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Compaction EquipmentBy Katie Pullen

Asphalt compaction success isdriven largely by weight andvibration. In theory: m~re weightand wider frequency ranges

would equal greater compaction quality.But that's not always true.

There is a time and place for each machine,and smaller "compact" compaction equip­ment provides advantages in a number ofapplications while weighing far less thanfull-sized machines, and costing consider­ably less over the life of the machine.

Definition of 'Compact'Compaction Equipment

Some of the most common full-sized,double-drum vibratory compaction equip­ment weighs in excess of 20,000 pounds,with others in the range of30,OOO pounds.Drum widths can reach about 83 inches. Forthe sake of this exercise, "compact" dou­ble-drum, ride-on compaction equipmentis significantly smaller, weighing anywherefrom just under 5,000 pounds to just over10,000 pounds. Drum widths range fromabout 39 inches up to 54 inches.

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1. Ease ofTransportationTransportation costs and logistics are a

big part of any contractor's bottom line.With such a wide range of size optionsfor asphalt rollers, the truck size, trailerneeds, ,weight restrictions and driver cer­tifications all cost more as the equipmentgets larger. A smaller ride-on compactorcan alleviate some of those costs and pro­vide easier transportation.2. Ease ofAccess and Maneuverability

Smaller, narrower compaction equip­ment can access workspaces in someresidential and commercial areas thatmight be difficult for full-sized rollers toaccess. Similarly, more compact asphaltrollers provide a tighter turning radiusand excellent curb clearance for easymaneuvering in tight spots and aroundobstacles - all without sacrificing com­paction quality.3. Lower Lifetime Total Cost

ofOwnershipIt's a universal truth in the construc­

tion industry -larger equipment is more

expensive to own and operate. That's notjust the initial purchase price - smallercompaction equipment will also burn lessfuel over the course of its lifetime, costless in parts and service, and experienceless total depreciation over the life of themachine. In the right application, a morecompact asphalt roller represents a smartbusiness investment.4. Lower Risk ofOver Compaction

Over-compaction of asphalt happensfor a number of reasons, one of which istoo wide of an asphalt drum overlappingbetween passes and doubling the com­paction of the overlapped area. While the

outer edges of the two joining passes maybe the proper density, there is increasedrisk of disintegration in the center areathat has been over-compacted. A smallercompactor with narrower drum width pro- .,vides greater versatility to the operatorand more flexibility in how they break uptheir compaction passes.5. Putting the Operator Closer

to the WorkFull-sized compaction equipment fea­

tures great visibility - but smaller~ com­pact asphalt rollers put operators closer.to the action, giving them excellent sightlines down to the edge of the drum. This is

Ioften assisted by narrow~r. tapered hoodsand an adjustable work station. This helpsimprove quality and fine trim work in tightworking areas.6. Still Intelligent

Full-sized compaction equipment featuresadvanced intelligent compaction technol­ogies that help simplify operation and, in

some cases, automate machine settingsbased on current conditions. That tech­nology is not available on smaller asphaltrollers, but compaction meters can he addedto even the smallest compactors to measurethe rebound of each drum as it goes overthe area. If it measures high rebound, that'operator knows that ~rea has reached its

compaction density and is good to go.It's also important to note that some

smaller compaction units feature simi­lar dual frequency capabilities as largermodels, albeit not generally with as wideof a range. Having said that, some of thesmaller units can be set as low as 45 hertzand as high as 66 hertz.

Compact double-drum rollers provideexcellent versatility for a-number of appli­cations and business types:

Rental houses: Easy to stock and main­tain, smaller rollers are an excellent fitfor rental operations because they areeasier to transport, easier to maintainand provide greater transportationefficiency compared to full-size units.Building construction: Driveways,parking lots and pathways all standto benefit from smaller compactionequipment in terms of maneuverabil­ity, working around obstacles and notover-compacting the asphalt.Municipalities and Local Governments:For smaller jobs and repairs, providesexcellent compaction without theoverheaCi of a full-sized machine.Roadbuilders: Even the largest highwayprojects have trim work that may notrequire the full weight and strengthof a larger roller. These more compactunits are an excellent utility player,even for contractors who rely moreextensively on heavier machines....

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