Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a ground treatment machine includes a hand-held device that wirelessly communicates with the ground treatment machine. The system includes a radio frequency and an infrared frequency wireless communications that are established between the hand-held device and the ground treatment machine. Instructions associated with operation of the machine are communicated to the machine from the hand-held device via the radio frequency communications. A status of the infrared wireless communication is utilized to assess the proximity of the ground working machine relative to the operator and the operating environment such that operation of the machine in accordance with the operational instructions can be interrupted if necessary.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a ground treatment machine includes a hand-held device that wirelessly communicates with the ground treatment machine. The system includes a radio frequency and an infrared frequency wireless communications that are established between the hand-held device and the ground treatment machine. Instructions associated with operation of the machine are communicated to the machine from the hand-held device via the radio frequency communications. A status of the infrared wireless communication is utilized to assess the proximity of the ground working machine relative to the operator and the operating environment such that operation of the machine in accordance with the operational instructions can be interrupted if necessary.

Abstract: A ramming device for compacting soil includes an upper mass and a lower mass. The lower mass is driven linearly back and forth with respect to the upper mass to compact material therebelow. An engine drives the lower mass and is supported by the upper mass. A muffler is fluidly connected to the engine and is contoured such that a majority of the muffler is positioned inboard of a footprint of a side of the ramming device. Preferably, the muffler has a shape that substantially matches a shape of the upper mass adjacent to the muffler thereby further reducing the distance that the muffler extends beyond a footprint of a sidewall of the device.

Abstract: A ramming device for compacting soil includes an upper mass and a lower mass. The lower mass is driven linearly back and forth with respect to the upper mass to compact material therebelow. An engine drives the lower mass and is supported by the upper mass. A muffler is fluidly connected to the engine and is contoured such that a majority of the muffler is positioned inboard of a footprint of a side of the ramming device. Preferably, the muffler has a shape that substantially matches a shape of the upper mass adjacent to the muffler thereby further reducing the distance that the muffler extends beyond a footprint of a sidewall of the device.