Wacker Neuson
Roller RD18
The Wacker Neuson RD18 series of articulated rollers delivers premium compaction performance through a combination of a large drum diameter and a low center of gravity. Designed for maneuverability and operator comfort, the RD18 models feature a three-point articulated joint for excellent stability and smooth driving. With an intuitive operating concept and the unique unilateral drum lifting point found in the RD18-100 and RD18-100C, users can compact right up to edges or walls. Whether in tandem or combination configuration, the RD18 series provides efficient, precise, and comfortable compaction for road and asphalt applications in compact urban or confined environments.
KEY FEATURES
The unilateral drum lifting with offset allows compaction directly up to edges and walls for a cleaner, more precise finish.
Description
The Wacker Neuson RD18 series stands out in the 1.8-ton class of articulated rollers, offering high-quality compaction and exceptional user comfort in a compact, maneuverable package. Its combination of large drum diameters and a low machine center of gravity ensures uniform, high-performance compaction on a variety of surfaces, particularly in urban or restricted-access construction sites.
Available in both tandem-axle and combination roller configurations, the RD18 is purpose-built for road and highway construction applications. A key feature of the RD18-100 and RD18-100C models is the unilateral drum lifting point with offset drums, which enables compaction right up to curbs, walls, or tight edges on both sides—making it ideal for high-precision work.
The three-point articulated pendulum joint is central to the RD18’s performance, ensuring high driving stability, even compaction, and tight turning radii for enhanced maneuverability in confined spaces. This setup also absorbs ground irregularities, reducing the transfer of vibration to the operator and helping preserve surface quality.
From the operator's standpoint, comfort and ease of use are top priorities. The ergonomically designed, low-vibration work platform combined with intuitive controls makes operation straightforward, even for less experienced users or rental customers. The standardized control layout across all RD and RC models means less time spent on training and more time working efficiently.
With a compact design and large drum visibility, operators enjoy an excellent line of sight, allowing precise control when navigating near obstacles or walls. The drum offset and crab steering feature further enhances maneuverability and allows for quick direction changes and easy departure from tight spots—minimizing repositioning time and boosting productivity.
Mechanically, the RD18 boasts strong performance metrics with vibration frequencies up to 61 Hz, compaction forces up to 29 kN, and gradeability up to 40% without vibration. The roller is powered by a reliable 16.3 kW Kubota engine, offering consistent performance with minimal environmental impact.
With its compact footprint, robust performance, and operator-centric design, the RD18 series is engineered for contractors and operators who demand both precision and productivity in every pass.
