Operators Impressed by Multiple Ammann Compactors

A crucial roadbuilding project in the Czech Republic provided an opportunity to test several Ammann rollers under challenging circumstances.

The compaction testing and validation occurred during construction of the I/33 Jaroměř bypass, which is described as the backbone of the region. About 15,000 vehicles, including many heavy trucks, travel the road on a daily basis. The bypass routes this traffic away from local residents.

The I/33 Jaroměř is part of the connection to the D11 highway. The bypass, at a length of 6.5 km, includes four bridge structures and relocation of several roads.

Handling the construction was Metrostav Infrastructure. Materials were placed by paving crew under leadership of construction manager Ing. Rostislav Nerad.

Ammann rollers on the jobsite

“One of our newest machines – the ARP 75 Pivot-Steer Roller with ACE^pro – was deployed on-site for its features and the value it brings,” said Radek Remeš, Testing and Application Manager. “While there, the opportunity was taken for further testing,”

The testing went so well that additional Ammann compactors were brought to the jobsite during subsequent phases, with some staying on indefinitely. A total of five Ammann rollers went through the paces.

“We have seen others perform in real-world settings, but this gave us a chance for another review, with instant feedback from operators,” Remeš said. “It provided operational insight, and I think it’s fair to say it was highly successful.”

Testing occurred in phases and included capture and processing of data to improve methods. The data analysis led to several changes, including replacement of a combi version of the Ammann ARP 75 Pivot-Steer Roller with a tandem model. A new interface for Ammann Compaction Expert (ACE) was utilised as well.

Compacting I/33

The ARP 75 compacted an 80 mm lift behind the paver and impressed the paving supervisor and the operator with its intuitive, straightforward operation and the quality and speed of compaction. ACE^pro was closely monitored and proved exceptional.

The roller worked on-site for about four weeks, then returned to the Ammann plant as planned. “The ARP 75 was only to be on-site for a specified time, and then returned to Ammann for inspection by the development team,” said Remeš.

The success of the ARP 75 led the contractor to request another Ammann machine: The ARP 95 ACE^pro.

Soon thereafter, the jobsite hosted other Ammann tandem rollers: the ARX 110-2, the ARX 160 and the ARX 26.

Operator feedback was very positive. They particularly appreciated the compactors’ intuitive and easy operation, clarity of the controls, ergonomics of the operator station and excellent compaction performance.

Operators and supervisors provided observations on each machine.

ARX 26 Light Tandem Roller with ACE^force

• Easy to manoeuvre and control

• Improved functionality through ACE^force system

• Good workplace ergonomics increases operator comfort

• Electronic control lever with integrated settings for precision

• Clear, uncomplicated display

• ServiceLink telematics

ARP 75 Pivot-Steer Roller with ACE^pro

• Simple touchscreen operation

• Great all-around visibility improves safety and productivity

• Easy adjustment of vibratory frequency

• Very good compaction results and easy operation through ACE^pro system

• Workplace ergonomics and 270° rotation of the driver's seat

• Crab mode – off-set to both sides to increase working width

• Precision-controlled (for working with the matching wheel) with steering on left armrest

ARP 95 ACE^pro

• Great manoeuvrability and view

• Added flexibility with option to work in off-set on both sides

• ACE^pro system reduces compaction by one or two passes and has simple parameter settings

• Intuitive setup of ACE^pro and easy adjustment to the jobsite

• Electronic control lever has integrated settings for precision

ARX 110-2 Articulated Tandem Roller

• Easy-to-use touch screen and intuitive operation

• Effortless setting of vibration frequency

• Dual function settings, both on the touchscreen and on the armrest

• Great visibility

• Excellent manoeuvrability thanks to the steering wheel on the left armrest

• Integrated controls in the electronic control lever enable precision

• Easy selection of individual speeds using the joystick on the control lever

ARX 160

• Great fit for final surface homogenisation

• Dual function settings allow adjustments via the touch screen or the armrest

• Integrated controls in the electronic control lever

• Easy selection of individual speeds with the joystick on the control lever