Vögele America Inc. is introducing its next-generation asphalt pavers - the Vision Series - to North America. The 10-foot Vision Series includes the tracked Vision 5200-2 and the wheeled Vision 5203-2.
Unparalleled visibility
Operators will benefit from outstanding forward visibility, with unparalleled all-around visibility without turning. The slope of the machine and hood have been designed so the operator can see the sides, the hopper, and the conveyors in the back, without having to move around.
The operator's stations swing out from both edges of the machine, for visibility to the sides, behind and into the hopper. In addition to the operator's stations swinging out, the control console slides from one side of the paver platform to the other, and also swivels and tilts.
With its Tier III engines, the Vision Series suppresses noise and redirects exhaust and heat away from operator and crew, with raked, streamlined exhaust pipes that reinforce the impression of forward movement.
On the wheeled Vision 5203-2, three drive versions are available, one with rear wheel drive, one with optional two-wheel front-wheel assist, and a new optional version, with six-wheel drive.
Concentrate on paving
Self-diagnostics are built into the Vision Series and help the crew concentrate on placing asphalt instead of working on the paver. Fluid levels and other inspection points need not be checked each day. Instead they are monitored from a display panel, part of the Vögele Ergo-Plus ergonomic design for enhanced productivity.
An optional hydraulic front apron eliminates much shoveling in front of the paver and prevents forward spillage of asphalt mix. As the hopper closes, the front apron rises.
The Vision Series' self-tensioning conveyors have hydraulic cylinders that keep them adjusted. Like the paver's self-diagnostics, the self-tensioning conveyors permit the crew to spend less time on the paver, and more time placing hot mix asphalt.
Heavy, fold-up tool racks are provided for lutes, shovels, brooms and rakes. Lockable compartments are present under each operator seat and under the deck.
Independently operated hopper wings
The Vision 5200-2 and 5203-2 pavers have independently operated hopper wings. One side can be dumped, or the other, or both at the same time. Most other models of paver require both sides be dumped at the same time.
The Vision Series has eliminated flow gates and implemented independent conveyor and auger drives. Each conveyor is driven separately and independently from the auger. Augers and conveyors are reversible.
On the tracked 5200-2, at the front of the machine in front of the rubber tracks, is a strike-off plow or plate which is mechanically lowered and keeps the machine from going over a hump of material or getting asphalt mix in the tracks.
Full access to internal parts has been retained in the Vision Series. A clamshell hood opens all the way to allow interior access from the deck, and from each side. The generator, air cleaner system, pumps and coolers, and filters and dipsticks, can be accessed from one location. Lube points for the conveyors and augers are all located in the same, central spot, and an optional, automated lubrication system is available.
Harnesses are simple, abetted by the Vision Series' Controller Area Network (CAN) bus system, in which controllers execute much of the work of operating the paver, using single wires which go from the operator's platform, instead of big bundles of wiring harnesses.
Power, cooling and exhaust systems
In the Vision Series, a 6-cylinder Cummins engine provides 240 hp at 2,000 rpm. Different speed ranges are available which are selected at the push of a button. The options are MIN, ECO Mode and MAX. At 1,800 rpm, ECO Mode provides low noise level and less fuel consumption, sufficient for most paving applications. The fuel tank holds 106 gallons.
With its twin, raked exhaust pipes, the innovative engine exhaust system has a modern look, and provides for fumes evacuation and reduced noise levels. No exhaust stacks exist in front of the operator.
A large cooler assembly with innovative air routing provides perfect control of engine cooling liquid, hydraulic oil and charge air. There, a high cooling capacity provides for ideal temperatures inside the hydraulic system and top performance of all drive units even when working under full load and at high ambient temperatures. Noise emissions are very low.
For the Vision 5200-2, long crawler tracks with large ground contact provide for maximum tractive effort, allowing the paver to navigate well at a constant speed in any situation. The width of the rubber track is 18 inches. And thanks to zero clearance between track rollers and the rubber track, there can be no misalignment of the rubber track while traveling. As a result, accurate tracking is guaranteed, with no bobbing and weaving with this design.
Material flow in detail
The Vision Series' large material hopper holds 13 tons and is dimensioned so that a sufficient quantity of mix is present at all times. Two cylinders per side provide smooth operation. The sloped inner design of material hopper provides for optimal flow of mix to avoid segregation.
