The new Volvo ABG6870 wheeled paver was selected following a successful demonstration and evaluation of the machine which came in for close scrutiny by managing director Martin Bell and his team in Chelmsford, Essex.
“We were impressed with the machine’s manoeuvrability and the quality of the screed whilst it was on demonstration,” said Mr Bell. “Besides that, my operating crews have a decisive input to the purchasing decision and they certainly appreciated the machine’s low noise levels, manoeuvrability and easy to use controls.”
Improvements introduced on the ABG6870 over its predecessor include up to a 25% fuel saving and a 9dB(a) reduction in external noise levels – an important point for the company who specialise in local authority, urban and private contracts as well as contracting to larger road builders throughout Essex and East Anglia.
Traction control
The ABG6870 wheeled paver is the first machine to feature continuous independent traction control over all six wheels. Powered by a Tier III 122Kw engine, the operator is able to use the ‘Smart Power’ setting to vary the power output depending on the conditions of the application. The 6x6 ‘Smart Drive’ technology means tractive effort is automatically adjusted according to ground condition and the weight of material available in the machine’s 12 tonne capacity hopper.
As an added safety feature MB Surfacing has specified the fitting of traction isolator switches which are mounted on either side of the hopper.
In an event of an emergency the isolator switch will, when activated, stop the machine immediately. The machine demonstrates a class beating degree of manoeuvrability thanks to the ‘Active Steering’ feature with an inside turning radius of just 2.5 metres. This coupled to individual suspension struts means the paver can overcome obstacles in one go that competitive models can only do after several complicated manoeuvres.
Screed performance is a distinct feature on Volvo ABG pavers. The ABG6870 has a variable screed width of between 2.5 and 5 metres in standard configuration but can be fitted with optional extensions to provide a generous width of 9 metres.
With an output potential of up to 700 tonnes per hour, the machine can continuously pave up to 40 metres per minute. Whilst a normal layer thickness of 50mm at high speed is easily achievable, the ABG6870 can, for certain applications lay up to maximum thickness of 300mm.
Operator comfort
Operator comfort and user friendliness is another important factor for MB Surfacing’s road crews.
For instance, the steering wheel, which allows for a particularly sensitive control of the machine, can be placed in various positions around the EPM (Electronic Paver Management) control panel. The large screen display is the only one of its kind on the market giving a bird’s eye view or map of the paver, allowing the operator to monitor and control all the important functions as a glance. The EPM control panel has backlit control buttons to facilitate paving at night.
Besides a comfortable seat the operator is afforded an excellent view of the flow of material in the hopper, the head of material in the auger channel and material lay down. The flexible (rigid) all weather roof can be hydraulically lowered along with the exhaust pipe for transportation. With a good deal of work being undertaken at night time, Xenon lighting has been also been included as an aid to the operator and crew as well as optional reversing pulse lights.
MB Surfacing is based close to Chelmsford in Essex and was established in 1994 by Martin Bell who is the sole proprietor.
Volvo Construction Equipment Division markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, graders, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in the U.K.
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