Material transfer grows in popularity

Material transfer vehicles (MTVs) have become more and more popular over the years, particularly for large paving projects.  These machines can help reduce materials segregation issues and also allow a more even heat profile in the mat, for more homogeneous compaction.

1252 Roadtec has long held a strong position in this segment, with its highly successful Shuttle Buggy machine, which continues to be improved. However Roadtec is also now facing increasing competition from rival firms offering their own machines for this market segment.

A series of upgrades will change the Shuttle Buggy, and although Roadtec admits that the latest version looks the same as the predecessor, it has been completely re-designed inside. New chromium carbide wear parts using much heavier-duty materials and components will extend working life by 30% while the auger system has been upgraded to improve re-blending.

The SB-2500e Shuttle Buggy has a new conveyor system and a new operator platform that maximises visibility, as well as an optional hopper insert to boost capacity. A key upgrade is the new Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission compliant 178 Caterpillar diesel rated at 224kW that now runs at lower rpm (1,800rpm instead of 2,100) to help reduce working noise output, while cooling fan noise has also been reduced.
1222 Terex has been offering its CR662RM RoadMix machine for some time and has now updated this model, which can be used both as an MTV and paver. The machine can be switched quickly from paver to MTV by removing the screed and fitting the conveyor system instead. The engine cover has been re-designed to allow for the equipment needed to meet the Tier 4 emissions requirements. In MTV form, the CR662RM features a swiveling conveyor that swings 55º to the left or right as well as a variable-pitch in-hopper auger design said to provide high material throughput. The pitch spacing of the delivery auger transitions from 254mm at the front to 279mm and then to 305mm in the rear, channels material efficiently.

Meanwhile 1194 Vögele has said that its improved MT 3000-2i features an offset capability due to its pivoting conveyor, increasing utilisation. This allows the MTV to be used on sites with space restrictions where the paver has to be fed with mix from the side, as well as for backfilling crash barriers on highways or trenches. The firm has said that this machine can deliver up to 1,200tonnes/hour, which allows a 25tonne capacity lorry to be emptied in 60 seconds flat. Despite its throughput capability however the MT 3000-2i is said to be economical to run as well as featuring comparatively compact transport dimensions.

The Weiler E2850 MTV is a wheel-mounted machine powered by a Cat C9 diesel rated at 224kW and weighs in at just under 34tonnes. It has four-wheel steering for manoeuvrability as well as a three-speed hydrostatic drive system with variable speeds, allowing it to keep pace with the paving train. Its capacity is 22.5tonnes, while the user can fit a hopper insert that boosts capacity, while an insert extension can be installed to add a further 5tonnes. A novel fume extraction system is fitted that can be folded away if the machine passes underneath an overhead obstruction. Interestingly, the Weiler 2850 is now being sold and serviced through the Caterpillar dealer network for some markets such as the US.