2005's Hottest Rollouts for Roads

We sort through more than 500 new product introductions to identify 50 that have special significance to highway and bridge professionals.

How We Made Our Choices

In surveys, focus groups, and face-to-face meetings at industry events, when we ask readers how we can best help them keep track of changes in the products and services they use to manage, maintain, and build North America’s roads and bridges, almost everyone wants an annual short list of the really important stuff. No wonder. The sheer volume of introductions is overwhelming. Better Roads covers well over 600 products each year in our new product columns and Bid List features.

So each year, our staff reviews all the product introductions we’ve covered for the past year (our Top Rollouts “year” actually runs from the November 2004 issue through the October 2005 issue) to pick out 50 that we believe are worth further review. Our priorities are new concept products, which are rare, new series/new generation products in categories that relate to the road and bridge industry, and other rollouts which serve our readers’ interests by increasing supplier competition for their business.

Inevitably, we omit deserving products, either because we just didn’t understand the significance of the product or because the announcing company didn’t communicate what was special about the product, or both. In either case, we apologize in advance for these omissions.

That said, this has been an especially difficult year to make choices, in part because so many equipment manufacturers concentrated their rollouts in the time period surrounding Conexpo-Con/Agg 2005, the behemoth equipment exposition that takes place every three years. That’s one reason our Top 50 list has somewhat more machinery than usual. Another is the steady march of EPA-mandated engine emission standards. In 2005, many construction machines had to convert to Tier-3 engines and their manufacturers used the occasion to make many other upgrades.

LeeBoy
Electric commercial-class screed

LeeBoy unveiled what it calls the first electrically-heated screed for commercial-class asphalt pavers this year. The new Legend Electric Screed System is available on the company’s 8500, 8515, and 8816 pavers. Available in an 8- to 15-foot paving width for the 8500 and 8515, and in an 8- to 15.5-foot model for the 8816, the new unit incorporates the traditional Legend construction features like bull-nose, heavy-duty replaceable screed plates, angle of attack controls, front-mounted screed extensions, and crown/invert control. It is powered by an on-board electric generator and has timed heating controls that provide consistent temperature control of the heating elements across the width of the screed plate and extensions.

Click 29 on ROADFAX card

International Truck and Engine
Rugged new truck line

International’s new 7700 line of severe service trucks offers users a step beyond the 7600 series with new options that specifically target bridge-formula mixer, dump, super dump, and block hauler applications. The company says the three-model series combines the style and driveability of its 7600 line with the chassis strength and packaging of its 5000i.

The new truck’s style and driveability features include liberal use of chrome and a new front taper leaf-spring suspension system that delivers a smooth ride under load or empty, according to International.

To maximize payload, two 7700 models feature a new front-bumper-to-axle setting of 29.1 inches and a frame system that optimizes payload weights for states that follow bridge formula limits. The company says the frame system for all three models uses a single 12.25-inch frame that is 400 pounds lighter than many double 10-inch frames, enhancing payload potential.

The standard drive train for the 7700 series is a 305-horsepower engine with a 1,150-pound-foot torque rating, and a 10-speed overdrive transmission. Options include a 470-horsepower engine.

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Caterpillar
New generation wheel loaders

Caterpillar has ushered in a new generation of large wheel loaders with the introduction of the 980H and 988H models this year.

The 980H features a new Tier-3 compliant 318-horsepower engine, faster loading cycles, a quieter cab, and improved serviceability. Equipped with an 8-cubic-yard bucket, the 980H is said to be 10% faster in loading cycles than its predecessor, the 980G-Series II with a 7.5-cubic-yard bucket. Other performance-enhancing changes include an electronic clutch pressure control system for smoother shifts, and a new cooling system designed to resist plugging.

Improved cab sealing and insulation reduce noise levels inside the cab by half compared to the G-series model — from 80 decibels to 76 decibels. Serviceability enhancements include a faster hood-opening system, easy-access pressure taps, and rear fenders that cover twice as much of the wheel area as the previous design to reduce mud splatter.

