Based in the town of Herentals in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, the firm opted for an Ammann ARS 70 single drum compactor. A key feature of the machine that appealed to De Cnodder was the tight turning circle, due to its short wheelbase and a specially-designed articulation joint. The company realised that this feature would be important, as many of its jobs are handled in restricted space applications.
Other important features of this machine include its low centre of gravity for stability and the range of frequencies available.
The company also says that the ACEforce compaction system helps it to monitor compaction progress. This system shows the operator when work is complete in a target area, allowing the machine to then move to its next part of the jobsite. In addition, the ACEforce system also indicates possible weak spots in the compacted area.
When working on new construction, the crew places gravel at a depth of 200mm and then makes five passes. In housing development areas, there can be obstructions underneath the compacted layer such as utilities or old back-filled trenches and the firm says that the versatility of the ARS 70 means that the operator can use multiple frequencies to ensure the work is carried out properly.
