Recycler/stabilizers are niche machines; you're not going to see thousands and thousands sold on a yearly basis.

That means new models and updates won't come as fast as in other machine categories. So, when they do, it's a big deal. And the BOMAG RS 650-2 recycler/stabilizer is a big one for operators.

In the cab alone, there's a new design that cuts operating noise levels, and a new operator display that has gone from analog (!) to a full-color 7-inch touchscreen. (See what I meant about updates?) There's also an adjustable air-suspension seat that does great things.

Let's hit the details.

In-cab treats

The operator’s station — seat, control lever, and display — slides the full width of the cab and rotates 45 degrees in either direction to give direct sightline to the machine’s sides. The entire cab rises to a working position for visibility around the machine and lowers to 122 inches to simplify transport.

That new operator display serves as the control center for machine operation. The monitor allows the operator to control rotor depth and speed, gate positioning, emulsion and water injection rates, and quick diagnostics of machine issues.

The touchscreen offers quick navigation through operating panels and is the same display as the BOMAG RS 460 for continuity of operation between machines.

More tech

Increasing safety at the jobsite, the standard enhanced camera system features two camera views to the left and right of the machine as well as two for monitoring the working area to the front and rear for 360-degree coverage. Two additional fore/aft cameras mounted on the rotor housing allow operators to see rotor gate positioning as well as material gradation.

Two 10-inch monitors — one for the 360-degree camera system and one for rotor feed — display video feed to the operator.

Welcome to the machine

The new recycler/stabilizer is powered by a 653-horsepower 8-cylinder engine that meets Tier 4-F emissions standards. The combination of power and traction gives the RS 650-2 the ability to push an emulsion tanker while pulling a water truck at the same time.

Because it's an articulated frame machine, the RS 650-2 delivers a tight steering radius that offers maneuverability in tight spaces, such as working in cul-de-sacs. The steerable rear axle enables four different steering modes to aid in working close to structures. 

The axle also oscillates up to 15 degrees, delivering optimum ground contact for improved traction. These drive design advantages — along with 4x4 all-wheel drive with anti-slip control (ASC) — allow the machine to excel when completing difficult stabilization projects.

The unit's hydrostatic rotor drive provides continuously variable rotor speeds from 104 to 140 rpm to minimize tool and rotor wear and meet site conditions.

Its hydrostatic overload protection system automatically absorbs load shock when an obstruction is encountered to prevent damage to the gearbox, increasing uptime.

“It’s a strong system that keeps the crew working,” says Randy King, recycler/stabilizer business development manager for BOMAG. “Hitting obstructions with machines using either belt or chain rotor drive often results in damage that can leave a machine down for hours.”

The BOMAG-exclusive Flexmix design delivers high-quality mixing results with optimized costs. In addition to the front and rear gates, this design features a third adjustable gate that keeps material engaged with the rotor longer to offer better material gradation and compaction.

Quick-change tooth system

The BMS15 quick-change tooth/holder system features a maintenance-free design that offers easy handling, and the positive connection between tooth and holder absorbs high mixing forces.

How to make smarter wear-part decisions

The holder quickly bolts on with only 75 lb.-ft. of torque. High-wear-resistant steel is meant to deliver a long service life to lower owning and operating costs.

BOMAG's RS 650-2 is aimed at landfill construction, new developments, oil field pads, large industrial construction, parking lots, highways, and airports.

It joins a line that includes the smaller RS 360, RS 460, and RS 600-2. Our guess is that the 360 and 460 will get the update treatment next.