Innovations in Asphalt Pavers and Compactors

Asphalt pavers and compactors are undergoing a new round of innovations with advanced in-built and optional features that help deliver a superior surface finish matching asphalt temperature. NBM&CW takes a look

The road surface preparation market is witnessing a slew of new equipment with advanced features as equipment manufacturers vie with each other to meet the contractors’ requirement for speedy and quality road construction.
Asphalt pavers and compactors are undergoing a new round of innovations

Asphalt Pavers

Ramesh Palagiri
Vogele, the industry pioneer for 50 years, has introduced innovations like pressure bars, electric heating of the screed, Niveltronic Plus operating concept and Ergo Plus operator features. Informs Ramesh Palagiri, MD, Wirtgen India, “With our Dash-3 pavers, we offer the Eco Plus, which helps in saving fuel. In fact, the Dash-3 pavers offer customers an up-to-date, cost-efficient paver technology that also contribute to environmental protection. Vogele’s other innovative products include the spray jet paver which does the tack coat and paving with the same paver; the mobile feeder which is now being used for building airport runways and expressways; and the In line paving technology.”

Vogele’s most recent innovation - the ‘Road Scan’ - helps the operator of the paver to know the exact temperature of the mix as it is being paved. “The final finish of roads depends to a great extent on the accuracy delivered by Sensor pavers in addition to the mix quality and temperature at which it is laid and the compaction. With Inline pave, we can pave both the dense bitumen macadam and the wearing course in a single pass operation, as hot on hot, thereby eliminating the tack coat and saving other costs,” informs Palagiri.

The Wirtgen Group in India, expects to expand its asphalt pavers business with the spurt in construction of bituminous roads. Wirtgen is looking to bank on its range of 0.5 mtr upto 16 mtrs of Mini Class, Compact Class, Universal Class, Highway Class and Special Class pavers.

Unipave Paver

Unipave Engineering Products is offering a wide range of paver finishers with 5 different models in the mechanical segment, namely, UAP-04, HAP-045, HAP-45HC (Hydraulic Drive for Conveyor) and HAP-045HD (Hydraulic Conveyor and Hydraulic Drive), UWM-05 - a unique machine and the only one of its kind in the market. It is a mechanical paver with a hydraulic transmission and requires less maintenance.

In the mechanical segment, the company’s UWM-05 is a double excel mechanical paver especially designed for lay WMM material but also works with bitumen. In the Sensor paver segment, the company has 4 models, and another is under development. ESP-045 is a small 4.5m paver with a Moba sensor for slope and grade control. Other models include the ESP-05 of 5.5 m and an optional model of 6.0 meters. The latest ASP-075 is India’s first wheeled paver machine which has a 7.5 m screed width. The ACP-090, earlier known as Autopaves-09, has a screed of 9.0 m. The ACX-075 is crawler mounted with a Moba dashboard and is considered a gamechanger; it can lay roads up to 7.5 meters at a stretch. All the pavers are ARAI approved.

Vishal Surelia
Says Vishal Surelia, Managing Director, Unipave Engineering Products,” Today, for less undulation, sonic Big Ski is a ultra-super technology, and it is compatible with all our sensor paver models. As regards material flow control, we provide a limit switch system in our mechanical paver, provided it has a hydraulic conveyor system as in our HAP-045HC, HAP-045HD and UWM-05 models. Our sensor pavers ESP-045 and ESP-05 also have a limit switch that automatically maintains the material flow between auger and conveyor. Our ASP-075 has a separate drive for conveyor and auger, which are controlled by Moba sensors, and the same system can be seen in the ACX-075 crawler-mounted paver and in the ACP-09.”

A regards after-sales service and spares, Unipave has a dealer network, especially strong in the eastern part of India. “Due to our good service, 60% of our customers are repeat customers,” avers Vishal Surelia.

Volvo

Volvo CE manufactures its 5.5 m wheeled paver P4370B and 7.5m track paver P5320B at its Bangalore facility with high local content and imports its 9m P 6820C, 10 and 10.5m P 7820B, 13m P8820B and 16m P9820B pavers from its facility in Germany.

Dimitrov Krishnan
“Our pavers with their high-powered engines can carry higher asphalt volumes. For quality surface finish, the pavers have a tamping feature in the screed for better pre-compaction with close to 90 percent compaction effectiveness. Other key features are automatic track tensioning device, screed lock and anti climbing lock, which ensures that there shall be no unevenness in the asphalt surface while starting and stopping of the paver. Our paving products can be used to pave both dry lean concrete and asphalt. Additional optional attachments ensure the required slope and grade controls in the machinery while paving the surface, informs Dimitrov Krishnan, Vice President and Head of Volvo CE India.

