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Better Roads Top Rollouttm Top New Products of 2002 Our choices for the 50 most significant new product rollouts in the highway/bridge market |
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by Kirk Landers, Editorial Director Despite a recession and the emotional hangover of the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York and Washington, the pace of new product introductions has been brisk throughout our Top Rollouts year — which extends from the November 2001 issue of Better Roads through the October 2002 issue. During that time period, we logged about 400 product introductions and changes. While it was a quiet year for pavers, 2002 was an extraordinary year for several other categories of great interest to highway professionals. Every major motor grader company introduced either a new model or a complete new series of machines, spurred in part by the need to adapt engines that meet Tier 2 emissions standards. Four of the nine pneumatic roller companies active in North America rolled out new machines in 2002, an unparalleled level of new product activity in that traditionally sleepy category. And many leading steel-wheel roller brands used Conexpo-Con/Agg ‘02 to launch high-frequency, 4,000-vibration-per-minute tandem rollers which are favored by growing numbers of contractors for use on Superpave mixes. Elsewhere, it was a brisk year for safety products, from signage to striping, and 2002 brought a rash of new products for pavement patching and repair. In two other categories, the pace of product introductions was somewhat slow, but the significance of at least one new product could be category changing. In vegetation management, Tiger Corporation introduced the continent’s first truck-based highway mower and immediately dubbed it, “the fastest mower on earth.” In the street sweeper category, Tennant spent the year working the kinks out of its highly automated Centurion, which could usher in a new level of sophistication in the category. In selecting this year’s top products, we consulted reader service card data to identify products that had stimulated high interest from readers, and we also exercised our own subjective opinions. The result is a list of 50 products that the industry should definitely note, but it is also an imperfect list that undoubtedly is missing many other worthy products. We apologize in advance to the victims of our oversights.
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Caterpillar
Click 98 on ROADFAX card GOMACO
Click 24 on ROADFAX card LeeBoy
Click 26 on ROADFAX card IR ABG
Equipped with the optional double tamping screed, the Titan 525 brings unique capabilities to stone mastic asphalt paving. Its ability to produce up to 5% higher mat density behind the screed than conventional pavers allows crews to achieve higher overall density with less pounding from vibratory rollers, thus increasing productivity and enhancing final quality. Click 25 on ROADFAX card Owens Corning Owens Corning says its new TruPav paving mat is a high-performance, non-woven fiberglass/polyester hybrid fabric that will extend the service life of asphalt pavements. The fabric stands up to higher Superpave mix temperatures without shrinking or melting, and it resists the stretching problems common to polypropylenes. In addition, the company says the new mat is recyclable; when milled, it is reduced to tiny fibers that can enhance the material properties of the recycled asphalt. Click 29 on ROADFAX card Roadtec
Click 30 on ROADFAX card IR Blaw-Knox
Click 23 on ROADFAX card Site Solutions Final Cut eliminates the need for pavement removal around street castings, thereby improving safety for road workers, reducing congestion for motorists, and saving money for municipalities. Final Cut castings are made of cast iron and allow the cover and rim elevation of manholes, catch basins, and hand holes to be raised by 1.5 inches, regardless of the thickness of the cover. The new cover provides the same strength and function as the cover it replaces. The castings are now available for municipal projects and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Click 28 on ROADFAX card Manhole Systems
Click 27 on ROADFAX card Flint Trading
Click 49 on ROADFAX card Gardco
Click 50 on ROADFAX card Volvo Construction Equipment
Click 22 on ROADFAX card Komatsu
