Astec’s all round paver

The Astec CP-130 paver has become the machine of choice for two generations of the K-P Asphalting’s business. Roads & Infrastructure learns why.

For a family-owned enterprise like K-P Asphalting, it’s imperative to operate only the best equipment. 

Backed by more than six decades of experience, K-P Asphalting has delivered a variety of works across its home state of Tasmania, as well as from its expansion site in Queensland. 

Founder and owner, Steve Pregnell, says one thing has remained constant in the company’s growth – the use of Astec machinery.

Pregnell says he’s seen it all, with works across airports, freeways, subdivisions and more. Through all that, he says no other piece of equipment has stood up to the task like the Carlson CP-130 asphalt paver.

“We actually bought the first CP-130 in the country,” Pregnell says. “In 50 years, I’ve used a lot of pavers and I’ve never come across a better one than this particular machine.  

“It’s a small machine but it handles the bigger jobs with ease. It’s extremely versatile.”

Despite its economical size and being ranked as a commercial size paver, the CP-130 has the capability of a smaller highway class paver. This is due, in part, to the CP-130 paver having a high-horsepower Cummins QSF 3.8 Tier III engine, that delivers not only excellent power and torque but lower exhaust emissions as well.

For Pregnell, capital costs are also a significant factor.

“The CP-130 performs like larger machines which do have a higher investment cost and additional routine maintenance expense compared to the Carlson paver,” he says. 

The advantages don’t end there. 

According to Pregnell, the CP-130’s lower height has opened the door for works that were previously unmanageable with larger paving equipment.

“It means we can do underground car parks for example. Now we don’t need to worry about the restricted ride height,” he says.

“In Tasmania, we also work a lot on hills. With this tracked machine there’s no problems whatsoever in moving up and over hilly sites. If I was to compare it to an excavator, I would have to say it was a 10-tonne excavator built with 20-tonne components.

“It’s the little man doing the big man’s show.”

Garry van den Beld, National Account Manager – Mobile Asphalt says the CP-130 is ideal as an ‘overlap’ machine, capable of working across a variety of project types and sizes.

“That’s where this paver really comes into its own; it’s a small machine that can work in confined spaces, but does the job on larger projects as well,” he says.

Screed and spreading 

Van den Beld says another key feature of the CP-130 is its “class-leading” screed design. The EZCSS screed has a paving width of 2.38 metres to 4.4 metres, and a maximum paving width of 5.0 metres with optional boxes which is unique in this class paver. 

“The screed design is very versatile in today’s world as contactors’ demands have changed. It retracts down to ensure the paver is only 2.5 meters wide for transporting purposes from jobsite to jobsite,” he says.

The EZCSS screed also includes adjustable slide blocks, spring-loaded heated end gates and can be fitted as an option with grade and slope automation, all of which contributes to a high-quality matt finish.

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Van den Beld says another benefit of the CP-130 is the exclusive horizontal sliding damper doors, which add versatility and flexibility to any paving job. The doors can be adjusted for different material requirements and paving widths. 

He adds that the paver’s unmatched control system helps to consistently distribute material effortlessly for a superior finish.

“The damper door design is different to any other machine out there,” he says. “With our CP paver range, you can use minimal asphalt while maintaining a consistent level.”

Pregnell says the damper door system really surprised him. 

“There are only three or four components to them and they’re probably the best flow control system I’ve ever come across. They’re built into the back-end of the machine, so you can easily see the head of material and control the amount of material needed for the situation to get the desired rideability on the road,” he says.

Van den Beld says the operator platform was designed for maximum operator comfort.

“It’s a dual control system with precise movement joysticks, making this paver very easy to use. The switches on the operator stations are user-friendly with very easy to read large screens that provide readouts electronically,” he says. 

Despite being located in Tasmania, Pregnell says he’s always been well supported by Astec.

“Because we’re in a different state, and being on an island, we could be a bit handicapped as far as access to parts and components. But Astec have been there when we’ve needed them and they’ve done a good job,” he says.

Branching out

Steve Pregnell’s initial impression of the machine was so positive that K-P Asphalting’s expansion site in Queensland has also recently taken delivery of a new CP-130 paver. 

Son, Kirk Pregnell, runs the Queensland business and says his father could not have recommended the Astec CP-130 more highly.  

Located near the Gold Coast, the Queensland site services an area of more than 400 square kilometres, and has well-established relationships with local councils, state government departments and private industry. 

As Kirk Pregnell explains, the expansion of the business, as well as the purchase of the CP-130, has helped to diversify the company’s services.  

“Dad knows what he’s talking about, so I didn’t hesitate to go for the CP-130 paver,” he says. 

With that recommendation and his own earlier experience in Tasmania with the machine, Kirk Pregnell says he’s ready to hit the ground running with the new paver.

“We’ve got plenty of work coming up – small and large jobs – government contracts, subdivisions, driveways and more. And the CP-130 will handle them all,” he says.

“It ticks all the boxes.”