He says, “Though demand for the wider width paver is modest, our wide portfolio of machines gives us a competitive edge for constructing wider roads.”

SANY

Sany road construction equipment has the latest technology and best-in-class components for high quality asphalt laying,faster heating of screed and longer hours availability. The company offers a wide range of screed sensor pavers from 2.5m to 14m paving width for single and multiple lane projects. The pavers can handle large quantities of asphalt mix from 450 to 1100 t/hr and have 0.8 to 24 m/min paving speeds. SANY SAP and SMP series have a unique absorption filtration technique with oil-return and oil compensating filters. This multiple filtration design increases reliability of the hydraulic system, and thereby, of the equipment.

Sanjay Saxena
Says Sanjay Saxena – VP & Head- HE and Concrete Business Unit, Sany Heavy Industries India, “Our pavers have a highly integrated and synchronized technology for start-up and tamping control for precise travel and tamping speed, advanced anti-escalating and anti-descending mode for accuracy in paving.”

Added features of Sany screen pavers include SYMC and SYLD key control systems with intelligent controls , display settings and status monitoring, integrated into a single platform for full electronic control, remote control, positioning and automatic fault diagnosis.

“For loading efficiency and grade and slope control, Sany pavers have ultrasonic sensors and balance beam systems. The sensors are placed on all critical levels of material collection, movement and spreading systems to ensure optimum loading, uniform material flow and effective level control. The unique thermal deformation compensating control technology enables our pavers to have maximum flatness of screed surfaces. High-pressure pumps and motors and big ratio reducer help achieve strong impact resistance. Additionally,noise absorptionand cooling systems ensure long service hours and operator comfort,” informs Saxena.

Advancements in Asphalt Compactors

According to Shalabh Chaturvedi, Head, Case Construction Equipment India, the cost of compaction is a meagre 1-2 percent of a road construction project. However, one must use the right machine as its weak performance can disrupt the whole supply chain from batching of asphalt to its transportation on the site for paving. This is especially so for the wide stretches of highway roads being constructed, and with very tight timelines.

Case

The company has packaged its new 752 EX vibratory tandem compactor with advanced features for enhanced productivity and excellent fuel efficiency. The machine is powered by a 3.9 liter, 4-cylinder FPT engine that delivers 76hp at 2200rpm and torque of 332nm at 1300rpm, and, according to the company, is 5-8 percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor 752.

Shalabh Chaturvedi
Shalabh Chaturvedi
Elaborates Chaturvedi, “Due to redesigned operator console and water tank, Water Sprinkler is clearly visible from the operator seat such that the operator can ensure that the surface of the drum is appropriately watered for the right compaction, a very essential feature in areas where water availability is critical. Better visibility is also ensured by the sliding seat such that the operators can see the edge of the road close to the divider for complete compaction. We also have an option of rotating seat along with sliding and tiltable steering for even better front and rear visibility. The new 752 EX features amplitude and frequency based on MoRTH guidelines, and comes with a new fiber plastic water tank (instead of the metal tank in the previous model) to prevent rusting and minimize maintenance.“

He infroms that the 752 EX vibratory compactor is being supported by the company’s 70 dealers having 250 outlets backed by 1000 trained engineers. It is working in road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and is being supported by close to 650 New Holland tractor dealers. Launched during the 3rd quarter of this year, CASE has sold about 50 units and is looking to market the product to both the corporate and rental companies. Case also markets its 1107EX Soil Compactor, 450 DX mini tandem compactor manufactured at its Pithampur plant, and 845 B/865B motor grader imported from CASE Brazil plant.

Escorts

Ajay Mandhr
ECEL’s compactors are available in soil, tandem and mini tandem. Its newly launched EC 3212, 12-ton soil compactor is packed with features such as LED work lights for night operations, mobile charging point, water bottle holder and non-slip tapes for better foot grip. Optional features include an intelligent compaction system (ICS), delay start operations, and cold starting kits for operations in cold climate areas.

“Escorts is geared to provide optimum solutions. All the features desired in our compactors are available as either standard or optional. We are also ready to provide higher tonnage machines with certain advanced features should the industry graduate to it. Our compactors are supported by a strong service team and a dealer network. After-sales calls on a dedicated toll free number are monitored for resolution by our HO team,” says Ajay Mandhr, CEO, Escorts Construction Equipment Limited.

