Products & Equipment Roads & Bridges
Volvo introduces performance grade pavers

February
26, 2013 – With independent travel drives, electronic traction control and
powerful Volvo engines, the new P7820C ABG and P8820C ABG take steep hills and
tight turns in stride.

February
26, 2013 – With independent travel drives, electronic traction control and
powerful Volvo engines, the new P7820C ABG and P8820C ABG take steep hills and
tight turns in stride.

The new
P8820C ABG tracked paver from Volvo Construction Equipment can pave widths up
to 42.7 ft. (13 m), while the P7820C ABG paves up to 36 ft. (11 m). Both
machines combine power and precision — delivering a smooth mat, even in
demanding conditions, such as steep hills.

Designed
as global paving products, the only differing feature is the engine, made to
comply with local market requirements. In North America, the newest Volvo
engine — a D8 Tier 4 interim emissions-compliant, six-cylinder, 7-liter engine,
powers the pavers. The P7820C is equipped with a 235 hp (175 kW) engine while
the P8820C possesses 268 hp (200 kW); both engines offer high power and low
noise and fuel consumption.

Designed for impressive fuel
economy

These
Volvo pavers were designed to maximize fuel economy, conserving fuel without
affecting operation through an operator-selected smart power mode. If engaged,
the smart power mode immediately lowers power to 1,600 RPM, reducing fuel
consumption by up to 30 percent.

Noise
level is also noticeably lower due to quieter engines, sound lowering
components and a robust frame. In some cases, such as when using the smart
power feature, a 50 percent reduction in noise levels can be realized,
decreasing public annoyance when working in urban areas, and greatly reducing
operator fatigue.

Throughput, power, visibility and
control

The
P8820C can pave up to 42.7 ft. (13 m) and place 1,212 tons (1,100 tonnes) per
hour, while the P7820C can pave up to 36 ft. (11 m) and place up to 992 tons
(900 tonnes) per hour. These high levels of throughput make the P8820C and
P7820C suitable for a wide range of applications, from municipal roads and
highways to waste storage areas. They also prove versatile in their ability to
pave a range of materials, including all kinds of wearing, binder and base
courses, roller-compacted concrete, and frost protection layers including
Cement-Treated Base.

A large,
ergonomically designed cab provides operators with comfort as well as
all-around visibility. A direct view into the hopper, auger channel and work
area provides optimum conditions for high-quality paving. The seat position can
be adjusted, as can the control panel. The central control panel can swivel,
tilt and extend, and also features the latest Electronic Paver Management II (EPM
II) system.

Controlling
all paving processes, EPM II intuitively guides the operator through working
functions. Operators can select menus for engine data, which are displayed
clearly on a large color screen in multiple languages. EPM II also monitors fuel
consumption and contains a Service Interval Manager and Settings Manager. The
Service Interval Manager alerts the operator when required maintenance is due.
The Settings Manager allows operators to save settings in the system, which can
be recalled in the future when similar conditions are present. This reduces
set-up times, improves productivity and ensures a consistent mat quality. For
security, the EPM II console, screed control panel and auxiliary control panel
can be removed and stored in a lockable compartment when not in use.

Perfect paving – performance and
quality

Volvo
models offer fixed and variable extending screeds, providing industry-leading
performance in terms of quality, uniformity, texture, density and smoothness.
Not only does this significantly reduce the need for subsequent roller
compaction, the screeds also contribute to a smoother and more even mat. The
screeds can be used on bituminous, concrete base, aggregate and railway ballast
material. Extensions can be added or removed in minutes — no special tools
required — using the Volvo quick coupling system. Variomatic (variable
extending) screeds have a dual-electric heating bar arrangement to provide
consistent and reliable heating. Volvo fixed width screeds feature an efficient
gas heating system and can be fitted with fixed and variable extensions. A
patented screed load device prevents paving bumps by exerting pressure on the
screed for a short period after paving starts.

Paving
efficiency is assisted by the large hopper design, which works in combination
with the conveyor and large folding wings to avoid segregation, ensuring a
consistent mix of materials and uninterrupted material flow (avoiding stops and
starts). The P7820C hopper capacity is 29,760 lbs. (13,500 kg) of material,
while the P8820C capacity is 30,860 lbs. (14,000 kg). An optional front hopper
apron empties material at the front of the hopper into the conveyor system —
all but eliminating over-spill. Independent, reversible hydrostatic drives, for
both bar conveyors and augers, ensure paving material is evenly distributed to
both sides of the screed. The optimum head of material is maintained in the
auger channel by adjusting the height, speed and direction of the augers. This
larger volume of throughput supports optimum mat quality regardless of width,
thickness or paving speed, as well as continuous paving, such as under bridges.

Getting the power down

Wide
contact area crawler tracks combined with good weight distribution create an
effective transfer of engine power to the road. The rubber pad-clad crawler
units are maintenance free and feature individual, electronically-controlled
drives for each track. A system monitors track movement and controls motor
response to ensure both straight line and fixed radius work is accurate. Combined
with good weight distribution, these features ensure an efficient paving
process. Smooth and precise control of the electro-hydraulic steering is gained
via an easy-to-use dial on the control panel.