Tailored for multiple markets across Sub-Sahara Africa, these robust and versatile rollers feature ergonomic designs, innovative attributes, and cutting-edge technology addressing efficiency, productivity, and operator safety and comfort.
“Incorporating a dual-vibration system, our RD7 and RD10 walk-behind rollers stand out for exceptional soil and asphalt compaction performance,” says Stefan le Roux, Wacker Neuson Sales Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The duel on/off frequency vibration selector provides two vibration stages, enhancing safety and boosting productivity. The ergonomically arranged operator control elements are conveniently located on the guide handle, ensuring complete control without moving around the machine.”
Reflecting on the positive evolution of the RD7 in the African market, Le Roux notes, “Relocating manufacturing and implementing a proactive buy-back program of older models has been pivotal. The redesigned RD7 from Germany, introduced in 2021, now holds a prominent position in the South African market, a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction.”
As Wacker Neuson aims to fortify its presence in the African market, the new RD10 takes centre stage.
John Ramshaw, Wacker Neuson South Africa’s Key Account Manager: Agriculture, elaborates on the introduction, saying, “Hosting an event in Q2 2023 allowed us to gather feedback from customers and dealers, shaping the RD10 uniquely for Africa. Based on the RD7 design, the RD10 retains the best features while incorporating enhancements for optimal customer solutions.”
Ramshaw highlights the RD10’s suitability for users favouring a heavier roller with a wider drum. “The 750mm drum covers a broader area, accelerating work rate and productivity. Despite the wider drum, the compact design ensures easy operator manoeuvrability. Fully hydrostatic and operating without a gearbox or chains, the RD10 translates to fewer components, reduced wear and tear, and ultimately lower operating expenses (OPEX).”
Wacker Neuson also brings regular updates and improvements to their tandem ride-on roller range.
Ramshaw details, “The recently updated RD12 tandem roller boasts a dual drum drive and efficiently compacts asphalt and granular subbase material. Articulated steering ensures excellent manoeuvrability, catering to various applications.”The Wacker Neuson RD12 Compact Tandem Roller falls within a weight category slightly exceeding 1 ton, making it conveniently transportable while still packing a powerful punch.
Its versatility and wide range of applications, from laying fresh asphalt to compacting subbase materials or rolling turf, make it an ideal choice for retail and rental purposes. Particularly well-suited for the demands of the Sub-Saharan African market, it finds its stride in tasks such as parking lot and driveway construction, road repairs, and even nature trail development.
Moreover, its dual drum drive, featuring a front vibrating drum and a rear static drum, ensures efficiency and optimal compaction, resulting in a neatly compact package.
The articulated steering mechanism in the RD12 plays a pivotal role in enhancing its manoeuvrability, particularly in tight or confined spaces.
“Allowing the roller to articulate or pivot at a central point, rather than relying solely on traditional steering methods, provides a tighter turning radius and greater agility. This feature proves exceptionally beneficial in applications where precision and manoeuvrability are paramount, such as navigating obstacles like parked vehicles, trees, or other structures in parking lots, driveways, or nature trails,” says Le Roux.
The articulated steering also features an oscillation function between the front and rear frames, facilitating smoother navigation on uneven terrain, ensuring consistent compaction results even in challenging environments.
Overall, this feature enhances operational efficiency and minimises the risk of damage to surrounding infrastructure or landscaping, making the RD12 a versatile and reliable choice for various construction and maintenance projects.