Compared to fixed-width screeds, extending screeds offer the benefit of higher adaptability on the job site when it comes to quickly adjusting the pave width to match requirements. Mannheim-based German manufacturer JOSEPH VÖGELE AG now presents its new AB 500-2 Extending Screed. Larger width, more compact design, less noise – these were the main goals pursued by the VÖGELE engineers when designing the new screed.

A number of innovations has been integrated into the new AB 500-2 Extending Screed. It begins with pave width. The new screed, built up with bolt-on extensions, features a maximum width of 8.5m. The screed’s basic width is 2.55m, no change has been made to this, and it extends hydraulically to a width of 5m. In order to bring about high and perfect pavement density by the paver, the new AB 500-2 is also available in TP1 or TP2 versions for high compaction. The speciality of VÖGELE High Compaction Technology is its infinitely variable pressure for pressure bars, thus allowing to use high compaction systems also for paving wearing course. By simply switching off the systems for high compaction, the screed can be used on jobs calling for standard compaction at any time.

No conversion required for pave widths between 5m and 6.5m

When designing the new AB 500-2 screed, the focus was on pave widths between 5m and 6.5m, those most frequently used on job sites. When working within this range of pave widths with the new AB 500-2, no changes need to be made to augers or strike-off plates. This is an advantage achieved by a 1.25m auger mounted overhung along with a strike-off plate system to match.

Easy mounting of bolt-on extensions thanks to quick-fitting system

VÖGELE further enhanced the process of fitting bolt-on extensions. The new screed comes with an auxiliary system which allows to precisely position in place and attach bolt-on extensions and strike-off plates. This makes fitting much easier and the time fitting takes is reduced considerably.

Innovative heating system with screed heating monitoring

The electrical heating system installed in the new AB 500-2, too, comes with a number of innovations. The distribution of heat all over the screed plates has been so optimized that excellent pavement quality is achieved right from the start. This is due primarily to optimal location of the heating elements on the screed plates. Thanks to highly effective insulation, loss of heat to the upper environment is reduced to a minimum. As a result, heating the screed to operating temperature – at minimum engine rpm - takes a short time only.

For the new AB 500-2, VÖGELE offer a screed heating monitoring unit as an optional extra. This feature keeps the paving team currently informed about the heating system’s operating status. Each single heating rod (tamper, screed plates and pressure bars, if equipped) is connected to a monitoring box with diodes. If, for instance, a heating rod of the tamper fails, the diode, earmarked with a self-explanatory symbol for the tamper, extinguishes. This allows early recognition of fault by the paving team to ensure impeccable operation of screed heating at all times.

Deeper screed plates improve pavement quality

For the new AB 500-2 Extending Screed, the depth of screed plates has been increased from 300mm to 330mm. Larger depth results in a smaller screed planing angle and finally in even more stable floating of the screed. Optimized floating of the screed makes paving much easier. Furthermore, the screed plates larger in area feature enhanced wear behaviour and prolonged service lives.

More comfort, less noise

The new AB 500-2 stands out through its very compact design and offers to the paving team an excellent overview and unobstructed visibility of the auger tunnel. Low height of the screed and a footboard fitted in a higher position make it much easier for the operator to get on the screed and onto his platform. As an additional benefit, the screed’s compact design in conjunction with highly effective sound insulation reduces noise emission substantially. The two-piece footboard folds up with effortless ease to prepare the screed for trucking.

Very easy: servicing and maintenance

Typical VÖGELE features are service-friendly design and ease of maintenance, so that it goes without saying that VÖGELE engineers also had these aspects in mind when conceiving the new AB 500-2. The tamper shield demounts very easily for performing maintenance services. The tamper shield’s design prevents bitumen from getting into the tamper area, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming cleaning.

All service points on the new screed are conveniently and easily accessible. As a very service-friendly improvement, the vibrator shaft has been relocated. In the new screed, the shaft is attached to the screed frame and no longer to the screed plate. As a result, replacement of screed plates or heating rods is much easier and the time replacement takes cut considerably.

Press and product information:

JOSEPH VÖGELE AG

Press and Public Relations

Neckarauer Str. 168 - 228

68146 Mannheim

Germany

Tel.: +49 (0) 621 8105 202

Fax: +49 (0) 621 8105 469

presse@voegele.info

www.voegele.info