New Power Equipment for the Road Market

High-Performance Paver

Caterpillar Paving has rolled out the D-series version of its track-mounted AP655 paver, a high-performance 8-foot paver designed to perform commercial paving work by day and highway paving at night.

The D-series machine retains the line’s versatility and adds a turbocharged 174-horsepower Tier 3 engine. Carryover features include dual operating stations with a proprietary monitoring system, a material handling system with independent auger and conveyor controls, and Cat’s proprietary rubber-track undercarriage (a steel track undercarriage is a lower-cost option).

Improved soil compactor

Bomag has installed Tier 3 engines and vertically opening hoods on its BW213-40 soil compactors. The base BW213D-40 is powered by a 133-horsepower diesel while the upgraded smooth-drum BW213DH-40 and padfoot BW213PDH-40 have 160-horsepower engines. The latter two models also feature anti-slip control features that give them a maximum gradeability of 55%. Also new on all models: improved visibility, especially to the rear; repositioned steering wheel; and reduced stop-to-stop steering input.

Works in tight quarters

Bobcat’s new S100 skid-steer loader combines a 1,000-pound-rated operating capacity with a narrow 50-inch total width to create a machine that can access and work in tight quarters. The 33.5-horsepower unit weighs 4,110 pounds and has a lift height of 8 feet, 6 inches. It replaces the Bobcat 553 and features a roomier, more comfortable cab.

Steep-slope control kit

Topcon has introduced a new 3D steep-slope add-on kit for motor graders. It includes a wide-range sensor that allows 3D use of these machines even in steep applications. Topcon says it allows for precise measurement of up to 100% cross slope by a Topcon System Five 2D or 3D application.

Conveyors fold for travel

Roadtec has announced that folding conveyors are now available as options on the company’s line of cold planers. The folding conveyors make it easier to transport the mills on standard trailers. Roadtec’s four-model cold-planer line ranges in size from 325 to 950 horsepower, and in cutting width from 24 to 162 inches.

Extendible screed debuts

Caterpillar Paving has expanded its offerings of hydraulically extendible screeds with the introduction of the AS2302 Vers-A-Mat which features narrow front-mounted extenders. Recommended for commercial and highway paving, and any application that requires variable-width paving, the AS2302 paves from 10- to 18-feet wide without modification; bolt-on extensions take it to 22 feet, and optional cutoff shoes provide a minimum paving width of 8 feet.

Standard features include electrically heated screed plates, newly designed end gates, screed-control panels with wrist rests, and conveniently located shovel holders and a tool box. An optional power berm allows crews to create an asphalt “curb” for water and erosion control up to 6-inches high and 18-inches wide.

Swing size matters

Caterpillar has introduced the D-series version of its popular 148-horsepower 320 crawler excavators. They include the conventional-swing 47,500-pound 320D L, the reduced-swing 53,400-pound 320D LRR, and the compact-radius 53,300-pound 321D LCR. The standard machine has a swing radius of 9 feet and is designed for heavy and general construction. The LRR has a swing radius of 6 feet, 7 inches and is designed for use in restricted work-space areas. The LCR has a wing radius of 5 feet, 6 inches and can rotate within or almost within its tracks, depending on how much counterweight is being used. The LCR is specifically designed for road work. All three versions have new Tier 3 engines, cab refinements, and improved performance. Versatility is enhanced with a range of new factory-installed, optional auxiliary hydraulic systems, including a one-way, high-pressure/high-flow circuit for hammers and vibratory plate compactors, and a two-way circuit for thumbs and other hydra-mechanical attachments. An optional tool control system, exclusive to Cat, lets the operator set auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure by using the monitor in the cab.

Clear windshields all year

Dickey-John says its new Frost Jet windshield cleaning system keeps windshields slush free in winter and bug free in the summer. Adaptable to any truck or car with a windshield washer system, the Frost Jet heats the stream of solvent to melt ice and snow in the winter, and help loosen road film and insect residue in the summer.

Precise soil compaction mapping

Caterpillar Paving has introduced AccuGrade Compaction for soil compactors, calling it an intelligent compaction solution that combines precise GPS mapping with soil-compaction measurement capabilities. In addition to providing jobsite documentation, the system is said to enhance productivity. A color display shows the operator a map of the working area and includes compaction data like working speed, amplitude, frequency, compaction values, and number of passes. The target compaction value is displayed as a certain color; when the value colors match the target, the operator moves on to the next area.

Luxuary cab debuts

New Holland has introduced a new deluxe cab for its Super Boom skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders. The cab features increased space, visibility, operator comfort, and ease of operation, according to the company. Highlights include contoured armrests, noise absorbing interior trim, and an optional sound-suppression package that reduces noise levels by about three decibels.

Improved soil compactor

Bomag has installed Tier 3 engines and vertically opening hoods on its BW213-40 soil compactors. The base BW213D-40 is powered by a 133-horsepower diesel while the upgraded smooth-drum BW213DH-40 and padfoot BW213PDH-40 have 160-horsepower engines. The latter two models also feature anti-slip control features that give them a maximum gradeability of 55%. Also new on all models: improved visibility, especially to the rear; repositioned steering wheel; and reduced stop-to-stop steering input.

‘Quiet’ compact rollers

Caterpillar Paving says its three new utility rollers are powered by a quiet 22-horsepower Tier 2 engine. The CB14 has a 31-inch rolling width; the CB14 XW, 39 inches; and the CB14 Full Flush rolls up to 35-inches wide with an offset front drum. The new models are recommended for a full range of asphalt and soil applications.

Fast utility crawler

ASV has applied its innovative rubber-track loader technology to the utility vehicle market with the introduction of the ASV Scout SC-50. The market’s first rubber-track utility vehicle has the company’s patented Posit-Track technology, which includes a suspension system, rubber track, and 10 rubber wheels that disperse weight across a 15-inch-wide track. It has a travel speed of 11.5 miles per hour, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Options include a 3,300-pound, 35-cubic-foot dump body, and a 16.3-gpm auxiliary hydraulic system for front or rear attachments.

Briefs


Mack Trucks sponsored a Memorial Day Rolling Thunder — Ride for Freedom rally that included more than 100 motorcyclists from the company’s Virginia plant and a Mack CH midrise sleeper bearing a mural honoring the sacrifices of U.S. military personnel. 

Astec Industries participated in a paving demonstration in Chattanooga, Tennessee that combined asphalt recycling with warm-mix asphalt technology to reduce green house gas emissions. 

Pile Dynamics is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The 30+ employee operation manufactures quality assurance instruments for deep foundations.