Includes special coverage from the World of Asphalt/Agg1 (WOA), Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) and the NTEA Work Truck Show (NTEA) trade shows, plus a sneak peak at products at the American Public Works Association Snow Conference (APWA).

Compiled by Tina Grady Barbaccia

Talbert Manufacturing

Best-in-class lift capacity

Talbert Manufacturing’s new 50CC/RP Hybrid Trailer combines the attributes of a close couple lowbed design with a roller paver model, offering a longer loading incline and best-in-class lift capacity, according to the manufacturer. With a deck length of 26 feet, there is space for full construction fleet loads. A specially designed slope from the bottom up creates a more moderate incline over a greater distance, about one-third of the deck length. Finish height at the front of the main beams is 8 3/4 inches. The trailer features a bolt-on ramp for a more gradual load angle at the rear; 15 degrees rather than the standard 35-degree angle. The 50-ton capacity 50CC/RP offers a deck width of 8 feet, 6 inches and a low deck height of 20 inches.

BOMAG

Better reversible plate compaction

Designed to deliver higher operating efficiency for midsize and heavy reversible plate compactors, BOMAG’s Economizer feature provides real-time soil stiffness results. The new technology helps operators minimize the number of passes to complete compaction, according to BOMAG. Instead of relying on spot-checking with quality-control devices to achieve proper material densities, the Economizer uses an acceleration sensor to measure the stiffness of the target material across the entire compacted area. The data gathered by the sensor is instantly displayed via a simple series of 10 yellow LED lights, allowing the operator to react quickly and effectively to changing soil conditions.

ASPHALT DRUM MIXERS

Single-drum counterflow technology

Asphalt Drum Mixers’ (ADM) Excalibur Series asphalt plants with single-drum counterflow technology offer high efficiency and a compact design for contractors with low to medium production needs. The asphalt plants produce 100 to 425 tons per hour, claim the longest aggregate drying and mixing times in the industry and can process high percentages of RAP, according to ADM. There are separate drying and mixing zones to achieve the maximum level of heat transfer and fuel efficiency. ADM designed the system to reintroduce residual gases to the drum’s combustion zone. The plants are available in portable or stationary versions.

MATS

East Manufacturing

East Manufacturing’s all-aluminum Drop Deck Trailer with a low-slung 36-inch deck height means there is less need for partial dismantling of the load to get it below the 13-foot, 6-inch maximum legal height, giving haulers more flexibility in terms of the loads that can be hauled. An added advantage of the 36 inch drop deck height is its lower center of gravity. This provides the trailer with improved stability, which increases in value the more unusual the size and shape of the load.

WIRTGEN

Many screed profiles operated independently

Wirtgen America’s new screed for the Vögele Vision series of pavers, the front-mount Vögele VF 600 extending screed, is equipped with vibration across the full paving width up to 25 feet, 6 inches. Its basic width is 10 feet, extendable hydraulically up to 19 feet, 6 inches. With bolt-on extensions fitted, it builds up to the maximum width of 25 feet, 6 inches. Its ErgoPlus feature gives the screed operator fingertip control for asphalt placement, says the company. The VF 600 screed is capable of many profiles with crown, sloping extensions and berm, each independently operated. Berm widths are available in 12 inches, 18 inches and 24 inches.

ATLAS COPCO

Delivering prime power

Atlas Copco’s QAS 45 portable generator features a Kubota Tier 4 Interim diesel engine and a Leroy Somer, LSA model, series alternator, enabling it to deliver 35 kW of prime power. The generator includes a standard multi-voltage selector switch and QC1002 digital control system. All key operating functions can be managed without opening the canopy. A 70-gallon fuel tank allows a 24-hour run time.

WEST PORT LIGHT DUTY

Bi-Fuel Super Duty pickups

West Port Light Duty will begin producing bi-fuel Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks this month. John Howell, senior marketing director, says the trucks never leave Ford’s inventory control system and are not subject to re-entry fees or other charges typically associated with upfitting commercial vehicles. The models range is 200 to 350 miles when operating on CNG, depending on tank size. Overall vehicle range extends to more than 600 miles when the 32-gallon gasoline tank is factored into the equation. When the CNG tank runs out, the engine immediately and seamlessly switches to gasoline. Once the CNG is refilled, the truck reverts to natural gas the next time the truck is started.