A unique dual-mode transmission allows the operator to move from torque converter to direct drive by the flip of a switch. The direct drive mode delivers speed but can be used in conjunction with the inching pedal by operators who prefer direct drive at low speeds, too. The torque converter mode gives an operator excellent slow speed control and power without stalling under load. In the higher speed ranges, the transmission automatically shifts between gears. Laterra graders feature what Komatsu calls Circular Geometry for the blade mount. This geometry allows a true 90-degree bankslope position, which enhances blade maneuvering, according to the company. The design also situates two pinions on top of the saddle for ultimate support and features retractable indicators that provide a clear view of pin engagement. Click 18 on ROADFAX card Caterpillar Cat has rolled out its H-series motor grader line with a new electronically controlled engine that meets Tier II emissions requirements and delivers improved performance, better fuel economy, and less noise. The 140H, 160H, and 14H motor graders can be ordered with either of two variable horsepower options. VHP and VHP Plus restrict power when traction is limited and increase power in higher gears when the machine demands more power. VHP Plus, available in the 140H and 160H, delivers even more power in seventh and eighth gears than the VHP option. Click 16 on ROADFAX card Maddock Industries Maddock’s Grader Stick is a unique single-lever control system that operates all of the grader’s blade functions plus front-wheel tilt and can be added to most existing motor graders. It provides the operator with proportional fine control ability to the lift/lower and swing functions of the blade, and adds single-hand straight up and straight down blade control. The operator is also easily able to perform multiple blade movements simultaneously. The Grader Stick can be moved between graders and leaves the original motor grader controls in place and fully functional. It is factory configured to accept laser/sonic slope control systems and Maddock claims it will substantially reduce the installation costs of these systems. The microprocessor electro-hydraulic control system is based on field-proven components already used in modern systems found in other types of construction equipment. Click 20 on ROADFAX card Maddock Industries
Most functions of the unit are controlled by the standard motor grader controls. The attachment consists of a 125-horsepower diesel power unit, hydraulic pump and motor, single-lever joystick control, and attachment brackets. The easy-on/easy-off unit has a 72-inch-wide, 18-inch-diameter cutter drum equipped with tungsten carbide bits. Optional cutter drum widths are available. Click 21 on ROADFAX card John Deere John Deere’s Series II all-wheel-drive motor graders have re-tuned engines, more efficient hydraulic systems, and an advanced, dual-path hydrostatic drive system for the front wheels. The breakthrough is the dual-path front-drive system. Unlike front-drive systems that use a single pump to power both wheels, the Deere system uses two pumps to create separate hydrostatic systems for each wheel. In the dual-path system, when one front wheel loses traction, it does not rob power from the other wheel and doesn’t require valve corrections. Electronic controls keep the front wheels in perfect synchronicity with the four rear wheels when the machine is in all-wheel-drive, and lets the operator work the machine in inching mode with all drive wheels engaged. Company operators say the net power and traction improvements mean the 205-horsepower 772CH-II can do ripping applications that used to require a 300-horsepower model. Click 17 on ROADFAX card FFC Attachments
Click 70 on ROADFAX card Roklin Systems FloMix is a new, thin, easily-flowable, non-shrinking, polymer-silica/quartz slurry that can be used to repair asphalt that gets heavy traffic. FloMix is applied at room temperature over deteriorated pavement, spread evenly with a squeegee or trowel, then finished with a black topping sand broadcast by hand over the surface. The repair restores structural strength over pot holes, cracks, alligatoring, raveling, and rutting. Finished repairs are to grade, waterproof, and are visually similar to surrounding asphalt. Click 72 on ROADFAX card Garon Products Joint Guard from Garon Products provides a durable, flexible epoxy seal for expansion joint repairs that will not become brittle and break out with movement. The sealant flexes up to 50% so expansion joint repairs stay in place, and its 100% solids formula stands up to heavy traffic and chemical contact. Joint Guard is pourable, self-leveling, self-priming, and non-shrinking. Click 71 on ROADFAX card USG Mono-Patch Cold Set All-Surface Repair is a new one-step solution for repairing highways, bridge decks, parking lots, and other horizontal asphalt, concrete, or masonry surfaces during cold weather, according to USG. Using a new chemical setting process, Mono-Patch sets in just 30 to 40 minutes at temperatures below 45 