HAMM Easy Drive for tandem rollers, pneumatic tyre rollers and compactors 8
Apr
'19

Modern construction machines are high-tech units full of technology with a broad spectrum of functions, making them highly complex tools. To help drivers realise the full potential of their machines, HAMM places great emphasis on simple, intuitive operation. With its Easy Drive operating concept, the roller manufacturer has raised the quality of operation to a new level – in all machine categories. Since gradually introducing corresponding tandem rollers and compactors to the market since the last Bauma, the HAMM compaction specialists have rounded out their portfolio with pneumatic tyre rollers featuring Easy Drive. At Bauma 2019, visitors can take a look at Easy Drive models for all machine classes and experience the easy operation for themselves in a separate exhibition area.

Many modern construction machines are crammed with switches, displays and buttons, which are also often laid out in an unstructured way. Drivers feel overwhelmed, as it is often not clear how to configure settings. Moreover, searching in the depths of the operating menus is a stress factor for operators. It’s a different story with HAMM rollers. Many years ago already, the Tirschenreuth-based roller manufacturer recognised that intuitive operation is essential for the productivity of mobile machinery. That’s why HAMM places enormous emphasis on simple machine operation.

Clarity and intuitive operation

Easy Drive, a true flagship project, emerged in parallel with the development of the current generation of machines, and is characterised in particular by intuitive and uniform operation across all roller types. The advantage: Easy Drive allows drivers to respond quickly and correctly without extensive previous knowledge. HAMM was able to achieve this through the intelligent arrangement of a small number of switches, good visibility on the operator's platform and short learning and familiarisation times.

A single concept for all rollers

Easy Drive was conceived as a solution for all model series from the outset. The DV+ series was the first model featuring Easy Drive that HAMM launched on the market. This was followed by HD+ series tandem rollers and H series compactors. Since the beginning of 2018, pneumatic tyre rollers have also been available with Easy Drive. In all Easy Drive machines, identical colours are used on push-button switches and operating elements to indicate that they belong to the same function group. There is also a uniform design, adapted to the specific functions of the individual machine series. Here, operating elements for identical functions will always be located at the same position on the operator’s platform. Dr. Axel Römer, Head of Research and Development at HAMM, explains the fundamental thinking behind it: “If all HAMM asphalt construction and earthwork rollers operate with Easy Drive, anyone who has ever operated a ‘HAMM’ will instantly feel at home on all other HAMM rollers. We are thus making things easier for operators when they switch to a different type of machine. They instantly identify important functions. This is the foundation for high-quality work, and it builds confidence.”

Straightforward and clearly arranged

The centrepiece of Easy Drive is its clear operating structure. Steering is always done by means of a steering wheel. All other essential functions are operated via the joystick with clearly visible buttons, and the multifunction armrest. Here, all operating elements are arranged according to the principle: the more frequently an element is used, the closer its position to the joystick. At the same time, the operation is designed to be entirely language-neutral. Thanks to the colour coding of all operating elements, HAMM achieves unambiguous assignment and a clear overview.

Ergonomic and flexible

With the help of universities and ergonomics specialists as well as roller drivers from different countries, HAMM has also ergonomically optimised the operating concept. The results speak for themselves: drivers can turn the seat in the tandem rollers and pneumatic tyre rollers in either direction and move it from side to side. What’s more, the position and suspension of the seat, the position of the armrests and the inclination of the dashboard are adjustable on all Easy Drive rollers. Thanks to the wealth of adjustment options, every driver will quickly find a healthy sitting position in the Easy Drive machines.

Convenient access and more

Easy Drive is also noticeable in terms of comfort, such as the wide stepway to the spacious cabin or operator’s platform. Folding armrests and a forward tilting steering column making it easy to get on and off are also standard. Documents and personal items can be securely stored in the many compartments around the seat, and 12 V sockets provide power for a mobile phone or coolbox.

Honoured by the most-respected body

Machines featuring Easy Drive have been on the market for three years now and they have been exceptionally well received by drivers. However, high-calibre design juries have also received them with enthusiasm. For example, HAMM has been awarded the “iF design award 2015” for first-class product design and the “Universal Design expert favorite 2016” label. In addition, a jury of users voted the operating concept the “Universal Design consumer favorite 2016” – an award for products that are flexible, easy and intuitive to use and whose operation and design reduces complexity to the minimum.