New AP500E asphalt paver from Cat

A compact, lighter weight design allows contractors to haul the paver along with other necessary job site equipment, Cat says, maximising machine transport while minimising costs. The AP500E when equipped with the new AS4252C electric heat screed has an operating weight of 16,145kg.

The AP500E has a Stage IIIA-compliant Cat C4.4 engine with ACERT technology, wheel undercarriage, dual operating stations with Advisor display, tilting consoles, high capacity cooling system, belt-driven generator, and a material handling system with independent conveyor and auger controls.

The C4.4 engine is a 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that provides 106kW of power. A deck-mounted cooling system provides cool intake air for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The exhaust air exits toward the hopper providing a cool engine compartment and cleaner working environment for the crew, Cat says.

The dual swing-out stations, tilting consoles and low profile design of the cooling system are designed for good forward visibility that enables the operator to communicate with the truck driver while monitoring mix in the hopper. Extending the stations beyond the machine frame also enables good joint-matching capability and optimal rearward visibility to the auger chamber.

An Advisor Monitoring System on the left operating station provides an interactive interface to assist the operator. The system includes project planning calculators, start-up checklists, engine operating conditions, and many other features to assist the operator. The system also lists fault codes for machine functions, making troubleshooting quick and easy. 

The non-directional radial drive tyres provide a large ground contact area for good flotation, stability and tractive effort for pushing trucks and working on inclines, even on soft base materials, Cat claims.

A position sensor in the left steering cylinder helps maintain consistent travel speeds when making turns by adjusting the drive speed of the propel motors according to the steering angle of the front wheels, leading to better mat quality and less wear on the drive system. The front wheel assist option provides power to the front bogie wheels for added traction when pushing trucks or working on soft base, while the all-wheel drive option provides power to the front and rear bogie wheels, maximizing tractive effort.

The Cat system is equipped with automatic speed control and three propel/steering modes: PAVE, TRAVEL and MANEUVER. The TRAVEL mode provides speeds of up to 16km/h, enabling the AP500E to be quickly repositioned around the job site. The PAVE mode enables the automatics for mix delivery, while the MANEUVER mode allows 750mm inside turning radius for excellent mobility in tight quarters.

 AP500E Asphalt Paver basic specifications

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