Road equipment: types, characteristics and purpose

To complete a construction project or pave a road efficiently and on time, you will need special equipment. Its design features and functionality should be taken into account in order to maximize the potential of the machines and not increase costs.

Road construction equipment includes:

1. Backhoe loaders.
2. Graders.
3. Road rollers.
4. Bulldozers.
5. Excavators.
6. Telescopic loader.
7. Automotive cranes, etc.

Road machines are designed for the construction and maintenance of roads for various purposes:

• Highway.
• House and intra-block roads.
• Sidewalks.
• Runways.
• Pedestrian and bicycle paths, etc.

How are road equipment classified?

Road construction equipment is divided into categories, depending on the purpose of the machines:

• 1. Road equipment for laying and maintaining asphalt concrete pavement;
• 2. Equipment for working with soil;
• 3. Equipment for preparing the territory;
• 4. Special equipment for improvement and maintenance of roads;
• 5. Equipment for transporting materials;
• 6. Machines for the production and transportation of concrete mixtures.

In this case, road equipment can have a specialized or universal purpose. For example, asphalt pavers or joint pourers have a narrowly focused functionality, while dump trucks or excavators are used to solve a variety of tasks in various industries.

TOP brands and manufacturers of special equipment

There are a huge variety of brands of special equipment, both Russian and foreign manufacturers. Each industrialized country has its own manufacturers of special equipment, but the quality and cost vary greatly, so it is important to make the right choice.

The TOP list of the world's largest manufacturers of special equipment is: Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, Hitachi, Terex, Liebherr, JOHN DEERE, XCMG, Sany, DOOSAN, Hyundai, Zoomlion, Shantui. The top includes Japanese, Swedish, German, South Korean, Chinese, English, French, Finnish, Italian and American manufacturers. The world's leading manufacturers of special equipment are the USA, Japan, and China.

Russian manufacturers are not among the top brands of special equipment manufacturers; our equipment is used only in our country and the CIS. The largest are: Kamaz, Maz, GAZ, Chetra, ChTZ, Rosselmash, Kraz, Amkodor.

Road equipment for laying and maintaining asphalt pavements

This equipment is used directly for laying, compacting, repairing and maintaining asphalt concrete road surfaces. This includes both large-sized heavy special equipment and additional manual equipment.

Large road equipment

Additional manual equipment

As a rule, the term “road equipment” refers to large-sized machines, and not hand-held equipment. Therefore, it is worth paying extra attention to asphalt pavers, road rollers and road milling machines.

Hydraulic hammer

Sometimes housing construction occurs in areas with problematic soil. This is when you should turn to the help of a hydraulic hammer. It is often used as working equipment for excavators. The hydraulic hammer is used for processing strong rocks in the ground, as well as for driving piles into the ground. If the site is located in a lowland, then it is not advisable to dig a pit for the foundation; it is easier to immerse the piles under pressure.

A hydraulic hammer will serve an excellent purpose when demolishing an old home when the walls consist of reinforced concrete slabs.

Modern hydraulic hammers have a large number of functional features aimed at assisting in construction.

This construction equipment simplifies many jobs: breaking off large pieces of concrete or road surface during dismantling, driving piles, making holes, destroying rocky soil.

Some types of hydraulic hammers are mounted on other construction equipment, which is very convenient and economical.

Asphalt pavers

An asphalt paver is a complex road construction equipment designed for the application, distribution and primary compaction of asphalt concrete mixtures. Modern asphalt pavers are able to control the thickness and speed of laying, as well as maintain the required temperature of the asphalt mixture.

Operating principle of the asphalt paver:

• 1. The asphalt concrete mixture enters a special compartment (receiving hopper). As a rule, immediately from the back of a dump truck.
• 2. Next, the mixture moves into the auger chamber inside the paver.
• 3. Using augers, the mixture is evenly distributed over the surface.
• 4. Using special plates, leveling and primary compaction occur.

Also during the installation process, the mixture is infrared heated before installation to ensure the temperature necessary for high adhesion.

