Astec Industries has introduced a series of new and updated equipment into its range of pavers and planers. Jorge Boil, Business Line Manager – Infrastructure, outlines what these developments mean for the Australian market.
Astec Industries has always had a focus on pushing the envelope when it comes to paving and profiling equipment.
Utilising its global expertise and over five decades of experience, Astec has introduced innovative technologies into each new generation of equipment in the roads and infrastructure sectors.
The company’s latest innovations were on show at the recent CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas, one of the world’s largest construction trade shows.
Astec’s Jorge Boil explains that the event was the perfect opportunity to showcase the company’s offerings.
“We were able to present all our products, not only from the infrastructure side of the business, but also aggregate, mining, quarrying, asphalt and concrete plant manufacturing and more,” Boil says. “In short, we showcased our ability to supply equipment for every application from Rock to Road.”
Astec debuted its new RX-405 and RX-505 cold planers in Las Vegas, as well as its completely redesigned Roadtec RP-175 and RP-195 highway-class pavers.
The next generation
The RX-405 and RX-505 cold planers (the model number indicates the available horsepower) have a strong focus on flexibility.
As Boil explains, these new machines ensure the company can supply contractors working on projects of all sizes, including those with limited space.
“We’ve always been strong when it comes to larger works,” he says. “But previously we didn’t have the lightweight options that some of our customers need. These new cold planers fit that bill. They’re very versatile machines.”
With cutting depths from two to 13 inches, the RX-405 and RX-505 have been purpose-built for contractors looking for that smaller, lightweight option.
Both feature Astec’s renowned dual-operator platforms and include simplified controls and a multi-function joystick, as well as expanded on-board diagnostics.
The RX-405 and RX-505 also include Astec’s Automated Control of Elevation (ACE) grade control. With this system, sensors measure the depth and slope of the ground surface while hydraulic pressures automatically adjust the elevation of the machine to ensure a precise and consistent depth.
Grade and slope parameters can also be adjusted in real time via the operator’s upper control station or at ground level.
As Boil explains, with versatility having been such a big focus for these machines, adaptability when it comes to drum options was a must.
“The RX-405 supports different drums sizes and the drums themselves are easily interchangeable. A hinged door on the side opens so the operator can slide in the required drum,” he says.
Drum options include double hit and speciality cutter drums, as well as designs that produce wide- and fine-spaced milling patterns.
In terms of safety, both the RX-405 and RX-505 come with rear object detection, another automated feature that stops the cold planer if a person or object is detected behind the machine while in reverse. Contractors at ground level can also disable reverse if necessary.
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Redesigning the renowned
Joining the new planers at the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG were the radically redesigned RP-175 and RP-195 F-series rubber-tracked pavers.
According to Boil, Astec’s desire to update the machines was born from a commitment to improving the operator experience. He says the new models build on already successful products in Australia.
The upgrades include a sleeker overall design, enhanced operator platforms and controls, and easier maintenance.
“The previous model was updated around seven or eight years ago, so it was time to introduce some new innovations,” Boil says.
“One of the big changes has been to reduce the noise of the RP-175 and RP-195 F during operation.”
Astec achieved this by moving the generator off the screed and placing it inside the engine compartment. As a result, the overall noise of the station has been reduced by 15 to 20 per cent.
An added bonus of the move was an increase in power, as the paver’s hydraulics are no longer required to run the generator. The size of the generator itself has also been increased.
“It’s much easier to maintain now that it’s all located in one area in the engine compartment,” Boil says.
Shifting the generator from the screed has also made it easier for operators to change screed plates and perform other screed maintenance.
“These new pavers still support Carlson screeds which have been very popular in Australia and America,” Boil says.
He adds that both the RP-175 and RP-195 F-series share components, making general maintenance more convenient.
“If you’re a fleet manager running both units, you don’t have to carry as many parts in order to maintain both pavers,” he says.
The generator move has also allowed for a larger redesign of the undercarriage of both the RP-175 and RP-195 F. This has resulted in the streamlined design with fewer components, and, therefore, reduced maintenance costs in the long run.
Keeping cool and safe
Another substantial change is a redesign of the pavers’ cooling package, updating the previous, single-fan system.
“There are two cooling packages in these machines, one for the hydraulic system and a separate one for the engine,” Boil says. “These are mounted on top of the machines.”
The change has not only redirected the cooling airflow away from the operator and ground staff, but has also resulted in quieter operating noise.
The focus on maximising comfort and safety has also led to significant improvements in visibility.
The operator platforms of both pavers feature seats with hydraulic swing capabilities, providing enhanced line of sight from either side and 360-degree visibility.
“Operators can now see material coming into the front hopper and, with the dual operator platforms, they can easily switch from one side to the other,” Boil says.
“There’s also excellent visibility to the screed at the back and to the auger tunnel.”
Another change that has further enhanced the safety of the new models is the relocation of the pavers’ engine exhaust system.
“The exhaust has been moved towards the front and top of the machine. As well as eliminating what was a blind spot for the operator, fumes have now been diverted away from the operator and ground crew,” Boil says.
As with most Astec equipment, the RP-175 and RP-195 F-series pavers and the RX-405 and RX-505 cold planers are powered by the latest Cummins engines, which produce fewer emissions with no penalty in performance.
Australian release
Boil says the industry can get their hands on the new equipment from mid-2024.
“These machines have been designed specifically for the style of paving we do here in Australia,” Boil says. “So they’ll slot straight into our market.”
This article was originally published in the June edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.