Bomag reinvents its compact tandem rollers

Bomag's new Dash-5 articulated tandem roller range is the result of a three year research and development programme and a € 3 million (US$ 4.2 million) investment. The first fruits of this research are at the smaller end of the scale with six models in three weight classes from 1.5 to 1.8 tonnes.

Visitors to last year's Bauma exhibition may remember seeing an early version on display on the Bomag stand, but according to communications manager, Iris von Kirschbaum, this was a "Proto, proto, prototype." She added, "This is a real core product for Bomag."

Feedback received at the show and subsequently from customers led to several key design changes, among them the provision for more foot space, easier access and a more expansive operator area.

Other improvements around the operator include a chassis frame that tapers towards the operator station. This means the edge of the front drum is visible without the operator having to lean over the side of the machine - an important safety feature.

The small, ergonomically designed steering wheel and multi-function joystick work alongside Bomag's intelligent vibration control. Once the operator has selected vibration on the front, rear or both drums, along with the intelligent vibration mode, vibration is activated based on the roller's speed. Vibration kicks-in at 1 km/h but will turn off again if the roller is going too fast - above 5km/h.

The first models available in the Dash-5 range are the 1.55 tonne BW 80 AD-5, the 1.60 tonne BW 90 AD-5 and 1.65 tonne BW 1000 ADM-5. In addition to these basic models, there are the 1.65 tonne BW 90 SC-5 and 1.70 tonne BW 100 SC-5 'side clearance' models, where the drum is supported on just one side, to allow compaction right up against high curbs or other obstacles. The 1.7 tonne BW 100 ACM-5 combination roller rounds-off the range.

Power for all of these models comes from a 15 kW Kubota engine, which is designed for use in Europe and requires ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel to operate and meet the region's laws on low emissions.

The maximum travel speed for the machines is 10 km/h, an increase of some +25% on their predecessors, and at 30 litres, the fuel tank is +30% bigger, providing enough capacity for a full day's work.

Finance options

The new models were launched in the UK, one of the largest markets in the world for this type of machine, and recommended retail prices range from UK£ 16875 (US$ 27300) for the BW 80 AD-5 to UK£ 21500 (US$ 34800) for the BW 100 ACM-5.

Bomag says it expects each machine to be kept by its original owner for an average of eight to ten years. In the past, it has seen even longer ownership periods. To reflect this, it is offering a range of finance packages that move away from the typical 20% deposit and 36 month hire-purchase agreements that Ian Barker, general manager of Bomag finance in the UK, says typifies the industry.

"We are advocating a five-year funding package, better matching income to expenditure," he said.

Further models

Additional tandem roller models in the Dash-5 range are due to be launched later this year on the European market from Bomag's main factory and headquarters in Boppard, Germany. For other parts of the world, including China and the US, Bomag manufactures the BW 900/50, a 1.2 tonne machine powered by a Honda petrol engine at its plant in China.