The 2013 World of Asphalt and AGG1 expositions taking place March 19-21 in San Antonio, Texas are on course to be sold out by opening day, setting new records for exhibitor numbers and attendees. Guy Woodford discovers that major construction industry manufacturers will be highlighting new as well as established machine models in their exhibits at the co-located events
Covering more than 10,870m² of exhibit space, attendees at the 2013The three-day events at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center are being officially supported by 25 industry-related organisations, with several industry groups and associations co-locating meetings and events at the shows. Among the education programmes and over 90 learning opportunities offered at the co-located exhibitions will be the firstever conference specifically tackling issues of environment, health and safety (EH&S) at the asphalt plant and paving site: Beyond Compliance: Achieving EH&S Excellence.
Among
The variator provides this ratio flexibility while it is also claimed by Cat to greatly reduce the heat load generated by the drive train when the machine is digging, pushing and climbing under heavy load. The continuously variable gear ratio of the variator also enables the engine to run at a more efficient operating range independent of machine ground speed.
The 966K XE is powered by a Cat C9.3 ACERT diesel engine, delivering a peak net horsepower rating of 220kW. In line with European Union Stage IIIB emissions standards, the C9.3 ACERT engine incorporates a highpressure common rail injection system for a clean, efficient burn. The proven Cat Clean Emissions Module, which incorporates a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, a Diesel Particulate Filter and the Cat Regeneration System, functions automatically without interrupting the machine’s working cycle.
With its advanced powertrain system, the new Cat 966K XE wheeled loader is said to deliver up to 25% more fuel efficiency. Developed especially for production loading for both 966K and 966K XE, Performance Series Buckets are fitted as standard and deliver faster fill times and better material retention to reduce cycle time and improve productivity.
Meanwhile, the newest of a wide range of Cat paving product machines on show at World of Asphalt 2013 and AGG1 will be the CW34 pneumatic roller and the CB14B utility roller.
An eight-wheel roller with an operating range from 10-27tonnes, the CW34 is said to perform well on granular materials and all types of asphalt mix designs. It is suitable for all phases of compaction due to its high contact pressures. The machine’s flexible ballast, oscillating front and rear wheels, front suspension, and optional air on the run, is said to make the CW34 highly productive.
The CB14B is a 1.5tonne utility roller, with 900mm or 1000mm tandem vibratory drums, said by Cat to be built for compaction of asphalt and other granular materials. Described as highly mobile and easy to transport, the CB14B is also said to offer excellent comfort, simple operation, good traction, and a reliable water spray system.
The new Terex RS446D Reclaimer/Stabiliser being exhibited at World of Asphalt 2013 and AGG1 features a powerful 309kW diesel engine, meeting stringent Tier 4i and Stage IIIB emissions standards. The new engine configuration is said to improve fuel efficiency over previous RS446 models, while also reducing noise levels to the operator’s ear by 5dBA. With the machine’s two-stage engine drive and three-speed cutter transmission for increasing break-out force, the RS446D is said by
Incorporated into the new design, a shorter engine cowling improves the operator’s line of sight to the front of the machine. The new hydraulically tilting hood is said to offer easy access to engine components for quick servicing.
The engine configuration in the RS446D positions all engine components, including the oil filter, air filter, fuel filter and battery, in a single service centre accessed from ground level, reducing maintenance time for the service technician.
The RS446D boasts a standard full-width cab with an upgraded heating and cooling system to improve operator comfort.
Compared to the C Series, the RS446D increases torque to the mechanical cutter drive system. This, combined with three rotor speed selections, is said by Terex to allow the operator to more effectively match cutter speed to the application, improving reclaiming and stabilising efficiency. The RS446D offers a 243.8cm cutting width and a maximum 50.8cm cutting depth, depending on soil conditions.
Also said to aid efficient performance, is the reclaimer/stabiliser’s true rear axle design. Kingpins replace spindles at the wheels to allow the tyres to pivot close to the frame, offering a tight 4.3m turning radius.
Four steering modes – crab, coordinated, front only and rear only – are said to improve machine manoeuvrability and flexibility at the application site.
The Terex RS446D Reclaimer/Stabilizer has a transport weight of 26.93tonnes, with standard cab and water system; a transport height with cab and ROPS of 3.5m, and a transport width of 3.2m.
Metso will be showcasing key products from its new Screening and Conveyor Solutions (SCS) line. The Finnish company says the new line – the combination of two interdependent product lines: Screening Media Solutions and Conveyor Solutions - will give it better opportunities to package its products for serving a broader range of customers and an even broader range of applications.