JCB

JCB India offers a world class range of Compactors - the VMT 330, a 3 tons class mini tandem roller, the VMT 860 eco, 9 tons tandem roller and the JCB 116, an 11 tons class soil compactor. JCB’s new 116 compactor has an inbuilt compaction meter for desired compaction density in minimum number of passes. The high front weight ratio of the machine provides high linear static load. The machine’s first of its kind in India concept called ‘Intelli Compaction’ provides compaction value for achieving consistent and uniform compaction throughout the patch and is also integrated through Livelink, an advanced telematics technology.

A digital display shows high, low frequency and amplitude values for compaction control, and the versatile system is suitable for both asphalt and soil surfaces.

Jasmeet Singh
Informs Jasmeet Singh, Head - Corporate Communications and Corporate Relations, JCB India Limited, “the inbuilt compaction meter in JCB 116 ensures uniform compaction as the operator knows exactly where to stop and the number of passes required to achieve the desired density. This rationalizes the number of passes, thereby saving fuel and time. JCB’s Livelink Telematics in the soil compactor enables the users to get SMS alerts on their mobile phones or smart devices regarding service alerts, operations and security of their machines, resulting in better fleet management, better expense management, and timely completion of work.”

He adds, “Our compactors are designed for the required applications. They are easy to maintain, which enhances their productivity. The VMT 860 eco tandem roller has the latest hydraulics, and offers greater visibility for ease of operation and also has an automatic water sprinkler system. VMT 330 is best suited for use in highway road shoulders, retaining walls of flyovers, footpaths, trenches and service roads. Both the machines have lifetime lubricated centre joints, grease-free bearings, and an auto dust removal system.”

JCB compactors are supported by its 60 dealers with 650 outlets across the country. “Our dealers have made significant investments in setting up their product support network with over 6000 trained professionals for servicing and maintenance of the machines, and we have strategically located warehouses in Pune, Chennai, Faridabad, Guwahati and Kolkata for timely parts supplies,” informs Jasmeet.

To further support its machines, JCB India has set up a world-class command center at its Ballabgarh facility. Its dealers too have set up Livelink command centers for extending real time support to customers. Other digital apps include JCB Livelink, JCB Smart Service and Smart Machine Diagnostic.

Wirtgen

Wirtgen offers Hamm 311 soil compactor, HD 99 asphalt compactor, GRW 15 rubber wheeled roller, 3520 pad foot compactor and the mini tandem roller HD 12VV for the Indian road construction market. Ramesh Palagiri, MD, Wirtgen India, informs that the 311 compactor and the HD tandem roller 99 come with 3-point articulation, which ensures even weight distribution and exceptional directional stability, especially in curves, and resistance to tipping. The HD 99 produces very smooth asphalt surfaces without deformation. In earthworks, the 3-point articulation enables the 311 compactor to achieve excellent maneuvering and compacting even in rough terrains.

Says Palagiri, “Since the Indian market has broad customer specifications as per diverse applications, we are offering numerous field-tested options in our machines. These include edge pressing and cutting equipment for the tandem roller and working lights for the compactor. A number of measuring systems are also available, such as the HAMM Compaction Meter, which can be used on both the machines to monitor compaction quality even while the work is being carried out. An additional option for the tandem roller is the HAMM Temperature Meter, which via an infrared sensor, measures the asphalt temperature in front of the roller and displays it on the dashboard.“

Wirtgen has an application support team both for rigid and flexible pavements, an operator training school for its products, warehouses at 14 locations across the country and a mother warehouse in Pune, and over 200 onsite service persons and service vehicles to curtail machine breakdown.

LiuGong

Nischal Mehrotra
Liugong’s new, 611, 11-ton soil compactor is fitted with a Kirloskar engine that delivers 105 hp. The machine has a 3-grade absorption rubber that reduces vibration and anti-skid differential brakes. A compaction meter enables the operator to know the exact number of passes required for uniform compaction density, thereby savingfuel and time.

Avers Nischal Mehrotra, Head - Sales, Liugong India, “Our compactors are supported by over 60 touchpoints, and we assure a downtime not exceeding 48 hours both in terms of service and spares.”

volvo
Volvo CE is offering in India its SD110BA soil compactor and DD90B double drum asphalt compactor. Dimitrov Krishnan, Volvo CE India, informs, “The infinitely variable frequency between 0-30 Hertz feature in our soil compactor SD110BA ensures that the operator can select the correct resonance frequency required for the different type of soils / material used in compaction. Our products also have the highest centrifugal forces exerting the maximum force as per the surface to be compacted. Volvo CE also has an option called Density Direct for its compaction products by which the operator can assess if the required density has been achieved while compacting.”

