleaning and replacement, and the top and bottom frames easily separate for added access. Standard features include a large capacity water tank for asphalt work, an adjustable handle, a bypass valve that allows for easy transportation without starting the engine, and a reverse stop button.

Dynapac LF plates have ‘unique' water system

Dynapac's new LF series of forward compaction plates are 20% faster than their predecessor models and feature a "unique" water distribution system without pipes or sprinklers.

The entire bottom plate's contact surface is watered uniformly using a patented water distribution system integrated into the plate, which means that there are no pipes or sprinklers to clean. A large removable water tank, with a secured cap, makes refills simple and less frequent.

There are three plates in the range, the 75 kg LF75, the 80 kg LF80 and the 100 kg LF100, and they are designed for asphalt applications but can be easily modified for use on soil.

The LF 75 is available with either a Honda or a Robin engine and comes with two different plate widths (420 or 500 mm); the LF80 is also available with the Honda or Robin engine and has a working width of 420 mm; and the LF100 comes with a choice of three petrol or diesel engines and a 500 mm wide bottom plate.

All units have a wide array of optional equipment such as a protection frame suitable for rental applications, lifting handles, block paving kits, making it possible to tailor-make the machine.

The plates can also be equipped with Dynapac's Low-Vib handle (vibration reducing handle) reducing vibration values to below the 2.5 m/s² daily exposure ‘action value' for an eight-hour working period. With the LF75, for example, the test values are 6 m/s² without the handle and 1.2 m/s² with the Low-Vib handle.

Weber adds soil plate and upgrades tamper

Germany's Weber MT has developed a new version of its walk-behind, reversible soil compactor, the CR 5.

The new CR 5 is designed for compaction of almost all materials, including sand, gravel and crushed aggregates, and is also suited to compaction of interlocking paving stones.

Weber says the compactor features "better operating characteristics, superior running qualities and an improved climbing ability. Additionally, the compaction force has been increased considerably."

A low-vibration, adjustable guide-bar reduces vibration "considerably", and noise is lower thanks to the use of a special low-noise version of the Hatz 1B30 diesel engine. The reversible starter, flywheel and exhaust muffler have all been modified, leading to a noise level approximately 3 dB(A) below that of the standard engine.

Engine durability is also increased through the use of an additional cyclone pre-filter for air cleaning.

The standard version of the CR 5 (weighing 281 kg) is powered by a Hatz diesel, but other versions with electric start (the 298 kg CR 5 E) and with Honda petrol engine (the 273 kg CR 5 Hd) are available. All three deliver an output of 42 kN and the standard working width of 55 cm can easily be extended to 70 cm using extension plates.

This autumn Weber MT is also updating its tamper range, with the 75 kg operating weight SRV 660 replacing the existing SRV 66. The main change here is the use of a three-stage air filtration system (comprising a cyclone pre-cleaner, a newly developed main filter and, for additional security, the engine's air filter).

Weber says; "This new filtration system will considerably extend the service life of the Robin EH 12 4-stroke engine - even in extremely dusty conditions."

Bomag modifies plates for different users

Bomag used the NordBau exhibition in Neumünster in mid-September to introduce two new ranges of plate compactors, one for specialist users and the other for rental companies and contractors.

The BP plates are designed to meet "the highest demands of specialist users", and are available with plate widths from 30 cm to 50 cm. These have been upgraded to provide greater centrifugal forces and wider plates.

Targeted at rental companies, meanwhile, is the new generation BVP plates, which come in two models, the BVP 10/36 (pictured here) with a centrifugal force of 10 kN and 36 cm working width and the BVP 18/45 with a centrifugal force of 18 kN and 45 cm working width.

Bomag says "these models provide an exceptional feature for operators of rental fleets: a folding steering bow which simplifies storage on warehouse shelving and also makes it easier for customers to transport the equipment away."

Options available include a ‘Vulcolan' mat for paving work; a water sprinkler system with a 7 litre water tank for asphalt jobs; and transport wheels for easy transport. The standard warranty for the BVP plates is 12 months.

Dirk Windeck, Bomag's head of light equipment sales for Germany, says; "We have found that, not only in Germany but across Europe, we work with two different types of customer when it comes to single direction plates.

