35
june 2014
international
construction
ROADBUILDING
Economy drive
Many of the latest developments in road
buildingmachines are tied to new engine
emissions standards in the developed
world. However, new features are being
introduced tomachines across the globe.
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A
s withmany other parts of the construction equipment
world, there is a huge focus at the moment on new
machines with the latest generation of low emission
diesel engines. This year sees new laws take effect in Europe
(Stage IV), Japan (Tier 4) and North America (Tier 4 Final)
to reduce emissions from diesel engines used in off-highway
machines.
The engine is such a central part of equipment that whole
ranges are being re-launched at the moment, with other
improvementsbeing incorporatedalongwith the engine change.
However, price and fuel quality issues mean thesemachines are
only suitable for the developedmarkets they were designed for,
somanufacturers that want to sell around across the global have
two separate ranges in their portfolio, one for rich countries and
one for emerging economies.
In many cases, manufacturers are designing two completely
different lines of construction equipment, but at the same time,
there are some design improvements that are universal.
For example, Volvo’s Russian dealer Ferronordic Machines
launched the full range of Volvo’s C-Series tracked andwheeled
pavers – previously launched in Europe – for its domestic
market in the first quarter of this year.
Volvo’ director of road machinery for Europe, Middle East
and Africa (EMEA), Darren Fitch, said, “When it comes to
paving quality, an even mat and a smooth finish, the C-Series
is a true innovator.The electric screeds are fittedwith a three or
five circuit heating system, which allows for full temperature
control of individual screed sections and fast heat-up times at
low engine revs.
“This creative system empowers the operator when it comes
to adjusting temperature across the screed – critical in terms of
paving consistency.”
He continued, “Launching the C-Series of class-leading
Economy drive
Caterpillar’s paver undercarriageMobil-Trac
System (MTS) was a feature of themachines
used on the resurfacing of runways at King
Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) near
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and helped contribute
to a smooth finish.
The C-Series pavers from Volvo are being launched in Russia
