Skip to main content

MOBA develops new automated levelling tool

A new automated levelling tool from MOBA is available that can help improve paving quality. The system is designed to deliver a smooth and even asphalt surface, by ensuring that the height and slope of the screed on the paver is accurately maintained. This is particularly important when the machine is moving in the vertical plane due to uneven ground or sub base conditions. Achieving smoothness is important to the paving contractor. In many countries, highways authorities will pay more for smoother roads
October 9, 2015 Read time: 3 mins
MOBA claims its new system offers improved paving surface quality
A new automated levelling tool from MOBA is available that can help improve paving quality

The system is designed to deliver a smooth and even asphalt surface, by ensuring that the height and slope of the screed on the paver is accurately maintained. This is particularly important when the machine is moving in the vertical plane due to uneven ground or sub-base conditions.

Achieving smoothness is important to the paving contractor. In many countries, highways authorities will pay more for smoother roads and also penalise contractors that do not meet smoothness specifications.

Durability is a key factor in the need for smoother roads as these will last longer, improve fuel consumption (by 3-5%) and be quieter and safer to drive on. Levelling systems can help meet tight specifications and eliminate issues of poor smoothness in paved surfaces, improving efficiency for the contractor and quickly paying for the cost of the technology.

Levelling systems can be preset to pave a specific grade and slope and as the paver progresses the technology ensures the correct gradient is maintained, without any action from the operator. Levelling systems also remove the need for an operator to manually adjust the screed, providing significant savings in the cost of materials.

According to 1228 MOBA, its technology can be fitted to any paver (as well as milling machines, compactors or graders). The technology has a number of key features and its grade control is crucial, managing the height of the paver against a reference level. The system can compensate for irregularities at the sub-base level as well as height movements of the paver during driving. Meanwhile effective slope control ensures that the transverse inclination of the paver is maintained on a defined level.

The real-time control loop continually measures and corrects the screed and the grade and slope controller uses sophisticated algorithms to maintain smoothness as well as the grade and cross slope. In use, the controllers continuously make small corrections to any transitions, while also maintaining elevation and cross slope set-points.

The improved MOBA-MATIC II levelling control system now has a larger screen and backlit keypad. And with a single control panel, both sides of the screed can now be controlled from one screen. Another major upgrade has been made to MOBA’s Sonic Ski sensor, which now has five sensors that more accurately determine the distance to the reference point.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Caterpillar introducing smarter grading system
    March 18, 2016
    Caterpillar is introducing sophisticated technologies for use in its M Series, M Series 2 and M Series 3 Motor Graders. The Cat GRADE package features cross slope, stable grade, auto articulation and advanced control joysticks and can be integrated into the firm’s graders. These technologies can be implemented to improve operator performance and productivity, while reducing operating costs. The Cat GRADE with cross slope package is an optional, factory-integrated system that requires no base station, desi
  • Advances in asphalt paving equipment coming to market
    June 27, 2018
    Some of the key manufacturers are improving asphalt paving technology with key developments to machines as well as the electronics and telematics systems fitted – Mike Woof writes. Several of the major asphalt paver manufacturers have unveiled new machines and systems that can optimise operations. Improved operating features for the BOMAG BF 800 C-2 paver are said to help increase its output and efficiency when working on-site. An important development is the new traffic light system, which helps improve co
  • New milling and stabilisation technology is coming to market
    May 29, 2013
    An array of new developments in the market for road recycling and stabilisation machines as well as milling equipment is now on offer - Mike Woof reports. Major new developments are being seen in the sector for road recycling and stabilisation equipment, as well as milling machines. New models are coming to market that benefit from the latest low emission engine technology to meet the increasingly tough European and North American requirements.
  • Innovations in concrete paving offering improved surfaces
    July 17, 2017
    Major innovations in concrete paving systems will offer customers improved surface finishes - Mike Woof writes US manufacturers continue to dominate the concrete paving sector, with German firm Wirtgen being the only exception. A number of Chinese manufacturers have attempted to enter the concrete paving market with compact machines but have so far had little success in tempting customers away from proven brands. The expertise in for the niche segment of concrete paving remains the preserve of a handful