In a continued attempt to increase compaction, L.P. Gill recently purchased a larger compactor, a BOMAG BC1172RB. Each year L.P. Gill purchases a new machine from Road Builders Machinery and Supply Co., Inc., in Omaha, Neb. They currently own two BOMAG BC772RBs, which have an operating weight of 81,204 pounds. "We have three BOMAGs right now. Two machines are running daily, and the third is a spare in case of a breakdown," explains Hansen.

The BOMAGs were a lot better than the compactors we previously worked with.

According to Hansen, "We bought the larger BC1172RB this year to help achieve more compaction." With an operating weight of 120,000 pounds and 99,000 pounds of pushing force, Hansen is confident that the machine will further increase the landfill's compaction results.

While size is definitely a factor when selecting a machine, it was not the size of the BOMAG compactors that initially appealed to the L.P. Gill staff. Clogged wheels and debris in the engine area were problems that operators at L.P. Gill frequently encountered previous to discovering BOMAG refuse compactors. "We were always having to clean out the radiators, and clogged wheels caused us problems with traction," states Hansen.

Then, nearly 10 years ago, Hansen and the L.P. Gill staff were introduced to BOMAG refuse compactors through a demonstration. The compactors instantly impressed Hansen and his crew, and L.P. Gill purchased its first BOMAG compactor. According to Hansen, "The BOMAGs were a lot better than the compactors we previously worked with. The wheels stayed clean, and we didn't have to steam out the radiators all of the time."