ON A ROLL

NW Groundwork & Civil Engineers new cabbed Hamm roller is a game-changer

Manufacturer HAMM

Model HD14i VV

Weight 4,685 Kg (with cab)

Engine 36.8 kW (50 hp)

VIEW SPECS

Investing in having a cab retrofitted to his new Hamm HD14i VV roller was one of the best decisions Greater Manchester based NW Groundwork & Civil Engineers have ever made, says Operations Manager Mark Aspin, who has years of experience in the industry.

The company, which was set up seven years ago, specialises in all aspects of groundwork, from excavation and footings, to retaining walls and the construction of roads and highways. Its experienced team of operators often find themselves working on wind farm projects where sites are frequently isolated and open to the worst that the weather can throw at them.

The new Hamm 14i VV roller – the first machine with a retrofitted cab sold in the UK - certainly proved its worth on one of the latest wind farm projects at Frodsham near Chester in Cheshire where NW Groundwork & Civil Engineers was employed on remedial work on the site’s roadways. The team had to clear the vegetation from the roadways and level the surface before laying down the new aggregate layers and compacting them to make a durable roadway.

Cabs aren’t that commonplace on compact rollers, but with the change in market requirements as we’ve seen with site dumpers, it’s clearly something that has huge potential with operator comfort and safety in mind.

“Working on exposed wind farms is challenging at the best of times, but when the weather turns nasty it can be even more challenging for our roller operators who may have to deal with strong winds and rain,” says Mark who adds: “We place driver comfort and safety high on our list of priorities which was one of the main reasons why we opted for fitting the new Hamm roller with a cab.

“In the early days, we didn’t have cabbed rollers, but it is the way forward given our changing climate. With a much improved working environment, our men can operate in all sorts of weather, rather than having to cut short the day because of the conditions. It has definitely been the best investment we have made as it represents a significant step forward in safety, comfort, and efficiency for our team.

“THIS NEWROLLERWILL ALLOW US TO TACKLE PROJECTS MORE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY”

“Long hours on the job can take a toll, but the 1400mm wide Hamm HD14iVV Roller prioritises operator comfort with ergonomic seating, climate control, and reduced noise levels. This ensures our operators can work efficiently without unnecessary fatigue, ultimately leading to better results on every project. It has given our business a massive boost.”

Excellent visibility

The heated cab on the machine also features excellent visibility, with an unobstructed 360 degree view, reducing blind spots and ensuring operators can see clearly what is going on around the roller, which is especially important on busy job sites.

With two vibrating roller drums, the heavy duty Hamm HD14i VV is designed to deliver consistent and high-quality compaction, making it ideal for a variety of groundwork applications. Its advanced technology not only improves the speed and accuracy of the work but also reduces fuel consumption, contributing to more sustainable operations.

“This new roller will allow us to tackle projects more efficiently and effectively, whether it’s road construction, foundations, or other groundwork tasks. By equipping our team with the best tools available, we ensure that every job is completed to the highest standards of quality and precision.”

First class service & support

So impressed with the easily transportable roller, with its large steering angle and small turning circle, Mark is considering investing in a second Hamm cabbed machine. He has also been delighted with the service and support provided by the team at Hamm led by Area Sales Manager North - Road Technologies at WIRTGEN GROUP, Tom Moss.

“Tom and his team have been a pleasure to deal with. They’ve been very helpful; nothing is ever a problem for them, and when you come across suppliers you can rely on you tend to stick with them. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for a new roller.”