Mandan was able to apply some additional math to find significant monetary benefits from its purchase. The landfill's intake comprises mostly construction and demolition waste that is accepted at a fee of $10 per ton. Figuring mean averages of 45-percent space savings and 17,500 tons of annual waste intake, the new compactor is and will be creating nearly 8,000 tons of additional space per year.

"If you put a price tag on the extra volume, we're gaining $80,000 worth of air space per year," said Wright. "That means that this compactor will literally pay for itself in five years. Anything beyond that time is just money in the bank. This is a big change from where we were. The wheel loader essentially had become an expense, especially considering all the upkeep. Now with the BOMAG we're getting incredible space savings from a machine that requires very little maintenance. It's the exact opposite of an expense - it's a huge asset."

The compactor has also made a positive impact on Mandan's operation by taking pressure off of the wheel loader. "The loader doesn't have to be the jack of all trades anymore," said Wright. "We can limit its use to hauling dirt and other tasks for which it's better suited. And its maintenance needs have been reduced as a result."

After getting a good look at the BC672RB's capabilities, operators took the machine on a mission to relocate and compact trash from the previous year, freeing up even more space in those areas of the landfill. "Our situation really illustrates how you need the right equipment for a given job," said Wright. "The BOMAG is built to take on trash and its performance speaks for itself. It's absolutely making a world of difference for the future of our landfill."