Expanding into remote trench compaction

VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT

Expanding into remote trench compaction

Talisman Hire Wadeville has extended its rental fleet with the acquisition of an Ammann ARR1575 remote-controlled articulated padfoot roller, designed specifically for trench compaction. The machine was supplied by South African Ammann machine distributor ELB Equipment and offers superior levels of efficiency for contractors.

We purchased this machine to address the demand for faster, safer trench compaction and to eliminate the need for multiple workers in dangerous deep excavations. In terms of productivity, it easily replaces a dozen or more men using rammers – and the quality of compaction is simply incomparable,” says Morné Venter of Talisman Hire Wadeville.

“For example, a standard rammer is around 300 mm wide and applies up to 12 kN of compaction force, while the Ammann ARR1575, with a width of 850 mm, achieves up to 75 kN of compaction force with great accuracy. A clearly visible compaction level indicator also gives the operator a visual representation of compaction progress and eliminates the risk of over-compaction, thus saving time,” he continues.

Trench rollers, also called multipurpose compactors, perform well in cohesive soil types, such as clays, which can be very difficult to compact. The ARR1575 is able to overcome the high moisture content in clays through extreme compaction energy and the kneading effect of its padfoot drums. The machines perform effectively and quickly on less challenging soils, too.

“In certain regions, clay and other poor soil conditions require the soil excavated from a trench to be discarded and more suitable fill material trucked in,” Venter expands. “However, this is not required with the Ammann ARR1575, as the compaction happens at a soil particle level and the padfoot breaks the bonds that usually prevent clayey soils from compacting uniformly and ‘bouncing back’.”

Manoeuvrability and operation

Two steering cylinders help make the ARR1575 responsive and precise, while the extended drum width and low centre of gravity provide excellent stability on uneven surfaces. This provides faster, more seamless operation, which, combined with its high compaction output, allows for the faster compaction of thicker layers in fewer passes. Rammax, which was acquired by Ammann in 1995, invented

Morné Venter and Emile Diamond of Talisman Hire Wadeville take delivery of their first Ammann ARR1575 roller from ELB Equipment

the trench roller more than 40 years ago. Today, Ammann is believed to be the only manufacturer to offer both articulated and skid-steered trench rollers. The longevity of the product line and the updating of the range prove Ammann’s commitment to this market.

After-sales support

“We choose our equipment from the best suppliers and those who are able to properly support our machines and enable us to keep them running around the clock. ELB Equipment is exemplary in this regard and we have bought many machines from them in the past 11 years since opening our doors,” says Venter.

“They also understand the plant hire business and are able to provide input and opportunities that allow for us to remain ahead of the game,” Venter concludes.

An infrared remote control is built with safety in mind and the operator must have line of sight of the machine to operate it

AMMANN ARR1575 KEY FEATURES

• Operating weight 1 340 kg – 1 450 kg • Compaction frequency 40 Hz (2 400 VPM) • Amplitude 1.1/06 mm • Centrifugal force 75/36 kN • Power 14.6 kW