Modern construction machines are high-tech units whose engineering enables more functions to be carried out than ever before. Whether these are recognized and used by operators is crucially dependent on the quality of the operating concept. So that the operators of Hamm rollers can use all the functions to their full extent, the development team attached the utmost importance to simple, intuitive operation. No easy task, since the modern rollers are complex tools. With the new Easy Drive operating concept, Hamm has succeeded in pulling off this balancing act. It enables drivers to respond quickly and correctly, even without extensive previous knowledge. This is made possible through a minimal number of intelligently arranged switches, good visibility in the operator’s platform and short learning and familiarization times.
A single concept for rollers
The Easy Drive operating concept has already been launched in the DV+ series tandem rollers and is now being gradually integrated in the HD+ series tandem rollers and the H series compactors as well. All rollers will then use a common design and the same colours for function groups, and operating elements for the same functions will always be in the same position on the operator’s platform.
Dr. Axel Römer, Head of Development and Design at Hamm, explains the fundamental thinking behind it: “If all Hamm asphalt construction and earthwork rollers operate with Easy Drive, anyone who has ever operated a Hamm will instantly feel at home on all other Hamm rollers. In this way, we make life easier for operators when switching to a different machine type. They instantly identify important functions. This enables top-quality work right from the start and quickly builds up confidence.”
The centrepiece of Easy Drive is its clear operating structure. Steering is always done by means of a steering wheel. All other essential functions are operated via the joystick with clearly visible buttons, and the multifunction armrest. Here, all operating elements are arranged according to the principle: the more frequently an element is operated, the closer its position to the joystick. At the same time, the operation is designed to be entirely language-neutral. Thanks to the colour coding of all operating elements, Hamm achieves unambiguous assignment and a clear overview.
Ergonomic and flexible
With the help of universities and ergonomics specialists as well as roller drivers from different countries, Hamm has also ergonomically optimized the operating concept. The results speak for themselves: drivers can turn the seat in the tandem rollers in either direction and move it from side to side as standard.
What’s more, the position and suspension of the seat, the position of the armrests and the inclination of the dashboard are adjustable on all Easy Drive rollers. Thanks to the wealth of adjustment options, every driver will quickly find a healthy sitting position in the Easy Drive machines.
Folding armrests and a forward tilting steering column make it easy to get on and off the roller. Documents and personal items can be securely stored in the many compartments around the seat, and 12 V sockets provide power for a mobile phone or coolbox.
Award-winning design
The Easy Drive operating concept received two awards in February 2016: the “Universal Design expert favourite” label from a jury of experts and the “Universal Design consumer favourite” label from a jury of 100 users. This recently established design award highlights products which are flexible, easy and intuitive in use and whose operation and design reduces complexity to the minimum.
