The Mecalac Group built its reputation on designing and producing construction machinery for urban job sites.
So, when the company entered the roller market, it began to investigate design improvements to benefit the jobsite and the operator.
Since the acquisition of the Coventry, England manufacturing facility from Terex in 2017, backhoe loaders, site dumpers and compaction rollers joined Mecalac’s existing range of excavators and loaders.
Once a range of compaction rollers arrived among its product line up, Mecalac began looking for ways to improve both the efficiency of work and the safety of the driver.
Most tandem rollers are manoeuvred using the wheel on the steering column. The presence of the steering column forces the driver to contort himself just to get into the seat.
Once in position, the operator drives with one hand on the wheel, the other on the lever, all while keeping an eye on the trajectory of the front drum.
Fatigue, musculoskeletal problems and risks of falling when climbing on or off are problems inherent to this traditional design.
Mecalac R&D
So Mecalac’s research and development department were given the twofold task of easing access and improving the driving position for effectiveness, safety and comfort.
Within its range of six tandem vibrating rollers, the Mecalac Group chose the TV1200 to showcase innovation. The new concept is driven exclusively with a joystick on the right console.
The TV1200 tandem vibrating compaction roller attracted the attention of the jury for the Innovation Award and was nominated in the design category.
By removing the roller’s steering column, Mecalac revolutionized the access and driving style of this type of machine.
The freed-up space allows the driver to settle easily into position, the steps have been redesigned for easy access from any side, movements are fluid and there are no obstacles to negotiate.
With their back comfortably against the seat and right hand on the joystick, the driver has the freedom to position their legs comfortably while keeping their eyes on their work.
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With the steering column removed, the driver has a clear view of major driving information. As well, by offering joystick steering from the right console, Mecalac provides safer, simplified driving in line with new human-machine interface strategies.
The Mecalac design had to be adapted to the TV1200. This is design in its original sense — architecture in respect of efficiency, comfort and the safety of the driver and all personnel on the jobsite.
The roller’s entire architecture was redesigned for better visibility to ease operation and respond to user demands.
The curves are redesigned, the shape of the roller support now integrates with the hood and a front grill has been added.
The driver is at the centre of the new design, thanks to innovative standards in ergonomics and construction machine architecture.
