Hamm, the compaction division of the Wirtgen Group, showed it was a light year or two ahead of the competition at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005 on Thursday.
The manufacturer unveiled its DV Series tandem vibratory rollers, which are loaded with product innovation, to the press. Most of Hamm's current genius is located in the cab, which contains a driver's seat that rotates more than 360 degrees. The feature eliminates the need for the operator to look over his shoulder and reverse.
The DV Series also offers lateral displacement of the cab for better visibility, and lights can be installed on the sides of each drum to help with nighttime compaction.
Ease of maintenance also is featured on the models. The engine, located underneath the cab, lowers once the service doors are opened. Hamm's intelligent rollers are already being offered in Europe. Plans for a North American launch are in the works.
The Red Dot Award recognized Hamm for work done on the DV Series. The Red Dot Award, presented by German design center Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, honor products which offer intelligent design, user-friendly operation, high environmental friendliness and a long life. Out of 1,673 entries received in 2004, only 381 met the tough requirements.
Hamm also announced the release of the 3412 VIO at ConExpo-Con/Agg. The machine combines Hamm Oscillation Technology with conventional vibration technology in a single drum.
The drum achieves an oscillation and conventional vibration frequency of 1,980 vpm, with an oscillation and centrifugal force of 64,575 lb. Oscillation compaction works by imparting a horizontal force into the base material side to side rather than by forcing it downwards by an up-and-down motion.
Also new are the HD O120V and HD O70V compactors. The HD O120V is a 78-in.-wide double-drum roller that has an operating weight of 26,345 lb. The rear drum has an oscillation frequency of 2,160-2,520 vpm and the front drum has a vibration range of 2,520-3,000 vpm.
The HD O70V is a 59-in.-wide double-drum. the machine generates oscillation frequency of 1,800-2,160 vpm in the rear drum and 2,520-3,000 vpm conventional vibration frequency in the front drum.