FAE's new era road planers

FAE’s new era road planers

Evolution and innovation are the values guiding FAE to invest in continuous research and development, while embracing new technologies.

FAE has enhanced its construction portfolio with an important new addition. The line of hydraulic driven heads has been expanded with a new category: road planers for skid steer loaders and compact track loaders. The line-up consists in three products: the RPL/SSL, RPM/SSL and RWM/SSL.

The key difference between these products is the rotor, which is available in a traditional cylindrical design for the RPL/SSL and the RPM/SSL and a disc-shaped design for the RWM/SSL. This small change represents a revolution, offering customers a wide choice of solutions that meet the widest range of needs and applications.

FAE’s RPL/SSL Road Planer in action, attached to a skid steer.

The new models

Road planers are machines that can scarify and cut road surfaces, gradually removing the asphalt or concrete layer, partially or fully. This can be done for small or medium jobs on surfaces of various sizes.

The new FAE road planer models scrape and cut pavement using a special round-bit teeth set in a rotor, with a specific layout designed by FAE, to increase performance and reduce vibrations.

Applications

The RPL/SSL and RPM/SSL models are used in road surface maintenance work. Other possible uses are preparing an area to restore the road surface, making it possible to lay a new layer of asphalt or concrete, or preparing an area for excavation work. In this last scenario, the resulting material can be recovered, if necessary, and used to refill the excavated area.

The RWM/SSL model, equipped with disc rotor, is primarily used for excavations with a limited width and for laying conduits for electrical lines, water, gas and fiber optic cables.

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Technical information

The RPL/SSL is available in three working widths, 45, 60, and 75 centimetres (18, 24, 30 inches), while the RPM/SSL comes in a working width of 60 centimetres (24 inches). The working depth of these models can be adjusted independently for the right skid and left skid through two hydraulic cylinders. Two depth indicators, clearly visible from the skid steers’ cab let the operator monitor this parameter.

Being able to independently adjust the skids makes it possible to achieve a perfectly flat surface or a sloping surface, useful for promoting rainwater drainage, and therefore reducing road surface erosion and deterioration. Depending on the requirements and use, it’s possible to work down to 170 millimetres (seven inches) deep for the RPL/SSL and down to 250 millimetres (10 inches) deep for the RPM/SSL.

With the RWM/SSL, it’s possible to work with the disc rotor down to 500 millimetres (20 inches) deep. The working depth is adjusted hydraulically.

During excavation, the worked surface is eroded and the material is brought to the surface. The debris, appropriately redirected, mainly comes out from the sides of the RWM/SSL and, when necessary, from a third discharge hole near the attachment frame which, using an appropriate redirection plate, makes it possible to intercept and redirect any material that enters in the internal chamber.

The rotor has a disc with excavation segments screwed on. According to the thickness of the mounted segments, it’s possible to execute excavations with different widths: 80 millimetres/three inches (standard), 100 millimetres/four inches and 120 millimetres/five inches (options). Removable segments on the cutting disc grants the operator access to variation in the excavation width, applying the appropriate segments without having to replace the entire disc.

It is important to note that, for all of these new models, the working depth is kept constant regardless of the milling plan: the right skid and left skid automatically align to the road surface, making it extremely simple for the operator to use these machines. The skids are also equipped with interchangeable Hardox anti-wear plates for outstanding strength and durability.

The hydraulic side shift functionality is standard, enabling FAE road planers to shift a total 560 millimetres (22 inches) to the right. This function has been specially developed and designed for pavement milling or excavation almost right up against a wall (on the right side).

The models RPL/SSL and RPM/SSL feature a mechanical floating tilt system with shock-absorber. The maximum angle of lateral tilt is ±8°, which can be controlled with a special indicator positioned centrally in the upper part of the machine, making it easy for the operator to see from the cab.

Other key features and functions of the new FAE road planers include electrical and hydraulic connections for the leading skid steer loaders and compact track loaders available on the market, as well as a pressure gauge to control the working pressure.

The hydraulic valves, hoses and system components are also fully integrated, protected, and easy to access for maintenance

When it comes to working, a cutting indicator placed on the side of both skids shows the teeth’s point of contact with the road surface, based on the working depth (for RPL and RPM). Each machine can also be equipped with a WSS Basic Water Spray System.

What does the future hold?

FAE’s will expand this new line of road planers with other models distinguished by skid steer power, and working width and depth, according to market demand.

This article was originally published in the March edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.