Best Soil Compactors for Large-Scale Projects

31 October 2025

The Solid Foundation for Indonesia’s Mega Projects

In every mega infrastructure project across Indonesia, from the construction of thousands of kilometers of toll roads, to the extensive land clearing for mining operations, reliable heavy equipment serves as the backbone of success. A failure in the soil compaction stage not only risks enormous financial losses due to repairs and delays but can also endanger public safety. The quality of the subgrade compaction determines the load-bearing capacity, stability, and service life of the entire structure built upon it.

To meet the challenge of compaction on such a massive scale, specialized heavy equipment is required. The soil compactor is the definitive answer to this need. Through an exclusive partnership with BOMAG, the global leader in compaction technology, United Tractors stands as the leading solutions provider, ensuring that every large-scale project in Indonesia is built on the most reliable foundation possible.

What Is a Soil Compactor?

A soil compactor is a piece of heavy equipment with the specific function of spreading and compacting soil or other construction materials in very large volumes and thick layers. Its dual function, spreading and compacting, makes it far more efficient for large-scale earthworks than other compaction tools like single drum or tandem rollers.

While various types of compactors exist, such as vibratory rollers (including single drum and tandem rollers) and pneumatic tyred rollers, the soil compactor is specifically engineered to deliver maximum compaction energy over vast areas. By applying intensive pressure, vibration, or tamping action, a soil compactor fills the voids between material particles, creating a unified, stronger, and more stable soil layer until the desired density is achieved. For the most massive earthmoving jobs, the soil compactor is the most appropriate and efficient choice.

Key Criteria for Selecting a Compactor for Large-Scale Projects

Choosing the right compactor for a large-scale project is a strategic decision that directly impacts productivity, cost, and the quality of the final result. The following are the primary criteria that must be considered:

Operating Weight: This is one of the most critical factors. A high operating weight, in the range of 25 to over 35 tons, is essential for delivering immense static pressure. This weight is necessary to achieve the target density (e.g., Proctor density) in thick material layers, which are common in dam construction or toll road embankments.
Working Width: A larger working width, for instance, 3.6 to 3.8 meters, directly correlates with productivity. The wider the area that can be compacted in a single pass, the fewer passes are needed to cover the entire work area. This translates to significant savings in time and fuel costs.
Engine Power: Large-scale projects are often located in challenging terrain with steep grades and difficult-to-compact materials. High engine power (HP) is crucial to ensure the compactor can operate optimally, push material, and maintain speed without losing power, even under the most severe conditions.
Wheel Design and Traction: For soil compaction, wheel design is not a trivial matter. Precisely engineered cast wheel teeth provide a deep tamping and compaction effect, breaking up soil clumps and ensuring uniform density. Furthermore, advanced traction systems like an articulation-oscillation joint are vital for maintaining maximum wheel contact with the ground, even on uneven terrain, thereby delivering the best traction and preventing slippage.

Premier Recommendations from United Tractors: BOMAG Soil Compactors

As the sole distributor of BOMAG in Indonesia, United Tractors proudly presents two soil compactor models designed to dominate the most challenging projects:

BOMAG BC 473 EB

This unit is the ideal and versatile solution for a wide range of large-scale soil spreading and compaction projects, such as in mining areas and road construction. With impressive key specifications, the BC 473 EB offers a perfect balance of power and efficiency.

Operating Weight: 25,700 kg
Working Width: 3,600 mm
Engine Power: 227 kW / 304 HP

BOMAG BC 772 EB-2

When a project demands uncompromising power and performance, the BC 772 EB-2 is the answer. This unit is a powerhouse specifically designed for the most massive and challenging jobs, such as dam construction and land reclamation projects. Proven in various countries, this unit is a guarantee for extreme-scale compaction.

Operating Weight: 35,300 kg
Working Width: 3,800 mm
Engine Power: 330 kW / 420 HP

Technological Features and Competitive Advantages of BOMAG

The superiority of BOMAG soil compactors lies not only in their size and strength but also in a suite of advanced technologies integrated to maximize performance, efficiency, and durability.

Superior Compaction System: The combination of an articulation-oscillation joint system with advanced drive systems like the Twin Pump Drive (on the BC 473 EB) and Quad Pump Drive (on the BC 772 EB-2), along with the Load Limit Control feature, ensures perfect traction and operational safety across various terrains.
Durability and Efficiency: The cast wheel teeth are specially designed for a longer service life, thereby reducing operational costs. Each wheel is also equipped with a scraper to keep the teeth clean and ensure maximum compaction effect. An efficient cooling system that draws clean air from above the cabin and a reversible fan for easy radiator cleaning help maintain the engine in prime condition and extend its life.

Smart Technology for Productivity:

BOMAG Telematics: All BOMAG units from United Tractors come equipped with telematics technology as a standard feature. This system allows project managers to monitor the unit’s condition in real-time, including its location via GPS, fuel consumption, and operating hours. This data is invaluable for proactive fleet management, maintenance scheduling, and project efficiency optimization.
ECOMODE: This intelligent technology automatically adjusts the engine speed to the required workload, resulting in fuel savings of up to 30%. In addition to significantly reducing operational costs, ECOMODE also lowers noise levels, creating a better and more environmentally friendly work environment.

Conquering National Infrastructure Challenges

The construction of mega-projects like the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road is a clear testament to the complexity of construction challenges in Indonesia. These projects often contend with difficult geotechnical conditions, such as soft soil or “soil anomalies” with low bearing capacity, as well as extreme contours. Under these conditions, standard heavy equipment may not be able to achieve the required level of compaction, risking structural failure in the future.

This is where the role of a soil compactor like the BOMAG BC 772 EB-2 becomes irreplaceable. With its massive operating weight of 35.3 tons and 420 HP of power, this unit can deliver exceptionally deep compaction energy, stabilizing soft subgrade layers and creating a solid, durable foundation. Its superior traction capability allows it to operate efficiently even on the most challenging terrain. Its use in such vital infrastructure projects is not just about getting the job done, but about ensuring the quality, safety, and longevity of a national asset.

Power Your Project with BOMAG Technology from United Tractors

Choosing the right soil compactor is a crucial investment for the success of your large-scale project. United Tractors offers more than just a product; we offer a comprehensive solution. You get the unparalleled combination of the world’s leading compaction technology from BOMAG, backed by 50 years of after-sales service guarantees and technical expertise from United Tractors through the UT Guaranteed Product Support (UTGPS) program.

To ensure the success of your large-scale project with a reliable and efficient compaction solution, do not hesitate to consult with our team of experts. Contact UT Call at 1500 072, ready to serve you 24/7.