Kennards Hire has introduced a range of remote-controlled vibratory plate compactors in a few locations.
Weighing just 1.2 tonne, the remote-controlled vibratory plate compactors exert as much pressure as a seven-tonne drum roller. Easy to transport and extremely manoeuvrable on site, the compactors protect operators from vibration, dust and emissions.
According to Craig Milner, construction manager for Western Australia construction company, Oostveen Pty Ltd, a 500kg compactor being used on a project in sandy conditions was giving them problems in terms of getting the required compaction.
Using Kennards’ remote-controlled vibratory plate compactor, they have been getting great results without user fatigue or danger. He said that the new machine gave them a penetrometer reading of 15 in a single pass compared with 11 previously without even wetting the sand.
Transfield Services trialled one of the compactors while working for the Australian Rail Track Corporation on the upgrade of 794km of track between Whyalla and Broken Hill, and Parkes and Cootamundra.
Harry Cailes, project delivery co-ordinator for Transfield Services explains that the unit is capable of exerting as much pressure as a mid-size roller, but can also be put in a trailer, transported from site to site, and lifted into a hole using the jib of a front end loader.
The infrastructure company used another of the units while working for TransAdelaide to remove and re-lay rail track during the expansion of the Adelaide Convention Centre, a Baulderstone project.
Describing it as a winner, Supervisor Barrie Cornish says that the remote-controlled vibratory plate compactor offers good compaction and comes with great safety features.
Operating 124 equipment hire centres around Australia, Kennards Hire has added more remote-controlled padfoot rollers, 500kg plate compactors and 1.5-tonne to 4-tonne vibratory ride-on rollers.
