Astec Industries’ new RP-175 and RP-195 F-model pavers are set to hit Australian shores shortly, following a highly successful introduction overseas. But what makes these models different from any other Astec Roadtec pavers?
Astec’s relentless pursuit of quality and innovative technology has once again led to a brand-new paving series, driven by a passion to help its customers succeed.
The company has delved deep into its research and development, as well as industry experience, to introduce the next generation of asphalt paving to Australia’s roads and infrastructure sectors. This time, in the form of the company’s brand-new F-series, specifically the tracked RP-175 and RP-195 paver models.
Garry van den Beld, National Account Manager, Mobile Asphalt, says the F-series pavers combine the best Astec technology with “best in class design.”
“The overall design of the new F series pavers has been transformed and updated to enhance the operator experience and the quality of the finished paving project,” he says.
“Both the RP-175 and RP-195 represent a complete redesign of our older Astec pavers, with a huge number of improvements that have been requested by our customers. We’ve got something that’s new, innovative, and modern, that’s been driven by listening to the end user.”
Featuring updated designs and controls, the Astec F-series tracked pavers provide an improved overall operator experience with a variety of unit sizes (eight and ten feet), thus providing total capabilities aimed at ensuring that users can have the right machine for the job at hand.
With a standard paving width of 8-16 feet and 10-19 feet respectively, the RP-175 and RP-195 feature some of the latest paving technology, in a more sustainable, compact, and visually appealing package.
Jorge Boil, Business Line Manager, Infrastructure – Astec, says that between the two models, customers can find the best solution for all paving requirements.
“The RP-175 is more of your everyday, universal paver that’s perfect for subdivision works, council works and those types of projects, whilst the RP-195 is a bigger unit suitable for large infrastructure projects,” he says.
“We’ve already had a number of customers extremely interested in both of these models.”
Efficient design
A big focus of the new F-series was the relocating and updating of machinery components to maximise performance and visibility for the end user.
“The size of the engine compartment has been increased, the electric generator doesn’t need to be run by the hydraulics now, which means there’s more capacity in the hydraulic system for other functions, which also enhances the experience for the operator,” Boil says.
Making the switch from a hydraulic-driven generator system to a direct drive version has resulted in a more compact design, opening the door for Astec to play around with the internal features of its refined paver design.
Just one example is the relocation of the cooling system, from the side of the engine compartment to the top of the machine, enabling an upgrade from a single fan cooling system to a dual fan cooling system.
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Not only does this change improve airflow within the operating system of the paver, it also helps to divert airflow away from the operator and ground crews. It also helps to reduce the overall noise of the machine by 20 per cent.
The relocation of the F-series electric screed heating generator, from the screed to the engine compartment, has again reduced the noise levels significantly for the screed hands.
Another component of the F-series that has undergone major change is the track system, as Boil explains.
“The track frame runs a lot straighter, therefore giving you improved performance and reliability, extending the component service intervals as well, as the tracks aren’t fighting each other,” he says. “The alignment now is very precise.”
The redesigned bogie frames, as well as a redesigned alignment arm has created commonality between both the eight and ten-feet models, with the re-configured new concept track frame switching from a 27-piece weldment assembly to a modular, two castings set up.
“With these changes you end up with a very slick-looking design,” van den Beld says. “Astec is moving away from our traditional paving machine aesthetic.”
To keep up with, and even exceed, current worldwide construction machinery requirements, Astec has introduced Stage V B4.5 (RP-175) and B6.7 (RP-195) Cummins engines to its F-series pavers. Customers also have the option to select a Stage III to match their current construction machinery requirements.
The SmartEdge
A new feature that’s been designed for the incoming F-series generation is what Astec has coined as ‘SmartEdge Joint Detection.’ This unique feature uses laser technology to generate an accurate three-dimensional model of any lane edge type, as well as curved edges and supers.
Through its control head unit, the F-series paver will then use this data to automatically create a flight path for the screed extension to follow.
Astec estimates that with SmartEdge Joint Detection, operators can achieve a level of accuracy that’s 600 times more than other solutions in the market.
SmartEdge Joint Detection helps to overcome the potential of human error, while also removing ground staff from potentially dangerous or low-visible areas, relative to the operator.
“It allows for precision, which ensures high density joints and correct overlap, both of which are essential for quality
road paving,” Boil says.
“It won’t just help operators; it’ll also help companies immensely with their paving works. As far as I’m aware, we’re the only ones in the market to have a system like this, that’s a fully patented design.”
The SmartEdge Joint Detection option is available across all F-series and is very versatile in being fully interchangeable for fitment to either the left, or right-hand side of the screed for maximum visibility and safety.
Boil believes the automated feature, along with the impressive redesign presented by these new F-series pavers, will outlast and outperform current market solutions.
“We’re not only keeping up with what’s out there at the moment,” he says, “but we’re moving one step ahead with these new and innovated options, which offer improvements across the board.”
This article was originally published in the December edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.