Bell starts roll-out of JCB roller demos

road construction, with its operating weight of 11 560 kg, 85 kW engine and 2 100 mm drum width,” Du Toit continues. “The machine delivers maximum compaction performance through the combination of a high front-weight ratio and a heavy-duty dynamic vibration system.”

Since Bell Equipment Sales South Africa became the official South African distributor for JCB construction equipment on 1 May 2021, the focus has been predominantly on established loading equipment such as JCB's market-leading backhoe loaders, wheel loaders and telehandlers. This is now being followed by the market introduction of the JCB roller range.

Bell Equipment recently unveiled its JCB roller series to its local salesforce with live demonstrations on construction sites at the end of March 2022. Similar demonstrations to existing and prospective customers are planned for later in the year.

Kwa Mhlanga Construction, a long-standing

Bell Equipment customer, had use of a

JCB Vibromax 116D roller on a road construction project on the K91 road near Alberton. In the short time the JCB Vibromax 116D roller was on-site, its performance impressed all who saw it working.

“The machine performed well and proved that it is up to the task. Our customer and our sales team were impressed with its performance, and we look forward to putting the machine through its paces during further machine demos across the country,” says Petrie du Toit, sales product manager: JCB, Bell Equipment.

“The JCB Vibromax 116D roller fits in well for many applications, but especially so for

Taking a closer look at the compaction achieved by the JCB Vibromax 116D roller are (R-L): Sascha Caixeiro, sales representative, Bell Equipment; Jandrè van der Linde, site agent, Kwa Mhlanga Construction; Petrie du Toit, sales product manager: JCB, Bell Equipment; Zebron Nyirenba, soil testing technician, Roadlab; and Chris Botha, sales representative, Bell Equipment

A class leader

He explains that the potential for this model to be a market leader is high due to a static linear load of over 30 kg/cm added to a class-leading 256 kN of dynamic centrifugal force, with a further high amplitude of 1.8 mm, that combine to create better-thannormal compaction performance. In addition, variable drum vibration frequencies of 32 Hz and 36 Hz set the machine apart from its competitors.

The high-torque and super-efficient JCB 444 engine needs only 2 000 rpm to fully power the JCB Vibromax 116D roller and it is fast becoming known for how quiet it runs, at only 104 dB. In terms of versatility, it can be used with its standard smooth drum to compact granular and non-cohesive material or be fitted with an optional pad-foot shell for sticky clay-type soils.

Ergonomics and maintenance

The machine’s cab has been designed with the reduction of operator fatigue foremost. The cab is secured on four heavy-duty rubber mounts to ensure low vibration levels felt by the operator. The drum has been isolated by a system developed to give maximum transfer of energy and dynamic forces into the ground, isolating the machine frame and operator. The operator will get instant feedback on the machine’s compaction performance from an ergonomically placed compaction meter.

Regular maintenance is vital to the performance and longevity of any mechanical equipment, and the designers of the JCB Vibromax 116D roller have taken the burden out of daily checks, ensuring that they can be easily done at ground level and on one side of the machine. Here, the operator has access to all the hydraulic, fuel and engine filters, as well as the injection system.

Safety and security have not been forgotten on the JCB Vibromax 116D roller, with the renowned JCB standard LiveLink ensuring security and operating conditions are always known. Diesel filling points can be locked and are positioned out of sight under the engine cover to prevent theft or vandalism.

Other models available in the JCB roller range are the CT260-120, VM166 and VM200 models.