He adds,”We will be enhancing our compaction range further later this year with new product launches. We are also the only manufacturer that produces Pneumatic tyres rollers (PTR 220 ) in India. We support our customers through a wide network and well trained our product support personnel in our 16 dealers and 135 outlets. We have launched EOS (Efficient Operating Services), and will continue with our Gold and Silver customer service agreements, and we also offer repair kits at competitive prices for our machines.”

Growing Markets of Asphalt Pavers and Compactors

According to the manufacturers, the slight shift from concrete roads to bituminous roads is expected to step up demand of asphalt pavers in the coming years. The market for compactors that stood at around 2500 units per year for the past 8-10 years, has risen to 3500 units per year in view of the large number of roads and highways being planned by the government.

Giving a market overview, Vishal Surelia at Unipave informs that as of 31 March 2017, 62.5% of Indian roads were paved, so there’s a big potential for asphalt paver industries. Though, the government has decided to build future roads with 50% asphalt and 50% concrete, but still opportunity is bright here. In International markets, Bangladesh, Nepal and African countries are good markets for our pavers as they are aware of Indian quality and services compared to low cost countries machines. In fact, India’s sensor paver market is growing fast due their technical features that ensure better road quality, and in the last 3 years, it has a market share of 70%.”

Comments Ajay Mandhr at EXCEL, “The demand in the Compaction segment is quite consistent and encouraging. The Industry in the 1st fiscal of FY-18-19 has shown strong growth although there is not much change in the technological aspect. In coming times, looking at the targets set by the government for building roads at the rate of 45 kms per day, there would be need of higher capacity compactors.”

With manufacturers promoting a wide range of pavers and compactors for varied applications, the industry is picking up momentum. Efficient and reliable after-sales service and technical support to their equipment will further enable the OEMs to deliver value for money to the equipment owners.
NBM&CW November 2018
Bullwork Mobility: Autonomous Machines UGV Vamana And Tractor

Bullwork Mobility: Autonomous Machines UGV Vamana And Tractor

Bullwork Mobility has introduced an innovative line of autonomous machines like UGV Vamana Pro And Tractor (Beast), featuring advanced smart technology and AI systems. This development marks a substantial leap forward in the industry

Read more ...

JCB introduces Hydrogen Powered 3DX Backhoe Loader

JCB introduces Hydrogen Powered 3DX Backhoe Loader

JCB’s £100 million project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines made its Asian debut when the company unveiled its hydrogen combustion technology (its first-ever trade show appearance anywhere in the

Read more ...

SANY India displays electric loader, excavator & hybrid truck crane

SANY India displays electric loader, excavator & hybrid truck crane

SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, showcased 44 machines, including 15 new models, that consist of electric machines designed for diverse applications such as earthwork, excavation, heavy lifting

Read more ...

Volvo CE: India’s first grid connected electric excavator, wheel loader

Volvo CE: India’s first grid connected electric excavator, wheel loader

Volvo CE launched its EC500 electric excavator (India’s first grid-connected electric excavator) in the 50-ton class, thereby making a transition to zero-emission mining and construction machinery. It showcased its L120 Electric

Read more ...

Kobelco’s excavator with attachments - a multifunctional machine

Kobelco’s excavator with attachments - a multifunctional machine

“Kobelco views Excon as the paramount construction and infrastructure show, recognizing the significance of exploring new technological innovations in the industry. Excon serves as a platform to showcase to the world the opportunities

Read more ...

Caterpillar next-generation excavators, motor graders, backhoe loaders

Caterpillar next-generation excavators, motor graders, backhoe loaders

The Caterpillar exhibit featured around 20 machines and accompanying work tools. On display were next-generation excavators, motor graders, backhoe loaders, generator sets, as well as rebuild machines. Caterpillar also celebrated

Read more ...

CASE: Skid Steer Loader & mini-Excavator, backhoe, soil compactor

CASE: Skid Steer Loader & mini-Excavator, backhoe, soil compactor

CASE Construction Equipment, a leading brand of CNH Industrial, announced their readiness for BS (CEV) V compliance by showcasing their marquee Backhoe Loader – 770 NX Plus and Soil Compactor 1107 NX-PD at Excon. It also marked their

Read more ...

Tata Hitachi’s backhoe, excavators and wheel loaders

Tata Hitachi’s backhoe, excavators and wheel loaders

Tata Hitachi, a frontrunner in the construction equipment industry, inaugurated its pavilion under the theme of ‘Aao Kartavya Nibhaye, Chalo Desh Banaye’; the theme reinforces Tata Hitachi’s commitment to fostering a sense of duty

Read more ...

