There are many factors to consider when choosing the right landfill compactor for your landfill. There are many differences in methodology for compacting waste, and the same can be said for machine designs. Here, we want to talk about landfill compactor oscillation, the compactor’s ability to rotate with uneven terrain.

Oscillation effect on compaction

The impact that oscillation has on achieving optimal compaction ratios is significant. Oscillation enables the compactor to navigate the uneven terrain of the working face much more efficiently, keeping all four wheels in full contact with the material, with a balanced distribution of weight, so that each wheel is applying maximum compaction in every pass.

Oscillation effect on gradeability

Oscillation offers a significant performance value with gradeability as well, especially with a hydrostatic powertrain. Keeping all four wheels in full contact with the material, with an even weight distribution, coupled with each wheel being powered by an individual hydrostatic drive circuit, increases the gradeability of the compactor. This results in better gradeability AND compaction when compacting on a slope and grade. All three models of Aljon landfill compactors are built with a hydrostatic powertrain and rear axle oscillation to maximize gradeability and compaction anywhere on the working face.

Oscillation effect on PLI

One way of measuring a landfill compactor’s capability of achieving optimal compaction ratios with the least number of passes is to calculate PLI (Pounds per linear inch of compaction) by dividing the weight of the machine by the total combined surface area in which the wheels are in contact with the material. PLI is most realized when all four wheels are applying energy to the material with an even distribution of weight. If a compactor does not oscillate, the uneven terrain of the working face will result in some portion of the machine being lighter on the material as the high spots will create lift, resulting in less weight applied to the material.

Landfill Compactor Stability

While landfill compactor oscillation is helpful at all times, it’s crucial on uneven terrain, slope, and grade. Not only does the oscillation improve weight distribution, but it also maximizes traction by stabilizing the compactor across the working face. The design of the wheel cleats and the wheels themselves also play a major role in traction and stability, but if all four wheels are not fully stabilized on the material, those aspects cannot come into play.

Oscillation ensures full weight distribution, and hydrostatic drive trains provide constant all-wheel drive. Aljon compactors boast 100% gradeability, leading to strong compaction ratios, stability on rough terrain, and the capacity to handle challenging materials on slope and grade while maximizing efficiency. These components work together to improve your landfill’s airspace.