Further new European pavers were launched at bauma 2013

Earlier this year several manufacturers announced new European asphalt pavers being launched at bauma 2013, but more surprises were in store at the show - Mike Woof writes

At the beginning of 2013 a number of manufacturers revealed new asphalt pavers being launched at the 688 Bauma 2013 exhibition. 172 Bomag, 178 Caterpillar, 1194 Vögele and 359 Volvo CE all announced new asphalt pavers in the shape of the BF900, AP300D, -3 Series units and new wheeled P-6870C respectively. These machines were at the show and all attracted considerable attention but other new units also caught the attention of visitors.

6791 Ammann unveiled its AFT800 paver in prototype form and the company said that this machine will be introduced to the market in early 2014. This tracked machine is powered by a 196 Cummins diesel rated at 160kW and that meets Tier 4 Interim emissions requirements. The engine mounting and deck design is configured so as to minimise visual obstructions for the operator and maximise all-round visibility. Fast screed heating is a key feature of the machine to ensure it is ready for use more quickly while the design of its electric screed also provides even and consistent heating across its width. Loading is improved due to hydraulically-supported push rollers while the hydraulically-adjustable wings of the hopper and conveyor are said to deliver an even flow of material to the screed. The auger design is also said to minimise the problems of material segregation.

From 161 Atlas Copco Road Construction Equipment comes the new 206 Dynapac SD2550CS, which is available with the firm’s new R300TVE rigid screed. This highway-class paver is said to offer paving widths of up to 14m, with low cost/tonne operation for the owner. The paver features improved operator comfort and an advanced screed system as well as the latest version of the firm’s intelligent Pave Manager 2.0 control package. This system allows full monitoring of all operating parameters and will help boost mat quality.
The Dynapac SD2550CS features an operator platform that can slide out by 500mm on each side, to provide a better view into the hopper. The raised seating position allows a clear view to the truck docking position in front of the hopper and the clean layout over the auger enables a full view to the material flow. The platform can be offered with an optional weather house protection to shield the operator in cold weather. The control system comes with the new Pave Manager 2.0 software including features such as an electronic levelling display to show the tow arm position and functions for material planning, as well as paving data. The controls also allow operators to save paver settings for wear course and binder layer as well as sub base, so that they can be used later with the touch of a button.

The paver features a long hopper that offers a large capacity without risk of spillage. The machine is also available with a big material hopper that increases material storage and when used together with the new Dynapac MF2500CS material feeder, paving productivity can be 30% higher.

The drive unit is based on the common design concept, offering customers the choice of a Stage IIIA as well as Stage IIIB engine. VarioSpeed is an optional RCE patented drive concept that recognises the required speed and can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%.
A new development from 1252 Roadtec is its heavy-duty, steel track RP-2505 paver. The model features a high-density, twin tamper bar screed, which was developed and manufactured in Germany. The machine has been based on Roadtec’s US-style pavers and does feature some common components but has been completely reworked so as to meet the needs of European customers, with a key feature being this new screed.

The RP-2505 is said to be a versatile machine capable of achieving high densities in stiffer mixes such as cold mix, base materials, and roller-compacted concrete, as well as conventional hot mix asphalt. The screed is electrically heated and vibratory and the twin tamper bars allow the screed to compact the material to extremely high densities. The screed offers a basic width of 2.55m and hydraulically extends to 5.06m. The crown can be hydraulically adjusted from -2% to +4%.

The twin tamper bar design includes dual screed controls and thermostatically-controlled screed temperatures for smooth operation. A full width heavy-duty walkway is included on the rear of the screed, enabling easy operator access to either side. Similar to screeds on Roadtec’s US pavers, mounting locations for automatic grade controls are found on the two arms.