Large truck push rollers can be set to three different positions for convenient and shock-free docking of trucks.
Powerful, individual (closed loop) hydraulic drives for conveyors and augers are provided to achieve placement rates. Proportional control and continuous monitoring of conveyors and augers guarantee a constant head of mix in front of the screed. Hydraulic auger height adjustment provides optimal spreading of mix even when paving thin layers or on sections where layer thickness varies. Large 16-inch-diameter auger flights with precision pitch provide excellent spreading of mix when paving in large widths or lower engine rpm.
An Automatic Mode can be selected for conveyors and augers, so the operator can focus his attention elsewhere, as conveyance and spreading of mix are fully automatic. Or the system can be run manually for complete control. Clean Mode is provided which allows the augers and conveyors to run at a slow speed for ease of cleaning at the end of a shift.
The business end
Three electric screeds will be available for these 10-foot machines including the Carlson EZ-III 1017 and EZ-IV 1019 screeds with front-mounted extensions and the HR 500 E rear-mounted screed. No diesel-heated screeds will be available.
With ErgoPlus controls at the screed, paver functions are logically arranged and clustered in groups reflecting the needs of the paving site. Direct access to paver functions is achieved via push buttons.
The Vision Series' Pave Mode is a "smart" memory feature which stores the most recent settings for paver functions, so that, when resuming work after a move of the paver on-site, these settings are restored automatically.
Hydraulic Screed Hold and Screed Freeze functions are standard, preventing the screed from sinking after a paver stop, eliminating humps when resuming paving.
Vögele's Niveltronic Plus automated grade and slope control system is supplied directly by the paver manufacturer, so machine technology and grade and slope control are matched natively for smooth, perfect riding surfaces and bonuses. The system permits automatic recognition of sensors connected for easy and quick setup. The Niveltronic Plus system is integral with the paver's control system, and does not require any extra training.
Ashland CS18-HD Earthmover
The 25,000-pound,?18-cubic-yard carry-all scraper from Ashland?is suited for high-horsepower rubber-tracked or wheeled tractors.
- 23.5 x 25 E3/L3 12-ply tires, lower ground pressure and longer rolling radius for excellent flotation and ease of operation in marginally wet or clay soils and sandy loams or dry topsoil
- Higher mounted lift cylinders to keep dirt and rocks out
- Tires set away from bowl to allow dirt to flow through to the ground and prevent tires from plugging or skidding
- Designed to keep loose material from escaping around the sides while directing it into a 12-foot-wide cut
Deere 9030 Series Scraper Tractors
John Deere introduces a line of large, high-horsepower tractors - the 9030 Series Scraper Tractors.
- Three models features 425- to 530-hp PowerTech Plus engines
- 18-speed?powershift transmissions (18-forward and 6-reverse speeds)
- 350-gallon fuel tanks
- CommandView cab with ActiveSeat which communicates with the tractor 200 times per second to remove as much as 90 percent of vertical inputs for a smoother ride
- AutoLoad automates scraper's huydraulic lift functions during the loading cycle
RAE Systems MiniRAE Lite
RAE Systems' new MiniRAE Lite photoionization detector for volatile organic compounds uses standard alkaline AA size batteries or optional rechargeable batteries.
- For outdoor environmental and construction site use where hydrocarbon-based volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals pose a threat
- Measurement response time of under three seconds
- Waterpoof for easy decontamination and suited for use in humid conditions
- Measurement range of zero to 5,000 ppm
- Large back-lit graphical display for easy viewing in any light condition
- Built-in flashlight
- User interface configurable in 12 languages
Caterpillar H-Series Wheel Loaders
Three new Caterpillar H-Series small wheel loaders feature the Cat C6.6 engine with ACERT Technology.
- 924H and 930H feature VersaLinkT loader linkage, which combines Integrated Toolcarrier versatility and parallel lift
- 928Hz features Z-Bar linkage
- Cab and operator station designed for easy access
- 924H has net engine power of 128 hp, and 928Hz and 930H have net engine power of 149 hp
- General purpose bucket capacities range from 2.2 to 3.25 cubic yards
