by Richard Cosgrove | Tue 24 Feb 2026
BOMAG adds an 18-ton-class pneumatic tyred roller to its asphalt roller portfolio
BOMAG has added an 18-ton-class pneumatic tyred roller to its asphalt roller portfolio for the first time. The new BOMAG BW 18 RH pneumatic tyred roller can be tailored to the specific requirements of a wide range of construction sites and flexibly ballasted up to an operating weight of 18 tons. The machine is powered by a high-torque 55 kW engine that does not require an SCR catalytic converter. This makes the machine particularly economical.
The BW 18 RH stands out for its broad range of applications in road construction. The machine's development focused on compacting asphalt base, binder and wearing courses, as the operating weight in these applications is generally below 18 tons.
The BOMAG roller can be ballasted using concrete or steel plates, and by filling the ballast compartment with sand, water or steel granulate. Using the interchangeable concrete or steel plates does not reduce the volume of the three-cubic-metre ballast compartment. The maximum operating weight of the pneumatic tyred roller is 18,000 kg. A three-way pivoting front axle ensures even weight distribution across all tyres.
To achieve optimum compaction performance across a range of site conditions, tyre pressure can be adjusted depending on the wheel load. On the BOMAG BW 18 RH, pressure for all eight wheels can optionally be set from the operator’s platform via an automatic tyre inflation system. The tyre pressure can be adjusted from 2.0 to 8.0 bar.
The BOMAG pneumatic tyred roller is powered by a high-torque 55 kW in-line four-cylinder engine with cooled exhaust gas recirculation. No Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is required. The ECOMODE technology used in the BW 18 RH provides intelligent engine speed control. ECOMODE can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%, significantly lower operating noise, and minimise wear at the same time.
This engine technology helps to reduce operating costs and environmental impact without compromising machine performance. In addition, an automatic load-control system prevents the BOMAG pneumatic tyred roller’s engine from stalling, even on demanding gradients.
The driver’s stand on the BOMAG BW 18 RH is designed for demanding applications and is generously sized. Thanks to the modern, well-thought-out frame design and the optimised cab and ROPS configuration, the operator benefits from excellent all-round visibility.
The cab of the BOMAG BW 18 RH pneumatic tyred roller features an easy-to-swivel and slide driver's seat as standard. The brake pedal, which spans the full width of the driver’s stand, can be reached directly and safely from any seating position.
An excellent view of the outer tyre edges makes it easier to compact right up to the track edge.
The wheels’ kneading and rolling effect enables the BOMAG pneumatic tyred roller to achieve high compaction quality and a particularly even, closed surface. The machine ensures homogeneous distribution of the asphalt mix and excellent pore closure at the surface.
Additional thermal aprons are available as an optional extra for the BW 18 RH. The heat shields warm the tyres more quickly and maintain a sufficiently high and uniform temperature.