“Innovation” is at risk of being an overused word these days in the paving and milling market. Technology has been changing the way machines perform — improving productivity. Because of advances and refinements, most brand new machine models are likely to perform better, experience less frequent break downs and last longer than models that are even just a few years older.
Add to this scenario, the advances that have been made in automation, machine control and the software that runs it all, and the term innovation can be used appropriately to describe the ACE Grade and Slope Control System. The Automated Control of Elevation or ACE System from Roadtec is designed to automate the elevation of the milling machine using a network of grade and slope sensors combined with one central microcontroller. And the technology can be added to older machines to upgrade their performance.
“We're running the ACE Grade and Slope Control System on three of our mills — and can now mill with greater precision,” stated Bobby Hernandez, milling foreman with K-Five Construction Corporation, based in Lemont, Ill. “On a recent project at O'Hare International Airport we had a hump on a shoulder we were milling and the system on our Roadtec RX-700e cold planer allowed us to easily switch from two-inch grading to two percent slope and then back to the two-inch grade without hesitation and in one pass. Plus, we were within ¾-inch accuracy when we finished.”
The ACE System is available on all half-lane and full-lane milling machines. It includes three graphic displays that are designed to provide enhanced operation, sensor availability, continuous sensor monitoring and the ability to quickly transition between sensors. The system is designed to incorporate the additional hardware, sensors and other components needed for single or dual averaging skis.
Advanced programming and user-friendly displays makes it possible for the machine operator to auto calibrate the hydraulic parameters. This feature is intended to reduce the time and effort spent troubleshooting.
“The ACE control system also can be directly connected to the Roadtec Guardian Telematics System which is a custom remote diagnostic system for our machines that can address a problem remotely and correct it to maintain the contractor's productivity,” stated Max Peters, Guardian account manager with Roadtec. “The ACE System adds additional data which Guardian can use to help a contractor remain productive.”
The ACE Grade and Slope Control System is a technological innovation that is designed to help milling machines and crews to be more productive.
