Caterpillar® introduces the AP300 wheel-type Asphalt Paver

• 
• 9th December 2007
• Materials Handling
 

Caterpillar announces the availability of the new AP300 wheel-type Asphalt Paver. The AP300 directly replaces the BB 730 Asphalt Paver, which is widely recognized as one of the highest performance asphalt pavers in the industry to date. This new triple-axel wheel-type asphalt paver competes in the BB 730's same 6000 to 8000 kg 1.7 m paving width class size. The Cat^® AP300 provides a number of enhancements over the BB 730-featuring superior performance, high transfer speed, optimum maneuverability, easy transportability and job versatility to maximize productivity.

Building on the solid performance and reputation of its popular predecessor, the new AP300 focuses on performance and machine reliability. It incorporates improvements to tractive effort, operator interface, and the material handling system, as well as improvements to the electrical and hydraulic systems; all equating to increased machine reliability.

Application flexibility
The AP300 is ideally suited and sized for a variety of paving applications, including city streets and town centers, pathways, playgrounds, small parking lots and general maintenance and repair projects. Its strength lies in its flexibility. It is the paver of choice for new construction, resurfacing and maintenance with either hot and/or modified bituminous mix and aggregate production. And, its high transfer speed allows the paver to cover short distances quickly from one jobsite to another, without the need to transport the paver via trailer.

Plenty of power
The new AP300 Asphalt Paver features a Cat 3054C DINA 4-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine that delivers a gross power of 52 kW (71 hp)-with an operating speed of 2200 rpm. The Caterpillar engineering design team has incorporated proven technology from medium and large bore engines, which makes this engine more quiet, reliable, durable and easier to service, than competitive engines in its same class. The Cat 3054C DINA engine meets European EU Stage II emission regulations for off-road applications.

Advanced propel system and improved tractive effort
The AP300's hydrostatic drive system eliminates chains and other mechanical linkages between the engine and its final drive components. Its hydrostatic, closed-loop propel system drives the rear wheels through a variable displacement pump and dual displacement axial piston motor, that's directly splined to a servo-assisted gearbox. The electronically-controlled propel pump is infinitely variable, with adjustable starting and stopping ramps-ensuring a smoother, seamless mat finish. On-demand 100 percent lockable differential system prevents slippage in any grade condition.

Two large tread drive tyres propel the machine, while four bogied solid-rubber wheels on the front handle steering. The bogie wheels are mounted to the front oscillating axle rocker arms for maximum ground contact and smooth operation over both high and low spots. The AP300's long wheel base provides enhanced tractive effort and stability, even on soft base materials. An optional front-wheel assist adds hydrostatic propel power to two of the front bogie wheels, increasing rimpull power and providing enhanced traction.

Optional grade and slope controls are available, providing full control for both longitudinal grade and transverse slope when operating to a single reference. Correction is directly related to the magnitude of the surface deviation. And, these optional controls are functional from either side of the paver.

Emphasis on operator comfort
Operator comfort, visibility and ergonomics were carefully considered when designing the new AP300-from day one. A dual operator's station with sliding control console, adjustable suspension seats and retractable seat belts are standard on the AP300. Operator seats slide side-to-side and front-to-back on a pedestal frame, extending beyond the paver's frame for greater visibility and precise paver control. In addition, operators have easy access to and control of all major systems from the control console's full instrumentation package.

The AP300's engine is mounted low and forward in the frame for excellent visibility to the hopper. At the same time, engine positioning also places the operator away from engine heat and exhaust. A high-capacity cooling system provides cool air intake, maximizing fuel efficiency and minimizing emissions. This system enhances operator comfort by drawing ambient air through the engine compartment and exhausting it on the right side of the machine, away from the operator.

Advanced material handling system
Precise mix delivery and productivity through an advanced material handling system promote hands-free operation of the AP300. Its hoppers move independently with the help of two hydraulic cylinders assuring efficient material flow. Wear-resisting steel provides long life for conveyors and hopper bottom plates. Hopper width has been increased by 310 mm, providing optimum load of material. Additionally, two adjustable push rollers provide a contact point between the AP300 and the material truck to help center the load, and assist in steering while unloading.

Feeding conveyors and augers can be manually operated from the operator's control console-or from the speed control panels, and are made of anti-wear materials for enhanced life. Four paddle sensors easily adjust material flow by controlling auger and conveyor rotation when in automatic mode. Augers and conveyors are reversible to provide optimum material flow in paving operations. And, the AP300's auger assembly height is hydraulically adjustable, maximizing material consistency while minimizing material segregation and ensuring mat consistency.

Robust electrical and hydraulic systems
The AP300 is equipped with enhanced-life electrical systems that are easy to troubleshoot and maintain. Its 12-volt electrical system utilizes a 12-volt battery, and a 14-volt, 75-amp alternator. These robust electrical systems employ industry-leading Cat electrical standards, feature soldered, molded and numbered wires, with nylon-braided wrap that delivers superior protection and ensures integrity to the electrical harness. Wiring harnesses are routed away from areas that may cause wear or damage, and are held securely in place by fasteners. It all adds up to enhanced reliability and durability.

In addition, all hydraulic hoses are clearly routed and clamped. Exposed hoses are protected with nylon sleeves to reduce abrasion and wear and provide easy service, and the AP300's vibrator system hydraulic lines utilize Cat XT^TM hoses-providing optimum durability and damage resistance.

Cat AP300 and Cat AS3173 Screed: one productive combination
The AP300 has been matched with the AS3173 hydraulically extendable Screed, featuring either LPG or electric heat. It paves from 1.7 m to 3.20 m, but with solid extensions added to both sides, the maximum paving width can be extended to 4.00 m. It comes equipped with variable frequency vibrating system, electronic ignition, and both automatic and independent adjustment of the smoothing plate temperature for the central and each side plate.

The AS3173's two heating options deliver the flexibility to match the equipment combination to operator preferences, or specific job requirements. The LPG version of this screed features high-efficiency burners and optimum thermostatic temperature control. When the electric heat option is paired with the paver, an optional on-board generator is fitted to the tractor. This generator provides 12 kW output to power the screed's heating, 220-volt for nighttime lighting and 1.5 kW in utility power supply. The electric screed version features replaceable heating elements and operator-friendly controls, and its fast heat-up time is a plus. Its environmentally clean operation is just another one of the many benefits of the electrically heated version of the AS3173 Screed.

Cat AP300 wheel-type Asphalt Paver basic specifications

Operating weight with AS3173 screed (kg)	7,300
Engine	Cat 3054C DINA
Gross power - kW (hp) @rpm	52 (71) @2200
Cylinders/cooling system	4/liquid
Fuel capacity (L)	79.5
Overall length  (m)	4.82
Transport height (m)	2.96
Paving width standard (m)	1.70
Paving width w/hydraulic extensions (m)	1.70/3.20
Paving width w/mechanical extensions (m)	3.60/4.00
Steering radius int/ext (m)	3.0/4.6
Wheelbase (m)	1.61
Speeds working (mpm)	0-85
Speeds travel (km/h)	0-16
Screed - model	AS3173 (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