Compaction rework is expensive. Here’s how to prevent it.

Let’s be honest — soil compaction isn’t really the glamorous part of the job, but it’s the non-negotiable foundation of your entire project. Compaction is where you make or break your schedule and the long-term integrity of your work.

What you need from a soil compactor is simple: reliable performance, good versatility and maximum cost efficiency. A machine that can handle everything a utility or excavation job can throw at it — from cohesive clay to granular rock — and one that guarantees every pass moves your project closer to completion.

At Volvo, we get that. It’s why our SD115 soil compactor was not only built to effectively compact dirt — it was engineered to address these operational pressures directly, helping you get your jobs done quicker and at a lower cost.

Eliminate Costly Rework

Major site preparation is defined by constant material change and stringent specifications for different zones. You can’t afford to slow down when the soil composition shifts. That’s why we focused on making the Volvo SD115 as versatile as possible.

The core of its versatility is our advanced drum control system, which puts multiple frequencies and dual amplitudes directly in the operators’ hands. This allows them to fine-tune the compaction force to the material at hand. Need to pound down a heavy lift of rocky sub-base? Go for higher amplitude. Working on a critical, sensitive layer of granular material? Just dial it back. This adaptability ensures optimal results without sacrificing power.

The SD115 is also designed for various material applications. You can get it with a smooth or dedicated padfoot drum if you know that you’ll have consistent surfaces to run on. If your material varies and you need flexibility, the optional padfoot shell kit will provide quick configuration changes with the simple clamp-on kit. This versatility means one machine can confidently cover multiple applications across your site, improving your fleet’s utilization and maximizing agility.

We’ve also integrated an optional impact meter that measures impacts per foot (or meter) in real time. This helps your team maintain perfect travel speeds for consistent, uniformed density on the first attempt, saving you hours of costly rework and keeping you on schedule. If you’re aiming for even greater efficiency and documentation, the optional Volvo Compact Assist system adds features like GPS mapping and real-time pass counting to maximize coverage and precision.

More Uptime for Your Bottom Line

Efficiency isn’t just about making fewer passes — it’s about managing your overhead costs too, especially fuel burn and maintenance.

The Volvo SD115 uses a perfectly optimized Volvo D4 engine that delivers high torque while running at low RPM. It also comes with an ECO Mode that automatically adjusts engine speed to match the operation mode, leading to up to a 40% reduction in fuel consumption.

When it comes to maintenance, we’ve prioritized fast, easy service with all of your standard maintenance points accessible from ground level. Downtime kills profit, especially for utility contractors who often face strict deadlines and possibly penalties for missing them. So we gave the machine a passive regeneration system — it cleans the DPF automatically during normal operation without any input from your operator or impact on their performance. For physical checks, the electric engine hood lifts up to provide direct access to underhood components. And when you pair features like these with our ActiveCare^® Direct machine monitoring and reporting service, you get timely alerts to prevent unnecessary wear and tear, costly idle time and more.

Whether your crew is taking on a challenging slope or spending the day achieving a flawless final grade, the Volvo SD115 delivers the power and precision you need. It’s a specialized tool built for the utility contractor who demands quality assurance and low cost of ownership on every major development.

Take a closer look at the Volvo SD115 and discover how the entire Volvo compaction lineup gives you a measurable edge on your next bid.

Justin Zupanc is the compaction product manager for Volvo Construction Equipment.