So far 2016 has been an important year for asphalt paver development, with a huge array of improved designs coming to market - Mike Woof writes. With both the World of Asphalt and bauma exhibitions during 2016, it is perhaps no surprise that a wide array of new asphalt pavers have been unveiled. Major manufacturers have introduced new models in both US and European configurations. Ammann, Atlas Copco, BOMAG, Caterpillar, LeeBoy, Roadtec, Vögele and Volvo CE have all launched new pavers, either in European o
Atlas Copco’s F1200C is a compact asphalt paver designed for use in small areas
So far 2016 has been an important year for asphalt paver development, with a huge array of improved designs coming to market - Mike Woof writes
With both the6069 World of Asphalt and 688 bauma exhibitions during 2016, it is perhaps no surprise that a wide array of new asphalt pavers have been unveiled. Major manufacturers have introduced new models in both US and European configurations. 6791 Ammann, 161 Atlas Copco, 172 BOMAG, 4018 Caterpillar Paving, 717 LeeBoy, 1252 Roadtec, 1194 Vögele and 359 Volvo CE have all launched new pavers, either in European or US configuration, or in some cases both.
Some of these new machines have so far missed being mentioned in the previous articles in World Highways on asphalt paving in the March and May issues however.
Atlas Copco says that its compact206 Dynapac F1200C paver can be used on a wide array of smaller jobs, such as cycle paths, pedestrian areas, urban road repairs and parking facilities. Said to be highly versatile, the F1200C offers paving widths from 1.22-3.05m to depths of 254mm, high material filling capacity and a high paving capacity of 298tonnes/hour. The paver is equipped with a V-screed that is said to provide a high quality asphalt mat and also features a Dynapac feed control system, which is claimed to eliminate material segregation and ensure continuous, uniform material flow through the paver. This system has four ultrasonic sensors and one of the industry’s thinnest centre chain box augers. The sensors optimise auger and conveyor speed by measuring material height and detecting gaps in the material.
The conveyor’s 152mm-wide chain box is said to be the narrowest on the market and deliver a continuous, uniform material flow to the centre of the screed. The paver’s centre line drive auger includes 330mm diameter flights to eliminate centreline segregation by providing optimal material flow. Its divided conveyor with its single drive system makes it possible to guide the material to either the left or right side of the screed for asymmetrical paving. Operators can also pave close to walls using the optional reduction shoes.
Customers can choose between vibration or tamper and vibration screeds, which offer a choice of electric or gas heating. The gas-heated screed offers fast heat-up time and has a gas bottle holder that makes it easier to change thes from the side. The electric screed can also heat up quickly due to its high capacity generator.
Atlas Copco designed the F1200C to achieve high pre-compaction and it has hydraulic motors for the tamper and vibration in the basic and hydraulic extendable screed sections. The hydraulic extension allows widths from 1.22-2.44m, while screed extensions allow a 3.05m paving width.
The F1200C is less than 4.6m long and 2.13m wide by 2.13m high, allowing paving in narrow and low height working areas.
To maximise time between refilling, Atlas Copco fitted a 5tonne capacity hopper into the paver. Operators can also raise the hopper for tight working areas, yet still buffer a significant amount of material. Power comes from a Tier 4 Final compliant diesel while other features are said to include stability, flexibility and fast transport speed, as well as high fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance and long service intervals.
Coming soon to the market from BG Pavers in the UK is its compact BGP205 model. This wheeled asphalt paver is designed to be versatile and mobile and is aimed at use in parking lots and small urban road jobs where its compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and versatility will be of benefit. As with other models in the range, the new BGP205 is said to feature rugged construction, high performance, build quality and reliability and good reliability.
The machine is fitted with a vibratory screed that extends from 1.5-4m while it offers a hopper capacity of 6tonnes and a maximum design throughput of 140tonnes/hour. Power comes from a Tier 4 compliant1265 Kubota diesel that delivers 36kW. The paver has four-wheel drive with differential locks across the axle, as well as a cross-lock system between the axles to ensure maximum traction when the machine is being driven in a straight line. Managing director Trevor Fagan said, “We have a timing system on the differential lock to get maximum torque when you pull away.”
At the moment the machine is still in development and is not yet available as a production model. Fagan said, “We’re giving it to one of our local customers and we’ll see what happens. It’s good to get good feedback.”
As with other BG units, the paver can be used with sophisticated control technology and Fagan added, “We use the MOBA system with it. All our equipment can be kitted out for use with lasers, slope controls and multi-function machine control.”
Caterpillar is offering improved small pavers in the shape of its wheeled AP300F and its track-mounted AP355F models. The firm is aiming these machines at jobs such as paving parking lots, urban streets, cycling and walking paths, trenches, and narrow shoulders.
