The Not So Compact Compactor

By Gregory V. Harris, regional editor

The MVH-306 (left) has an assembly generating 10,125 pounds of compaction force and compacts up to 9,000 sq. ft. per hour.

When it comes to compactors, ?EUR??,,????'??compact?EUR??,,????'?? is not the key ingredient of Caterpillar?EUR??,,????'???s CB-634D model vibratory compactor. This is a compactor that will be a better fit in the driveway than the walkway, as this unit weighs a whopping 28,000 pounds. The CB-634D has a drum width of 84 inches and the unit is powered by a turbocharged Caterpillar 3116T diesel engine, rated at 145 hp. It has a two-speed, electric throttle to control engine rpm. Caterpillar says the two-speed throttle is easier to operate, which ensures that the machine will be operated at full engine rpm.

This compactor was recently upgraded, as the unit incorporates new high-flow nozzles at the outer edges of each drum to help ensure wet drum edges in high ambient, windy conditions. The water tanks slope away from the operator, and the outside edges taper inward. Caterpillar notes this design improves operator visibility to the front and rear of the machine and to either side. The operator can see objects that are three feet in front of the machine or behind the machine and are three feet above the ground. This design shields the spray bars and nozzles from wind and sun, allowing the spray nozzles to provide consistent coverage across the drum surfaces.

Being comfortable while working with heavy machinery is always good, and the CB-634D is designed for ease and speed of service. The operator?EUR??,,????'???s station deck pivots upward with the use of a hydraulic hand pump and lift cylinder. It can then be bolted in the up position to allow complete access to major power train and hydraulic components.

Caterpillar?EUR??,,????'???s CB-634D (right) pneumatic compactor is a high production compactor that competes in the greater than 11.3 metric ton class. Some of the features of this machine include thicker drums, automatic speed control with impact spacing five amplitude settings, a higher vibe frequency, and higher centrifugal forces.

The vibratory system on this compactor features five amplitude settings, which are adjustable from the ground level. The five different amplitudes are achieved by varying the relative positions of the two eccentric weights. Operators now have more amplitude setting choices. According to Caterpillar, this will help enable operators to fine-tune the machine for each specific job. The vibratory system on the CB-634D has a higher vibe frequency and centrifugal force than past models since the revisions were made. Vibration can be selected for the front, rear or both drums. The vibration control system automatically starts drum vibration once the machine reaches rolling speed. Vibration automatically stops before the machine comes to a halt, preventing accidental indentations in the mat caused by vibrating the drums in place. The operator can retain manual control of vibration on/off selection with a switch mounted on the propel lever.

Although the Caterpillar compactor can provide a ?EUR??,,????'??wow?EUR??,,????'?? factor in the game of one-upmanship, this unit may be too large for some jobs, particularly walkways. In those cases, Mikasa?EUR??,,????'???s MVH-306 Series reversible plate compactor by Multiquip may be a better choice.

The MVH-306 has a redesigned eccentric assembly generating 10,125 pounds of compaction force. The unit has a new plate design, sized at 18 by 34 inches, and is available with nine horsepower Honda gasoline or seven horsepower Yanmar diesel engine options. The two Yanmar diesel models also feature wider diameter steel piping on the engine protection frame for improved strength. This new plate compactor is specifically designed for the efficient compaction of soil and gravel in trenches, around retaining walls.

In addition, the MVH-306 series has a redesigned sealed bottom belt cover to keep dirt and rocks away from the belt. Other advances over previous units include hydraulics now located on the handle for improved appearance, an auto-locking handle for simplified storage and a plastic battery enclosure on the MVH-306DS model. The MVH-306 series produces at speeds up to 75 feet per minute allowing operators to compact up to 9,000 square feet per hour.

For more information on the Caterpillar CB-634D, visit www.caterpillar.com. More information on the MVH-306 can be found at www.multiquip.com.

Power Points

19.5 million ?EUR??,,????'??? Number of barrels of oil used by Americans every day
Source: 2000 Dept. of Energy report.

43% ?EUR??,,????'??? Percent of oil used for motor gasoline in the United States.

Source: www.science.howstuffworks.com