Not lost amidst the celebrations of a new product-line launch was one Dynapac dealer’s collected reviews of a highway-class asphalt paver designed specifically for the North American market.
Myke Thurman followed up corporate overviews of the new Dynapac F1000T tracked and F1000W wheeled pavers with detailed rundowns of actual commercial and highway jobsite results for a prototype F1000T that his employer, Salt Lake City-based Cate Equipment, had put out to work throughout its highly variable coverage area. Paving in a high desert region comprised of Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming means dealing with a combination of high elevations, wild ambient temperature swings and nil to minimal humidity. “If it’ll work there, it’ll work anywhere,” according to Thurman.
With the largest contingent on hand for the product launch Dec. 9 in Garland, Texas, comprised of dealers, Thurman’s presentation resonated. When the 10-foot-wide-class F1000 units were physically unwrapped shortly afterward, it didn’t take long for the climbing aboard and operating of the machines to heat up, even in the face of freezing temperatures fueled by biting winds.
The first two models of the new Dynapac highway-class paver product line, the F1000T and F1000W will make their “official” debut at the World of Asphalt show in Cincinnati in February; 8-foot-class machines will follow in 2011.
The asphalt-paver design features an outboard auger drive and conveyor system, which eliminates the auger chain drive box and, thus, leaves no center line segregation in the asphalt. The F1000’s conveyor system delivers up to 600 tons per hour of asphalt to either a Carlson EZ III or EZ IV screed for the laying of mats up to 12 inches in depth on new placements, or thin overlays on rehab jobs.
A low deck height – claimed to be the lowest in the industry – is combined with dual swing-out operator stations to provide a clear view of the hopper, auger and work area from up top. George Platt, Dynapac USA’s vice president of pavers and planers, terms it a “clean-sheet design.”
The F1000 pavers are powered by Tier-3-certified Cummins QSB 220 diesel engines putting out 230 horsepower at 1,800 rpm, and are driven by integrated Sauer systems. The availability of these and other parts throughout the North American market means quick maintenance and repair, stresses Dynapac.
“Nothing will work unless you have parts and service,” emphasizes Claes Ahrengart, president of Atlas Copco Road Construction Equipment Division.
“This product is American made,” says Bruce Truesdale, president of Dynapac USA, whose European-based parent has committed to the Dynapac brand established in road building, although the Dynapac sales organization is being integrated into Atlas Copco. “You’re going to have all the tools at your fingertips to support the product.”
No daily lubrication of the tractor is required, and two fuel tanks at ground level allow for quick refueling. A single side panel provides access to filters, and flip-open doors and a removable top cover gain access to the engine and hydraulic lines.
