Product feature: Hidromek soil compactors
Soil compactors are not the most glamourous piece of kit, but the introduction of mid-range models some years ago enabled small- to medium-sized contractors to unlock more work opportunities
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Hidromek produces two models, weighing 11 and 13T
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Modern compactors are pieces of equipment that have revolutionised the way land
is developed, leaving their footprint on tracts of land, enabling the safe construction of infrastructure and buildings.
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It’s the smaller machines such as Hidromek’s 11-tonne HMK 110 CS and 13-tonne HMK 130 CS soil compactors that have allowed small- to medium-sized contractors enter the once closely guarded property and road construction market.
If you look back to just before the early 2000s, machines sized like Hidromek’s two popular compactors were few and far between, and those that were around were often owned by companies that had a large fleet portfolio.
They usually could afford to have machines parked up and were never too keen to hire or lend one out.
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Bolt-on pads enable additional versatility
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All that changed with the arrival of affordable soil compactors in the 10- to 13-tonne range, especially when those machines fitted with bolt-on compaction pads could be reasonably quickly transformed into a smooth drum roller for roading work, enabling a compactor to be used year-round.
Seeking perfect compaction
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Technology helps operators easily achieve compaction specs
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Things began to get serious with the advancement of technology that allowed operators to measure the compaction of their work without having to get off their machines and certainly helped reduce fuel burn due to over-compaction, along with cutting down on the number of times soil engineers needed to turn up onsite to do measurements.
Fast forward to today and technology has eliminated the need for a grumpy old experienced operator to begrudgingly share their knowledge to achieve the perfect compaction.
This is great for soil compactor owners, especially in the tight labour market these days, as relatively inexperienced operators can be productive right off the bat. So, what should a buyer be looking for in a modern soil compactor?
In the case of the Hidromek brand, they say their HMK 110 CS and HMK 130 CS soil compactors offer several features that make them stand out from the competition.
These include variable ground pressure application from the compaction drum in the form of an adjustable vibration frequency, a powerful engine, an ergonomically designed operator’s seat and cabin, clear vision, and, importantly, an inclinometer and compaction meter.
Both meters are what help Hidromek soil compactors ensure quick and safe operating, says Hidromek New Zealand distributor Magnum Equipment.
"Our two models are equipped with advanced sensors so that operators can adjust the vibration force on their own and with the fitted technology, helps operators reduce the amount of time they spend working in any one area," says Magnum Equipment founder and director Liam Field.
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Liam Field
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"Additionally, they feature an easy-to-operate LCD display for controlling and monitoring compaction progress," he says.
Safety operating on sites
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Safety features include emergency stops (E-Stops)
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CS and HMK 130 CS soil compactors are designed with safety in mind. The machines are equipped with a range of features to help protect operators from potential hazards, including emergency stop buttons, an anti-slip platform, a fully enclosed FOPS/ROPS cab, and a rear-view camera.
Furthermore, the machines are carefully designed with a low centre of gravity for stability and greater manoeuvrability.
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Large adjustable shades on front and read windscreens
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All features are enhanced by the wide windscreens and sloping rear bonnet to allow maximum visibility to the operator.As mentioned previously, of special importance to the safety of the operator and machine is the inclinometer, which will alert the user when preset safety parameters have been breached on sloping ground.
Rollovers are not uncommon with soil compactors and Hidromek says they see this feature as paramount to ensuring the safety of the operator and others on the work site.
Power to the ground
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The engine cover opens hydraulically
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Helping reduce fuel burn in a fossil fuel-conscious world, Hidromek has fitted a 169hp(115kW)@2200rpm Deutz TCD4.1 L4 diesel engine. Designed to deliver high power and torque, the turbocharged power plant graces both the HMK 110 CS and its larger HMK 130 CS sibling.
All-wheel drive
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All-wheel drive helps in soft ground |
Both models of compactor feature all-wheel drive, which can be easily engaged or disengaged via a switch on the dashboard. This can be particularly useful when hitting a soft ground spot or working on road shoulders.
"One of our clients got their compactor well-bogged and was able to extract the machine by engaging the all-wheel drive function," says Liam.
Size comparison
The two models share a similar footprint, with the larger HMK 130 CS having a heavier drum and side plates. Suffice to say that two tonnes mean more weight on the ground and theoretically faster compaction.
Sometimes, though, sheer weight may not be the solution and tricky sites may need a lighter touch, so to speak. It all comes down to what a buyer’s job requirements are.
In conclusion, Hidromek’s HMK 110 CS and HMK 130 CS soil compactors are looked upon by many as state-of-the-art pieces of machinery that can be ideal for any job requiring the compaction of fill.
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A comfortable environment for the operator
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With advanced features, they can work to spec quickly and efficiently, while also providing operators with a safe and comfortable environment to spend their work day.
Businesses looking to reduce labour costs and increase productivity should consider them when evaluating their equipment purchase options.
Hidromek’s incline meter
Connected to the MCU (machine control unit), Hidromek’s inclinometer sensor on their soil compactors helps improve machine and operator safety. The sensor measures the ground on which the machine is working as a reference and the system delivers audio and visual alarms to the operator according to the slope values.
When the slope value is measured as 12 degrees, the operator receives an audio and visual warning. When the slope reaches 15 degrees, an audio and visual warning, along with vibration shutdown occurs. An icon on the in-cab monitor assists the operator to check progress.
For more information, visit magnumequipment.co.nz.
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