Four-cycle engine tamper

Bomag’s new, lighter-weight tamper is powered by a 3.3-horsepower, four-cycle engine. The special, four-cycle engine allows the tamper to be transported in a horizontal position without concern for oil contamination of the cylinder, muffler, carburetor, or air filter. The BT60/4 tamper weighs only 137 pounds, travels at a speed of 66 feet per minute, has a range of 540 to 708 impacts per minute, and delivers up to 3,037 pounds of impact force to a compaction depth of 21.6 inches. The tamping foot is constructed of high-strength honeycomb polyethylene that absorbs shock, ensures stability, and provides smooth operation. For operator safety and comfort, the tamper offers a patented anti-vibration handle that minimizes the amount of vibration transferred to the operator and increases the number of hours an operator can safely use the tamper.

Work-zone intrusion alarm

International Road Dynamics Inc. has introduced a new work-zone intrusion alarm. The Sonoblaster Dual Alert Intrusion Alarm is mounted on a traffic safety device, such as a traffic cone or delineator, and sounds a loud alarm when it is struck by a vehicle. Upon impact, the Sonoblaster’s CO2 powered horn blasts at over 125 dB to signal workers, drivers, and others in the vicinity that a vehicle is entering a protected area. The unit saves money by reducing the need for expensive barriers and traffic control equipment.

Rake attachment

Snowman Snowplow’s 8-foot rake, a new addition to their lineup of multi-function attachments, works great for road maintenance and landscaping. The SMR80 Rake levels gravel, topsoil, and cinders, and can be used to remove stones, roots, and debris from job sites. The rake is available as a complete system or as an attachment to the 75LDA Snowplow. Multi-function attachments are specially made so operators can switch from rake to snowplow in minutes.

HID snowplow lighting system

The Boss Snowplow offers a custom-designed composite light which has been optimized for snowplow use. The light package can be upgraded to a high-intensity discharge light package, providing up to four times the light output of the typical snowplow light for nighttime visibility. The HID lamps provide a light source that is whiter in color and projects a beam wider and further in front of the vehicle than typical halogen bulbs. The package is easily installed and uses a unique two-stud mounting system. HID lamps have 10 times the life of halogen bulbs, requiring less equipment downtime.

Salt-brine production system

The salt-brine production system from VariTech Industries, Inc. has been redesigned for improved cleanout and easy maintenance. The Model SB600 offers larger side cleanouts with accessibility for both the salt hopper and the tank, plus improved rugged corrosion-proof construction for durability. The unit features a 3,600-gallon-per-hour throughput and a 600-gallon built-in storage. Molded in fork-lift pockets offer ease of movement.

Pavement grinders and groovers

Dimas North America’s new line of pavement grinders and groovers features versatility and power in a compact design. Offering a 12-inch blade capacity and 0.75-inch maximum cutting depth combined with a self-propelled design, the machines provide the solution for a wide variety of grooving jobs including highways, ramps, and bridges.

The PG 6522 grooving, texturing, grinding machine (shown) is equipped with a 65-horsepower engine and a 21.75-inch cutting head, providing ample power and productivity for tackling larger grooving applications.

The PG 3514 is powered by a 35-horsepower gas or optional 30-horsepower electric motor and has a 14-inch-wide cutting head. The unique design of the front wheels allows the machine to follow the contour of the pavement, providing a smoother surface and better transitions during grooving and grinding. The PG 1608 is the most compact machine and features an adjustable guide for either right- or left-side grooving.

Walk-behind trowel

The new CA-Series walk-behind trowel from Multiquip’s Whiteman Concrete Division gives operators the ability to finish in tight spaces or to work around difficult obstructions without leaving a trace. The CA-4-4H boasts a space-efficient 24-inch diameter for excellent maneuverability, is powered by a 4-horsepower gasoline engine, and weighs only 125 pounds. The unit features a folding handle for easy storage and transport.

Water-filled longitudinal channelizers

Off the Wall Products announced that the Federal Highway Administration has accepted its Multi-Barrier Model MB-48x40 water-filled longitudinal channelizers as crash worthy traffic control devices for use on the National Highway System under the provisions of the NCHRP Report 350. This new FHWA acceptance, WZ-135, qualifies these units linked longitudinally and filled with water to be deployed as longitudinal channelizers. Final results and copies of the FHWA acceptance letter are now available from Off the Wall Products.

