Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/946503
February 2018 | EquipmentWorld.com 38 of the mat, or the thickness, of the profile, Knudsen says. The right sensor can sense off a reference, such as a city curb, or an operator can run slope manually. "There's a beam between the two tow arms, and there's an electronic level on that. As the grade changes on the left, the level picks up that change and sends a signal through to the right and adjusts that tow- point cylinder to maintain the slope of the screed," Knudsen says. Most paver systems are aftermar- ket from such suppliers as Topcon, Trimble or MOBA. However, some manufacturers have incorporated AGS into their machines. Volvo's Blaw-Kontrol system, for instance, comes with the valves matched from the factory on pavers, Knud- sen says. Caterpillar's new Cat Grade and Slope system offers ease of use with its 2D system, and factory installation optimizes performance, the company says. It helps to remove irregularities from the sur- face and to control mat thickness. The Cat system communicates with the machine's electronic con- trol module (ECM) to automatically calibrate each tow-point valve. That means each cylinder reacts smoothly for performance and mat quality. It can be equipped with sonic or contacting grade sensors and configured with an averaging beam, Cat says. Overcoming resistance to change Laubhan worked for a local paving contractor for years before he signed on as paving products manager for Trimble in Colorado. He's seen many contractors resist change. "There's a lot of contractors out there who say, 'We've always done it this way, and we've always been successful doing it this way,' meaning without technology. And they're not willing to give it a chance and see what it can do for their business." Too often, he says, contractors road technology | continued Visit www.felling.com/eq-world/ | Call 1-877-820-6584 | Email trailers@felling.com FT-50-3 LP Built to Spec Shown with optional full width electric/hydraulic wood inlaid bi-fold ramps, 6' wood inlaid double incline beavertail, air lift axle, 140K twin 2-speed jacks, custom headboard & paint EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY THAT IS PROVEN. You know what you need to haul, Felling has the trailer to get it there. With over 100 years combined industry sales experience, we have the answers to your specialized trailer needs. Credit: Volvo Construction Equipment's Road Institute Volvo's Blaw-Kontrol automatic grade and slope control system is accurate within .005 inches, the company says, and comes with the valves matched to the pavers from the factory.