New SP 60 series from Wirtgen: Three multi-talents for concrete paving

Thanks to its versatility in inset and offset applications, the SP 60 series is the new multi-talent for concrete paving. With its SP 61/SP 61i, SP 62/SP 62i and SP 64/SP 64i models, Wirtgen has developed a new generation of slipform pavers that combines the diverse applications of the globally successful SP 500, with the state-of-the-art technologies of the next larger SP 90 series.

Engine technology: More power

As part of its modification measures to comply with new emissions laws, Wirtgen has equipped the SP 60 series with greater engine output. The machines that meet EU Stage 4 and US Tier 4 Final emissions specifications have a 180-KW Deutz engine, or about 40% more power than the SP 500 (+20% at EU Stage 3a/US Tier 3). Despite the higher output, fuel consumption is sustainably reduced by the Eco Mode, which automatically adapts engine output to power requirements.

Hydraulic technology: New concept

More features than ever operate hydraulically in the SP 60 series. Thanks to a new hydraulic concept, energy is now used significantly more efficiently, meaning it is available for new equipment options, e.g. trimmers and a large delivery screw for offset applications, or the four swivel arms used to switch the machine from transport to working mode faster. The system starts as a basic version, and grows along with the number of modular equipment options selected. For customers, choosing options to meet their needs is highly cost-efficient.

Machine control technology: Intelligent systems

The machine control system in Wirtgen's slipform pavers is likewise state-of-the-art. Interfaces for the Wirtgen Group's WIDIAG service diagnosis and WITOS FleetView systems support users, as does the optional Paving Plus package. Combined with this package, the swivel arms can actively circumnavigate obstacles during the concrete paving process.

The option of hydraulic rotational drives, available for all SP 60 series models, provides even better maneuverability. With hydraulic rotational drives, the 90° or 120° steering angle of the crawler tracks becomes a major advantage, for example when setting up the machine at a job site.

Another new development is the option of choosing between two undercarriage sizes. Why is such an option necessary? For professional concrete paving at job sites with unpaved ground, the lanes for the pavers must be stabilized ahead of time. However, the larger crawler tracks exert less contact pressure per unit area, reducing the pressure on the ground, thus giving the slipform paver the stability it needs. This in turn has a positive impact on the quality of the paving results.

Apart from integrating the latest technologies in the development of the new SP 60 series, Wirtgen also focused on user-friendly operation of the machines and synergies with the SP 90 series.

Uniform operating and control concept

Various features make the machines both simple and flexible to operate: a walkway that now extends across the full width of the machine for the first time; a standardized operating and control concept like that in the SP 90 series, comprising a central control system and four additional local control systems as standard. Intelligent interfaces support the plug-and-play connection of additional options. For example, remote controls can be connected to each of the crawler tracks to simplify and speed up setup of the slipform paver, such as the positioning and zeroing of the crawler tracks and swivel arms.

Inset and offset mold systems

Like the modular system for the SP 94/SP 94i and SP 92/SP 92i, customers can now choose between different slipform systems for inset paving. The slipform modules are fully compatible with the SP 90 series. The SP 64/SP 64i (four crawlers on swivel arms) and SP 62/SP 62i (track steering) can thus pave concrete in widths of up to 6.0 m and thicknesses of up to 450 mm or more on customer request. Even widths of up to 7.5 m are possible if the machine is equipped with electric vibrators (without DBI).

Also available are various offset molds and a variety of typical offset options, such as trimmers, different conveyor belts or augers. The three- or four-crawler version of the SP 61/SP 61i can slipform medium to large concrete profiles to the left or right of the machine. Contours of almost any shape – roadway edging, concrete safety barriers, water gullies and paths up to 3.6 m wide – can be produced cost-efficiently and in high quality Thanks to their increased stroke, the lifting columns can now be raised 1,100 mm, and have 17% more power than in the SP 500. This gives the user much greater flexibility particularly in tight job site situations, for instance when lifting a slipform for a concrete safety barrier. Thanks to its higher power reserves, it can now handle heavier offset slipforms to expand its range of applications.

With the new SP 60 series, Wirtgen has not only expanded the variety of applications in its class of machines for widths of up to 6.0 m (inset paving) and increased the range of offset applications: By introducing the SP 61/SP 61i, SP 62/SP 62i and SP 64/SP 64i, it has also extended its line of slipform pavers to 12 models.

The SP 60 series therefore rounds out the high end of the offset line, comprising the SP 15i and SP 25i. In terms of inset pavers, it bridges the gap between the small and the mid-range models in the SP 90 series, with paving widths up to a maximum of 9.5 m. The large slipform pavers with a maximum paving width of 16 m complete this product family.