Caterpillar Inc. has added the AP1000E and AP1055E asphalt pavers to its paving products machine family. Mobility, visibility and a powerful C7.1 or C6.6 engine with Acert technology are just some of the features of these new asphalt pavers.
In markets that require U.S. EPA Tier IV and E.U. Stage IIIB interim standards, the AP1000E and AP1055E will feature a Cat C7.1 engine with Acert technology, while machines that are only required to meet U.S. EPA Tier III or E.U. Stage IIIA emission standards come equipped with the Cat C6.6 engine with Acert technology. Both engines deliver 225 hp (168 kW) of power.
The Cat C7.1 engine utilizes the building blocks of Acert technology including the Cat NOx reduction system and Cat clean emissions module in order to comply with Tier IV Interim/Stage IIIB emission standards. This combination yields clean combustion and continues to deliver steady power in all operating conditions with enhanced fuel efficiency, according to the manufacturer.
Other features include dual operating stations with the advisor monitoring system (AMS), tilting consoles, Mobil-Trac undercarriage or wheel undercarriage system, high ambient temperature cooling system, 25 or 35 kW generator, and material handling system with independent auger and conveyor controls.
A top-mounted cooling system with high ambient temperature capability provides cool intake air in order to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. Exhaust air exits toward the hopper providing a cool engine compartment and cleaner working environment for the crew.
Dual swing-out stations, tilting consoles and low profile design of the cooling system provide good forward visibility that enables the operator to communicate effectively with the truck driver while monitoring mix in the hopper. Extending the stations beyond the machine frame also enables good joint-matching capability and optimal rearward visibility to the auger chamber.
The advisor monitoring system located on the left operating station provides an interactive, text-based interface to assist the operator. It is available in multiple languages for today’s diverse paving crews.
The system includes fuel saving features including engine speed control that automatically adjusts engine rpm when the propel lever moves to and from neutral. An eco-mode feature also conserves fuel by lowering the engine speed to 1,650 rpm when less demanding operating conditions exist.
The display provides project-planning calculators, start-up checklists, engine operating conditions and service code information that also can be easily accessed for quick problem-solving capability.
The Mobil-Trac undercarriage on the AP1055E provides enhanced flotation and limits disturbance on soft base materials, ensuring uniform mat thickness. Large oscillating bogies and hydraulic accumulators progressively overcome surface irregularities with minimal tow point movement limiting the effects of mix piles and manholes for a smoother mat. The Mobil-Trac undercarriage can be equipped with one of two belt designs. The tread-bar design provides better traction when grade conditions are soft, while the smooth belt provides more contact surface for good performance when pushing trucks and less base disruption when turning, according to the manufacturer.
Whether most of the paving applications take place on hard surfaces or soft base materials, the non-directional radial drive tires of the AP1000E provide a large ground contact area for good flotation, stability and traction. A position sensor located in the left steering cylinder helps maintain consistent travel speeds when making turns by adjusting the drive speed of the propel motors according to the steering angle of the front wheels, leading to better mat quality and less wear on the drive system. The front wheel assist option provides power to the rear bogie wheels for added traction, while the all-wheel drive option provides power to the front and rear bogie wheels, maximizing traction in all conditions.
The Cat system is equipped with three propel/steering modes: pave, travel and maneuver. The pave mode enables the automatics for mix delivery, while the travel mode maximizes speed. When operating in maneuver mode, the AP1055E enables the machine to rotate within its own footprint, while the AP1000E permits an inside turning radius of 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) for mobility in confined areas.
Automated controls and well-designed components reduce segregation potential and maximize efficiency for higher mat quality. The system utilizes four individual pumps that enable each conveyor and each auger to deliver the exact amount of mix to the screed. The left and right conveyors in addition to the left and right augers are controlled independently ensuring mix demand is met when increasing or decreasing paving widths. The system can be equipped with a two sonic sensor design or four sonic sensor design; depending on customer preference. Each of these systems signal the augers and conveyors to run faster or slower when changing paving widths, thus keeping the head of material at the set level. When paving around obstacles the system automatically makes the necessary adjustments for uniform delivery.
These machines can be equipped with a 25 or 35 kW hydraulic generator that provides quiet power for the electric screed heat, auxiliary lights and job site tools. The 25 kW generator is sufficient for most applications, however when utilizing large lighting packages, the 35 kW generator and additional auxiliary power panel will deliver the power you need. The 7 kW auxiliary power panel is equipped with six, 120-volt receptacles and one, 240-volt receptacle, for all job site power requirements.
Rigid supports, reliable heating systems and easily adjustable screed plates make Cat screeds a popular choice of high-production contractors. These screeds utilize the electric heating system that provides fast warm-up, simple operation and reliability, according to the manufacturer.
The AS2302C vibratory screed features narrow front-mounted extenders. The extenders utilize 9 in. (23 cm) wide screed plates, allowing it to work close to obstacles and reducing the need for handwork when changing paving widths.
The AS3301C vibratory screed features rear-mounted extenders with heavy-duty support tubes that stabilize the extenders and provide rigidity for even material flow when paving wide widths. This screed performs well on interstates, airports and other high production applications.
The AS4252C screed utilizes vibratory screed plates as well as tamper bars in order to maximize density behind the screed. This screed with double extending support tubes delivers stability and can pave up to 26 ft. 4 in. (8 m).
Cat asphalt pavers can be equipped with the Cat grade and slope system. This system is a factory-integrated guidance system that helps remove irregularities from the surface and control mat thickness for increased production, lower operating costs and higher profitability. It is entirely supported by Caterpillar; ensuring the grade control system and paver are setup to optimize performance and meet job site requirements.
The optional product link system provides accurate, timely and useful information about the location, utilization and condition of your equipment. The system streamlines diagnostic efforts, maintenance scheduling, and costs by providing communication flow of vital machine data and location information between the dealer and customer.
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