Among the product range at AGG1 2013 will be the new
Asphalt Drum Mixers (ADM) will be at World of Asphalt 2013 showcasing its EX Series asphalt plants with single-drum counterflow technology. The new plants are said to offer high efficiency and a compact design for contractors with low to medium production needs.
Producing 90.72tonnes to 385.56tonnes per hour at a very low cost per tonne, the EX Series asphalt plants are said to boast the longest aggregate drying and mixing times in the industry, and are capable of processing high percentages of RAP.
Using counterflow technology, the EX Series has separate drying and mixing zones to achieve the maximum level of heat transfer and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the system is said by ADM to virtually eliminate unsafe hydrocarbon emissions, which are a common problem with other drum mix plants.
To make the plants, which are available in portable and stationary versions, even more environmentally friendly ADM designed the system to reintroduce residual gases back to the drum’s combustion zone.
Plant controls are said to be sophisticated in their abilities, yet simple in operation. The EX Series can be operated by just one plant operator and one loader operator. The plants are built with durability and low maintenance in mind, so on-site staff is able to handle most breakdown issues.
A wide range of components further tailors each plant for particular customer needs. Available individual components include cold feed bins, hot oil asphalt cement tanks (both horizontal and vertical), direct-fired horizontal cement tanks, portable and stationary bag houses, mineral filler systems, RAP systems, self-erect and stationary silos, weigh and drag conveyors, weigh batchers and fuel oil tanks.
In addition to the EX Series ADM, a family-owned company based in Indiana, also offers its MileMaker, RoadBuilder and SPL Series.
Each ADM plant can be custom designed to meet the requirements of individual sites.
A new Volvo 3.04m P7000 series asphalt paver is one of two new machines being showcased by Volvo Construction Equipment at World of Asphalt 2013.
The machine has a powerful Volvo Tier 4 certified engine, and what
The new design is said to focus on performance and operator comfort while improving overall reliability, durability and serviceability. Performance enhancements focus on smooth and consistent delivery of all Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) mixes for achieving rideability, smoothness and density bonuses.
Volvo CE will also be unveiling a new large asphalt compactor at World of Asphalt 2013. The compactor, equipped with a new Volvo Tier 4i engine, is said to be designed to handle a variety of applications delivering a smooth, even mat in fewer passes. The compactor offers dual amplitude settings for quick and easy adjustment of drum forces when material depth changes. Eight available amplitude settings are said to offer greater versatility.
Smart features, including what Volvo CE claim is an industry-leading water system, deliver simple operation and compaction. All-around visibility is said to allow a 360° view of the entire work zone, and the operator console can rotate in five different positions for maximum visibility and comfort.
Other machines on display from Volvo CE at the San Antonio-based show include the MT2000 and MW500 milling machines, the G946B motor grader, the L250G wheeled loader, the EC380DL excavator and the DD25 asphalt compactor.
The Volvo Road Institute will also be showcased during the event.
MOBA 2D and 3D control
The levelling system Big Sonic-Ski is said to yield the highest smoothness performance on asphalt roads. By combining three ultrasonic sensors, the system can operate over a range of 12.8m without an artificial reference. This way, it is possible to even smooth out unevenness which covers a large ground section, e.g. road waves. The Big Sonic-Ski achieves a precision of 1.01mm in ground sensing and produces measurably improved surface flatness.
With the MOBA-matic II handset, the Big Sonic-Ski levelling system is easy to operate – with only four buttons, clear icon driven instructions and a 8.9cm colour display.
The quality control system MOBA PAVE-IR, said to provide a non-destructive method for detecting thermal segregation in real-time; the MCA-2000 roller system, said by MOBA to offer optimised material compaction in the construction of roads and tarmac surfaced; and MOBA’s excavator systems Easy Dig, Link and Vision 3D work, each of which is said to produce extremely accurate results while increasing cost-effectiveness and machine use efficiency, will also be on show at the San Antonio event.
Star Attraction
World of Asphalt 2013 and AGG1 show manager Rich Prausa is in no doubt about what makes the co-located events such a draw for visitors.
“We have a solid track record of quality shows with a focus on maximum ROI for exhibitors and attendees, and industry support has been the key to our success.
“Attendees can connect with their industry peers to discuss what’s happening and what’s ahead, as they check out the latest product innovations to boost job performance.”
On the two events aim of allowing attendees to gain a more well-rounded knowledge of the technological, regulatory, safety and operational management trends affecting their ability to run efficient and profitable@businesses, Prausa added: “Continuous-learning is key for business and professional success; that’s why the shows offer a broad range of education as a fundamental industry service.”
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