Capital Equipment News May 2023

COMPACTION EQUIPMENT

Crews can safely and effectively compact material from the flat ground using a compaction attachment with an offset arm— allowing for safe work at virtually any angle.

Boost safety with offset compaction roller attachments

Safety is the highest priority on any construction job site, but not every equipment solution aids in attaining that safety goal. Compaction equipment also needs specific care and caution when operational, writes Lynn Marsh, Road Widener, LLC president.

C ompaction equipment is a ly on uneven or side-sloped surfaces. It is not uncommon for road construction crews to witness a silent rollover, watching their crewmember jump to safety when the equipment they are operating unexpectedly gives way to gravity while compacting a steep slope. Many ride-on compaction rollers often succumb to rollover accidents due to their rigid design and high centre of gravity, which offers little protection or stability for crew members. Most manufacturers are taking steps to eliminate this kind of job site incident, and are doing so in the form of an attachment paired with equipment they already own. With an offset arm, crews can safely and effectively compact material from the flat prime example of a potentially problematic design, especial

allows the roller to easily compact slopes at various angles that would flip a traditional compaction machine. Further, shifting the drum to an offset arm attachment doesn’t just drastically improve safety, it also unlocks a host of other benefits. Maximum Capabilities Although safety is the top priority on any job site, the efficiency and quality of a job along with equipment versatility also prove critical. Compaction roller attachments can increase the efficiency and versatility of a contractor’s existing fleet by allowing them to work on a variety of road construction and utility repair projects, all with the equipment they are already familiar with. The attachments effectively compact a range of materials, from gravel, stone and

ground using the compaction attachment — allowing for safe work at virtually any angle. The Safety in the Design This new approach to compaction is achieved by relocating the drum to a remote-controlled offset arm that can be attached to almost any grader, compact track loader, wheel loader or skid steer — immediately solving the safety issue. By employing an attachment, the host machine provides a separate source of power for the compaction drum and, thanks to the offset arm, enhances stability and safety for the operator. With its offset position, the drum can pivot up to 30 degrees below the mounting point. The host machine can drive safely on flat ground while the attachment arm extends to the furthest, steepest edge of sloping road shoulders and ditches. This

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