The BOMAG BW 18 RH is the new reference in the 18-ton class for rubber-tired rollers. The German manufacturer from Boppard relies on proven compaction technology, combined with modern drive technology and well-thought-out ergonomics. The operating weight is 18,000 kg, the working width is 2,130 mm. For your fleet, this means: versatile use in asphalt construction, earthworks and landfill construction.
Technical basis: engine and drive
At the heart of the BW 18 RH is a Deutz diesel engine with 129 kW (175 HP) power. The engine meets the EU Stage V standard without an AdBlue system, instead relying on a diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter. This reduces operating costs because no additional urea tank needs to be refilled. The hydrostatic drive allows infinitely variable speeds up to 25 km/h. For moving between construction sites, a real advantage over slower tandem rollers.
The drive power is transmitted via a pendulum axle to the two rubber wheels. This axle design ensures optimal ground contact even on uneven surfaces. The line load is 46 kg/cm, sufficient for all common asphalt and earthwork compaction work. Those who need higher compaction degrees can increase the line load to up to 55 kg/cm with ballast weights.
Compaction system: vibration and oscillation
Bomag equips the BW 18 RH as standard with a vibration drive. The vibration range operates at frequencies between 30 and 40 Hz, the amplitude can be set in two stages to 1.0 or 1.8 mm. This allows adapted compaction depending on the material: low amplitude for sensitive asphalt surface layers, high amplitude for base layers and earthwork.
Optionally, BOMAG offers an oscillation system. This system works with horizontal vibrations instead of vertical vibration. The advantage: less vibration, fewer settlements in already compacted areas, gentler compaction for thin asphalt surface layers. The oscillation frequency is 40 Hz with an amplitude of 0.6 mm. A sensible investment for inner-city construction sites with sensitive surrounding buildings.
Cabin and control concept
The driver's cab is designed as a ROPS/FOPS-certified safety cell. All-round visibility is provided by generous glazing and narrow A-pillars. The driver's seat is air-suspended with mechanical spring travel adjustment. For longer operations, this is important: seat heating is standard, air conditioning is optionally available.
The control concept uses a central joystick for direction and speed. Vibration or oscillation control is via separate buttons on the dashboard. A 7-inch color display shows all relevant operating parameters: engine temperature, fuel level, operating hours, compaction level. The display is easy to read even in direct sunlight.
Compaction control: Bomag Economizer and Variocontrol
Bomag offers two compaction control systems for the BW 18 RH. The Economizer system is the basic variant: it monitors material properties in real time and automatically adjusts amplitude and frequency. The system recognizes when the optimal compaction level is reached and then reduces the compaction performance. This saves fuel and prevents over-compaction.
The premium variant is called Variocontrol. This system works with GPS positioning and records the compaction level across the entire area. The data can be transferred directly to BIM systems or construction documentation software. Essential for clients with high quality requirements, often over-sized for smaller construction sites.
Maintenance and service
Maintenance intervals are 500 operating hours for oil changes, 1,000 hours for filter changes. The fuel tank holds 260 liters, the hydraulic tank 120 liters. With average use, fuel consumption is approximately 12 liters of diesel per operating hour. This results in operating costs of around 20 euros per hour at current diesel prices.
All maintenance points are accessible at ground level or via side footboards. The engine hood can be opened hydraulically and locked in place. Access to oil filter, air filter and hydraulic filter is tool-free. Bomag states the average service life until the first major repair at 8,000 operating hours.
Competitive comparison: Where does the BW 18 RH stand?
In the 18-ton class, the Bomag BW 18 RH mainly competes with the HAMM GRW 18i and the Caterpillar CS11 GC. The Hamm offers slightly more engine power at 140 kW, but is also about 8% higher in list price. The Caterpillar uses a simpler compaction system without automatic control, costing about 12% less.
Bomag's technological advantage lies in the proven Economizer system and the optionally available oscillation. Those who don't need these features will get better value with the Caterpillar. Those managing construction sites with documentation requirements will hardly get around the Bomag with Variocontrol.
Price and amortization
The list price of the Bomag BW 18 RH is approximately 185,000 euros in basic equipment. With oscillation, Variocontrol and comfort cab, the price rises to around 220,000 euros. This is upper-class level in the 18-ton class.
Amortization depends heavily on utilization. At 1,500 operating hours per year and a billing rate of 95 euros per hour, the amortization time is approximately 3.5 years. If you only operate 800 hours per year, you should consider renting instead: daily rates for comparable compaction rollers are 180 to 220 euros.
Fields of application: Where the BW 18 RH plays to its strengths
The BW 18 RH is the right choice for medium to large asphalt construction sites. Its working width of 2.13 meters is ideal for federal highways, district roads and farm roads. For motorways, it is too narrow; rollers from 2.40 meters width are used there.
In earthwork, the roller demonstrates its off-road capability. The pendulum axle and high ground clearance of 380 mm allow use on uneven terrain. The optional oscillation makes the machine the first choice for compaction work in water protection zones or next to sensitive buildings.
For road construction with high quality requirements, the combination of BW 18 RH and Variocontrol system is unbeatable. GPS-based compaction documentation meets all requirements of modern contracts and facilitates acceptance by clients.
Conclusion: For whom the investment is worthwhile
The Bomag BW 18 RH is a technically mature compaction roller with well-thought-out details. The machine is suitable for construction companies that regularly perform asphalt and earthwork construction and value quality documentation. Those who only occasionally compact or manage simple construction sites will find cheaper alternatives.
The optional oscillation is a worthwhile investment for inner-city construction sites and vibration-sensitive environments. The Variocontrol system is only worthwhile for documentation-required projects or when BIM integration is required. For standard road construction, the Economizer system is completely sufficient.
