Bomag BW211 vs BW177 — Which Soil Compactor?
Both Bomag single-drum soil compactors, both in the daily working range for SA civils — the BW211 is the heavier machine, the BW177 the more versatile mid-weight.
Bomag BW211
The Bomag BW211 is the standard single-drum vibratory roller for SA road building and bulk compaction. IronYard lists BW211D-40 and BW211D-50 stock with hours, drum condition and finance available.
Bomag BW177
The Bomag BW177 is the lighter sibling to the BW211 — a 7-ton class single-drum vibratory roller ideal for sub-base compaction on smaller roadworks, municipal projects and platform preparation. IronYard lists BW177D-4 and BW177D-5 stock with hours, drum condition and finance available.
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Bomag BW211 | Bomag BW177 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 10 800 kg | 7 400 kg |
| Drum width | 2 130 mm | 1 680 mm |
| Engine | Deutz TCD 4.1 L4 | Deutz TCD 3.6 L4 |
| Net power | 97 kW (130 hp) | 74 kW (99 hp) |
| Centrifugal force | 263 kN | 170 kN |
| Vibration frequency | 27 / 32 Hz | 30 / 36 Hz |
| Travel speed | 0 – 11 km/h | 0 – 12 km/h |
| Fuel tank | 290 L | 230 L |
| Typical fuel burn | 6 – 9 L/hr | 4 – 7 L/hr |
The verdict
The BW211 is the right tool for deep-lift compaction on major civils and bulk earthworks — its drum weight moves material the BW177 can't. The BW177 is the more versatile everyday compactor for road building, subgrade prep and mid-scale civils. If you're only buying one, most contractors choose the BW177 for flexibility.
Bulk earthworks, deep-lift compaction, major civils.
Road building, subgrade prep, general civils fleet.
Live stock — both machines
Bomag BW211
No live stock right now — get notified.
Bomag BW177
No live stock right now — get notified.