Product-line expansions by some OEMs are providing mainline contractors with a greater selection of single-drum soil compactors from which to choose.
But, as traditional suppliers of primarily smaller machines roll into new markets with larger models, that doesn't necessarily translate into a market trend, says one leading full-line compactor manufacturer.
"I don't see a shift toward larger models," says Richard Evans, national sales manager for Hamm. "I know that one, maybe two makers of smaller compaction equipment have expanded their lines, but I believe this is just a decision on their own to offer a broader product line."
Recognized primarily as a compact-equipment innovator, Stone Construction Equipment has recently introduced two Rhino 84X smooth-drum models, moving up into the full-size, 84-inch drum width class of machines.
"Our Rhino line already contains models from 43 inches up to 66 inches," says Jeff Gambrill, vice president, marketing and sales. "The 84-inch Rhino expands our line to include the most common size single-drum dirt roller. Dealers that have traditionally carried the smaller rollers can now carry a complete line that is versatile enough to handle small to large industrial and commercial jobs."
The newest soil-compactor offering of light and utility construction-equipment manufacturer Multiquip is the 54-inch P54KA padfoot model, incorporating a new hydraulic concept with Poclain's Twin Lock traction control system. The 54-inch drum width is the largest offered by the company.
"We don't really get into the larger models of compaction equipment, those classified at five tons and above," says Matthew Bennett, product development manager - compaction. "The fortunate part of that is the four-ton-and-below units continue to be larger volume sales units in the market.
"Even though our current customer perception is that we are not in the heavy-iron business, that doesn't mean that we will never be. We are constantly looking at new opportunities to more completely wrap our arms around the market. If we think it makes sense and it provides a viable, equitable and, of course, profitable service, you will see Multiquip in every market."
Stone, likewise, is pleased to be where it is at this time.
"We don't currently see Stone expanding into even larger rollers," says Gambrill. "However, you can't predict where the market demand may lead us."
Hamm's newest models, the 84-inch 3412 VIO and 66-inch 3307 VIO, combine the conventional vibration and non-aggressive Hamm Oscillation compaction into a single drum.
Oscillation compaction works by imparting a horizontal or rocking force into the base material, side to side, rather than by forcing it downward by an up-and-down motion.
The drum never leaves the material. Unlike traditional vibratory compactors that achieve compaction by bouncing the drum on the ground, oscillation technology ensures the roller drum maintains constant contact with the ground. Horizontal forces are transmitted from the drum into the surface, resulting in quieter compaction in fewer passes, with less vibration-related wear on operators and surroundings.
Combined with the vibration option in the same drum, the oscillatory soil compaction system provides the machine operator with total control over the type and the degree of compaction used. Vibratory compaction can be selected for classic compaction situations, and Hamm Oscillation for more demanding applications. The operator can select the frequency and amplitude best suited to the material.
Recently, a new Hamm 3410 VIO was put to work on a New Hampshire road rehab job, the objective being to limit vibrations transmitted to a nearby plant where ultra-precision systems for casting contact lenses and other optical products are manufactured. The contractor, Park Construction Corp., reported a reduction in transmitted vibration of about 50 percent of normal for a unit of this size.
Oscillation soil compaction also is quieter than conventional compaction, so it's appropriate for night work and near sensitive areas like schools and hospitals.
New technologies aside, Hamm's Evans sees enhanced operator platforms are where large single-drum soil compactors are changing.
"Cabs are where the action is," he says. "We are definitely seeing a growing market for air-conditioned cabs, and that's a big thing for Hamm, because we manufacture more machines with cabs than without. Air conditioning is essential in the U.S."
Despite the move by niche manufacturers to expand their product lines, the single-drum soil roller market remains the bailiwick of traditional compaction leaders. Brands such as Dynapac, Bomag, Caterpillar and Sakai offer in excess of a dozen models each.
In terms of branding, the biggest change is the arrival, this year, of Volvo to the game. Via the acquisition of Ingersoll Rand's construction-equipment business, the full-line Volvo construction equipment brand is instantly attached to an established line of 18 models, placing it immediately among the giants of this sector.
In fact, figures from Spec-Check indicate Volvo's smooth-drum SD-200DX TF and padfoot-drum SD-200F TF models offer the largest operating weight and gross horsepower among the 84-inch models available.
