Volvo Construction Equipment is expanding its North American compaction equipment lineup with a new soil compactor for medium to heavy-duty compaction jobs.
The new SD125 soil compactor is designed to deliver low operating and ownership costs, making it a fit for both rental houses and highway contractors.
The 12-ton machine becomes the largest model in the Volvo CE soil compaction portfolio with a 2.1-metre smooth-drum and operating weight of 12,050 kg.
The soil compactor will be available for order in North America during the first half of 2025.
“The SD125 is a direct response to dealers and customers who have asked for a machine that combines the quality and performance of the SD115 with the heavier weight of a 12-ton machine,” said Justin Zupanc, Compaction Product Manager. “We take feedback seriously, and I think this model shows that.”
The compactor’s specs are like the existing SD115 but with a 5 mm thicker drum shell and a heavier outer eccentric weight. This results in an additional 424 kg of mass on the drum, increasing the static load and eccentric force for a different amplitude profile.
Easy adjustments
As terrain and material depths change, the ability to adjust dynamic drum forces is as simple as the flip of a switch on the new SD125.
Another switch adjusts the two drum frequencies to compensate for changing conditions, and a five-frequency feature is available as an option to further boost versatility and performance.
The centre joint provides 35 degrees of articulation and 12 degrees of drum oscillation for stable yet flexible performance and greater operator comfort over rough terrain.
The drum is in constant contact with the ground, which ensures compaction is smooth and uniform.
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The additional static weight on the drum frame enhances stability and performance with the ability to negotiate 35 per cent slopes for better gradeability. The angled frame allows higher clearance in the approach to steep slopes and while loading, eliminating the possibility of damaging the surface or the machine.
A heavy-duty axle is integrated into the drivetrain for an efficient rear wheel drive system. The no-spin differential increases traction and eliminates tire slippage and improves gradeability, performance and productivity. As well, a high-traction variant is available for demanding applications where additional torque is needed to tackle extreme slopes or thick lifts of loose material.
All three levels of Compact Assist software are available on the in-cab Volvo Co-Pilot tablet, allowing users to determine the visibility, mapping and reporting features that are most important to them.
Sustainable design
The SD125 features a Tier 4 Final four-cylinder Volvo engine with 147.5 hp. Active DPF regeneration eliminates material build-up, further reducing emissions. Additional features include a hydraulically operated engine cooling fan that runs only when needed, reducing fuel consumption as well as an optional fan reverse for cleaning out the coolers.
Remote hydraulic test ports can be configured to enable quick and easy hydraulic checkpoints without having to open the system.
In line with the Volvo commitment to safety, the emergency stop system shuts down the engine, applies the brakes and stops the machine’s movement if the operator rises from the seat for more than five seconds during operation.
The SD125 is designed and built at the Volvo CE North American headquarters in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, along with all Volvo asphalt and soil compactors. This year marks 50 years of compaction engineering and manufacturing at the site.
