Features Education Event Reports
World of Asphalt/ AGG1

Equipment and technology manufacturers from across the global rock to
road industry converged at the Baltimore Convention Centre for this
year’s World of Asphalt/AGG1.

Equipment and technology manufacturers from across the global rock to road industry converged at the Baltimore Convention Centre for this year’s World of Asphalt/AGG1.

Building on a successful CONEXPO-CON/AGG in March of 2014, this year’s event broke records for registered attendance, exhibitor space and education registration. Over 7,600 contractors from across all 50 states and nine of 10 Canadian provinces engaged over 450 exhibitors on the 135,000 sq. ft. show floor.

For many companies, it represented an opportunity to build off of last year’s releases, swinging CONEXPO-CON/AGG releases into full production and North America-wide distribution. For others, it was a chance to unveil new innovations not yet seen within the aggregates and road construction industry.

Here is our take on some of the biggest product releases and announcements from the show, focusing on equipment that will be available in the Canadian market.

Volvo introduces Density Direct

Volvo Construction Equipment made the biggest splash in Baltimore with the release of its Intelligent Compaction with Density Direct system.

The Density Direct system includes a calibration screen, where the user sets the target density for the project. Once fully calibrated with data specific to the application, the Volvo Intelligent Compaction with Density Direct system produces a density calculation that is accurate to within 1.5 per cent of core sampling, providing a real-time reading of density values over 100 per cent of the mat.

KPI-JCI announces mobile cone crusher

The new FT400DF features a Kodiak Plus K400+ Cone Crusher, a track-mounted cone crushing plant designed to deliver efficient material sizing. The Kodiak Plus K400+ Cone Crusher includes a tramp iron relief (TIR) system that utilizes pressure relief valve technology that minimizes crusher overload impact shock loads transmitted to the crusher components, said Gary Heeszel, engineering manager for KPI-JCI and Astec Mobile Screens’ Oregon manufacturing facility.

In addition, the FT400DF features a Digsy control system designed to monitor engine load, hydraulic pressures, cone hopper level, end delivery conveyor load and cone bowl float to protect the plant from overload conditions.

Caterpillar releases new Tier 4 Final paver
The new AP655F is a rubber track paver that is equipped with the exclusive Mobil-Trac Undercarriage. The paver comes equipped with new screed platforms, available in vibratory only, or vibratory and tamper bars: the SE50 V, SE50 VT and SE60 V.

Engine performance is aided by the 173 hp (129 kW) Cat C4.4 ACERT engine, which meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards. Fuel-saving Eco-mode is standard on the AP655F paver. When used with automatic engine speed control, Eco-mode efficiently manages engine speed to optimize fuel economy, reduce sound levels and keep the paver running smoothly.

Terex MPS adds HSI crusher

The new HSI4143 horizontal shaft impactor from Terex Minerals Processing Systems features hydraulic apron adjustment, an optional blow bar jib crane, and an optional 3rd curtain grinding path. Able to handle feed sizes of up to 19 5/8”, the 180hp HSI4143 can produce upwards of 270 tph. The hinged side door provides easy access to the rotor, blowbars and apron tips for efficient maintenance with less down time.

Sandvik adds to Bretec breaker lineup

Sandvik Construction unveiled the two latest models from its mid-segment Bretec hydraulic breaker brand, the M17C and L20C. These breakers incorporate a number of new features and updates over the M17 and L20 models they replace.

Designed for carriers in the 15 to 23 tons and 20 to 29 tons operating weight class, the M17C and L20C models boast operating weights of 1,240 and 1,650 kg respectively.

New vibrating feeder released by Deister

Deister Machine Company, Inc. released its heavy-duty (EMF-Series) Two-Mass Electromechanical Vibrating Feeder, designed to allow greater control over high-capacity feed rates and productivity, while lowering costs per ton in a wide variety of rugged aggregate applications.

Units incorporate a high-profile infeed lip; and a heavy-duty formed deck with replaceable liners. A simplified drive is designed with an easy-access exciter frame, which houses the single vibrator motor. This results in higher bearing life, and also eliminates the need to replace belts. Additionally, units feature energy-efficient pre-compressed steel.

Astec unveils new screening plant

Astec Mobile Screens announced its new GT206 track-mounted screening plant, heavy-duty 20’ x 6’ inclined screen, during the 2015 AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo in Baltimore.

In addition to the larger screen, the GT206’s fines side conveyor features a strong discharge height for increased stockpile capacity. Wide, fixed catwalks allow for stability and additional safety. Easy, ground-level access to all belt tensioners and ground-level grease points provide for easy and safe maintenance. Interchangeable top deck options include mesh, bofor bars, punch plate and finger decks.

Metso welcomes new Nordberg HP5 cone crusher

Metso introduced a new cone crusher to the global market at AGG1 2015. Metso designed the new HP5 with safety, simplicity and eco-efficiency in mind. Automatic settings, specialized maintenance tools, reduced emissions and energy-efficient motors are just a few of the improvements built into this new cone crusher. In addition, a higher cavity density improves inter-particle crushing action for end products with more consistent gradation and superior shape.

The Nordberg HP5 is the fourth model in an all-new range of high-performance cone crushers.

Roadtec enhances Guardian telematics system

This functionality of Roadtec’s Guardian telematics system continues to evolve and be refined with the newest addition, production reporting, released for the RX-600, RX-700 and RX-900.

It also shows the operator the exact amount of material they are loading into the truck in front of them eliminating overloaded or underloaded trucks saving the customer money in fines or poor truck utilization.

On the milling machines it also provides the customer the ability to track cutter bit consumption. When they replace bits, they can simply enter in the number and track it.

W.S. Tyler previews new vibration analysis program

W.S. Tyler introduced the Pulse vibration analysis program in Baltimore. This innovation in vibration analysis gives mining and aggregate customers a means to optimum vibrating screen performance.

W.S. Tyler’s team of engineers designed Pulse specifically to monitor the health of vibrating screens to ensure optimum screening performance and equipment durability. Understanding that small imbalances can lead to substantial and expensive problems, Pulse detects irregularities that could translate into diminished performance, decreased efficiency and increased operating costs for the vibrating screen.

McCloskey brings J45 to Baltimore

McCloskey unveiled its newest mobile crusher, the J45, at AGG1 in Baltimore. The J45’s true 45” x 27” jaw, with both level and load sensors, ensures the most efficient material handling across applications. The J45 boasts a 14’-10.2” x 7’-3/4” hopper with close to 6.8m3 capacity. The 5’ x10’ Screenbox features McCloskey “High Energy” technology, with adjustable speed.

World of Asphalt/AGG1 2016 will be held in Nashville, Tenn. March 22-24.