LANGENTHAL, Switzerland – The Ammann eAPX 68/95 3D Vibratory Compactor is a machine unlike any other. With it, the user leaves the one-dimensional movement of conventional vibratory plates. It is the first vibratory plate on the market that can go in an arc, circle or turn on the spot. The eAPX 68/95 is so inventive that it has been nominated for the bauma 2022 Innovation Award.

Ammann questions the status quo of the vibratory plate: What requirements must be met by vibratory plates in order to be prepared for today’s challenges, and those of the future? What is essential during operation? What could a completely novel approach bring to plate compaction? And how can sustainability be advanced?

Developers realized existing technology could not provide the needed answers. Ammann therefore completely rethought the concept of the vibratory plate. The result is the battery-powered eAPX 68/95 prototype – a true revolution in vibratory plate compaction.

Unimagined possibilities thanks to innovative design

The eAPX 68/95’s appearance immediately distinguishes the machine. It has a low operating height of 700 mm. That height and the machine’s ability to move in all directions make it a great fit for trench applications – including those with support systems and cross braces that stop lesser machines. Yet the plate is productive in open spaces, too.

What’s beneath the hood might be even more impressive. Four working shafts, in an X shape, combine with a curved base plate to provide the 620 kg compactor with manoeuvrability that no other plate has previously achieved: an ability to go in an arc, circle or turn on the spot.

A remote-control unit dictates the eAPX 68/95’s precise movements. At a safe distance, and with the best possible overview, the user has everything under control – even in narrow trenches and other areas that are difficult to access. The operator can easily steer the eAPX 68/95 precisely along straight lines or hard-to-reach spots.

Versatile and sustainable

Four battery-powered electric motors enable the machine to work in applications off-limits to combustible engines, including indoors and enclosed spaces. The electric motors also advance sustainability efforts.

The plate can run continuously for approximately 80 minutes before recharging is needed. For quick use a 30‑minute charge is enough. The eAPX 68/95 utilises lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to maximise safety. The batteries and their advanced management system are particularly robust against high temperatures, overcharging, and mechanical damage.

The future-proof drive requires little maintenance as it has no hydraulics, operating fluids or gears. The low wear-and-tear, elimination of fluids and the avoidance of emissions make it a truly sustainable plate – with unmatched manoeuvrability and performance.

In other words, Ammann has a truly revolutionary machine in the eAPX 68/95 3D Plate Compactor.