Power Pavers is launching a new full-width, four-track concrete slipform paver, the SF-3404. The machine is said to offer an array of improvements in technology, providing smooth operation for contractors.
Good all round visibility is claimed and the machine can pave a maximum of 12m and features telescoping endpans for 61cm of width versatility on each end. In addition, the SF-3404 benefits from a heavy-duty plow, rigid paving pans and durable slew drives that help to ensure it is both reliable and efficient.
A new option for the SF-3404 is a compact, fully-controlled Dowel Bar Insertion (DBI) system. The machine is equipped with a hydraulic floating floor to maintain the integrity of the initial slab and improve reconsolidation around dowel bars after the insertion process. Each time the DBI runs, the carriage recalibrates with electronic sensors to ensure the floor is where it should be. In addition, the DBI is split to allow for accurate crowning and bar placement. Each bar is held and guided into the concrete to prevent skewing, even while crowning. When running DBI, the machine uses a collision avoidance system to prevent centre tie bars and DBI from inserting at the same location.
To ensure a smooth ride, the SF-3404 is equipped with what the firm claims is the longest Oscillating Correctional Beam (OCB) on the market. This ensures smoothing of the slab surface after dowel bar insertion. Power Pavers engineered a unique, heavy-duty OCB that is 76cm tall with a 61cm finishing length for full coverage over the dowel insertion void. The OCB corrects any surface imperfections with ease. For transportation, the DBI, OCB, OCB wiper and final finisher are contained in a single assembly.
Other important features include a vibrator cruise control that adjusts the machine’s vibrators automatically to maintain consistent speed despite fluctuations in oil viscosity or changes in concrete slump. For super-elevations and intersections, an exclusive crown-distance compensation feature provides automated crown transitions between the mold, DBI and OCB.
As with other Power Pavers, the SF-3404 is designed with simplicity in mind. The machine features numerous other details to simplify operators, finishers, and mechanics' jobs. It is equipped with Power Pavers’ novel SlipSmart control system for simple, highly configurable machine controls. All machine diagnostics are onboard, with no laptop required. The new system provides fault codes for everything on the machine, including the DBI. Common bolt sizes and colour-coded wiring throughout the machine keep maintenance simple.
