This three-leg machine is able to cope with much tighter radii than previous versions of the Commander III, allowing it to slipform a radius of just 610mm.
This suits the machine to applications such as slipforming kerbing for parking lots or housing developments. To achieve the very tight turning capability, the machine is equipped with the specially-developed Extreme Package for multi-application pavers. This includes rotary-sensored slew drives for steering, sensored leg positioning, independent travel circuits to each track, radius software, GOMACO’s three-sensor radius system, and repeatable mold offset.
The rotary-sensored slew drives are fitted to all three tracks, while GOMACO’s software engineers have developed the special tight radius software for the G+ control system. This allows the operator to programme the size of the radius into the controller. The values have to be dialled in before the machine is tracked into position for slipforming the radius so that the operator can then activate the radius programme, allowing the kerb and gutter to be laid out as required.
The G+ unit controls all functions when moving around the radius, including track angles and variable track speeds. When paving with stringline, the machine uses the GOMACO three-sensor steer system for the tight radius. The proper speed of each of the tracks is maintained by G+ with independent hydraulic circuits to each track, so that each travels at the correct speed to maintain the smooth radius, with the added benefit that it reduces pad scrubbing and extends wear life. The machine’s three tracks, equipped with rotary-sensored slew drives, also make slipforming kerbs and gutters easier in tight clearance conditions.
The sophisticated track positioning package also includes a smart hydraulic cylinder on all three legs. This gives the G+ precise position data for all three tracks. Meanwhile the intelligent offset system uses a smart hydraulic cylinder to telescope the mold mounting system. This allows the repeatable mold offset, while the trimmerhead and mold also feature independent vertical adjustments for raising and lowering.
GOMACO claims that the machine is also one of the quietest pavers on the market and can be powered by the latest generation Tier 4 engines as well as the necessary cooling packages. The slipforming machine has a pivoting operator console so that the operator can have a clear view of the working area, no matter which direction of travel. The machine has an optimised cooling package as the hydraulic fan is controlled to adapt cooling needs to the working conditions. Improved fuel efficiency is also claimed due to the power-optimised engine as well as advanced load-sensed hydraulics. Fuel capacity has also been increased so that the machine can run for a full working shift without need for refilling.
An optional extra is an on-board camera that can be mounted anywhere on the machine so as to monitor key areas of the slipforming job and this feeds live images to the G+ display on the operator’s console.
The G+ control system can interface with conventional stringlines as well as the latest 3D guidance system for curb and gutter, tight radius applications. The machine is also offered with the GOMACO remote diagnostics (GRD) package, which provides capabilities for troubleshooting, diagnostic checks and software updates.