degrees and delivers a high early strength of 3,000 psi after only three hours. Click 76 on ROADFAX card Wirtgen Wirtgen has introduced a unique Flexible Cutter System for its milling drums. The system allows operators to change drums of different working widths — with tool holders fitted — on the jobsite in less than three hours. Wirtgen offers 13 different milling drum sizes and configurations that can be used in the system. Click 19 on ROADFAX card Wildcat  Click 77 on ROADFAX card Cypher International EarthZyme is an environmentally friendly enzyme solution that is mixed with soils to create dust-free, hard-surface roads. In addition to producing improved, long wearing dirt roads like the one shown. Cypher International recommends its product as a sub-base treatment for paved roads to protect against pot holing and cracking. The inset photo shows a sample of an EarthZyme-treated soil. Click 78 on ROADFAX card Hot Asphalt Recycling
Click 79 on ROADFAX card HTC
Click 56 on ROADFAX card Tiger Corporation
Tiger says the Truckat out-produces tractor-based rigs by getting to work sites much faster, thus logging more mowing hours in a standard workday. The company also says the Truckat can work at 12 miles per hour in light cutting applications where there is little or no debris, while a tractor-based unit may average just 2 miles per hour in the same application. Click 60 on ROADFAX card International Truck and Engine International Truck and Engine has introduced six-man crew cabs in medium- and severe-service 4000 and 7000 series trucks. The new six-man crew cabs are said to have more rear seat space than competing models. Improved insulation and sealing provide a quieter cab with more protection from temperature extremes. International has targeted highway maintenance departments as a key market for the 7000-series crew cabs. Click 57 on ROADFAX card Roto-Dig The new HTD-3210 quick attachment for sign or post installation and removal developed by Roto-Dig, a Division of JSI, Inc., can save valuable time. The conveniently mounted controls provide for safe, one-man operation. The unit mounts easily to an existing snow plow frame using the existing hydraulic system for quick and easy hookup, folds compactly into place for transport, and stores on retractable frames. Features include a 32-degree swivel rotation toward the rear of the truck, a 10-foot extension for exceptional reach, and several auger and working options. Click 59 on ROADFAX card Nu-Metrics Nu-Metrics Inc., a member of Quixote Transportation Safety, has introduced the Nitestar Global Positioning System package for use in mobile applications like highway maintenance trucks and other vehicles. The package includes a Nitestar NS-60 Distance Measuring Instrument, a GPS receiver, and Survey Data Management Software. The NS-60 DMI displays information such as distance, speed, and operational mode. The GPS receiver fits in the palm of your hand and features a magnetic base that allows the unit to be externally mounted. SDM software provides the ability to organize, view, and report information collected during various surveys. The package can be used for road-sign inventory, utility company and highway asset management, emergency 911 addressing, construction mapping, and winter maintenance. Click 58 on ROADFAX card Energy Absorption Systems Energy Absorption Systems, a division of Quixote Corporation, has developed the new FreezeFree Nitro Anti-icing System, a fully self-contained, solar-charged, battery-powered, anti-icing system that can be energized without the need for external power or telephone lines. The system can be activated by a remote telephone call to a wireless paging device in the controller assembly, or manually activated at the site. It then dispenses a deicing agent on a targeted area of bridge or roadway. The system is ideal for a number of applications where icing is prevalent during cold wintry conditions; including remote bridges, curves, shaded roads, steep grades, ramps, high-frequency accident areas, or any location where external electrical power or telephone lines are not available. Click 54 on ROADFAX card Dultmeier Sales A new brine production system from Dultmeier Sales can be cleaned in 10-15 minutes, according to the company. The BPS3000 has a self-contained hydraulic system which rotates the brine tank and trash screen, dumping all debris directly into a standard loader bucket. The BPS3000 also includes a 6.25 cubic yard stainless steel salt hopper, stainless steel brine tank, three-horsepower stainless steel pump, polypropylene plumbing, and master control panel. Click 53 on ROADFAX card Western Products Western Products’ new Ultra Mount mounting system for snowplows allows simple