Stanmore Quality Surfacing (SQS) adds Volvo Road Equipment products to its portfolio

Stanmore Quality Surfacing Ltd, (SQS), a local authority approved contractor based at Staples Corner north west London and specialising in the provision of quality finished asphalt and surfaces has taken delivery of its first ABG paver together with a DD38 tandem roller from Volvo.

The new Volvo ABG6870 wheeled paver was chosen following an extensive evaluation of the machine's capabilities on a variety of job applications being undertaken by SQS as well as independent third party recommendations. "We were particularly impressed by the quality and smoothness to the finished mat, the good all round visibility and the high degree of manoeuvrability of the paver," commented SQS External Operations Manager Ronnie Barnes. The low external noise level was another impressive feature and an important point for the company who specialise in local authority, urban and private contracts working in close proximity to housing, shops and close built communities etc. and working at night.

The ABG6870 wheeled paver features 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. Running nominally at just 1600rpm the ABG6870 boasts significantly low noise emissions besides being highly fuel efficient. The 6x6 'Smart Drive' technology offers unparalleled traction. Even on the most difficult bases, tractive effort is automatically adjusted according to ground condition and the weight of material available in the machine's 12 tonne capacity hopper. 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. This high degree of flexibility found on the ABG 6870 enables SQS to tackle a wide variety of contracts but especially in confined areas when working on urban roads, side streets and access drives etc.

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 and user friendliness is another important factor for SQS'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 laydown. The flexible 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.

The ABG6870's reputation and track record for reliability was also a key decider in the purchasing decision but also the location of Volvo's customer support centres. Operating in the most part throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex, SQS will be well supported from either Volvo's Duxford or Woking support centres with their network of mobile service engineers. A full repair and maintenance agreement is also being negotiated.

Besides the paver, SQS also took the opportunity to evaluate and subsequently purchase a Volvo DD38 high frequency tandem roller which works alongside the ABG6870. The 3.8 tonne roller features TwinLockTM traction control and torque transfer system to minimize drum slippage and delivering a high degree of drum control at all speeds. The roller also sports one of the largest water tank capacities in its size class holding 299 litres.

With its headquarters located near Staples Corner SQS also operates a large recycling facility just off the M1 at Scratchwood. This enables the company to handle and recycle materials from its own jobs. The location of its facilities means SQS can provide rapid response teams for high quality road re-instatements and a highways maintenance service covering the entire perimeter of the northern M25 and much of the outer perimeter M25 counties such as Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire etc. SQS is committed to offering a "One Stop Shop" in the provision of quality work for their customers whilst maintaining a high commitment to material sustainability and environmental excellence.

Volvo Construction Equipment Division markets wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, graders, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in the U.K. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.