New Road Products
Better Roads Staff
Chicago Pneumatic
Forward soil and asphalt plates
Six models of Chicago Pneumatic forward soil and asphalt plates are available, ranging from operating weights of 113 to 275 pounds and plate widths of 13 to 20 inches. Centrifugal force ranges from 1,888 to 4,800 pounds. The MV90 and MV100 are equipped with a large water tank and a stainless-steel sprinkler system designed for compacting asphalt quickly and without interruption. The machines are designed to be easy to turn and maneuver. Classified as light machines, the MV90 weighs 189 pounds and the MV100 weighs 205 pounds. Intended for more demanding jobs, the range of seven models of Chicago Pneumatic forward and reversible plates offer operating weights ranging from 344 to 1,111 pounds and centrifugal force of 7,875 to 13,488 pounds. The heaviest model, the MV480, features an electric start. Pneumatic’s four models of tampers are designed to be well-balanced for ease of use. Operating weights range from 137 to 185 pounds and provide centrifugal force from 2,985 to 4,800 pounds.
DuPont
Three herbicide options for land managers
DuPont Perspective, Streamline and Viewpoint herbicides are based on aminocyclopyrachlor, a new proprietary active ingredient from the manufacturer. The herbicides provide long-lasting activity on a wide spectrum of difficult brush and broadleaf weeds in utility rights-of-way, roadsides, railroads, nature preserves, parks and other areas. Low-use rates and dry-blended formulations mean these new herbicides require less handling, tank-mixing, storage space and waste disposal. DuPont Perspective herbicide selectively controls broadleaf and invasive weeds, including thistles, leafy spurge and knapweeds, along roadsides and other sites, while preserving desirable grasses and natural habitats. It also helps control ALS- and glyphosate-tolerant species, including kochia, marestail and pigweeds. DuPont Streamline herbicide controls brush in industrial rights-of-way where desirable native and perennial grasses need to be maintained. It controls tough species, including boxelder, hackberry and mesquite. DuPont Viewpoint herbicide provides broad-spectrum brush control of tough species, including boxelder, hackberry, mesquite, oaks and sweetgum in utility and industrial rights-of-way.
Increases power, decreases fuel consumption
Komatsu America’s PC290LC-10 hydraulic excavator is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D107E-2 engine and is EPA Tier 4 Interim and EU Stage 3B emissions certified. It has a flywheel horsepower of 196, and is built on a Tier 3 engine platform. “The environmentally-friendly” engine is said to increase power while decreasing fuel consumption. Weighing in at 68,000 pounds, the PC290LC-10 is equipped with the latest Komtrax technology. The technology sends machine operating information to a secure website using wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, location, cautions and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis. The Komtrax fleet monitoring system monitors machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft and allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor.
Natural gas option for VNM daycab
Volvo Trucks’ natural-gas-powered VNM daycab option is ideal for port drayage, pickup and delivery applications or any private fleet concerned about CO2 emissions.
A 9-liter, 320-horsepower, 1,000-lb.-ft. torque Cummins Westport ISL G engine powers the daycab using compressed or liquefied natural gas. The heavy-duty engine features maintenance-free aftertreatment, requiring only a three-way catalyst to meet EPA 2010 emissions standards.
Western Star
Predictable roll stiffness
Western Star Truck Sales has two new suspension options available for its various truck models and configurations. The first – a Neway 60,000-pound-capacity AD 260 Tandem air suspension system – is available for all Western Star truck models using Dana D60-190 axles, and contributes to the vehicles’ road-holding and handling and positive axle alignment. The Neway system also provides predictable roll stiffness for high center of gravity loads – particularly important for front- and rear-discharge mixers. The second suspension – the 40,000-pound TufTrac All Wheel Drive (AWD) high-performance vocational suspension – is also available as an option for the Western Star 4800 with 40,000-pound axles. Specifically designed for on- and off-road high-articulation operations, the 40,000-pound TufTrac mounting is a lighter, more-affordable alternative than the 46,000-pound option.











