RM Online - What you need to know about . . . Asphalt Compactors

You want to buy the best asphalt compactor you can, of course. So what are the five most important aspects to consider and compare? Do you know? And do you know why? Here they are:

1. Operator comfort

2. Ease of service

3. Compaction forces

4. Dealer support

5. Safety features

Now, here's why:

1. Operator comfort is a lot more than just a nice thing to do for the person who has to ride in that machine all day - it's a matter of productivity. The operator who can perform his task in a comfortable, ergonomic environment will have less fatigue and do more good work.

2. Ease of service means service is more likely to get done. Easy access to all components greatly reduces downtime and increases the machine's productivity.

3. Compaction forces should be balanced: the correct balance of weight, amplitude, centrifugal force and frequency dramatically reduces compaction time, which increases productivity.

4. Dealer support needs no definition, but the wise buyer will take the initiative to find out how extensively a dealer's technical people have been trained.

5. Safety features to look for include:

Deadman seat switch that disables the machine if the operator leaves the seat; also called an "operator presence" system.
Roll-over protective structure (ROPS).
Seat belts - basic, yes, but a vital extra measure of protection, should the machine overturn. Never operate a machine without them.
Automatic brake release/ application automatically applies the brakes when the machine is shifted into neutral and automatically releases the brakes when the lever is moved forward or reverse.
Neutral-only start eliminates the possibility of starting the unit with the shift lever in a travel direction.

How do applications for pneumatic compactors and double-drum compactors differ?

A pneumatic-tired roller application involves the final finishing of light asphalt overlays that are close to the desired degree of compaction. The rubber tires knead the aggregate and bitumen together, which tends to bring more of the bitumen to the surface. This creates a smoother final surface finish.

Double-drum rollers also are used for this, as well as on applications where the asphalt thickness requires quick compaction to keep up with the paving machine. Double-drum rollers generate very high vibration and centrifugal force, which create a rougher surface finish, exposing more of the aggregates.

Look for growth in both asphalt and soil compactors. With the passage of the TEA-21 road bill, the United States can anticipate a great deal of asphalt re-surfacing ahead.