You are working on a road project & have to shortlist between two machines for a procurement decision to make. The Case 1107EX vs JCB VM117 (also searched as Case 1107 EX vs JCB VM 117) is one of the most common debates among fleet managers and contractors, and for a good reason. Both compactors sit in the 11-ton class and are built for serious compaction capabilities, and either can be bought as a used road roller.
Case brings a high-powered powertrain, proven articulation & highly durable build for demanding terrain, while JCB answers with modern features, more efficient engines & cutting-edge telematics, which keep connected to every machine in a fleet. This single drum compactor comparison breaks down both machines in 6 important parameters so that you can make a data-backed decision, not just relying on a brand.
Case 1107 EX vs JCB VM117: Specs at a Glance
|
Case 1107 EX |
JCB VM117 soil compactor |
|
|
Engine |
100 HP, 450 Nm |
74 HP, 440 Nm at 1,150 RPM |
|
Emission norms |
Stage IV, needs AdBlue/DEF |
Stage 5, no AdBlue |
|
Centrifugal force |
263 kN |
256 kN |
|
Frequency (high / low amplitude) |
31 Hz / 34 Hz |
32 Hz / 36 Hz |
|
Minimum turning radius |
3.42 m |
5.668 m (outer) |
|
Drum shell |
25 mm (32 mm on Plus) |
28 mm plus 10 mm stiffening ring |
|
Compaction data |
Not listed |
IntelliCompaction real-time readings |
CASE 1107EX vs JCB VM117: Power & Performance
Case 1107 EX
- AL H4 four-cylinder engine producing 100 HP & 450 Nm of torque
- Electronic common rail direct injection
- CEV Stage IV emission norms with AdBlue/DEF requirement
- Auto idle feature for up to 3% fuel savings during idle
- Turbocharged engine with internal EGR for optimised power delivery
JCB VM117 soil compactor
- JCB ecoMax four-cylinder engine producing 74 HP & 440 Nm at just 1,150 RPM
- Stage 5 emission norms with no AdBlue required
- 1,000 hours of fuel filter replacement interval
- IP-69 waterproof connectors for increased safety
Verdict: Choose the Case 1107 EX if you want raw horsepower. JCB, however, offers Stage 5 compliance, no AdBlue requirement & strong low RPM torque for better efficiency.
CASE 1107EX vs JCB VM117: Vibration System & Compaction Performance
CASE 1107 EX
- Dual vibration stages via a variable displacement pump
- 31 Hz high amplitude and 34 Hz low amplitude frequency
- Amplitude: 1.8 mm & 0.8 mm
- 263 kN maximum centrifugal force
- Static linear load: 29.4 kg/cm
- Variable amplitude enables flexible compaction across different soil depths
JCB VM117
- Single-shaft circular exciter with overturning weights
- Frequency: 32 Hz high amplitude & 36 Hz low amplitude frequency
- Amplitude: 1.8 mm and 0.8 mm
- 256 kN maximum centrifugal force
- Static linear load: 30.96 kg/cm
- IntelliCompaction system measures real-time compaction values, flags soft/hard spots, and avoids overcompaction
- Eliminates guesswork on tasks & projects with strict compaction specifications
Takeaway: The Case 1107 EX offers a higher centrifugal force, while JCB’s IntelliCompaction provides data-driven precision for improved compaction quality.
CASE 1107EX vs JCB VM117: Handling & Articulation
CASE 1107 EX
- Robust 4-point articulation joint for challenging applications
- Steering angle: 37 degrees each side
- Drum oscillation angle: 15 degrees
- Minimum turning radius: 3.42 metres
- Perfect for tight urban sites & confined construction zones
JCB VM117
- Servo-assisted centre articulation with automatic oscillation
- Steering angle: 35 degrees lock-to-lock
- Drum oscillation angle: 15 degrees
- Minimum outer turning radius: 5.668 metres
- Automatic oscillation for better drum-to-ground contact on uneven terrain
Verdict: Case offers better turning radius & handling, while JCB’s automatic oscillation gives it an edge on irregular surfaces.
CASE 1107EX vs JCB VM117: Drum Design & Durability
Case 1107 EX
- Standard EX model: Drum shell thickness of 25 mm
- 32 mm drum shell with Plus variant for heavier applications
- Heavy-duty frame with crossbar for better structural rigidity
- Optional dual scrapper bar for clean operation in slippery conditions
- Three models available: standard rear-wheel-drive (EX), drum drive (EX-D) for high gradients & pad drum model (EX-PD) for cohesive soils.
JCB VM117
Standard VM117 comes with a 28-mm heavy-duty drum shell
- An additional 10 mm stiffening ring (effectively 38 mm at reinforced sections)
- Single-piece solid eccentric shaft for optimised amplitude and frequency
- Drum designed with finite element analysis for structural strength
- 3-piece pad foot shell design or easy conversion to PD compactor
- Heavy-duty front frame for enhanced stability under heavy loads
Verdict: JCB’s reinforced drum offers a stronger build, which offers better durability on a variety of surfaces. While Case sells the Plus variant with a 32 mm shell, JCB’s stiffening ring comes as standard, not an upgrade.
CASE 1107EX vs JCB VM117: Serviceability, After-Sales & Dealer Network
Case 1107 EX
- Daily maintenance points are easily accessible (engine, hydraulic, & electrical components)
- Ground-filling points for diesel, hydraulic oil, and DEF/urea for reduced service turnaround time
- An OBD diagnostic port below the front console allows for quick technician access
- An automatic error code displayed directly on the cluster display
- An auto fan belt tensioner for extended maintenance intervals
- Modern radiator design improves engine durability over long operational hours
JCB VM117
- Full engine compartment access with a 70% wider rear bonnet
- An electronic feed pump to eliminate manual priming & prevent air entrance in the fuel line
- LiveLink for remote diagnostics, faster service & reduced downtime
- Lifetime-lubricated articulation joints & steering cylinders for maintenance-free design
- Digital visual warning system with error codes for better serviceability
- Best-in-class after-sales network (65 dealers, 700 outlets, 6,000 trained service engineers, 3,500 mobile service engineers)
- 300 service vans, 20 operator training centres, and 24/7 support in 12 languages
Verdict: Case focuses on offering smart, accessible & easy serviceability, plus modern on-board diagnostics. The JCB VM117, on the other hand, is untouchable with its unmatched service & availability network globally.
The Best Single Drum Compactor: The Winner?
After evaluating all the important specs and features that both single-drum compactors come with, it’s evident that there is no single winner in this single drum compactor comparison. Instead, the winner depends on your site & requirements.
Buy the Case 1107 EX if you need more power from the engine, work in tight urban sites and want strong performance on high-gradient terrains. The JCB VM117 soil compactor, on the other hand, shines in efficiency with its Stage 5 engines, IntelliCompaction function for compaction precision and best-in-class after-sales support & part availability, which matter for modern and challenging applications.
Case 1107 EX vs JCB VM117 FAQs
Which has more power, the Case 1107 EX or the JCB VM117?
The Case 1107 EX: 100 HP against 74 HP for the JCB VM117.
Does the JCB VM117 need AdBlue?
No. The JCB VM117 meets Stage 5 emission norms without AdBlue, while the Case 1107 EX needs AdBlue/DEF.
Which soil roller compactor turns better in tight sites?
The Case 1107 EX, with a minimum turning radius of 3.42 m.
Which single drum roller compactor has the stronger drum?
The JCB VM117, because its 10 mm stiffening ring is standard. Case offers a 32 mm shell only on the Plus variant.