Caterpillar® releases the AP655D track-type asphalt paver

• 
• 14th February 2007
• Materials Handling
 

Caterpillar has recently announced changes to its high-production, asphalt paver line that results in a new model - the AP655D. The AP655D is a high production 2.5 m track-type asphalt paver that features a Cat^® C6.6 engine with ACERT^® Technology, dual swing-out operator's station, exclusive Mobil-trac^TM undercarriage or steel track undercarriage, high capacity cooling system and an advanced material handling system with independent conveyor and auger controls. Other features include folding operator's station canopy, optional hydraulic fold apron, optional track plow, integrated generator, optional auxiliary power panel, grade and slope control systems and electric or LPG heated screed.

The AP655D was designed for high-production paving applications where optimum paving quality is required at an efficient pace - including motorways, highways, industrial sites and urban and rural roads. Medium-to-high production is assured regardless of material type, as the AP655D easily handles hot or modified bituminous mix, or aggregate production. Two undercarriage combinations, Mobil-trac^TM or steel track, progressively overcomes surface irregularities, ensuring machine stability and mat smoothness.

Engine
The Cat C6.6 engine with ACERT^® Technology is a turbocharged, 6-cylinder diesel engine that provides 129.5 kW (173 hp) of gross power (SAE J1995). ACERT^® Technology incorporates a series of innovations working at the point of combustion to optimize engine performance while meeting U.S. EPA Tier 3 and E.U. Stage IIIa engine emission regulations. The Cat C6.6 engine generates significant improvements in engine air flow in order to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

High capacity cooling system
The AP655D incorporates a standard, high capacity cooling system for paving in high ambient temperatures. The high capacity cooling system allows the variable speed fan to run slower contributing to lower sound levels and reduced power demand, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. The fan draws ambient air across the engine compartment and through the radiator while providing a cooler engine compartment and operating platform.

Dual operator's station
The AP655D includes a dual swing-out operator's station that can be rotated into five different positions. The operator's station can be positioned beyond the machine frame for greater visibility when matching a joint or in other applications where precise control is required. Another benefit of the swing-out operator's station is improved visibility to the augers. The station has adjustable suspension seats, armrests and retractable seat belts. The AP655D includes a sliding control console that incorporates instrumentation and analog gauges for monitoring machine functions.

Undercarriage selection
The AP655D can be fitted with a Mobil-trac^TM undercarriage or a steel track undercarriage. The Mobil-trac undercarriage combines the traction and flotation benefits of a crawler undercarriage with the mobility, speed, and ride characteristics of a wheel paver. The steel track undercarriage incorporates track rollers and a quad rear bogey system in order to provide a smooth ride.

Advanced material handling system
The purpose of the material handling system is to maintain the proper head of material in front of the screed. The hopper has a capacity of 6.5 cubic meters (13.4 ton) with a 3.54 m wide truck entry width. The hopper includes power dumping controlled from the operator's station, with heavy duty flashing made of a durable high strength plastic to prevent spillage. It utilizes the machine controller to precisely control the augers and conveyors, calibrate and monitor the system. Left and right augers are controlled independently. Left and right conveyors are also controlled independently, and the augers and conveyors are controlled independently of one another. Rather than raising or lowering gates to control material volume, the conveyor's speed can be set to provide the precise material volume needed to the augers.

Electrical system
The AP655D includes a 24-volt DC electrical system that is designed for improved durability, reliability and ease of service. Two Caterpillar® 12-volt batteries with 1400 cranking amps each and a 80-amp alternator are used in the system.

The AP655D uses Caterpillar approved electrical components. In addition, electrical wiring has Caterpillar designated wire numbers that are identified by function. This makes troubleshooting substantially easier. Wires are loomed with vinyl-coated nylon braid to improve the overall integrity of the electrical system and to protect against abrasion.

Integrated generator
The high capacity, industrial, single-phase generator system provides power for the electric screed heat and the auxiliary power panel. The generator operates at 1275 rpm. Full power is supplied by the generator and the power panel while the tractor engine is operating at low idle speed. Circuit breaker protection, internal electronic voltage regulation and a dual bearing design with seals provide high reliability.

Auxiliary power panel (optional)
The auxiliary power panel supplies 4 kW of power that can be used to supply night-time lighting or to operate other jobsite work tools. The power panel includes two, 240-volt (GFCI protected) receptacles.

Serviceability by design
The AP655D provides excellent access to all machine parts requiring regularly-scheduled maintenance. The ergonomic operator's station provides optimum comfort, visibility and control during machine operations. The advisor on the control console simplifies calibration and self diagnostics. Caterpillar enhanced-life electrical standards increase reliability and are easy to troubleshoot and maintain.

AS4251C screed
The AS4251C is a double width hydraulic power extendible screed with a standard paving range from 2.55 m to 5.00 m and a maximum paving width of 8.00 m. The screed is available with variable frequency tamper and vibrators and with LPG or electric heating system. The double extendible screed promotes stability and mat quality. The outstanding frame rigidity provides optimal resistance to bending and twisting forces. The mechanical extension box coupling promotes a fast paving width adjustment.

The AS4251C with LPG heat provides high efficiency burners and an optimum thermostatic temperature control. The electric screed plate heating system provides a fast warm-up time with touch-pad technology. The screed plates incorporate temperature sensors in each screed section providing inputs to the screed controller for effective hands-off operation.

            

             AP655D track-type asphalt paver basic specifications

Shipping weight w/AS4251C (kg)	18,890
Engine	Cat ACERT C6.6
Gross power - kW (hp) @rpm	129.5 (174) @2200
Cylinders/cooling system	6/liquid
Fuel capacity (L)	300
Overall length  (m)	6.16
Transport height (m)	3
Paving width standard (m)	2.55
Paving width w/hydraulic extensions (m)	2.55/5.00
Paving width w/mechanical extensions (m)	2.55/8.00
Steering radius int/ext (m)	0.30/-
Track base/width (m)	3.02/0.40 (MTS) 3.06/0.35 (ST)
Speeds working (mpm)	0-30
Speeds travel (km/h)	0-14.8 (MTS) 0-5.5 (ST)
Screed - model	AS4251C (LPG/Elec)

 

Reader inquiries	Caterpillar Information Centre 6, The Western Centre, Bracknell, RG12 1RW Tel: +44 7000 222 846, Fax: +44 1344 488045 E-mail: catinfo@mktpoint.com