Volvo CE Debuts its New, Largest Soil Compactor, the 12-Ton SD125

Modeled after the 11-ton SD115, the 26,565-pound roller gets a thicker drum shell and a heavier outer eccentric weight for greater...

Oct 2, 2024 - 12:10

Volvo CE Debuts its New, Largest Soil Compactor, the 12-Ton SD125

Volvo CE has expanded its soil compaction lineup with its largest model yet, the 12-ton SD125.

Designed for medium- to heavy-duty compaction jobs, the roller has an 84-inch smooth-drum and operating weight of 26,565 pounds. It has a 0.2-inch thicker drum shell and a heavier outer eccentric weight than the SD115, Volvo’s previous largest model. This spec change results in an additional 935 pounds of mass on the drum, increasing the static load and eccentric force for a different amplitude profile.

Volvo says the SD125 is a direct response to dealers and customers who have asked for the same performance of the 11-ton SD115 at a heavier weight.

“This is about a 900-pound increase over the SD115, with the majority of that being on the front side where you’ve got a heavier drum and heavier weights and eccentrics, so your compaction force is going to be greater,” says Volvo product manager Justin Zupanc. “And the rest of the machine in the back, we still have a lot of the same proven and true components that we get really great feedback on, especially our cab.”

The cab features dust filtration, air conditioning, easy-to-use controls and large windows with visibility to the drum edge.

Compaction Performance

As terrain and material depths change, operators can adjust dynamic drum forces with the flip of a switch. Another switch adjusts the two drum frequencies to compensate for changing conditions, and a five-frequency feature is available as an option.

The center joint provides +/-35 degrees of articulation and +/-12 degrees of drum oscillation for improved comfort and performance over rough terrain. Because the drum is in constant contact with the ground, compaction is smooth and uniform, Volvo says.

The added static weight on the drum frame further enhances stability, giving the SD125B the ability to climb up to 35% slopes. The angled frame allows higher clearance in the approach to steep slopes and while loading, minimizing the risk of damage to the surface or the machine. Both the frame and articulation joint are covered by Volvo’s Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty.

A heavy-duty axle is integrated into the drivetrain for an efficient rear wheel drive system. Gradability is further improved and tire slippage is reduced thanks to the no-spin differential. A high-traction version is also available for applications where additional torque is needed, such as extreme slopes or thick lifts of loose material.

All three levels of Compact Assist software are available options on the in-cab Volvo Co-Pilot tablet.

Compact Assist Start: Provides real-time information on pass and temperature mapping.
Compact Assist: Includes pass and temperature mapping like Compact Assist Start, but also provides greater accuracy and reporting opportunities through the addition of a GPS antenna, recorded and saved job data, automatic job report creation with USB and over-the-air downloads.
Compact Assist with Density Direct: Provides pass mapping, temperature sensing and real-time density estimations over 100% of the mat.

Safe and Sustainable Design

The SD125 is powered by a 147-horsepower Tier 4 Final four-cylinder Volvo engine with active DPF regeneration, which eliminates material build-up reduces emissions.

If an operator rises from the seat for more than five seconds, the emergency stop system shuts down the engine, applies the brakes and stops the machine’s movement.

Additional features include:

A hydraulically operated engine cooling fan that runs only when needed, reducing fuel consumption.
Lower noise levels for operator comfort.
Optional fan reverse for cleaning out the coolers.
Volvo long-life coolant to protect the machine for up to 6,000 hours.
Remote hydraulic test ports that can be configured to enable quick and easy hydraulic checkpoints without having to open the system.
An automatic raise for the hood for easy access to daily service points at ground level.
A 1,000-hour engine warranty backed by Volvo dealer service and parts support.

All Volvo asphalt and soil compactors, including the SD125 built at the Volvo CE North American headquarters in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. This year marks 50 years of compaction engineering and manufacturing at the site.

The SD125 will be available for order in North America during the first half of 2025.