The latest units are said to be more versatile, more productive and easier to operate. Of note is the fact that three of the major concrete slipformer makers, GOMACO, Power Curbers and Wirtgen, have upgraded their offerings for machines at the compact end of this market segment, although in very different ways.As with other types of construction machines, electric power is now being seen as a potential power source for concrete slipformers. With the machines being used in urban areas, electric power offers a key benefit for operation. GOMACO is now offering the compact CC-1200e slipformer featuring electric power. According to the firm, the battery will power the machine for eight hours when laying kerb in a straight line although this may drop to around six hours when working around curves due to the extra power needed for steering. Recharging the 48V DC lithium-ion battery pack takes around 8-10 hours when using a conventional 220V supply, although the firm offers a two-hour fast chaarger as an option.
As with other slipformers from the firm, customers have a choice of 3D machine control packages from Leica Geosystems, Topcon or Trimble for steering the unit. The machine is operated using a radio remote control unit that features GOMACO’s proven G+ control system. Features include rotary-sensored slew drive steering on the front assembly for tight turning, smooth paving and ease of control.
The machine can pour a 610mm radius, has a paving speed of up to 12.2m/min and an auxiliary speed of 28.3m/min for site mobility. Different mold configurations are offered allowing a 305mm wide by 356mm high section. The mold can be mounted on either side of the machine while the hopper and mold are adjustable up to 381mm.Leg elevation is controlled by three hydraulic cylinders, each with a stroke of 254mm as well as an additional 127mm of manual adjustment.
Meanwhile from Power Curbers, the latest generation 5700-D now benefits from the upgraded SlipSmart Control Solution. According to the firm, this offers a new level of responsiveness, simplicity, and precision.
Compact in size and highly manoeuvrable, the 5700-D can operate in tight spaces and the firm says that the machine offers versatility for contractors. The latest generation machine can handle a range of kerb and gutter work, highway safety barriers, pedestrian paths, cycle lanes and other special applications. The 5700-D is stringless capable and compatible with Leica, Topcon, and Trimble 3-D systems.
Versatility is a key feature of Wirtgen’s SP 20(i) Offset Paver, which can be used to slipform concrete safety barriers up to 2m high. At the same time, the machine is said to be compact and easy to transport. Because of its compact size and comparatively low weight, the machine can be moved from one site to another quickly, allowing contractors to optimise utilisation.
As with other Wirtgen slipformers, the SP 20i can be used with an array of machine control systems. One of these is the firm’s own improved package, which has been developed in-house. The AutoPilot 2.0 control system offers stringless paving capabilities and can control the height adjustment and steering of a slipformer. This package can be used on the entire Wirtgen range of offset pavers and placer/spreaders. The system uses a GNSS signal and can be configured with ultrasonic sensors on the machine as well as other technologies to serve as a reference. Using this control permits fast and precise paving of tight radii and complex geometries. The system can be operated from a tablet, allowing users to generate and edit terrain models. In addition, Wirtgen also recently updated its large SP 124(i) slipformer. This four-track machine can pave widths up to 12m and now benefits from the firm’s latest generation dowel bar inserter. Dowel bars are extracted from the magazine by a chain feed system and then carried to the insertion location. The machine has smart cylinders featuring displacement sensors that position the dowel bar inserter accurately. Featuring a high degree of automation, the system reduces the need for manual working, boosting efficiency.