drive-in attachment. The system incorporates a pivot bar that rotates, allowing the drive-in points to remain level even when the blade is not. Two receiver brackets can be removed without tools for better off-season ground clearance. Click 55 on ROADFAX card Protec Protec’s new Roadstar pneumatic roller is specifically designed to compact Superpave and SMA mixes. Its most unique feature is the use of infrared heaters to maintain tire temperatures that keep hot asphalt and polymers from sticking to the tires. Also standard is “air-on-the-go”, a feature that lets the operator adjust tire pressure from the operator station to adjust to different compaction requirements. Available as a nine- or seven-wheel machine, Roadstar has a base weight of 25,575 pounds and can be ballasted to 53,000 pounds. At 53,000 pounds, the nine-wheel Roadstar has a rolling width of 83 inches and exerts the equivalent of 640 pounds per linear inch — nearly twice the 325-pound compaction force being required for static steel drum rollers on some SMA mixes today, according to Protec. Click 43 on ROADFAX card Rosco
The Tru-Pac 915 has a shipping weight of 11,500 pounds and a ballasted operating weight of up to 30,500 pounds. Ballast compartments are integrated into the frame to enhance stability and produce a low center of gravity. The unit features 40-degree articulation and delivers true tracking on turns. An 85-horsepower diesel engine and hydrostatic-wheel motor drive produce speeds up to 15 miles per hour. Click 44 on ROADFAX card Ingersoll-Rand Ingersoll-Rand has introduced its HF series of high-frequency asphalt rollers for highway applications. All four models are double-drum rollers with vibratory ranges up to 4,000 vibrations per minute. The models range in size from the 57-inch, 7-ton DD-70HF to the 84-inch, 14-ton DD-130HF. All four new models feature a patented impact meter which measures the number of drum impacts per foot, allowing the operator to select the precise rolling speed needed to meet compaction specifications. Click 42 on ROADFAX card Compaction America
Operator productivity has been improved through a redesigned workstation and improved visibility to the front and rear. For ease of transport to and from the jobsite, the machines ROPS structure is bolted to the top surface of the roller’s frame for quick removal. The C560B compacts a 78-inch-wide swath with four tires in front and four in the rear. Its fully ballasted operating weight is just under 53,000 pounds. An on-board compressor, air hose, and pressure gauge make it easy to adjust tire inflation for the best compaction on various surfaces. Click 90 on ROADFAX card Compaction America Compaction America has entered the 4,000-vibration-per-minute, high-vibration asphalt roller market with the Bomag BW205 and the Hypac C784. Both models are 84-inch, 26,500-pound tandem-wheel units with operating frequencies of 3400 and 4000 vibrations per minute. They feature 205-horsepower engines and are controlled by two joysticks, one for steering and the other for travel control. Button switches on the tips of the joysticks control drum vibration and provide manual control of the water spray system. Click 91 on ROADFAX card Perma-Tech Perma-Tech says its XC-707 coating creates a weather-resistant, abrasion-resistant, anti-graffiti coating for bridges, overpasses, and buildings. The aliphatic urethane coating system has a life expectancy of up to 20 years. It is said to outlast acrylic products and stand up to harsh cleaners without losing color, gloss, or protective qualities. It can be self-priming, but is generally used over Perma-Tech PR-704, a moisture-cured urethane. Click 10 on ROADFAX card SafeWaze SafeWaze has introduced a new concept in removable, fall-protection anchors for concrete bridge construction. Removable Bolts are fast, easy-to-install, cost-effective temporary anchors that allow for unidirectional use. In less than a minute, you can drill a hole, blow it out with compressed air, and install the RB unit. At the end of the day, or when the job is finished, simply remove the anchor. The anchors have undergone the testing requirements of ANSI Z359.1 for single point fall protection. Click 11 on ROADFAX card Decatur Electronics Decatur Electronics has added two new economical radar speed sign products to their line. The Galaxy RT-50 is a trailer-mounted speed-awareness tool that offers an economical alternative to the multi-functional MT-50. The RT-50 has a two-digit speed display that is visible at 1,000 feet, and it meets U.S. DOT height requirements. The Galaxy RS-20 applies the same concept to a dolly-mounted, two-digit sign. Simple and very light at just 130 pounds, the unit sets up quickly for use in school zones, cross walks, short-term traffic lane closures, or minor road repair sites. Click 46 on ROADFAX card Trinity Industries Trinity Industries’ new guardrail post, the O-Post, incorporates several technologies that enable the section to be both strong and weight efficient. The result is a single-ply post that is robust and corrosion resistant, yet easy to handle. The post retains its shape when driven through gravel, road base, or asphalt and has been accepted for use on the National Highway System by the FHWA. Click 48 on ROADFAX card Paedia Corporation