The firm claims that the machines offer advanced features, an auto-fill feeder system and an automated travel mode. Both new models are powered by Cat C3.3B engines that are rated at 55kW and which can be specified to meet the strict US and European emissions requirements, or for markets with less stringent needs. The Eco-Mode and automatic engine-speed-control systems adapt engine speed to the load requirements, boosting efficiency while cutting fuel consumption and working noise. A key feature is the auto-fill system, which alternates between auger and conveyor operation to ensure that the machine has a head of material. Meanwhile the auto-feed system is said to mean that the operator no longer has to manually activate the augers and conveyor. Another important automatic system is the configurable travel mode, which raises the augers and screed to prevent damage when the machine is being moved from one location to another.
The AP355F uses Caterpillar's proven Mobil-Trac rubber track system with its oscillating bogies and is said to optimise traction and flotation on soft ground. Travel speeds, meanwhile, are close to those of wheeled pavers. The AP300F runs on wheels and is said to offer fast travel speeds as well as a tight turning capability. An optional front-wheel-assist system is available to increase traction on poor ground.
The machines share the same control system, which uses touchscreens and is said to be easy to use. The seats can be moved over the side to maximise visibility of the screed and hopper. A novel feature is the mode for both warm-up and wash-down functions, which runs the feeder at low speed and also raises the auger.
There are two versions of the electrically-heated SE34 screed; the SE34V with vibration only or the SE34VT with vibration and a tamper bar. The wheeled AP300F offers a maximum paving width of 4m while the tracked AP355F offers a paving width of 4.6m. Both machines can use a special reduction attachment to narrow paving width to 0.7m, for trenching work. The screeds have multiple temperature sensors to ensure even-heat distribution and reduce heating time. An optional feature provides electric heating also for the end gates to improve material flow. The onboard generator powers these electric heating systems as well as having sufficient reserve for lighting to allow night-time working.
2714 Sumitomo is keen to boost its international profile and develop sales of its asphalt pavers outside of its Japanese home market, where it dominates with a share of around 70-75%. The proximity of the South East Asian market makes it a particular focus for Sumitomo and the firm says that it already holds a 40% share, with a particularly strong share in Indonesia and Thailand, which also have the largest demand for road construction machines. However, the firm believes it can replicate its strong position in the Japanese market in other South East Asian countries. Managing director Ichiro Shimada said, “We want to be the same size in Indonesia and Thailand.”
The company is focussing on selling two basic paver models, the HA60 and HA90, into South East Asia, both of which are equipped with the firm’s novel Jpaver type screeds. The main feature of this screed is its patented hydraulic extension system, which has an overlapping design said to offer greater paving widths than conventional designs and is key to the Sumitomo asphalt pavers.
The smaller 2360 version of the Jpaver screed is fitted to the HA60W-8 wheeled and HA60C-8 crawler pavers. In standard form the 2360 screed offers paving widths from 2.3-6m, without bolt-on extensions. However Sumitomo’s larger HA90C-2 tracked paver can be fitted either with either the 2360 screed or the new 2875 screed. This new larger screed offers paving widths from 2.8-7.5m using the hydraulic extension and up to 9m with bolt-on extensions. Electric screed heating is standard on the Sumitomo machines, although gas heating is available as an option if required. Strike off, tamper and vibration methods are used for compaction with the screeds, while the machines can be fitted with machine control systems from major suppliers such as342 Topcon and 1228 MOBA.
The firm offers the HA60W-8, HA60C-8 and HA90C-2 pavers in both Tier 3 variants for sale into lesser regulated markets, as well as in versions that meet with the European emissions requirements. The company has sold the HA90C-2 into Europe and is keen to develop its share of the European market but is highly aware that the strength of the European paver manufacturers will make it hard for Sumitomo to take a large share.
Sumitomo has also seen its pavers used in some key operations, with machines employed for the resurfacing of a runway at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport earlier this year. A Sumitomo HA90C-2 and an HA60W-8 were used in echelon to pave a width of 12m, allowing a hot-to-hot joint for optimum material bonding and wear life.
With both the
Some of these new machines have so far missed being mentioned in the previous articles in World Highways on asphalt paving in the March and May issues however.
Atlas Copco says that its compact
The conveyor’s 152mm-wide chain box is said to be the narrowest on the market and deliver a continuous, uniform material flow to the centre of the screed. The paver’s centre line drive auger includes 330mm diameter flights to eliminate centreline segregation by providing optimal material flow. Its divided conveyor with its single drive system makes it possible to guide the material to either the left or right side of the screed for asymmetrical paving. Operators can also pave close to walls using the optional reduction shoes.
Customers can choose between vibration or tamper and vibration screeds, which offer a choice of electric or gas heating. The gas-heated screed offers fast heat-up time and has a gas bottle holder that makes it easier to change thes from the side. The electric screed can also heat up quickly due to its high capacity generator.
Atlas Copco designed the F1200C to achieve high pre-compaction and it has hydraulic motors for the tamper and vibration in the basic and hydraulic extendable screed sections. The hydraulic extension allows widths from 1.22-2.44m, while screed extensions allow a 3.05m paving width.
The F1200C is less than 4.6m long and 2.13m wide by 2.13m high, allowing paving in narrow and low height working areas.
