A new line of highway-class asphalt paver-tracked marks many firsts for Ingersoll Rand's domestic paving offering. The tracked 5110 and wheel-mounted 5160 and 5170 are designed with independent conveyor and auger controls for optimal material flow. For additional flow control, sonic sensors monitor not only the two augers, but also the two conveyor drives — another first for the company's domestic line of pavers.
The 5170 offers what IR calls "industry-leading" two-wheel and four-wheel assist. Hydraulic levelers associated with the front-wheel-assist system sense the load in the hopper. "It's a lot like an all-wheel-drive car. It senses which wheel needs to spin," says Brodie Hutchins, product marketing manager. This new built-in load-sensing system directs hydraulic flow as needed for maximum tractive effort from each bogey.
Design improvements aren't the only new features of the paver line. Ten years after acquiring Blaw-Knox, IR has significantly altered the appearance of its paving machines. No longer Blaw-Knox yellow, the pavers are now Ingersoll-Rand beige. Although the Blaw-Knox name still appears on the pavers, Ingersoll Rand's is the primary branding.
The three machines share a maximum paving width of 28 feet and a basic screed width of 8 feet. Screed options include the new Genesis series — vibratory, power-extendible screeds with front-mounted extensions. Genesis machines are also available as basic fixed screeds — with or without strike-offs. A vibratory rear-mounted extension design and single- or double-tamping configurations are also offered.
Hopper capacity for the line is 13.6 tons, which gives each paver a production rate of 719 tons per hour. A Cummins Tier 2 engine rated at 185 horsepower at 1,800 rpm powers the pavers, and a 30-kW generator comes with on-board diagnostic capability.
According to IR, automatic conveyor tensioning ensures proper conveyor performance, thus reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Reversible augers and conveyors are available as optional equipment.
The 8-foot models are currently in production on a limited basis, and will be in full production in 2006.