Hyundai India: Focus on Smart+ Excavators

Hyundai India: Focus on Smart+ Excavators

Hyundai India displayed its 3 and 5-ton wheel loaders which have been indigenously manufactured at Hyundai’s Chakan Plant. Also on display was the company’s HX 360L and HX 380L series of excavator and new ‘Smart+’ excavators which

Read more ...

Liugong highlights Electric Wheel Loaders

Liugong highlights Electric Wheel Loaders

Liugong India displayed its 105 tons tipper trucks, 65 tons tracked excavators, 206 hp dozers and 2 ton electric wheel loaders. The company expects rising demand for its electric wheel loaders from construction and various

Read more ...

Komatsu and L&T's 20-ton Komatsu Hybrid Hydraulic Excavator

Komatsu and L&T's 20-ton Komatsu Hybrid Hydraulic Excavator

Komatsu India Private Limited (KIPL) and Larsen & Toubro Limited showcased their technological prowess and service capabilities, demonstrating their commitment to the industry. The Honourable Minister of Road Transport and Highways

Read more ...

Bullwork Mobility's innovative, zero-emission construction equipment

Bullwork Mobility's innovative, zero-emission construction equipment

In a groundbreaking showcase, Bullwork Mobility unveiled innovative, zero-emission construction equipment, equipped with high-end technology for elevating customer productivity and efficiency. GLX (India’s first electric

Read more ...

Fine Equipment's mini excavators, motor grader & telescopic boom crane

Fine Equipment's mini excavators, motor grader & telescopic boom crane

Fine Equipments exhibited its two models of mini excavators of 2 and 3.8 tons. Their simple ergonomics and controls designed for Indian usage, makes them highly versatile and utility oriented. Supported by multiple attachments

Read more ...

KOMATSU PC136: A Game-Changing Excavator

KOMATSU PC136: A Game-Changing Excavator

Komatsu PC 136 is a groundbreaking entry in the 13-ton Hydraulic Excavator segment offering not only power, but also precision, efficiency, and innovativeness.

Read more ...

KOMATSU PC81: Built To Be Tough Hydraulic Excavator

KOMATSU PC81: Built To Be Tough Hydraulic Excavator

The new Komatsu PC81 Hydraulic Excavator is a blend of innovative engineering, high quality, and superior operational efficiency. PC81, built to deliver sustained profitability over the long term, showcases Komatsu’s commitment to innovation

Read more ...

HD Hyundai CE Unveils New Excavators, Forklifts & Wheel Loaders

HD Hyundai CE Unveils New Excavators, Forklifts & Wheel Loaders

HD Hyundai Construction Equipment India launches 3 excavators, 2 forklifts & 2 wheel loaders, strengthening its presence in Infrastructure, Mining & Material Handling. Delivering superior performance, efficiency & durability

Read more ...

Backhoe Loader An All-Time Performer

Backhoe Loader An All-Time Performer

The demand for Backhoe Loader is here to stay, which is clearly visible in the 2nd half of FY23 sales numbers and in the 1st quarter of FY24 sales figures. This is despite many stumbling blocks in the past few years like GST, the Covid pandemic, the hike in

Read more ...

JCB ecoXpert Backhoes with Fuel-Efficient CEV Stage IV Engine

JCB ecoXpert Backhoes with Fuel-Efficient CEV Stage IV Engine

“JCB India is continuously tapping opportunities to reduce costs for our customers; over the past three years, we have introduced more fuel-efficient and low-maintenance backhoe loaders which has led to a significant improvement in the Total Cost of Ownership.”

Read more ...

Tata Hitachi’s SHINRAI Backhoe Loaders Delivering Fuel Efficiency

Tata Hitachi’s SHINRAI Backhoe Loaders Delivering Fuel Efficiency

“Tata Hitachi is working on several marketing strategies: we are expanding our backhoe loader product line, diversifying our product portfolio by introducing new types of equipment and entering related markets, and are also increasing our presence in export markets.”

Read more ...

CASE Construction Equipment's Versatile Backhoe Loaders

CASE Construction Equipment's Versatile Backhoe Loaders

“By investing in research and development, CASE Construction Equipment aims to enhance the features, performance, and efficiency of our backhoe loaders so that the improved backhoe loaders align with the evolving industry requirements.”

Read more ...

To get latest updates on whatsapp, Save +91 93545 87773 and send us a 'Saved' message
Click Here to Subscribe to Our eNewsletter.