The 354-horsepower, 9-cubic-yard 988H wheel loader also features a Tier-3 compliant engine that Cat says will be more reliable and durable than the engine it replaces because it has fewer parts, fewer cooling challenges, and is less sensitive to internal acid formation, fuel sulfur content, and internal wear. The 980H has virtually identical productivity potential as the 988G, but it is quieter, more fuel efficient and costs less to own and maintain. A new rimpull control system improves fuel efficiency and tire life by providing different traction settings for different applications to prevent tire slippage and improve cycle times in difficult conditions.

Click 15 on ROADFAX card

Terex Roadbuilding
Sophisticated portable plants

Terex Roadbuilding announced an important breakthrough in portable asphalt plant technology in 2005 with the introduction of its first low-load, “super-portable” asphalt plants featuring counter-flow drum mixer technology. Terex designed its new 150-ton-per-hour E150P as an alternative to the traditional 300-to-500-ton portables, claiming it costs about half as much as the bigger units to purchase and moves on site in four loads rather than as many as 15. The low-emissions unit can make all state-spec asphalt mix designs, including those requiring a high percentage of recycled asphalt.

Click 45 on ROADFAX card

Roadtec
New concept paver

Roadtec’s new-concept SP-200 Spray Paver is probably the most innovative 2005 introduction in the asphalt paving category. The new paver is designed to spray asphalt cement or emulsion directly in front of the asphalt mix before it is laid. It can be used for NovaChip applications or for traditional paving.

The SP-200 has a heated 1,800-gallon tank for asphalt cement or emulsion, and three rows of spray nozzles for spreading the hot fluid. An onboard microprocessor controls the rate of flow, or it can be manually controlled. The SP-200 can be equipped with an Eagle 10 10-foot screed or any other 10-foot screed from Roadtec or Carlson.

Click 39 on ROADFAX card

Ingersoll Rand
New highway-class pavers

Ingersoll Rand introduced a new series of 8-foot highway-class pavers at Conexpo-Con/Agg 2005. The wheel-mounted 5160 and 5170 represent a fusion of technology from IR’s European and North American paver franchises. The pavers have a 13.6-ton hopper, a 185-horsepower engine, and a 30kW generator. New features for this series include an auger system that operates independently of the conveyor system, and the use of sonic sensors in both systems to provide precise material handling. The conveyor system has automatically tensioned chains for consistent performance and lower maintenance  costs.

Ingersoll Rand says its new hydrostatic direct-traction drive system for the pavers reduces maintenance costs by eliminating 70% of all mechanical drivetrain components.

The wheel-mounted 5160 and 5170 employ a patented front wheel suspension design for uniform wheel loading.

A variety of screed options are available for the new pavers, including the company’s new Genesis series, a vibratory design with front-mounted extensions. Other options include a vibratory rear-extension design, and single- or double- tamping-bar configurations.

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Loegering
Bolt-on track system

Loegering has taken a completely unique approach to adding high-flotation track to a skid-steer loader. Rather than fitting over the machine’s tires, Loegerings Versatile Track System bolts on to the wheel hubs in a process that does not require machine modifications and is said to take about an hour to perform. Loegering says the 18-inch-wide rubber tracks reduce a machine’s ground pressure to less than 5 psi and increase its drive torque, traction, and stability.

Click 13 on ROADFAX card

John Deere
New motor grader series

John Deere unveiled the road industry’s newest generation of motor graders at Conexpo-Con/Agg last March. The company lists more than 100 changes in its new D-Series motor graders. A new cab features 26% more space and 40% more glass than previous models, as well as improved heating and cooling. Also new: a longer wheelbase for improved fine-grading and ride, additional operating weight for balance and traction, and a more efficient moldboard design.

The six-model lineup features six-wheel-drive and tandem-drive models, with engines ranging from 185 to 245 horsepower. The new engines feature 25 to 40% torque rise for better lugging, according to the company, and they work with John Deere’s exclusive “event-based” transmission which senses the load and automatically adjusts the clutch-pack engagement accordingly.

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Bomag
Re-thinking the asphalt roller

When one of the leaders in a product category rolls out a completely re-engineered generation, that’s big news. And that’s what Bomag did in 2005, issuing forth the Dash-4 version of the company’s tandem-drum asphalt rollers. Boasting a unique profile that features slanted drum support legs, high curb clearance, and an open design for the front and rear frames, the new family of tandems gives the operator an unrestricted view of both drums and the sprinkler system. The Dash-4 series ranges in size from the 39-inch drum BW100AD-4 to the top-of-the-line 79-inch BW190AD-4.

The 13-ton BW190AD-4 is powered by a 131-horsepower engine and delivers up to 28,800 pounds of centrifugal force in low amplitude/high frequency (3,600 vpm), and 40,950 pounds in high amplitude/low frequency (2,880 vpm). Bomag says its independent drum vibration control and dual amplitudes allow the roller to handle a variety of lift thicknesses and applications ranging from granular bases to Superpave.

Click 11 on ROADFAX card

Elliott Equipment
Boom truck with unique features

Elliott Equipment brought some innovation to the 32-ton boom truck market this year with the introduction of its model 32105. Along with a 105-foot-long, 4-section boom, the 32105 has three patent-pending features: a “Ride-Around” operator control panel that optimizes load viewing during the full 360 degrees of rotation; a “Thumb Throttle” engine speed control that eliminates the foot throttle, allowing the operator to keep both feet on the ground; and the “Remote Winch Stow” which allows a single operator to stow the unit’s block and hook after use.

Click 19 on ROADFAX card

ChevronTexaco
Converts coolant to long-life

The big news from ChevronTexaco this year was the company’s unique FleetFix Conversion Pack which lets fleet owners convert conventional coolant currently being used in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment to an extended-life coolant without having to drain, flush, and refill the cooling system. In addition to saving time and labor, says the company, its conversion pack helps owners avoid cross-contamination. FleetFix-modified coolant can have a service life of up to 600,000 miles, 6 years, or 12,000 hours using an extender addition at the half-way point, according to ChevronTexaco.

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Kenworth
New truck for construction, snow

Kenworth introduced four new Class 8 trucks this year, including the T800 which is aimed at the construction and aggregates markets. The company touts multiplexed electronic instrumentation, world-class fit and finish, and increased driver comfort as the hallmark of the new trucks. Some 25 new standard features have been added to the vehicles, many of which used to be options. A new front engine power take-off option is now available on the short-hood T800 for applications like snow plows and transit mixers.

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Hamm Compaction
Oscillating asphalt rollers

The Hamm Compaction Division of Wirtgen introduced the new-concept oscillating roller in 2004 and added a new high-production model to the line this year. The new HD 0120V tandem has an operating weight of 26,345 pounds, a drum width of 78 inches, and an offset working width of 81.5 inches.

The rear drum features Hamm’s exclusive oscillation compaction, which works by using horizontal shear forces on asphalt rather than by forcing it downwards. Hamm says this ensures that the drum maintains constant contact with the ground for faster, more effective compaction. The new machine’s rear drum produces oscillation forces of 46,125 to 62,775 pounds. The front drum features conventional vibration with a top frequency of 3,000 vpm.

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John Deere
Integrated TLB controls

John Deere made news in 2005 by introducing the first backhoe loader to feature a completely integrated control system. The hallmark of the new 92-horsepower 410H is the company’s Total Machine Control system, which integrates control for the engine, transmission, hydraulics, and brakes so the systems can respond in a coordinated, efficient way to different job demands. In startup mode, the 410H digs at the same speed as the 410G, but in “Fast” mode, it will dig 30% faster and in “Slow” mode (for precision work) it digs 20% slower. New automated features include return-to-carry which returns the loader boom to travel height after dumping, and boom height kick-out, which allows the operator to set the loader boom height to fit working conditions.

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Caterpillar
New asphalt pavers

Caterpillar Paving introduced two new asphalt pavers at Conexpo-Con/ Agg. The 10-foot, track-mounted AP-1055D features a 167-horsepower Tier 3 engine, an 8-cubic-yard hopper, dual operator stations, and Cat’s proprietary material handling system with independent feeder and auger controls. Its high-capacity cooling system varies fan speed according to demand, reducing noise and fuel consumption.

Also new is the AP-800D, an 8-foot, 130-horsepower rubber-tire paver with a four-speed hydrostatic drive system. Anti-slip control is a unique feature of the drive system; if one drive wheel slips, it allows the other to propel the paver.

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Carmanah
Edge-lit street signs

Carmanah’s LED Edge-Lit technology is new in the fight for better nighttime illumination for signs. The technology consists of LEDs mounted along the top and bottom edge of the sign, concealed in a frame. Light is emitted through a clear acrylic sheet and is refracted outwards through the sign legend. Signs operate maintenance free for over 50,000 hours, with no bulbs or ballasts to replace and are unaffected by cold temperatures.

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Johnston Sweeper
Vacuum sweeper

Johnston Sweeper’s new VT606/650 vacuum sweeper was chosen for our list because of its versatility. It’s ideal for sweeping everything from road resurfacing on highways to construction sites. The sweeper features a durable, rugged construction; a turbocharged John Deere diesel engine; a sealed engine compartment; an 8.5-cubic-yard, stainless-steel debris hopper; a 343-gallon stainless-steel water tank; a top-mounted catch basin hose; and a 190-square-inch vacuum nozzle.

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Volvo Construction Equipment
High-production excavator debuts

Volvo entered the high-production, 70-ton excavator market with a shout in 2005. Promising to “re-define performance” in the 70-ton class, Volvo gave its new EC700B the highest-capacity engine in the class at 464-horsepower. The machine weighs between 149,000 and 155,000 pounds, depending on boom, arm, and track selections. Volvo says the main pump, swing motor and bearing, and the track rollers are of higher capacities than those normally found in the 70-ton class. The company designed the new unit for mass excavation and quarry loading.

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3M
More reflective sign sheeting

Everyone would like traffic signs to be more visible at night, especially when you’re talking about older drivers with less-than-perfect eyesight. 3M addressed this issue by creating a sign material that returns nearly twice as much reflected light as current material. The 3M Diamond Grade DG3 is a thin, reflective sheeting adhered to the surface of traffic signs.

The material provides illumination where drivers need it most — at short- and medium-sight distances, and where signs are positioned in disadvantaged locations such as overhead or on the left shoulder. Signs appear brighter with the same level of headlight illumination because they reflect more light back to the motorists.

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TransTech
Road shoulder wedge maker

TransTech’s innovative road shoulder wedge maker was added to our list because it addresses the problem of road edge drop off that can wreak havoc on vehicles. The wedge allows pavers to place a ramped surface on the side of a paved roadway during the paving process with an element of compaction that other devices don’t provide. The device provides a compound angled surface that pre-compacts the asphalt as it enters the device. As the asphalt continues under the 30-degree edge, it is smoothed to create a better surface finish. The resulting angled road edge allows a vehicle to leave and enter the roadway with no loss of control.

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Wirtgen
More power and versatility

Wirtgen expanded its line of versatile combination cutters in 2005 with the introduction of the powerful new W 2000 Combo Cutter. The 565 horsepower unit offers a powerful alternative to the company’s W 1900 Combo Cutter.

Designed for shoulder widening, the unit can change drum widths easily from 24 to 36 to 48 inches. It features Wirgen’s quick-change tooth holder system, operating speeds up to 180 fmp, and a segmented cutter drum that provides a right-hand flush cut over all widths.

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TransTech
Pavement quality indicator

TransTech’s HM-598 Pavement Quality Indicator provides instantaneous density and temperature readings making it easy for construction crews to get the information they need for determining roller patterns and to ensure targeted pavement density.

The unit identifies tender zones and segregated areas; profiles densities in critical areas such as wheel paths, longitudinal joints, and unconfined edges; and evaluates pavement sections for coring. Results are displayed within seconds and can be stored by station, location, date, and time for later downloading.

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Centreville Manufacturing
Rotating cone dispenser

Centreville’s new Auto Cone 130 is a unique, rotating cone dispenser that can be towed behind any standard three-quarter or 1-ton pickup, which is why we added it to our list. No truck modifications are necessary as headlight and turn-signal switches control the drop off and pick up of the cones. The unit holds 130 standard 36-inch traffic cones with weights permanently attached to the base. Drop off and pick up can be performed from either side of the vehicle.

Click 41 on ROADFAX card

JCB
New 14-foot backhoe loader

JCB brought an interesting new choice in the popular 14-foot digging depth backhoe-loader category  with the 2005 introduction of its new 214. Designed to achieve greater productivity through operator comfort and efficiency, the machine features an automotive-style cab with spacious legroom and headroom, and advanced soundproofing. Luxury touches include air-conditioning, a cell phone holder, and an optional heated air-suspension seat with air lumbar support. JCB’s Precision Control System is mounted in the armrest of the seat, allowing the operator to operate the backhoe from a front or side-facing position. The seat-mounted joystick also enhances leg room in the cab. The 86-horsepower machine comes with a choice of a 4-speed Powershift transmission or a 6-speed Autoshift for faster cycle times.

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TriVona Innovations
Luminous glass beads

TriVona Innovations tackled the illumination problem with a development of their own, a new process that incorporates photoluminescent pigment in glass beads. The bead glows in the dark for over 12 hours, increasing visibility at night, in the rain, and in fog. The beads are available in an aqua-blue or green glow, but appear white during the day.

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Gomaco
Detachable auger/strike-off

Gomaco has taken steps to help contractors get more hours of use from slipform pavers by creating a detachable telescoping auger/strike-off for their paving molds. Gomaco says the new feature gives contractors the benefit of a mold that can be either an open front or auger strike-off. The attachment breaks down easily for transport with removable and telescoping sections.

The auger/strike-off is designed to move independently with hydraulically-adjustable mounts on the front of the mold. A self-supporting transition adjuster is standard to allow for crowning in the material. Both the strike-off and the auger have 6 feet of telescoping capabilities to aid in changing paving widths. To change widths, the contractor adds or removes a section of the mold, then telescopes the auger and strike-off to the needed width.

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Aquajet Systems
More efficient concrete removal

Aquajet Systems says its new Evolution robots employ a new control system that improves removal rates by up to 20%. The new robots are designed for work on bridges, tunnels, and roads, among other applications. Working with a typical 1,000 bar pressure and 250 liters/minute, the units can handle removal depths as great as 1,000 mm of concrete.

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Caterpillar Paving
New reclamation machine debuts

Caterpillar launched a new entry in the under-400 horsepower segment of the pavement reclamation and soil stabilization market in 2005. The 350-horsepower RM-300 Rotary Mixer can be purchased as a basic machine for price-sensitive buyers, or optioned out with a variety of sophisticated features. Standard features include a sliding operator station, pressurized cab, and a choice of two rotor options. Optional features include four-mode steering, automatic depth control, and a rear wheel-assist feature which adds a separate hydraulic pump to drive the rear wheels. Equipped with the rear wheel-assist option, larger rear tires, and the universal rotor, Cat says the new machine can handle difficult applications better than its predecessor, the RM-250C. These applications include reclamation jobs involving thicker pavements and maximum-depth stabilization projects that require liquid stabilizing agents such as lime slurry.

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Waterblasting.com
Stripe removal system

At the ATSSA show earlier this year, Waterblasting.com’s Stripe Hog made a huge splash. This all-in-one unit removes pavement markings from roadways through the use of 40,000 PSI water blasting. The standard vacuum recovery feature solves the challenge of cleanup and coordination between removal and repainting. The optional 0-turn tractor blasting system provides limitless maneuverability for has marks, turn arrows, numbers, and more.

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Vortechnics
Stormwater screen

With stormwater being such an important issue these days, Vortechnics’ VortCapture, a full-capture screening device, caught our eye. The device employs a unique screen design that removes all particles greater than 5 millimeters in size from stormwater runoff before it enters the watershed. Its lightweight compact design makes it well suited for tight spaces. It can be used as a standalone treatment system or as a pre-treatment device in conjunction with other stormwater best management practices.

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Morbark
Affordable compact waste recycler

For road agencies and contractors, one of the most important 2005 introductions to the recycling market was Morbark’s Model 2600 Wood Hog. The compact, affordable wood-waste recycler fills an important niche in terms of price and application. Designed for easy transportation, the unit is 7-feet, 11-inches wide, 34-feet long, and has a height of 11 feet, 6 inches. Morbark says the 24,200-pound recycler is best suited for green waste and light demolition debris and can reach production rates up to 14 tons per hour.

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Terex Roadbuilding
Crossing a paver and a material transfer vehicle

Perhaps the most unique paving product debuting at Conexpo-Con/Agg was Terex|Cedarapids’ new CR662RM RoadMix Machine. The unit combines the company’s Remix Anti-Segregation System — a feature previously only available on Terex|Cedarapids asphalt pavers that prevents thermal and material segregation — with the concept of a material transfer vehicle — non-contact, continuous paving with off-set paving capabilities. A rubber-track  drive system evenly distributes the vehicle’s weight over a larger area, which reduces ground contact pressure and enables it to be used on base as well as top courses.

The company claims that the RoadMix machine is the first ever to address both segregation and continuous paving needs simultaneously. The RoadMix machine is also unique in that it offers paving contractors a machine that can be used both as a traditional Remix paver and as a material transfer device, for optimum utilization.

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U.S. Traffic/Quixote
Traffic signal power supply

Powering traffic signals for an extended amount of time when the electricity goes down is a problem that most cities encounter at one time or another. U.S. Traffic comes to the rescue with its PowerBack ITS Series Uninterruptible Power Supply that will operate traffic signals in either normal or flash mode for up to 24 hours, depending on the traffic signal load and configuration of batteries. The unit provides advanced logging/programming capability, real-time status reporting, fully programmable dry contacts, and the ability to upgrade power output in the field.

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Barrier Systems
Steel safety barrier

The versatility and strength of Barrier Systems’ new BarrierGuard 800 rapidly deployable steel safety barrier is impressive. As much as 600 feet of barrier can be delivered to a jobsite in one truck load and quickly assembled onsite with the QuickMount connection system that uses only one bolt. This allows a crew to install up to 1,000 feet per hour. The step profile of the barrier redirects errant vehicles smoothly and without much damage.

The barrier can be used at work zones or as a permanent installation.

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Case
New skid-steer loader series

One of the long-time leaders in the skid-steer loader category, Case made news in 2005 with the introduction of its next-generation 400 Series skid-steer loaders. The new series includes five radial-lift and three vertical-lift models that range from 42 to 82 net horsepower. Operating capacity ratings range from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. Case says the new models have been engineered for high-hour usage, and feature “an extra-heavy-duty design” to enhance reliability, efficiency, and ease of service. They employ new large-displacement, high-torque Tier 2 engines and new cooling systems, as well as 95-amp alternators, radial-piston drive motors, and a new option for cold-weather starting.

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Elgin Sweeper
Faster, quieter, and more efficient

Elgin implemented a series of impressive changes to upgrade the performance of its Air Cub LX sweeper this year while making it quieter. Designed for sweeping parking lots, narrow streets, and post-event cleanup, the machine now sports a new 49-horsepower auxiliary engine, automatic tensioning for the impeller fan belt, user-friendly controls, and side brooms that scrub in front of the pick-up head. Also new are in-cab control of side-broom down pressure, a spray water low/empty indicator light, and selectable water flow rates.

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Energy Absorption/Quixote
Portable barricade system

Work-zone safety continues to be a big problem in road construction. That’s why we chose the Barracuda Barricade System from the Safe-Hit Division of Energy Absorption Systems, a subsidiary of Quixote Transportation Safety. This portable barricade clearly defines work-zone boundaries, lane closures, and merges. The heavy-duty tri-beam design is extremely durable and four-knuckle interlocks provide seamless channelization. When ballasted, the barricade’s energy-absorbing quality provides safe vehicle deceleration. The Barracuda was tested to NCHRP 350 TL-2 Longitudinal Channelizing Barricade testing procedures.

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John Deere
New production-class loader

Competition in the 7-yard wheel loader class got even tougher in 2005 as John Deere moved into the category for the first time with the all-new 844J. Designed and manufactured by Deere, the machine features a 12.5-liter, 380-horsepower (net) engine with wet sleeve cylinder liners for enhanced cooling. The company claims the 844J has best-in-class cooling and maintenance access to cooling apparatus. The 69,300-pound machine also features a smooth-shifting proprietary transmission, a ride control system, excavator-style hydraulics, and an optional joystick steering control system.

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Messinger
Compact slipformer upgrades

Messinger’s Curb Fox, a longtime mainstay of the entry-level curb and gutter machine market, received several upgrades in sophistication late last year, including added traction, weight, and flexibility. The 5,000-pound Curb Fox 5000 now features all-wheel, hydrostatic drive to operate in all subgrade conditions. It also features foam-filled tires and an integral parking brake. The new Curb Fox can slip form curb and gutter up to 24-inches wide in the offset position, and up to 36-inches wide in the center. It can also pave sidewalks up to 5-feet wide and slip form curbs up to 20-inches high.

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Caterpillar
Long-life undercarriage system

Caterpillar has developed a revolutionary new undercarriage system that it claims provides unmatched wear life and lower owning and operating costs for dozers and track loaders. SystemOne undercarriages feature positive sealing. Parts are sealed for life. No bushing turns are needed and most interim maintenance is eliminated, reducing down time and maintenance costs. Cat says it also provides a smoother ride. In field trials prior to rollout, Cat said SystemOne produced nearly twice the service life of a conventional undercarriage in severe applications, and at least 50% more in other applications.

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Sensors & Software
Ground penetrating radar

Sensors & Software’s new ground penetrating radar system caught our eye because it enables users to evaluate existing roads and bridges without any interruption of services. RoadMap is designed for asphalt and pavement imaging, is straightforward and easy to use, and is non-invasive. The system includes road network management for measuring asphalt and granular thickness, zoning, and conditioning classifications; forensics and engineering design for locating hidden and undocumented repairs, as well as detecting and characterizing subsurface slab joints; and construction quality assurance for detecting areas of distress.

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Wirtgen/Vogele
Next generation paver line

Vogele America, Wirtgen’s asphalt paver subsidiary, has updated its five lane-width pavers with new models that are easier to maintain and more durable. The new line consists of two 8-foot rubber-tire machines (the 2111W and 2116W), one 10-foot rubber-tire machine (the 2219W), and two rubber-track units (the 8-foot 2116T and the 10-foot 2219T). The company has also introduced four new screeds, including an electric-heated unit.

Paver improvements include ground-level access to daily maintenance items and 50% stronger rubber track bands. Vogele is the only paver company that mounts its drive motors on the outside end of the torque hub — so that if a leak develops, the paving crew can see it before the paving mat or the machine is harmed.

Vogele has installed two hydraulic motors on the final drive of the 10-foot crawler-mounted 2219T (competing models use one motor) to provide smoother, more efficient shifting, including shift-on-the-fly at any speed.

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Gomaco
Upgrades add productivity

Gomaco announced several significant improvements for its popular GT-3600 curb and gutter machine early this year to enhance productivity and performance. It has a new “Hook-and-Go” mold mount system that eliminates attachments: the operator simply hooks the machine to a special attachment plate on the mold, hydraulically lifts the mold, and goes back to work. The machine’s sensor arms and mounts have been redesigned, leg diameter has been increased by 15%, and top travel speed has nearly doubled from 66 to 125 feet-per-minute. The company’s exclusive “smart cylinders” are now standard; they provide steering control feedback to push-button steering setup and eliminate the sprocket, chain, and potentiometer on top of each leg.

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Allied Construction Products
“Virtually unbreakable” breaker

Allied Construction Products completely reshaped its line of compact hydraulic hammers in 2005. The new “in-Series” hammers for skid-steer loaders and mini excavators features what Allied calls “a massive trapezoidal tool” that is virtually unbreakable and designed for extremely long service life with excellent productivity. They require no greasing, no nitrogen gas checking or charging, and no steel tool bushings. Four models comprise the line, ranging in size from 132 to 474 pounds.

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Bobcat
Faster concrete demolition

Late in 2004, Bobcat unveiled a new drop hammer attachment that allows a skid-steer loader to break concrete slabs up to 18-inches deep with less noise and vibration than a hydraulic hammer. The unit employs a 1,140-pound weight which is lifted by means of a chain and drive motor, then dropped. The company says it exerts low vibration and little noise. Attaching and detaching is said to be easy with the Bob-Tach mounting system, and the detached unit can stand upright independently, eliminating the need for additional equipment to lift or move it.

Click 50 on ROADFAX card

Unique Paving Materials
Hot-mix modifier

Unique Paving Materials tackled the problem of increasing the effectiveness and long-term performance of asphalt pavements by offering a high-performance adhesion additive for hot-mix asphalt. Their HPM Hot Mix Pavement Modifier is designed to extend the life of pavement by increasing the tensile strength ration of the mix, eliminating many common stripping problems. The hot-mix liquid is distributed evenly throughout the asphalt mix, chemically enhancing the attraction of the oil-based asphalt to the water-based aggregates in the cement mixture.

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Bobcat
Super-mulching attachment

Bobcat has expanded the arsenal of mowing and grounds-keeping attachments for its family of skid-steer and compact loaders with the addition of a flail cutter for heavy-duty applications like roadside maintenance. The flail cutter is designed to cut and mulch the thickest grass and brush along ditches, power-line access roads, trails, and other overgrown areas. It has a cutting width of 79 inches and can mulch small branches and saplings up to 3 inches in diameter. Its hammers cut vertically, so debris is thrown down on the ground and not out to the side.

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TransTech
Soil quality indicator

One of the most important steps in roadway construction is soil compaction. TransTech developed an electrical impedance-based Soil Quality Indicator that can make fast, non-invasive, in-situ measurements of soil density and moisture content. Soil density measurements are taken quickly and non-destructively, allowing necessary changes to the compaction process to be made immediately. The embedded computer allows the SQI to perform sophisticated calibration and measurement functions and store a number of readings for later retrieval and analysis. The device is lightweight, easy to use, and requires no special licensing, so it can be operated by any member of the construction crew.

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Ammann
Document what you roll

Ammann unveiled a unique bit of high-tech for compaction in 2005. ACEplus is an advanced analysis and documentation system for Ammann’s asphalt rollers that combines the company’s ACE measurement and control system with continuous compaction control. Using satellite navigation to monitor the roller’s position, ACEplus provides a compaction data record that is accurate to within a few centimeters and can be presented visually to document work done on a job.

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Terex Roadbuilding
New screeds for commercial pavers

Terex Roadbuilding made waves in commercial class paving in 2005 with the introduction of its new VersaScreed series. The new 8- and 10-foot screeds are designed for paving subdivisions, county roads, parking lots, and other commercial applications.

The series uses 24-inch-wide main and 8-inch extension screed bottoms for consistent mat texture across the entire paving width, and the wedge-shaped design of the extensions is said to shed asphalt when narrowing paving widths, eliminating trapping and shoveling.

The 8-foot VersaScreed offers variable paving widths from 8- to 13-feet wide; the 10-foot model provides infinitely variable widths from 10- to 17-feet wide. Optional bolt-on extensions expand paving widths to 16 and 20 feet, respectively.

Other features include variable hydraulic vibration up to 3,000 vpm, and the same tipping-frame technology found on Terex’s Stretch Series screeds, formerly sold under the Cedarapids brand. This design is said to eliminate the need for wear strips and shims, and to better maintain settings between the main frame and extensions.

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Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
December 2005

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