Mannheim-based German manufacturer JOSEPH VÖGELE AG presents „ErgoPlus“, a revolutionary operating concept which simplifies the handling of VÖGELE road pavers substantially. Operation can be learned quickly and mastered without problems. „ErgoPlus“ is launched as a highlight in the new pavers SUPER 1900-2 and SUPER 2100-2.

„ErgoPlus“ encompasses five innovations allowing VÖGELE pavers to be operated easily and relaxed, and above all as intuitively as possible: the operator platform, the operator’s control desk and the screwman’s lateral console on the screed, the new NIVELTRONIC® Plus for Automated Grade and Slope Control and a well-thought-out service concept. Also new is the yellow hardtop of glass fibre reinforced polymer material sheltering the operator whether rain or shine.

Functional diversity, convenience

„ErgoPlus“ focuses on the operator. The convenience associated with „ErgoPlus“ is evident as soon as he steps onto his platform. The operator platform is clearly designed, with everything arranged according to functionality. A few adjustments are all it takes to position the control desk exactly in keeping with the operator’s personal needs. The control desk can be displaced over the full width of the platform, swivelled out to the sides and tilted. It can also be swivelled out together with the operator’s seat. In this way, an ergonomically optimized workplace is set up in no time at all. The new machines offer excellent all-round visibility giving the operator an unobstructed view of material hopper, screed and auger tunnel.

Operator control desk and screwman’s console designed according to job site requirements

The operator has direct access to all major paver and paving functions, they are operated by push-buttons. Push-buttons are logically arranged, i.e. clustered in groups according to job site requirements, which makes it very easy for the operator to quickly get to grips with his control desk.

All push-buttons are designed for the conditions prevailing on site and earmarked with self-explanatory symbols. When a button is pressed, the function concerned is executed directly thanks to the »Touch and Work« principle.

Functions not so often used are controlled and monitored via a display, just as easy to understand. The menue structure is clear and simple, so that in no time at all users get familiar with the set-up, for instance, of tamper speed or Screed Assist. Furthermore, the display supplies important information on the paver’s current operating status. Data such as pave speed, mix levels on the conveyors or positions of tow point rams can be read off on the display.

Like the operator’s control desk, the screwman’s lateral console, too, is clearly and logically arranged. He has direct access to major paver and screed functions. If the roadway narrows on one side, for instance, screed width needs to be reduced and conveyor and auger speeds must be regulated accordingly at the same time. Thanks to the „Touch and Work“ principle in combination with automatic regulation of conveyors and augers, this complex process can be controlled quickly and faultlessly.

New hardtop of glass fibre reinforced polymer material

Also new and part of the „ErgoPlus“ concept is a yellow hardtop. Not only does it look good, it gives optimum shelter to the operator whether rain or shine. Sunshades extend easily by hand on the left and right sides so it excellently fulfils its protecting function even with the operator seat swivelled outwards. For transport of the paver, the hardtop folds down with effortless ease via a manually operated hydraulic pump. Six working lights are integrated into the hardtop to illuminate the site, xenon lamps are available as an option. Raising the lights in this way vastly improves visibility in dark conditions.

New NIVELTRONIC® Plus for Grade and Slope Control

NIVELTRONIC, the VÖGELE System for Automated Grade and Slope Control, has been thoroughly revised and now stands out through a design offering to users the benefit of particularly easy handling. In addition to various screed and paver functions, NIVELTRONIC® Plus, too, can be conveniently controlled and monitored from the screwman’s console. With NIVELTRONIC® Plus activated, its „Start Screen“ is displayed by default. A few inputs by the screwman is all that needs to be done in order to set tow point rams to the desired layer thickness – and transverse slope if required. A „Quick Set-Up“ function allows the screwman to define input values as specified values at the push of a button.

The new VÖGELE NIVELTRONIC® Plus for Automated Grade and Slope Control stands out through simple and logical menue assistance. To all functions are assigned self-explanatory symbols on the display, so that operation can be learned quickly and mastered faultlessly. Follow-up control of the tow point rams while paving ensures that specified grade and slope are adhered to automatically at all times. Actual values displayed by NIVELTRONIC® Plus allow the screwman to permanently verify compliance with specified values.

A new variable, mechanical grade sensor specially developed for NIVELTRONIC® Plus makes life even easier. This new grade sensor combines the advantages of a sonic sensor with those of a mechanical sensor. It has the high accuracy typical of mechanical sensors with a deviation tolerance of just +/-0.5mm and offers „visible“ tracing of the reference, insensitive to external factors such as temperature, exhaust fumes etc. The large measuring range of 200mm, typical of sonic sensors, and a handy function for zeroing at the push of a button from the screwman’s lateral console round off the range of conveniences.

Service made easy

„ErgoPlus“ also includes a well-thought-out service concept. As a particular benefit, the operator’s console is of modular design. This means that if a component ever has to be replaced on the control desk, each of the modules can be replaced individually, without having to replace the entire unit. This easy and above inexpensive replacement in case of need helps users save money.

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