Click 47 on ROADFAX card Davidson Traffic Control
Products The I-Flex Guardrail marker, developed by Davidson Traffic Control Products, features a built-in flexible urethane hinge system that allows the reflector to fold down and spring back to its original upright position after impact. The marker can be installed in just seconds. It fits right over the top end of the steel I-beam support posts on guardrails and glues into place, offering bright nighttime visibility. Click 45 on ROADFAX card Tennant
Click 52 on ROADFAX card H. Barber & Sons H. Barber & Sons calls its Road Rake Model 200 “the safest, fastest, and most efficient means of removing debris from roadways.” The truck-towed unit handles litter such as tire retreads, mufflers, cardboard, and wood, as well as small debris, according to the company. It can travel up to 18 miles per hour during cleaning, and can be transported at highway speeds. Click 51 on ROADFAX card Caterpillar Cat’s new multi-terrain loaders combine the upper portion of the Cat 236 and 246 skid-steer loaders with an updated version of the ASV undercarriage featuring a multi-level suspension system that allows substantially better load retention and ride comfort in rough terrain than competing machines. The 267 has an SAE-operating capacity of 2,020 pounds, while the 277 is rated at 2,065 pounds. The Cat Multi-Terrain Loaders are expected to carry about a 40% price premium compared to their skid-steer loader counterparts, but they deliver traction and stability benefits that are worth it to certain users. With long, wide tracks, the new loaders put nearly 3,000 square inches of track on the ground, which translates into just 3.1 psi of ground pressure compared to a same-size skid-steer loader at about 40 psi. Stability is also enhanced. The machines are demonstrated driving laterally across a 30-degree slope and, on flat ground, stopping dead with a full bucket at full height. The combination of stability and traction also delivers exceptional grade-climbing ability. One application of this benefit comes in snow-moving applications, where they can ramp snow, building mounds of snow many times higher than a conventional small loader can lift it. Click 13 on ROADFAX card Bobcat Company
The A220 also features a low-speed/high-torque inching mode for fine maneuvering. Bobcat has expanded its all-wheel-steer line with the addition of the A300, a 3,000-pound-rated, vertical lift model. Click 12 on ROADFAX card Topcon Positioning Systems Topcon has created a fully automatic, satellite-controlled, three-dimensional, grade control system designed to significantly increase production while virtually eliminating the need for conventional staking and grade checking. Topcon 3D-GPS allows the operator to grade any design surface to within a few centimeters’ accuracy. Its software has single or multiple design axis capability, and includes a digital terrain model function for virtual plan preview. The on-board display shows the equipment location on the job plan in real-time and provides the operator with the related design elevation, design slope, actual blade slope, and distance to finish grade data while operating in either manual or automatic mode. Click 15 on ROADFAX card Humboldt Manufacturing Humboldt’s Geogauge, in conjunction with the new ASTM Standard D6758, has established the first effective means of controlling soil compaction to performance specifications by measuring for the mechanical and material properties during the construction process. Geo-Gauge allows contractors to continuously take direct readings during compaction to maintain critical uniformity and consistency. Applications include compaction of subgrade, subbase, and base to performance specifications; monitoring the strength gain of lime, cement, fly-ash, and polymer stabilized materials; monitoring compaction of trench or utility backfills to previous or surrounding properties; and monitoring the compaction of asphalt and cold in-place recycling to peak properties to prevent wasted effort and damaging over-compaction. Click 14 on ROADFAX card |
Caterpillar
has rolled out an updated, all-wheel-drive version of its RM-360B Reclaimer/Mixer.
