Gilson Mechanical Soil Compactor combines the accuracy and ease of use of a conventional mechanical compactor with new industry-leading safety and convenience features. Testing versatility is increased, with the ability to accommodate the included Gilson 4 and 6in (102 and 152mm) soil density molds or CBR and LBR molds.
The exclusive Gilson programmable digital controller features a drop-down menu that allows the selection of the desired compaction or bearing ratio test procedure, each pre-programmed with the lift and blows count requirements for ASTM, AASHTO, or FM-5-515 test methods. In addition, the digital controller continually displays the current lift and number of blows on the easy-to-read four-line LCD display throughout the compaction test process. Turntable rotation is also pre-programmed to apply a uniform number of blows per 360-degree rotation based on the required blows per lift for the test procedure selected. For special compaction and remolding applications, the user can program the digital controller to custom parameters. Parameters include the degree of rotation between blows, lifts, and blow counts per lift.
At the end of a programmed compaction cycle, the hammer must be lifted and placed onto the hammer safety arm. This allows additional soil to be added to the mold for the next lift or the soil to be leveled with the top of the mold to determine its mass per volume when the test is complete.
The hammer lift mechanism ensures the correct 12 or 18in (305 or 457mm) drop height of the hammer is consistent during compaction, even after additional soil is added in between lifts. The lift mechanism is uniquely designed to allow the compactor's drop height to easily be switched between 12 and 18in (305 and 457mm) within seconds by completely backing out knobs that control the drop point. The drop height is factory-calibrated, but minor adjustments can easily be made by the user if required.
The total mass and the face of the free-falling hammer also quickly changed. The 4.5lb (2kg) included surcharge weight can be inserted into the hammer body to increase the weight from 5 to 10lb (2.5 to 4kg). The standard 2in (51mm) diameter round face is factory-installed on the hammer body, but a sector face, with the same 3.14in² surface area and mass, is also included and can easily be substituted.
A pause feature in the programmable controller suspends operation in the middle of a compaction cycle to allow the safe addition of material to the mold if needed. Operation is then resumed with no need to reset the machine. A safety door interlock switch stops the compaction process if the door is opened during a test. The test can be resumed by closing and latching the door, then pressing the start button. The test will resume from the point when the door is opened. The E-Stop button mounted on the controller stops all operations immediately. The Gilson Mechanical Soil Compactor features heavy steel construction with a durable powder-coated finish. The sturdy polycarbonate plastic windows allow viewing of operation and confirmation of the selected drop height.
The HM-580 Compactor includes our exclusive programmable digital controller, 4 and 6in (102 and 152mm) diameter compaction molds, a 2in (51mm) round hammer face, a 3.14in² (2025.8mm²) sector face, a 5.5lb (2.5kg) hammer body, plus a 4.5lb (2kg) surcharge weight that increases the total hammer weight to 10lb (4.5kg).
The Compactor operates on a 115V, 60Hz or 230V, 50Hz power supply and features a 1/3hp main motor and an encoded turntable motor.
The HMA-581 Base Extension raises the working height of the Mechanical Compactor by 10.25in (260mm). Optional HMA-582 Lower Doors enclose the mold and turntable assembly. The Lower Doors are constructed of 12-gauge steel with plexiglass windows to allow viewing during operation.
Features:
- Adds the efficiency and convenience of conventional mechanical compactors
- Safety interlocks and emergency stop button
- Versatility to accommodate CBR and LBR soil molds
- The drop height is factory calibrated but fully adjustable by the user
- Intuitive, menu-guided programming shown on a four-line digital display
- Number of blows fully programmable
- Automatic indexing
- Surcharge Weight for standard or modified compaction operations
Included Items:
- Gilson Mechanical Soil Compactor
- 5.5lb (2.5kg) Hammer body
- 2in (51mm) Round face
- 3.14in² (2,025.8mm²) Sector face
- 4lb (2kg) Surcharge hammer mass to increase the total weight to 10lb (4.5kg)
- 4in (102mm) Soil Density Mold
- 6in (152mm) Soil Density Mold
Accessories:
