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CONSTRUCTION EUROPE
DECEMBER 2013-JANUARY 2014
ROADBUILDING
generation of point-attack cutting tools and
an HT22 quick-change toolholder system.
The manufacturer is aiming to maximise
the performance of milling machines through
ensuring perfect interaction between the
milling drum, toolholder and point-attach
cutting tools.
The generation X point-attack cutting
tools were developed in collaboration with
Wirtgen’s long-standing systems partner
Betek. The result is said to be a robust cutting
tool with greatly enhanced wear resistance
and enormous cutting power for high milling
output.
The geometry of the carbide tips, for
example, is said to extend the service life by
up to 20% in relation to conventional cutting
tools, with constant high milling output.
At the same time, Wirtgen said development
of the new HT22 quick-change toolholder
system has made it possible to double or more
the maximum useful life of the toolholder
upper part, and significantly increase the
service life of the milling drum.
The manufacturer’s cold milling machines
and their milling drums began to be equipped
with the new HT22 quick-change toolholder
system in August this year, and it can also be
retrofitted in existing machines.
ROAD REPAIR
Meanwhile, UK-based Sangwin Plant Hire
recently bought a new generation Bobcat
S550H high flow skid-steer loader together
with new 460mm planer and 1.52m sweeper
attachments from dealer AMS Bobcat.
The new machine will replace an existing
road repair machine at the company’s
surfacing business.
The S550H will be used for repairing
potholes, surface cracks and ice damage,
as well as for milling surfaces and for work
around manholes. Both the planer and the
sweeper can be attached to the skid-steer
using the quick-change Bob-Tach attachment
mounting system.
With its ability to turn around in its own
length and fast cycle times, the Bobcat S550H
Vögele’s continuous quality focus
German paver manufacturer Vögele said that one word summed up its philosophy – “quality”
– and it added that it was applying that throughout its business.
A part of the Wirtgen group, Vögele said this quality philosophy ran from design to
manufacture, and even through to the aftersales service.
Work on a new factory at Ludwigshafen began in 2010, and it claims to be the most modern
paver factory in the world. The layout was designed with efficiency in mind. Vögele said
production lines allowed continuous work, with materials stored where they were needed,
and individual components pre-assembled where they were to be installed in the machine.
It claimed to use the maximum in precision in the manufacture of its machines, saying,
“Average pavers cannot produce perfect pavements.” Its honing machines are said to
eliminate microscopic irregularities of more than 20 times finer than a human hair. It added
that this precision also led to the production of sturdy and extending screeds with zero
flexing.
Before the machines leave the Vögele factory, exhaustive tests check that the paver can be
driven, steered and braked as intended, while the lights, indicators and displays are tested,
along with speeds, pressures, filling levels and heat outputs. In all, paver and screed undergo
200 tests and inspections.
Once the machine has been delivered, the aftersales staff were said to be able to reach
“every site, anywhere in the world, in next
to no time”. This service is based on a global
network of 55 sales and service companies,
and more than 100 Wirtgen group dealers.
Vögele board member Dr Christian Pawlik
said, “Our corporate culture is certainly
shaped by the classic virtues of German
engineering. For us and other members of
the Wirtgen group, that means combining
a high level of innovation with high quality
standards and cutting edge technology.
“Being close to our customers is another
important point for us. We remain in close
and constant contact with them in order to
learn what is happening on job sites, and
how everyday requirements are changing
in practice.”
Falsework and formwork manufacturer Alsina
has been busy supporting construction of the
550km S8 expressway in Poland since it was
awarded the contract last year
The newVögele factory site in
Ludwigshafen Rheingönheim, Germany,
covers around 370,000m
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