Easy Drive from HAMM: Intuitive operating concept for all rollers

Modern construction machines are high-tech units whose engineering enables more functions to be carried out than ever before. Whether these are recognised and used by drivers however, is crucially dependent on the quality of the operating concept. So that the drivers of HAMM rollers can use all the functions to their full extent, the developers attach the utmost importance to simple, intuitive operation. No easy task, since the modern rollers are complex tools. Hamm has successfully carried off this balancing act with its Easy Drive operating concept. It was first realised in the DV+ series tandem rollers and then successively introduced in the HD+ series tandem roller and the H series compactors. Since 2018, pneumatic tyre rollers are also available with Easy Drive. Two rollers with this modern, ergonomically optimised and user-friendly operating concept are to be found at Nordbau 2018.

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Some modern construction machines overtax drivers with a surfeit of switches, displays and buttons. A common problem is a lack of clarity as to how to carry out important settings. Moreover, tedious 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, the Tirschenreuth-based company recognised that intuitive operation makes a major contribution to the productivity of mobile machinery. That’s why HAMM places enormous emphasis on optimum machine operation.

Clarity and intuitive operation

The Easy Drive operating concept came about with the development of the current machine generations. Thanks to their intuitive operation, drivers are able to respond correctly without extensive previous knowledge. This is made possible thanks to a few, intelligently arranged switches, good visibility on the operator's platform and short learning and familiarisation times.

A single concept for all rollers

Not long after HAMM had launched the Easy Drive operating concept in the DV+ series tandem rollers, the HD+ series tandem rollers and the H series compactors were in turn equipped with this innovative operating concept. Since the start of 2018, pneumatic tyre rollers in the GRW series have also been available with Easy Drive.

In all of these rollers, 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. This means that operating elements for identical functions will always be located at the same position on the operator’s platform. Dr. Axel Römer, Head of Development and Design at HAMM, explains the fundamental thinking behind it: “Anyone who has ever operated a HAMM Easy Drive roller will be instantly at home on all other Easy Drive rollers. We are thus making things easier for operators when they switch to a different type of machine. They instantly identify important functions. This facilitates quality work from the outset, and quickly 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. For example, the seats can be rotated in either direction and they can also be moved from side to side on most models. 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 remarkable for helpful features, such as the wide stepway to the spacious cabin or operator’s platform. Also standard are folding armrests and a forward tilting steering column making it easy to get on and off. Documents and personal items can be securely stored in the compartments around the seat. 12V sockets are also provided to supply power for a mobile phone or cool box.

Honoured by the most-respected body

The Easy Drive operating concept is a big hit with drivers. But even the eminent jury members of the iF International Forum Design were impressed by the concept and awarded it the iF design award for first-class product design.

There were two further awards for Easy Drive: the “Universal Design expert favourite” label from a jury of experts and the “Universal Design consumer favourite” label from a jury of 100 users. This recently inaugurated design award highlights products that are flexible, easy and intuitive in use and whose operation and design reduces complexity to the minimum.