The BW 138 AD-5 tandem vibratory roller, designed with a large drum diameter and high compaction forces, has a 54.3-inch rolling width and is suitable for use on granular soils and asphalt. According to the manufacturer, the new roller can take on a variety of tasks typical in commercial and municipal applications, ranging from parking-lot paving to county-road development.
The roller uses a 45.1-horsepower water-cooled diesel engine that meets Tier 4-F emission standards. The ROPS canopy quickly folds, without using tools, to facilitate transport.
When equipped with the Economizer compaction-measurement system, the BW 138 AD-5 alerts operators to compaction progress, potentially reducing the number of passes. The Economizer requires no calibration to deliver real-time compaction progress and, as the degree of compaction increases, an increasing number of LED lights on the Economizer’s panel illuminate to indicate when optimum compaction is achieved. The system warns operators of potential over-compaction (to prevent aggregate fracturing) and assists in identifying soft spots in the material.
The new roller’s 35.4-inch drum diameter is designed to deliver an increased drum-impact area and to reduce rolling resistance. Dual vibration frequencies of 3,000 and 3,360 vpm provide rolling speeds reaching 3.8 mph, while maintaining proper impact spacing on asphalt projects. The BW 138 AD-5 has a 0.020-inch amplitude and average linear load of 86.6 pounds per inch across the drum. Front-only, rear-only, or front-and-rear vibration modes allow the operator to adjust machine compaction effort to jobsite conditions.
A pressurized water-spray system with a five-step interval timer is designed to increase operating time between refills of the 81.9-gallon tank. Dual water filtration at the inlet helps prevent spray nozzle plugging, and the quick-attach nozzle design facilitates servicing and quick replacement. The five spray nozzles are protected against wind deflection and are designed to provide uniform coverage across the drum’s width, preventing material pickup.
The BW 138 AD-5’s control-panel dials are designed to simplify operation for operators with varying levels of experience. The roller features dual control levers, with integrated horn and vibration-actuation control, and the central-machine positioning of the vibration-isolated operator’s platform provides enhanced visibility to both drum edges.
The BW 138 AD-5 features maintenance-free bearings, eliminating the need to grease hinge points on a daily or weekly basis. The roller’s maintenance-free articulation joint uses bolt-on construction to facilitate service. Braided cable bundles are used in the roller’s electrical system.