The RM-350B previously had rear-wheel power as an option. Other features of
the update include a blower-type cooling fan, larger rear tires with more
aggressive tread, better weight distribution, and independent front- and
rear-wheel drive. The rear wheels are driven by a separate hydraulic pump to
provide twice as much rear tractive effort as the old RM-360B with optional
rear power. The improvements are designed to enhance the machine’s
performance in tough reclamation jobs and in stabilizing high
moisture-content materials such as lime slurry.
Gomaco’s
new RTP-500 rubber-tracked placer has the longest placing conveyor in the
industry, at 35-feet long and 36-inches wide. It has a 170-degree hydraulic
swing and a 12-foot hydraulic elevation adjustment. The new machine has an
operating speed of 100 feet per minute and a travel speed of 10 miles per
hour. A 10-foot, 9-inch wide, auger-style receiving hopper is designed for
handling high-volume, end-dump paving operations.
LeeBoy’s
new 5000 Path Master Paver is designed for agencies and contractors
constructing recreational trails, sidewalks, utility trenches, and other
narrow-width paving applications. The unit paves 5- to 9-foot widths and
features proportional steering and electronic controls from either the right
side or left side. A hydraulically raised hopper bed enhances undercarriage
maintenance and the LeeBoy Legend Screed System features easily adjustable
hydraulic screed extensions.
Capable
of lift depths up to 14 inches, the IR ABG Titan 525 track-mounted paver can
place base materials, concrete, and asphalt in fewer passes than other
machines, according to the company. The paver features an integrated digital
control system developed by Ingersoll-Rand to control paver output. It also
features a 17.5-ton material hopper, individual hydrostatic drives for each
conveyor and distributor auger, and hydraulic or mechanical auger height
adjustment.
Roadtec
has introduced a new short-wheelbase, 8-foot, fixed-width asphalt paver. The
maneuverable RP150 can achieve a 30-inch turning radius with steering assist
engaged to work around obstacles like barriers and drains. Because of its
narrow shipping width, the machine does not require a permit for
transportation.
Blaw-Knox’s
new 6-ton PF-840 gravity-fed asphalt paver uses folding hopper wings and an
innovative discharge configuration to achieve what the company calls “unmatched
material-feed performance” in its class. The machine is powered by a
38-horsepower Kubota diesel and a two-speed Sauer Sundstrand drive motor. It
is capable of speeds up to 110 feet per minute in low range, and 220 feet
per minute in high range. It uses a 15- by 49-inch positive drive and 49:1
gear reduction to create the power to push trucks even on steep grades. Blaw-Knox
is a business unit of Ingersoll-Rand.
Manhole
Systems fabricates lids that will raise manholes up to grade. The strong,
tight-fitting ring installs in minutes and locks down. Twelve different
models are available for any cover size. Ring sizes start at 0.75 inch and
go up in 0.25-inch increments with a 0.50-inch diametric adjustment.
Flint
Trading Inc. recently introduced a new pavement marking system that provides
public agencies with a low-cost safety improvement that complies with a new
section of the 2000 MUTCD concerning pavement marking materials that cause a
loss of traction for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Premark ViziGrip System
is designed to provide both high retroreflectivity and skid resistance, and
is available in any shape, including crosswalk material.
Gardco’s
ZMM 5000 digitally measures the dry film thickness of road markings and
similar coatings, with or without reflective beads. It can be used directly
on the coating in the field or with laboratory samples. An optional
measuring bridge makes it possible to measure the entire width of a road
marking to sketch a cross section.
Volvo has rolled out its new B-series motor grader line, engineered for
better productivity, fuel efficiency, service access, and operator
efficiency. The seven-model line includes five tandem-drive models ranging
from 141 to 243 horsepower, and two all-wheel-drive models at 235 and 243
horsepower. Volvo says the B-series graders are unique in the industry for
their low-end torque, low noise levels, and extreme fuel efficiency.
Komatsu’s
new Laterra line of motor graders consists of three models, the GD555A-3,
the GD655A-3, and the GD675A-3. They range in operating weight from 30,525
to 34,390 pounds, and in power from 140 to 200 horsepower. Variable
horsepower is available for all models.
