2025-08-27

Light Weight Deflectometer – MILANO Transport Box Now Even More Compact

Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) is one of the most important testing devices in modern construction. Whether in road construction, civil engineering, pipeline construction or landscaping – wherever soil compaction quality needs to be reliably verified, the Light Weight Deflectometer is the tool of choice. It provides fast, precise and standard-compliant measurements in accordance with TP BF StB Part B8.3 and has become an international benchmark.

To ensure that a Light Weight Deflectometer can be used reliably for many years, safe transport and proper storage are essential. For this purpose, TERRATEST® developed the MILANO transport box, which has been successfully used by customers worldwide for many years.

Why a Light Weight Deflectometer Is Indispensable

A Light Weight Deflectometer provides exact information on soil bearing capacity and compaction. Site managers, engineers and testing companies use it daily to ensure that construction projects are built on a solid foundation. Thanks to its mobility, ease of use and high accuracy, the device has become an indispensable companion on construction sites.

Safe Storage with the MILANO Transport Box

The Light Weight Deflectometer is a high-precision measuring device and must be protected accordingly. The MILANO transport box fulfills this role perfectly:

  • Exterior made of robust flight case material
  • Interior lined with handcrafted plywood panels
  • Custom designed for the Light Weight Deflectometer

This prevents the device from moving loosely in the vehicle and helps ensure a service life of at least 15 years.

Light Weight Deflectometer in the compact MILANO transport box by TERRATEST

The Third Generation of the MILANO Box

More Compact Design for Greater Convenience

The third-generation MILANO transport box is even more space-saving:

        • 60 mm narrower
        • 30 mm lower
        • 3 kg lighter

This was achieved by storing the load plate at an angle inside the box. This clever design not only saves space but also improves ergonomic handling. Removing the load plate is now more convenient, and the entire unit fits more easily into the trunk.

Load plate of a Light Weight Deflectometer being ergonomically removed from the MILANO transport box
Backward Compatibility and Safety

Another important advantage: the box is backward compatible. Even older LWD models (as far back as 2012) can be transported safely. Additional fixings further enhance stability. Even a drop from one meter can be withstood without damaging either the box or the device – a strong argument for maximum safety.

Since 2008, TERRATEST® has delivered more than 10,000 MILANO boxes worldwide. Around 80% of all Light Weight Deflectometers are sold together with this transport box.

Practical Features for Everyday Construction Use

Standard Wheels for Daily Transport

The MILANO comes standard with integrated wheels, making it easy to pull the Light Weight Deflectometer across parking lots or slide it into the trunk.

Off-Road Wheels for Construction Sites

For tough construction site conditions, TERRATEST® also offers the box with off-road wheels. This allows the approx. 50 kg device including box to be moved across sand, gravel or uneven ground – a major benefit for users who need maximum mobility on-site.

Conclusion – The Perfect Companion for Every Light Weight Deflectometer

With the third generation of the MILANO, TERRATEST® once again demonstrates its customer focus. The Light Weight Deflectometer is not only safely protected in the new box but also transported more compactly, more lightly and more ergonomically.

Anyone using a Light Weight Deflectometer benefits from the MILANO transport box:

  • Greater convenience through a more compact design
  • Enhanced safety thanks to robust construction
  • Increased flexibility with optional off-road wheels

The new MILANO is therefore the ideal companion for anyone who wants to transport their Light Weight Deflectometer reliably and comfortably.

2025-03-21

Light Weight Deflectometer at BAUMA 2025

TERRATEST Light Weight Deflectometer exhibition booth at BAUMA 2022
In just a few weeks, BAUMA 2025 will open its doors once again, setting global standards for construction machinery, building material machines, construction vehicles, and construction equipment. From April 7 to 13, more than 3,500 exhibitors from 57 countries will showcase their latest machines, technologies, and innovations across an impressive exhibition area of 614,000 square meters. The trade fair welcomes international visitors from over 200 countries, representing industries such as earthworks, road construction, civil engineering, and landscaping. BAUMA is not only one of the largest trade fairs in the world but also one of the most innovative platforms for knowledge exchange and networking within the construction industry.

TERRATEST® is dedicating its exhibition presence entirely to intelligent and user-friendly Light Weight Deflectometers for dynamic plate load testing. Our goal: to help customers conduct compaction tests even more efficiently and economically. In times of increasing quality assurance requirements in the construction industry, precise and easy-to-use testing devices are more important than ever. Therefore, trade visitors can look forward to numerous innovative features that further simplify the handling of the devices and facilitate daily work.

One of the highlights of this year's presentation is the latest developments in the field of Light Weight Deflectometers. These models now feature integrated Wi-Fi, voice navigation, a modern USB-C charging system, and an even more precise GPS system. These technical innovations enable even simpler and faster measurement data acquisition and transmission. The integrated Wi-Fi, for example, allows wired devices to be seamlessly connected to the TERRATEST app for online data transfer. In addition, the performance of the microprocessor-controlled measurement electronics has been improved, ensuring even more reliable measurements.

Another significant product that TERRATEST® will introduce at BAUMA 2025 is the "TRENCH" Light Weight Deflectometer. This device has been specifically developed for use in narrow trenches, such as those commonly found in fiber optic network expansion. With a load plate width of only 10 cm, it enables precise compaction tests even in hard-to-reach areas. This presents a major advantage for companies operating in the telecommunications sector that require efficient quality control of earthworks.

A special highlight this year is TERRATEST®'s double presence at the trade fair. For the first time, the company will be represented with two exhibition booths: in Hall B5, Booth 116 for construction equipment, and in Hall A2, Booth 138 for testing devices. "We are especially looking forward to BAUMA 2025. For the first time, we will be present with two exhibition booths – both in our established Hall B5 for construction equipment and in Hall A2 for testing devices," says Frank Georg Schulz, CEO and Founder of TERRATEST®. "We are hoping for many visitors and are excited about engaging discussions on load-bearing capacity measurement with the Light Weight Deflectometer."

In addition to showcasing innovative technologies, TERRATEST®'s exhibition booths will feature numerous live demonstrations and opportunities for direct exchange with our experts. Visitors will have the chance to gain first-hand insights into the latest developments and practical applications of the devices. Take this opportunity to meet our competent team in person and experience the advantages of the new device generation. We look forward to welcoming you at BAUMA 2025!

At the BAUMA trade fair, the company will also present the TERRATEST 9000 LWD. This Light Weight Deflectometer is equipped with a geophone and a load cell, and thus complies with ASTM E 2583-07.