Heavy Equipment Guide Logo

Double drum compactors boast 20 percent fuel efficiency boost

Double drum compactors boast 20 percent fuel efficiency boost

Able to perform in tight areas or the open road, the DD30B and DD35B double drum compactors from Volvo Construction Equipment offer up to a 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency when compared to predecessor models.

The latest double drum models from Volvo Construction Equipment round out its full line of asphalt compactors and are ideal for commercial and residential site development, including driveways, small paths, patchwork and shoulders on roadways. Providing up to 10 degrees of oscillation and 30 degrees of frame articulation in each direction, the DD30B (49-inch drum width) and DD35B (54-inch drum width) offer the versatility and stability to compact in confined areas. The fully integrated TwinLock traction control and torque transfer system provides superior climbing capabilities, even on steep inclines or slippery surfaces by minimizing drum slippage.

"The DD30B and DD35B would be great additions to the fleet of any small contractor who does a mix of residential and light commercial paving work," said Bill Laing, product manager at Volvo Construction Equipment. "Their uncompromising power and fuel efficiency coupled with a range of productivity enhancing features make these the best compactors we've been able to offer in this size class to date."

Powered by an advanced Tier 4 Final 49.6 hp (37 kW) engine, the DD30B and DD35B produce high torque at low RPM for the right mix of power, fuel efficiency and reduced noise. Fuel efficiency is further enhanced with the optional auto-idle feature, which reduces engine speed when controls are inactive for five seconds, helping to reduce operating costs. Passive engine regeneration requires no daily input from the operator to increase machine uptime.

With the auto-vibration feature, vibration is automatically engaged when the machine is moved out of neutral and shut off when returned to neutral. This prevents over-compaction and enhances ease of operation. To optimize finished pavement quality, each drum's edges are chamfered and rounded to avoid marking the mat while rolling. The DD30B and DD35B also feature the automatic variable interval water spraying system, which provides uniform drum coverage and variable flow to prevent material pickup.

In addition to the range of automatic features, the Volvo DD30B and DD35B are packed with design elements that increase operator comfort and control. The pillar-less forward view and sloping engine hood design offer all-around visibility of the jobsite, as well as unobstructed sightlines down to the drum and spray bars for maximum safety and rolling precision. Visibility can be further improved by sliding the operator seat to the desired location. The ergonomic controls help the operator keep an eye on the road and avoid fatigue. Because the controls are configured in the same layout as larger double drum Volvo models, operators can intuitively control the DD30B and DD35B machines. For added convenience, the optional foldable ROPS canopy can be easily collapsed without the need for special tools, helping crewmembers easily transport the machine from site to site.

Beyond comfort and convenience, the latest double drum compactors are designed to increase machine uptime. The hinged hood allows for ground-level access to the engine and hydraulic components, enabling easy maintenance. Passive regeneration requires no daily input, and parked service regeneration is only required at 500-hour intervals. The large 79-gallon (300 liter) water tank's low positioning gives the machine a low center of gravity for excellent stability and can be quickly and easily refilled from ground level.

Related Articles