Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/578350
October 2015 | EquipmentWorld.com 68 date a wide range of operator size, according to Mark Eckert, compac- tion product manager. To do this they worked with some averages, designing controls so they can be reached by the 5th percentile female size (smallest) to the 95th percentile male size (largest)."Proper positioning of operating controls lessens fatigue during long work shifts and reduces the risk of operating accidents," Eckert says. Operator safety is a top priority for Volvo CE as well, with improved visibility being a big part of recent designs. An operator is able to see objects (39 inches high at a distance of 39 inches) from the ends and sides of the machine. Volvo has concentrated on reduc- ing felt vibration, and noise levels to the operator's ear and reducing operator fatigue. To help with training, BOMAG is opening its new FAYAT Academy training center in Ridgeway, South Carolina, this fall. It will offer year- round opportunities in both class- room and hands-on environments. "This will offer customers the ability to receive a deeper level of training, so they can take full advantage of the machine's capabilities and work more efficiently," says Bert Erdman, product manager for heavy com- paction. Volvo CE offers similar training at its Road Institute, a program that's a continuation of training offered by Blaw-Knox and Ingersoll Rand decades ago. Intelligent compaction The nearly ubiquitous IC has been the main focus of recent advances, and there is no indication that will change in the near term. Like those focused on the operator environ- ment, IC developments are all about productivity. "Customers are more focused on understanding how to maximize the use of the (IC) technology available than looking for more innovations," says Bryan Downing, Caterpillar Paving global sales and support consultant. "The science behind compaction is making great advancements in a relatively short amount of time, so most of our cus- tomers are making more requests for training." Cat Paving's Machine Drive Power (MDP) technology, now available with its Compaction Measurement Value, expands the capabilities of a single soil compactor. "While MDP works on all material types, its ability to provide indications of soil stiffness in cohesive soils has proven to be a niche measurement space that differentiates MDP," Downing adds. Although available for several years, IC has become popular in the past five years. "The Hamm Com- paction Quality system has been a great success for our customers, providing them more consistent patterns, better density control, and highway contractor | continued Recent compaction equipment advances include Volvo CE's Density Direct intelligent compaction system that measures density instead of material stiffness.