Wacker Neuson’s newest battery-operated product is the ACBe backpack concrete vibrator. The cordless, portable backpack vibration system is ideal for the consolidation of thick interior concrete slabs with and without reinforcing steel and is an excellent choice for job sites that have strict guidelines for noise and emissions.
The three-part modular system consists of the backpack with integrated converter, removable/replaceable battery and internal vibrator. The backpack itself was engineered by a leading hiking backpack company that understands the need for comfort. It is fully adjustable for varying heights, chest, shoulder and waist sizes. The lightweight fabric, padded shoulders and even weight distribution allow for extended working periods. The vibrator shaft connects to the bottom center of backpack that allows for easy left-hand or right-hand operation.
The heart of the ACBe backpack vibrator is Wacker Neuson’s BP1000 lithium-ion battery, which is the exact same battery that powers the company’s zero emission AS50e and AS60e battery rammers and the AP1840e and AP1850e vibratory plates. The battery is easily inserted into the converter backpack without the need for any special tools, and because there is no cord, the operator has flexibility and mobility to move around the job site. By running on battery power, as opposed to a gasoline engine, the operator is no longer exposed to heat, exhaust fumes and engine noise.
The modular vibration system allows for variety of internal head diameter and shaft lengths to connect to the backpack. Because the backpack includes the integrated converter, once the vibrator shaft and head are connected, the vibrator provides high cycle/high frequency performance for effective consolidation of vertical structures and thick slabs. The six combinations include head diameters of 1.5, 1.8 and 2.3 inches and shaft lengths of 5 and 10 feet.
Wacker Neuson’s maintenance-free battery operated equipment is designed for convenient, easy operation. Run times will vary depending on the head diameter size, but will typically last two to four hours. The on/off switch is easily accessible on the shaft and will shut off the motor in the head, but not the battery. This allows the operator to pause during the consolidation process without the need to reach around to the backpack to restart the battery. Depending on the size of the pour, it is recommended to have a second battery on site, which can charge within 80 minutes. If base preparation is needed on the job, using Wacker Neuson’s AS rammers and AP plates are cost effective, since all of the zero emission products use the same battery system.