Versatile paving

Caterpillar Phoenix-Zeppelin has delivered an AP555E paver to contractor USK Mnichovo Hradišt in the Czech Republic.

The machine weighs in at 16tonnes and paves at up to 25m/min and is now working at a construction site near Brandýs nad Labem in the Central Bohemian Region.

This versatile machine is able to pave using all standard types of asphalt mixes both in and outside urban areas. The 2294 CAT AP555E is also suited for the construction of major trunk roads or highways, while the fitting of a 2122 Trimble levelling system increases the precision of asphalt paving work. USK Mnichovo Hradišt opted for the AP555E because the firm had confidence in its reliability and performance, as well as in the dealer support.

A key feature of the machine is its rubber track undercarriage, which boosts travel speed when moving from one site to another. Conventional tracked pavers are limited to travel speeds of around 4km/h but the rubber track system for the AP555E allows it to move at up to 11km/h, reducing transport costs. This is a key feature as the AP555E can be moved from one site to another as quickly as a wheeled paver but while featuring the stability of a tracked machine.

The machine features an electrically heated AS4252C screed equipped with vibration and compaction, while it is also equipped with four independent sensors on the asphalt mix delivery augers and conveyors. The machine's seats can be turned for better visibility outside the outline of the machine and there is a control panel on each side.

However a key point of USK Mnichovo Hradišt 's unit is the Trimble PCS400 levelling system, which was supplied by SITECH CZ.

The PCS400 levelling system can automatically control the height and lateral tilt of the paver's screed. This modular system allows the user to connect an ultrasound, mechanical or laser sensor and a lateral tilt sensor. For jobs where it is necessary to remove longitudinal unevenness, it is possible to use an ultrasound averaging skid. Where the paver needs to operate according to a digital terrain model, the levelling system can be immediately upgraded to the PCS900, which uses a universal total station to accurately control screed height and lateral tilt.