Original-equipment manufacturer Dynapac has launched its 15 t CA50 Rhino soil compaction machine in South Africa.

The CA50 is part of the broader Rhino range of compaction machines from Dynapac available globally. Dynapac, which celebrates its ninetieth anniversary this year, is part of the Fayat group of companies.

“The key aspect that sets Dynapac ground compactors apart from competing machines on the market is the static linear load,” Dynapac Southern Africa business manager Neville Marthinussen said at the launch, in Boksburg, on October 31.

He added that the CA50 Rhino’s specific load was higher than competitor machines at 49.6 kg/cm.

Static linear load refers to the downward pressure applied by the compactor’s drum along its width when at rest, free from any vibratory forces. A high static linear load has a direct influence on soil density and load-bearing capacity, effectively displacing air and moisture from the soil to reduce voids, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the compaction process and requiring fewer passes overall.

This is especially essential for cohesive or fine-grained soils, facilitating initial compaction and improving soil stability before applying vibratory forces.

“The 15 t machine is very agile and increasingly used for stabilisation. That process involves mixing cement, sand and water to provide the asphalt with a more stable base before tar is laid, as recommended by consultants.

“The road construction industry is demanding those kinds of specifications more frequently. If we don’t manufacture and launch, we risk losing a substantial share of the soil roller market. The demand and opportunity for this machine are evident,” Marthinussen told Engineering News.

Aside from the static linear load, the CA50 Rhino’s structural advantages are defined by its high-thickness drum, which enhances durability, and a smart compaction system, equipped with an optional compaction meter designed to achieve optimal efficiency and compaction results.

Marthinussen explained that operators could adjust amplitude and frequency settings, helping prevent issues such as bouncing and double-jumping, with a high amplitude setting contributing to superior compaction.

For those preferring a pad foot configuration, the CA50 Rhino also offers a drum option with 120 pads, allowing users greater flexibility in various applications.

Marthinussen highlighted the CA50’s high-position air inlet on the machine hood as another essential design element. This feature, which draws air from an elevated location, ensures clean combustion and cooling, while reducing the entry of dust and debris into the engine compartment.

Cold air is drawn from the top of the machine, directing it away from the operator and reducing dust entry, which keeps the operator cool and lowers noise levels on site.

The machine is also built with a high turning radius for increased manoeuvrability, along with an ergonomic cab for operator comfort.

The CA50 Rhino’s traction system includes dual-speed capability and no-spin differential on the rear axle, maximising traction and enhancing uptime.

Maintenance efficiency is achieved through a maximum hood opening, allowing easy access to all service points within the machine.

The redesigned engine compartment improves accessibility to major hydraulic components and other inspection points, thereby reducing downtime for maintenance. The machine’s 63-inch hood opening enables effective access to essential service points, making maintenance operations more manageable and time-efficient.

The CA50 Rhino is equipped with a Cummins engine, known for high power output and fuel efficiency, supported by a large 280 ℓ fuel tank that allows for extended operating times.

The optional Dynapac compaction meter is available to help ensure consistent compaction results. Using sensors, the meter identifies weaker areas within the soil, promoting homogeneity in compaction and helping to avoid excessive passes. This reduces both fuel consumption and project timelines.

The machine also includes an anti-bounce feature to prevent harmful bouncing, helping operators maintain control and reduce wear on the machine.

An important element in the CA50 Rhino’s design is the simplified cartridge system of the drum, which requires only 4.4 ℓ of oil, further reducing operational costs.

The Rhino range also features Dyn@link, Dynapac’s telematics system, which opens opportunities for remote monitoring to optimise fleet use and lower maintenance costs.

The Dyn@link system helps owners plan services proactively, keeping better track of the machine, and allows geofencing to ensure it remains on task.

The CA50 Rhino also represented a shift in compaction versatility, Marthinussen said.

“This machine provides flexibility within its weight class. You can achieve the type of compaction possible with an 18 t machine, depending on the soil, with this 15 t model. Where 12 t was previously the cut-off point, the CA50 Rhino offers a middle-range solution.

“Owners can use it in situations requiring both lighter and heavier machines, adjusting to varying soil types and layers, while meeting compaction requirements efficiently,” he said, emphasising the machine’s adaptability and saying it provided flexibility for different soil layers and aggregate types, enabling timely and effective results.

Marthinussen pointed to positive trends in the construction sector, which played a key role in determining the timing of the launch.

“The construction industry, especially road construction, has been slow for the past five years, but we are now seeing a turnaround with significant projects being awarded.

“Growth in the industry is clearly picking up, and we need to align ourselves accordingly. We already have top-tier asphalt and soil compaction equipment, but market demand requires us to introduce products that address specific requirements,” he said.

Martinhussen underscored that, while the CA50 was previously available globally, it had not been specifically designed for African conditions until now.

“Filling this gap will allow us to better compete and improve our position in the market. If customers need it, we should have it. Developing products to meet market demand is essential,” he said.