Full-matrix message boards

Full-matrix, changeable message signs from NorthStar Traffic Technologies, a division of Crown Construction Equipment, provide increased versatility with the choice of one-, two-, or three-line text messages and graphics. The CMS80F can be used to provide information on traffic delays, adverse road conditions, construction detours, reduced speed zones, and more. The solar-powered LED panels are interchangeable and replaceable, and brightness is adjusted automatically with the ambient light sensor to optimize visibility in any condition. A custom software package features quick and easy instant programming for a custom message or choose from the 200 pre-programmed, numbered messages. The 12, 6-volt, heavy-duty, deep-cycle batteries provide enough power for the unit to run up to 30 days without sunlight. The display can be rotated over 360 degrees and four leveling jacks allow for stable, level placement on any terrain.

Cracksealing melter

Cimline, Inc. has added the 60 G Melter to its line of Magma Series melter/applicators. This 60-gallon capacity model is durable and compact, and uses a diesel-fired burner and low maintenance 5.5-horsepower gasoline engine to power the hydraulic system. Cimline’s signature heat-transfer oil system heats sealant quickly and prevents burning or scorching, allowing crack sealant to reach its ideal temperature for application in just half an hour. An angled loading door allows for quick and efficient loading of the melter without messy and harmful splashing of hot sealant. The patented Afterburnr system draws the majority of asphalt fumes back into the burner exhaust and dissipates it through the exhaust stack to promote a cleaner work environment.

Mud buggy

The new FB1000 version of Stone Handler material-moving equipment from Stone Construction Equipment, Inc. can be configured into three different machines — a stake bed, a flat bed, and an extended flat bed — making it extremely versatile for all types of hauling and transport applications. The stake bed platform is interchangeable with the standard polyethylene mortar tub and can easily be converted in less that 15 minutes. The buggy features a one-piece, lift-away polyethylene engine cover for easy serviceability; an extra-large, platform-mounted service brake for added safety; a dual-action dump pedal for smooth controlled dumping; an extra-large fuel tank; and easy-to-reach, centrally located operator controls.

Special Product
Asphalt equipment acquisition

Bergkamp Inc. has purchased the assets and ongoing business of Akzo Nobel Asphalt Applications equipment division in Waco, Texas, effective February 28, 2003. Bergkamp has produced slurry seal and microsurfacing equipment since 1980 and has placed equipment throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Bergkamp Inc. will continue to produce a majority of the current product line of Akzo Nobel and will provide technical support and parts for all equipment produced under the names of Young Slurry Seal, ScanRoad, and Akzo Nobel.

Interchangeable snowplow hitch system

Thanks to a universal wiring harness and undercarriage on all their snowplows, the Boss Snowplow’s new SmartHitch 2 Attachment System easily interchanges between multi-position and straight-blade plows by simply switching the control inside the cab of the truck. This allows the professional plow operator to use one truck with a variety of plows. This system provides a safety net — if one truck breaks down, another can hitch up to the snowplow and finish the job.

Walk-behind concrete saws

The new Ingersoll-Rand series of walk-behind saws are constructed with durable seven-gauge steel and designed to be rugged, reliable, and straight-cutting units. Five WS series models — WS14110H, WS16130H, WS20200HH, WS26350WH, and WS36650WH — are available for use in a variety of applications including contraction and expansion joints, cuts for utility installations, patch repairs in asphalt and concrete, short-run slab cutting, trenching, and traffic loop installation. The saws are built with steel splashguards to keep slurry and material fragments away from the operator. Saw blades range from 12 to 36 inches in diameter.

Production flat saw

The new, FS 6000 D flat saw from Dimas North America was developed to quickly and efficiently perform a variety of medium- to large-sized sawing applications. The compact, low-profile design provides enhanced visibility of the work area as well as increased maneuverability. Powered by a 52-horsepower turbo-charged diesel engine, the saw features a maximum blade diameter of 36 inches with a 15-inch maximum cutting depth. The hydrostatic transmission provides infinitely variable travel speeds up to 200 feet per minute in forward and reverse. The patented, console-mounted Quick Stick provides for one-handed control of direction, speed, and cutting depth. The FS 6000 D features adjustable handlebars, key-style ignition, and an emergency stop switch.

Reprinted from the July 2003 issue Better Roads Magazine