The machine operates at narrow widths, leaving behind a mat that has the appearance and quality of asphalt placed by larger machines and represents a significant upgrade over manual paving, according to Ammann.
“For reasons of economy and to achieve optimum paving results, towns and municipalities are increasingly demanding asphalt paving with a paver,” said Klaus Smagoi, area sales manager of Ammann Austria.
With paving widths from 250-1650mm, the AFW 150-2 from Ammann can be used to resurface driveways, carport parking spaces, cycle paths and footpaths, and to backfill trenches and areas between tram tracks.
The AFW 150-2 compensates for temperature fluctuations with its gas-heated vibratory screed. This ensures that the asphalt, which has a temperature of 180°C, is at the proper temperature during placement. “And with screed plates on the screed, we already pre-compact up to 40%,” explained Smagoi. “The biggest benefit of this is, we always achieve a uniform paving pattern.”
Holger Geserick, managing director of Austrian firm Hogewo Holding, confirmed this. “The AFW 150-2 produces 1A paving quality, with a uniform surface,” he said.
Geserick heads the activities of Hogewo subsidiary Reela Deutschland. With a focus on Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the company operates in broadband and power grid expansion, as well as construction of e-filling stations for electric mobility. From March to June 2021, Reela used the Ammann mini paver in an industrial estate in Gärtringen (Baden-Württemberg). There, the company replaced asphalt that was removed during excavation of fibre-optic expansion that ran for a length of 6km.
“We also carry out such projects with HDD flush drilling equipment,” reported Geserick. Reela Germany uses the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method to pass underneath roads or roundabouts, without surface excavation.
But Reela was not able to carry out all its tasks in Gärtringen using HDD methods. The teams also had to tear up pavements, and then laid pipe and backfilled and compacted the trenches.
“When it came to paving the asphalt surface, the AFT 150-2 mini paver came into play because we can use it to make the surface courses absolutely level and of high quality in terms of appearance,” said Geserick.
The Hogewo managing director relies on paving and compaction technology from Ammann. "We chose the Swiss manufacturer because of the product quality and fast service,” Geserick said. “The machines and equipment are sophisticated, user-friendly and the price-performance ratio is good.”
The company purchases all compaction equipment from the Austrian Ammann dealer Huppenkothen Baumaschinen in Lauterach. That includes Ammann APF 15/40 and APR 25/40 vibratory plates; ATR 60 C and ATR 68 C rammers; and the ARX 12 articulated ride-on roller.
The expansion of fibre-optic technology and infrastructures for e-mobility is picking up speed. As a result, Reela Germany has increased its order volume by 100% annually since being founded in 2018. “We expect the positive development to continue,” Geserick predicted.
The increase is driving Reela Germany to invest in pavers, rollers and compaction technology. “This year we will invest in two 12tonne rollers and possibly in a second mini paver,” Geserick said.