New pavers and technologies for automated road construction

Vögele is presenting numerous innovations in Munich: the first wheeled paver and feeder of the Dash 5 generation, electric pavers, the AutoTrac automatic steering and width control system, the Smart Pave digital control system, and the WPT Paving digital documentation tool. The road paver specialist has also developed the VR 500 screed for the US and Australian markets.

Addition to the Dash 5 family

Following the first tracked pavers of the dash 5 generation, Vögele will be exhibiting the first wheeled paver at this year’s Bauma. The SUPER 1803-5 X-Tier can be combined with the latest generation of AB 500 and AB 600 extending screeds and offers pave widths of up to 8.25 m. The Universal Class model combines the advantages of a wheeled paver – high maneuverability and great mobility during transport – with the benefits of the Dash 5 generation: Greater ease of use, clever automatic functions, shorter set-up times, and lower noise and exhaust emissions. Further additions to the machine generation include the MT 3000-5 feeder, which is also celebrating its premiere.

Zero emissions: ePower pavers

Vögele is also presenting its electric paver segment: The MINI 500 and MINI 502 Mini-Class models will be available as all-electric MINI 500e and 502e pavers from Bauma. Unlike the diesel-powered models, the ePower pavers are equipped with an electrically heated screed and are completely emission-free. Both electric pavers are available with two different battery versions: Optionally with a storage capacity of 15 kWh or 22 kWh for longer operating times. Both battery variants deliver an output of 48 V, a charging time of 5-7 h, and depending on the type of installation, an operating time of up to 11 h.

Smart automation: New automation solutions

Vögele automates numerous control functions to relieve users, increase work safety, and boost efficiency. Among other things, the company will be showcasing the AutoTrac automatic steering and width control system. Here, Vögele includes the Edge Control stringline follower, the fixed screed width, the new Edge Detection edge follower, and the tried-and-tested Steering Control automatic steering system. Using various sensors and physical references, users can automatically control width and direction in this way. With the world premiere of Smart Pave, Vögele is introducing the next level of automation: The integrated system controls the paving width, position, and direction of the paver fully automatically using virtual references. Smart Pave uses verified installation geometries that have been stored in the digital platform, the John Deere Operations Center. The StarFire-Dual Antenna System determines the exact position of the paver, ensuring highly accurate control. Smart Pave takes the strain off operators, increases safety on night-time construction sites or in flowing traffic, and is particularly suitable for the construction of rural and national roads and highways.

Jobsite intelligence: Digital construction site documentation

With WPT Paving, the Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker for road construction, precise paving and site documentation is also possible. The system uses basic paving data such as section length, layer type, layer thickness, and material density to calculate the amount of material already laid, and compares it with the planned target values. Material deliveries can be recorded quickly and easily, additional relevant data such as CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption can be displayed. As with Smart Pave, the central platform is the John Deere Operations Center: Installers and operators can call up the data there and efficiently network and coordinate work steps on the construction site in this way.

New screed for the US market

Vögele is also presenting customized solutions for markets with specific requirements: The new screed VR 500, with extending sections mounted behind the base screed and inclinable by up to 10%, is specially designed for applications in North America and Australia. It offers pave widths between 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in) and 6.40 m (20 ft 12 in) and is optimally matched to the SUPER 1700-3i and SUPER 1703-3i pavers. The VR 500 is particularly suitable for long-distance roads and can be heated quickly and evenly thanks to electric screed heating. All components that come into contact with the material are constantly heated, which ensures a homogeneous surface structure. In addition, smart generator management reduces energy requirements and fuel consumption during operation. Practical functions such as the hydraulic roof profile adjustment, also enables efficient and high-quality installation.