High Five

Bomag launch ‘Dash-5’ light tandem rollers

Compact equipment manufacturers Bomag have recently introduced their new generation of vibrating light tandem rollers – the Dash-5 Series. The latest models are a significant improvement on the Dash-2 machines which the German company has been selling in the UK for more than 12 years.

There are six models in the new range – the BW 80AD-5 (operating weight 1,550kg), BW 90AD-5 (1,600kg), BW 100ADM-5 (1,650g) and BW 100ACM-5 (1,700kg) combination rollers – as well as the BW 90SC-5 (1,650kg) and BW 100SC-5 (1,700kg) ‘side clearance’ units.

The side clearance models have their drums offset by 60mm, offering working widths of 960mm and 1,060mm for the BW 90 SC-5 and BW 100SC-5, respectively. The drums are connected to the frame on one side, allowing the machines to be used right up to a kerb or wall with the capability of steering away without damage.

According to Bomag, the Dash-5 Series is a clear improvement over the old Dash-2 range and features modern, sophisticated industrial design, enhanced operator ergonomics, a fuel-efficient and quieter Tier-4 engine and a high level of standard equipment.  

The machines also feature new bodywork, a durable articulated chassis and maintenance-free oscillating articulated joint. A notable styling feature is the narrow, sloping, one-piece engine hood that is manufactured from a composite material. This special design gives excellent operator visibility of the drum and immediately in front of the machine.

The one-piece design also offers excellent service access, while the composite construction provides strength and durability and, at the same time, reduces noise and vibration. The fuel and water tanks are integrated into the chassis, with the fuel filler cap located under the opening hood for safety and security.

The small tandem rollers are powered by a Kubota D902 three-cylinder, water-cooled diesel engine. Developing 15.1kW at 3,000 revs/min and with a specific fuel consumption of 260g/kWh, the engine is frugal on fuel, extremely quiet and meets the European level 3B engine emission legislation (Tier 4 in US).

The diesel engine is mounted in-line in the new chassis with the water radiator and fan towards the operator – not laterally as in current models. This improves cooling, service access and piping from the pumps.

The engine drives the hydraulic pumps, which provide the motive power with a drive motor in each drum for good traction, power steering through an orbitrol control valve and vibration exciter power. The machines have a maximum working speed of 4.5km/h (with vibration), a maximum travel speed of 10km/h and a maximum gradeability of (40% without vibration). The service brakes are hydrostatic and a hydro-mechanical parking brake is fitted for safety purposes.

The operator environment on the Dash-5 Series sets a new standard for small tandem rollers. The design brief was to provide the safest and most comfortable operator station and this, say Bomag, has been achieved.

For example, the adjustable Grammer seat is equipped with a pressure-sensitive engine cut-out switch, providing a comfortable position from which to operate the machine. Thanks to the narrow and low engine hood and ‘facet cut’ chassis design, the operator can see obstacles 500mm high and 1m in front of the machines. This represents a 30% improvement in visibility compared to the outgoing series.

The travel lever is an ergonomically designed multi-function joystick positioned on the operator’s right. Travel operation in forward and reverse is extremely smooth because of a well-matched travel pump with servo control. Also included in the operator station is a safety plate to ensure that the operator’s feet are kept away from the articulation joint.

The Dash-5 models offer a choice of three compaction modes: manual; neutral; and Intelligent Vibration Control (IVC). A red push-button on the joystick controls vibration on and off in manual mode. The neutral position is a safety setting for loading, which ensures that vibration cannot be started when driving up a ramp. IVC is a new feature which, when selected on the mode switch, automatically starts vibration when the roller exceeds 1km/h in forward/reverse. If the travel speed exceeds 5km/h, vibration is switched off automatically.

Optional edge cutters are available with two green buttons on the joystick controlling the lift and lower functions. The light rollers’ 12mm thick drums, manufactured by Bomag to strict tolerances, ensure a smooth finish and long-term durability. A pressurized water system comes as standard with four wind- protected spray nozzles and spring-loaded scraper bars keeping the drums clean.

Other standard features include: zinc-plated lashing eyes; an hour meter; reverse alarm; emergency-stop button; working lights; a rotating flashing beacon; and a storage compartment under the seat.

Among the optional features on the Dash-5 family are a folding ROPS frame, battery disconnect switch, anti-theft protection, drum edge lighting and a hydraulic power take-off to power a hand-held hydraulic breaker.

Servicing is easily carried out on the Bomag light tandems thanks to the intelligent component layout and central electrical controller with a functions check facility and built-in fault diagnostics.