New compact pavers and screeds from Cat
Caterpillar adding compact paver and screed combinations to Paving Products family
CATERPILLAR Inc are adding a new compact line of asphalt pavers and screeds to their Paving Products family. Meeting the needs of both large and small contractors, these standard 2.44m size-class paver and screed combinations weigh in at 14–16 tonnes and include the Cat AP400, AP455 Mobil-trac, AP455 Steel Track, AP500, AP555 Mobil-trac, and AP555 Steel Track asphalt pavers, as well as the SE47 VT and SE50 VT tamper bar screeds.
The compact size and small footprint combine with high levels of manoeuvrability for paving in confined areas such as narrow streets, small parking lots, and other urban-type applications. The SE47 VT standard paving range is 2.4–4.7m with a maximum width of 6m, whilst the SE50 VT standard paving range is 2.55–5.0m with a maximum width of 7.64m. In addition, paving depths up to 300mm support aggregate paving applications.
With a length of less than 5.6m and width of 2.55m, these 14–16-tonne size-class machines can be transported without special permits. Moreover, the front-loading angle of 17 degrees and high bumper clearance simplifies loading without the need for additional blocking materials.
Speed, traction, flotation, and durability are all key features of the Cat Mobil-trac undercarriage design utilized on the AP455 and AP555, with the four-year, pro-rated warranty helping ensure contractors get the life they expect out of their rubber track belts. The AP455 and AP555 Steel Track models provide many of the same features utilized on the Mobil-trac versions but with slightly less travel speeds. This stable design utilizes an auto-tensioning system for superior tractive performance while also keeping wear at a minimum.
For contractors that prefer a simple wheeled undercarriage design, drive tyres include both sand-rib and radial options. The AP400 can be equipped with a front-wheel assist option, while the AP500 can be equipped with front-wheel assist or the all-wheel drive option for increased performance on soft base materials or when pushing heavy loads.
For smooth material flow, these new models combine a low truck entry height with smaller, 355mm diameter augers that efficiently move material through the auger chamber at both narrow and wide paving widths. Another key feature is the ability to control each material feed sensor by simply switching to manual and utilizing the proportional control dial for the feed system.
Whether paving straight-line rural or winding urban applications, Cat pavers and screeds utilize similar functions across the entire product line that allows personnel to easily move between crews or train new members when necessary. These new machines have simplified menu structures that provide single-touch activation for screed heat, washdown, and ventilation systems, all from the main menu. As with all Cat pavers, these new models also provide single-touch activation of the feeder system and hopper fold functions.
Cat pavers are equipped with an exclusive eco-mode feature that combines with automatic speed control to reduce fuel consumption. In most conditions, the engine can operate at a lower rev/min and still deliver the required power to meet performance requirements. If needed, the engine will automatically adjust to a higher engine speed if certain load conditions are met.
The AP400 and AP455 pavers are equipped with a Cat C3.6 engine, whilst the AP500 and AP555 utilize the Cat C4.4 engine. The engines are available in configurations that meet US EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and UN ECE R96 Stage IIIA emission standards. Unique to these pavers is the enhanced visibility to the hopper. The exhaust stack utilized on other Cat pavers has been integrated into the new hood design and does not extend upward on this compact line of pavers, providing operators with unrestricted forward visibility to the hopper and sides of the machine.