To maximise time between refilling, Atlas Copco fitted a 5tonne capacity hopper into the paver. Operators can also raise the hopper for tight working areas, yet still buffer a significant amount of material. Power comes from a Tier 4 Final compliant diesel while other features are said to include stability, flexibility and fast transport speed, as well as high fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance and long service intervals.
Coming soon to the market from BG Pavers in the UK is its compact BGP205 model. This wheeled asphalt paver is designed to be versatile and mobile and is aimed at use in parking lots and small urban road jobs where its compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and versatility will be of benefit. As with other models in the range, the new BGP205 is said to feature rugged construction, high performance, build quality and reliability and good reliability.
The machine is fitted with a vibratory screed that extends from 1.5-4m while it offers a hopper capacity of 6tonnes and a maximum design throughput of 140tonnes/hour. Power comes from a Tier 4 compliant
At the moment the machine is still in development and is not yet available as a production model. Fagan said, “We’re giving it to one of our local customers and we’ll see what happens. It’s good to get good feedback.”
As with other BG units, the paver can be used with sophisticated control technology and Fagan added, “We use the MOBA system with it. All our equipment can be kitted out for use with lasers, slope controls and multi-function machine control.”
Caterpillar is offering improved small pavers in the shape of its wheeled AP300F and its track-mounted AP355F models. The firm is aiming these machines at jobs such as paving parking lots, urban streets, cycling and walking paths, trenches, and narrow shoulders.
The firm claims that the machines offer advanced features, an auto-fill feeder system and an automated travel mode. Both new models are powered by Cat C3.3B engines that are rated at 55kW and which can be specified to meet the strict US and European emissions requirements, or for markets with less stringent needs. The Eco-Mode and automatic engine-speed-control systems adapt engine speed to the load requirements, boosting efficiency while cutting fuel consumption and working noise. A key feature is the auto-fill system, which alternates between auger and conveyor operation to ensure that the machine has a head of material. Meanwhile the auto-feed system is said to mean that the operator no longer has to manually activate the augers and conveyor. Another important automatic system is the configurable travel mode, which raises the augers and screed to prevent damage when the machine is being moved from one location to another.
The AP355F uses Caterpillar's proven Mobil-Trac rubber track system with its oscillating bogies and is said to optimise traction and flotation on soft ground. Travel speeds, meanwhile, are close to those of wheeled pavers. The AP300F runs on wheels and is said to offer fast travel speeds as well as a tight turning capability. An optional front-wheel-assist system is available to increase traction on poor ground.
The machines share the same control system, which uses touchscreens and is said to be easy to use. The seats can be moved over the side to maximise visibility of the screed and hopper. A novel feature is the mode for both warm-up and wash-down functions, which runs the feeder at low speed and also raises the auger.
There are two versions of the electrically-heated SE34 screed; the SE34V with vibration only or the SE34VT with vibration and a tamper bar. The wheeled AP300F offers a maximum paving width of 4m while the tracked AP355F offers a paving width of 4.6m. Both machines can use a special reduction attachment to narrow paving width to 0.7m, for trenching work. The screeds have multiple temperature sensors to ensure even-heat distribution and reduce heating time. An optional feature provides electric heating also for the end gates to improve material flow. The onboard generator powers these electric heating systems as well as having sufficient reserve for lighting to allow night-time working.
The company is focussing on selling two basic paver models, the HA60 and HA90, into South East Asia, both of which are equipped with the firm’s novel Jpaver type screeds. The main feature of this screed is its patented hydraulic extension system, which has an overlapping design said to offer greater paving widths than conventional designs and is key to the Sumitomo asphalt pavers.
The smaller 2360 version of the Jpaver screed is fitted to the HA60W-8 wheeled and HA60C-8 crawler pavers. In standard form the 2360 screed offers paving widths from 2.3-6m, without bolt-on extensions. However Sumitomo’s larger HA90C-2 tracked paver can be fitted either with either the 2360 screed or the new 2875 screed. This new larger screed offers paving widths from 2.8-7.5m using the hydraulic extension and up to 9m with bolt-on extensions. Electric screed heating is standard on the Sumitomo machines, although gas heating is available as an option if required. Strike off, tamper and vibration methods are used for compaction with the screeds, while the machines can be fitted with machine control systems from major suppliers such as
The firm offers the HA60W-8, HA60C-8 and HA90C-2 pavers in both Tier 3 variants for sale into lesser regulated markets, as well as in versions that meet with the European emissions requirements. The company has sold the HA90C-2 into Europe and is keen to develop its share of the European market but is highly aware that the strength of the European paver manufacturers will make it hard for Sumitomo to take a large share.
Sumitomo has also seen its pavers used in some key operations, with machines employed for the resurfacing of a runway at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport earlier this year. A Sumitomo HA90C-2 and an HA60W-8 were used in echelon to pave a width of 12m, allowing a hot-to-hot joint for optimum material bonding and wear life.
