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At Waste Management’s state-of-the-art Redvale Landfill & Energy Park, north of Auckland, a recent machine delivery was especially notable.

It’s not an unusual addition to Waste Management’s fleet – they have three others of the same model, after all. But it signifies a milestone for both the manufacturer and its local distributor, Porter Equipment.

The new BOMAG BC1173 RB-5 refuse compactor purchased by the country’s leading materials recovery, recycling, and waste management provider, is in fact the one hundredth compactor in the 60-tonne weight class the famed German heavy equipment company has built.

To mark the occasion, BOMAG ensured the machine had a few subtle celebratory flourishes, including a swish chrome stack exhaust and a commemorative decal identifying it as the one hundredth unit down the assembly line.

Otherwise, it’s on-site to do the same job as Waste Management’s other BOMAG refuse compactors – compact waste to an impressively efficient degree.

“You simply can’t get a better compaction than with a BOMAG,” says Scott Briggs, national strategic account manager at BOMAG distributor, Porter Group. “The technology and the engineering their machines have in them is just the best there is for this application.

“If you’re running a landfill, you’re always chasing what’s known as ‘air space’. The less air space you have in the compaction, the more waste you can fit in and the more you’re able to extend the lifespan of the landfill. Filling that air space is absolute gold to landfill operators, and the BOMAG compaction system gives them the certainty that they’re getting the best under-wheel outcome possible.”

Scott says that, while other brands include compaction machines in their model lines, these are generally based around wheel loaders with adapted underbodies.

BOMAG refuse compactors are designed and built from the ground up specifically to do the job, and as a result, the company’s machines benefit from decades of experience in landfill operations.

“Everything about them is completely fit-for-purpose in a landfill environment,” he continues. “BOMAG has evolved its compaction machine technology through the years, with perhaps the biggest innovation developed being the oscillating articulated joint they use.”

This allows for a 15° oscillation and 40° steering between the front and rear frames, ensuring all wheels maintain ground contact for maximum traction and compaction.

This true crawler ability with all four wheels in contact with the landfill surface at all times is augmented by the BOMAG BC1173 RB-5’s drive system with directly adjustable speed; outside, inside, front and rear.

Thanks to the machine’s quad pump system, the pumps are controlled according to the curve radius and provide the appropriate speed directly to each individual wheel. This translates to optimum grip when turning.

The wheels are also offset, so gaps in the material compaction pattern are completely closed on the second pass.

Combined with the machine’s powerful 430kW Stage V Cummins liquid-cooled engine, the operator has immense climbing power paired with superb stability at their fingertips.

That straight-six turbo diesel is gutsy, but it’s also clever.

The BOMAG BC1173 RB-5 features an ‘ECOMODE’ system which regulates engine performance based on the amount of power needed at any one time, while ‘ECOSTOP’ avoids unnecessary idle time, helping to mitigate exhaust noise and emissions.

Given that Waste Management’s Redvale Landfill & Energy Park is surrounded by purpose-designed wetlands which feature plentiful bird life (including the rare, at-risk weweia, or New Zealand dabchick), a quieter operating machine is of benefit to more than just the human at the controls.

The idea of a cleaner running machine also extends to the wheel design.

The refuse compactor features wheels with polygon profile rings and compressor teeth for the best crushing and kneading performance possible.

To ensure consistent compaction, the BOMAG BC1173 RB-5’s scrapers continually clean the teeth as they rotate, while integrated wire cutters prevent wires and ropes from becoming entangled.

“The attention to detail continues up above the drive system too,” says Scott. “For example, the air intake has been sited up behind the cab in the area with the lowest dust load.

“Inside the intake, the reversible cooling fan is speed-controlled too, meaning the engine is being cooled depending on load. Not only does this protect the machine, but it also helps save on fuel burn.”

As to be expected from a modern BOMAG, the operator cab is functional and spacious, with the combination of sound and vibration insulation and an air-suspended seat with adjustable armrests making the (literal) ups and downs of a day on the tip face much more comfortable.

The operator also enjoys all-round visibility in the cab of the BOMAG BC1173 RB-5.

The wide frameless windscreen provides an obstruction-free view across the arc of the machine’s direction of travel, extending around to the sides of the cab as well.

For added safety when reversing, a colour rear-view camera comes as standard.

The robust dozer blade (featuring integrated rotatable two-edged cutting blades) doesn’t inhibit visibility either, with a grid attachment letting the operator see what’s up ahead.

The blade itself is operated with an accurate joystick and features saveable blade positions which the machine remembers, even when lifting and returning the blade to deal with bigger, bulkier objects.

In all, BOMAG has thought of every aspect of landfill management, and continues to design machines adept at everything the day can throw at them.

“The nationwide waste management operation is immense,” concludes Scott. “Every year they collect over a million tonnes of waste and recycle well over 200,000 tonnes. They’re a forward-facing entity with extremely robust, transparent goals and governance.

“When they look to partner with a machine supplier, they obviously want great service, like any entity. But they also want to deploy machines that can get the job done as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“Porter Group is extremely proud to work alongside Waste Management, helping support their business. We know with these innovative BOMAG refuse compactors we’re delivering the absolute best tools of trade for their landfill operations, along with the proven expertise to support the machines and the people who rely upon them every day.”

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