Maddock
Industries’ new RotoGrader cutter drum attaches to the moldboard of a
motor grader to pulverize gravel roads, cut and pulverize road shoulders,
and perform light surface milling of asphalt pavement. The powerful rotary
action of the cutter drum assures uniform penetration and excellent
gradation of the surface material.
FFC
Attachments’ new cold planer is designed to cut faster by delivering more
horsepower per bit than other models. Designed specifically for skid steer
loaders, the FFC Cold Planer mills frost heaves and around manholes,
restores drainage to pavement, removes traffic lane stripes, and handles
full-depth utility cuts. It also scarifies concrete and planes sidewalks and
street joints. It is available in 12- and 16-inch widths for standard-flow
skid steers, and in six widths between 16 and 36 inches for high-flow
machines.
Compact
Bagela asphalt recyclers can be towed to a jobsite by a pickup and produce
up to 10 tons of recycled asphalt per hour. The BA-7000 weighs 5,500 pounds
and has a rated output of 7 tons per hour; the BA-10,000 weighs 11,000
pounds and produces up to 10 tons per hour. According to importer Hot
Asphalt Recycling, the recyclers have been in use in Germany for more than a
decade and can produce hot asphalt for a fraction of the cost of new
asphalt. The company recommends the units for full-depth patches, trenches,
and asphalt base-courses. Standard equipment includes a municipal grade
trailer, but they are also available without a trailer or with a
self-propulsion package.
The
HTC 1200 and 1800 hydraulic truck conveyor systems mount quickly on standard
dump boxes and discharge sand, gravel, hot asphalt, and other materials on
either side of the truck. Applications include asphalt patching, highway
shouldering, and ditch filling. An optional road sander attachment allows
one- or two-lane coverage. The optional SandBagger fills sandbags in two
seconds.
Tiger
Corporation calls its new Truckat, the first truck-based highway mower, “the
fastest mower on earth.” Mounted on a GMC cabover chassis with a car-like
109-inch wheelbase, the Truckat can zip to a work site at highway speeds and
maneuver nimbly in tight spaces. On site, the operator moves to the
right-hand-side driving position and deploys the same mower assembly and
cutter head equipment used on Tiger’s conventional tractor-mount units to
cut grass and trim back brush and trees.
Rosco has
created an 11-wheel version of its Tru-Pac 915 pneumatic roller. The
11-wheel option extends compaction coverage to 83.5 inches; the standard
nine-wheel Tru-Pac 915 has a 68-inch compaction width.
Hypac’s
new C560B pneumatic roller features a 110-horsepower engine and a
three-speed powershift transmission. The new model achieves travel speeds up
to 15.5 miles per hour.
The
new SonoBlaster from Paedia Corporation attaches to a standard traffic cone
and emits a shrill, 125-decibel blast warning workers and the driver alike
that an errant vehicle has entered the work zone. The devices are powered by
carbon dioxide cartridges, which the company says won’t go dead like
batteries. Patented SonoBlaster cones disarm when nested together.
Tennant’s
new full-size Centurion street sweeper can be work ready at the push of a
single button and employs a unique system that contains dust and reduces
sand and debris migration into storm sewers. Tennant says the Centurion is
the only full-size broom street sweeper with dry dust control — a feature
that allows the machine to be used even in cold-climate winters when
water-based systems can’t be used. The company’s StreetSmart System
matches brush speed, brush pattern, and conveyor speed to specific
applications at the touch of a button. The system also adjusts to the brush’s
wear level for optimum performance and cost efficiency. The new machine has
a usable hopper capacity of 4.0 yards. Its GMC chassis is powered by a
250-horsepower Cat turbo diesel engine.
Bobcat
Company has introduced the industry’s first all-wheel-steer format for a
skid-steer loader. The new 2,200-pound-rated A220 has the same upper frame
and engine as the conventional Bobcat 863 but can be converted from
skid-steering to all-wheel-steer at the flip of a switch. In all-wheel-steer
the A220 can be operated on asphalt and other hard surfaces with
dramatically reduced tire wear; it can also turn on soft surfaces like sod
without creating damage from skidding tires.Reprinted from our December 2002 Issue
Copyright 2002 James Informational Media