On one hand we have specialist users who exploit the full potential of their equipment; on the other hand we have contractors and hire companies, who, although they keep a range of equipment for the most common construction jobs, only ever use these machines on an occasional basis".

Also new in Bomag's light compaction ranges is the BMP 8500 multipurpose compactor with articulated steering. This model has been especially designed for use on earthworks and is particularly suited to the compaction of cohesive soils in trench work, sewage and pipeline construction plus subbases and foundations.

HIGHLIGHTS
The DV 65 is a new addition to Hamm's roller range, fitting between the existing DV 40 and DV 70 models. An all wheel drive roller with an operating weight of 7 t, the DV 65 features the panoramic cab and "allround-view concept" of the other DV models. Hamm says the model has been optimised for rental and contractor owners where machines are operated by changing teams and need to be straightforward to operate. Hamm says; "The roller is steered from the high-comfort seat using a steering wheel and all operating parameters are displayed clearly to the operator on the clearly arranged graphic display."

The VMT860 double drum vibratory compactor is among the recent additions to the JCB Vibromax range of compaction equipment. Replacing the VMT850 and powered by a JCB Dieselmax engine, the new model can operate with high amplitude on low frequency for large asphalt or standard soil applications and at an optimised amplitude on high frequency for standard asphalt jobs. JCB says the unit boasts "class-leading fuel and water tank capacities - of 240 litres and 1070 litres respectively - to enable productive operation throughout the working day." Drum width is 1675 mm and the machine weighs 8750 kg (with standard ROPS protection) or 9250 kg (with the optional full ROPS/FOPS cabin).

Sakai America's new 700 Series vibratory asphalt rollers have been redesigned to have a "sleek look and increase paving productivity", says the company. The 700 Series comprises two models, the SW770 and SW770HF, with the SW770 offering one frequency, 3000 vpm, and two amplitude settings, while the SW770HF has three frequency settings up to 4000 vpm and two amplitude settings. Both models offer a drum 1.7 m and are "ideally suited for a wide variety of projects including municipal streets, state highways, airport runways and large parking lots." Power comes from a turbocharged Isuzu 4JJ1XDIA, Tier III diesel engine. Sakai, based in Japan, manufactures a full line of compaction equipment, including vibratory soil compactors, vibratory asphalt rollers, vibratory pneumatic tire rollers, static three-wheelers and other combination rollers.

Wacker Neuson has been tweaking its light compaction range. The two DPU 3050H and DPU 3060H-TS vibratory plates are now available with electric starter and integrated wheels. The RD 16-100 vibratory roller, which is an addition to the RD 16 range, has 100 cm wide drums and is designed for work in confined areas such as in parking lots, driveways and in curb- and road-side areas.

The DD22 small asphalt compactor is among the range of compaction machines offered by Volvo following its acquisition of the Ingersoll Rand range of road equipment in 2007. The DD22 is a 1000 mm wide, 2450 kg model and one of nine models in the small asphalt range. The range also includes large asphalt models and small and large soil compactors.

Pictured is a Masalta PC4012 forward plate compactor with a 400 mm wide plate and 12 kN centrifugal force. The Chinese manufacturer, which has a European office in Germany, says its 450 mm wide PC4515 forward plate compactor is its most popular product, designed for "reduced maintenance, long life and user-friendly design, with a very competitive price". The company is now developing a 100 kW reversible plate model, which will be its largest yet. The company , which is looking to extend its market coverage to areas such as South America and the Middle East, says that the crisis has led people to change their "consumer concept, they will pay more attention to the cost when they are looking for quality equipment." The company's range includes tamping rammers, forward and reversible plate compactors, single- and double-drum vibratory rollers.

Belle Group, the UK light compaction and concrete equipment manufacturer acquired by the French Altrad group in January this year, has developed the RT60 rammer, a lighter (50 kg), slimmed down version of its well-established RT65 model. Primarily developed for the UK market, the RT60 fits between the existing RT65 and RT50 models, and will be launched in January. Ray Neilson, Bell's managing director, dismissed speculation that Belle was reducing its product range; "Every single product range we had is staying - mixers, compaction, diamond blades, breakers, mini-dumpers - everything stays."