It was a 'technology feast' for over 3,000 customers from all over the world at Tirechenreuth in Germany. The Road Technology Days recently organised by Wirtgen Group has witnessed a host of new innovations from Wirtgen, V?gele and HAMM for road construction sector. These include the W 60 Ri small range milling machine, the brand new spray paver Super 1800-3i SprayJet from V?gele, the compact H 5i and H 7i compactors and the DV+70i and DV+90i tandem rollers with all-wheel steering from HAMM.

The 25 machines exhibited by Wirtgen GmbH were a cross-section from the product divisions of cold milling machines, cold recyclers, soil stabilisers and slipform pavers. More than 3,000 trade visitors from over 80 countries came to Tirschenreuth to find out more about the innovative solutions developed by the Wirtgen Group's Road Technologies business sector; at the same time, they acquired an insight into the extremely productive roller factory, the new lean production line in the assembly area and the new endurance test track. About ?20 million was once again invested in the factory in 2013 alone.

India at present has a low contribution to the company's global turn over. Talking about the company's plans to use it as a sourcing hub, Stefan Wirtgen, President, Wirtgen Group, shared with EQUIPMENT INDIA, "Indian market is important for Wirtgen as there is immense potential for growth, especially for our technologies. Also, when we look at localising products, we understand that quality products are essential and we look forward to imbibe them in the international market. Having said that, the main objective at present is to address the local market and engineer products that best suit its purpose. While we do not have any major plans in terms of sourcing, there are similar activities in operation on a smaller scale."

Outstanding competence

Live demonstrations - from soil stabilisation through asphalt and concrete paving to road rehabilitation - gave an impression of the immense range of possible applications. International specialists from Wirtgen, V?gele and Hamm outlined their personal practical experiences in a series of technical presentations. Such topics as Application and practical use of modern spray paver technology, HCQ Navigator experience in the US and Wirtgen recycling technology in North America gave visitors an opportunity to delve deep into the Group's competence in applications and service, and to discover the passion with which the Wirtgen Group supports its customers in road construction and repair.

Milling solution

The W 60 Ri new generation small milling machines stand out through a whole series of innovative features. They assist the machine operator at every stage of the work process, from intuitive operation through efficient driving and steering to flexibility in milling and loading. This all adds up to a better performance, higher productivity and maximum convenience for the operator, making milling even more cost-efficient in future while simultaneously ensuring the ultimate in quality.

Cutting-edge paving technology

V?gele SprayJet technology has been proving its value for many years and is used for rehabilitation and construction projects in many markets around the world. The new SprayJet from V?gele features a large array of impressive innovations. One key feature is that operation of the spray module has been integrated into V?gele's ErgoPlus 3 operating concept. The module is designed as a completely self-contained functional unit. This modular design makes the SUPER 1800-3i with SprayJet module simple to service and allows it to be used both as a spray paver and an ordinary standard paver. It has a maximum spray width of 6 m. As a standard paver without spray function, it can even pave widths of up to 9 m. It goes without saying that the paver also includes all the 'Dash 3' features, such as the V?gele EcoPlus low-emissions package and the handy automatic functions of AutoSet Plus. The SUPER 1800-3i with SprayJet module from V?gele is the world's only spray paver for paving thin wearing courses as well as conventional wearing and binder courses.

HAMM compactors and tandem rollers

HAMM presented two world premieres: the compact H 5i and H 7i compactors and the DV+70i and DV+90i tandem rollers with all-wheel steering.

The new compactors weigh between 4.5 and 8 t, are of compact design and extremely simple to operate, and stand out in the field through their first-rate gradeability. The two newcomers are not a 'scaled down' version of the familiar H-series of compactors: they are in fact a separate series which has been completely redesigned from scratch. In combination with the three-point swivel joint and the short wheel base, this compact design makes for very good driving and handling. As a result, the two compactors are the ideal choice for confined job sites.

With two new basic models in the form of the DV+70i and DV+90i, Hamm has also brought a breath of fresh air to the range of pivot-steered tandem rollers. Weighing 7 t and 9 t, respectively, the rollers are extremely productive with excellent visibility and intelligent operation. Both models are equipped with state-of-the-art engines; the two-part water tank and the location of the engines in the middle of the machine ensure a homogeneous and steady distribution of the weight. The innovative 'EasyDrive' operating concept permitting intuitive, self-explanatory operation is a brand new feature.

Innovations

W50Ri_01223_HI

Maximum performance combined with lower fuel consumption, immense manoeuvrability, speed and flexibility are hallmarks of the Wirtgen W 50 Ri and W 60 Ri. Projects can be completed in up to 20 per cent less time with the W 50 Ri/W 60 Ri, making these small milling machines a key factor in the success of road rehabilitation projects.

SUPER 1800-3i SprayJet

The SUPER 1800-3i with SprayJet module from V?gele is the world's only spray paver for paving thin wearing courses as well as conventional wearing and binder courses.

DV+ 70i

Perfect view from the cabin: the slimline front and rear ends of the DV+ ensure a clear view of the drum edges, whatever the direction.