Classification of asphalt pavers

Excavator

This technique was invented back in 1836, and was originally intended for digging ditches, canals, and pits. In individual construction, an excavator performs several functions. He digs holes for foundation pits, trenches, and makes a road through the thickets.

This is a special construction cargo transport with an “arm” consisting of a boom and a bucket. The bucket is the main tool of an excavator. It has strong iron teeth and easily digs the soil by piercing these teeth into it.

There are several types of excavators:

• Mini excavators.
• Career.
• Loading capacity up to 18 tons.
• Loading capacity up to 40 tons.
• Amphibians.
• Electrical.
• Wheeled.
• Hydraulic.
• Backhoe loaders.
• Excavators-bulldozers.

Manufacturers of this construction equipment are different concerns of special equipment. The most popular domestic manufacturers are Tver Excavator, Uralvagonzavod, MTZ, ChZKM. Among imported construction equipment, preference is given to the brands Takeuchi, Komatsu, made in Japan.

Surprisingly, the cost of a Takeuchi excavator is quite low, and the quality of the work performed is at a high level.

It is optimal to use MTZ excavators from Belarus. Often these excavators have special equipment in the form of blades, loaders, and bulldozer equipment. Such excavators are the best option for building a house.

The use of such excavators provides many positive features:

• High performance.
• Simple controls.
• Low costs.
• Reliability of all components.

When choosing an excavator for use in individual construction, you should take into account that it is best to carry out construction activities in areas with problematic soil using crawler-mounted equipment. If there are no problems with the construction site, then it is better to choose a wheeled excavator - it is more mobile.

Road rollers

Ice rink

– road equipment designed to compact various materials, including asphalt concrete mixtures, crushed stone, sand and soil. Compaction is carried out due to the large weight of the machine, which is transmitted through the main working element of the roller - the drum (a cylindrical element that replaces wheels). In some cases, compaction efficiency is enhanced by vibration.

Classification of road rollers

Recyclers

The representative of the new generation of this class is Caterpillar RM500B . The machine combines high performance and ease of operation. The model is equipped with the function of stabilizing the soil, as well as removing and crushing old coating. The RM500B produces 546 hp. The cabin is equipped with vibration-isolating racks, which guarantees comfortable work. The engine drive is hydraulic. It includes 4 pumps and 4 motors, which ensures reliable grip on the surface. The working depth is adjusted automatically. The recycler has four steering modes and three rotor speed modes. The rotor in the mixing chamber moves independently.

As a conclusion

Developers of modern road equipment put technology first, constantly increasing the speed of their implementation. Today, innovation is no longer an empty sound in this industry. The latest models are much more economical, more environmentally friendly, save engine life, and independently avoid errors in operation. Ultimately, the operator’s work is greatly simplified and the time required to complete the task is accelerated.

Self-propelled road milling machines

A modern road milling machine is a large-sized road construction equipment, the main purpose of which is the correct dismantling of asphalt concrete pavement. Road milling equipment is equipped with a special drum and other structural elements, which allows you to carefully remove the coating to a given depth, as well as crush it into certain fractions with subsequent sorting.

Classification of self-propelled road milling machines

“Road equipment for milling pavement can be self-propelled, trailed or mounted. However, it is self-propelled road milling machines that are distinguished by the greatest efficiency and productivity, due to which alternative options are practically not found.”

Previously, road builders had only the hot milling method available, which involved preheating asphalt concrete, which precluded the reuse of the material.

Today, the cold milling method is used, which does not require preheating of the coating, and also makes it possible to effectively use removed and crushed asphalt concrete, turning it into asphalt chips.

Construction cranes

If a multi-storey building is being built, then you cannot do without a truck crane. However, construction cranes exist of different types, different configurations, and different types.

According to their ability to move, construction cranes can be:

• Self-elevating.
• Self-propelled.
• Stationary.
• Removable.

According to the types of construction, construction cranes are divided into:

• Pavements.
• Tower.
• Arrowheads.
• Mast.
• Portal.

Naturally, when building a house, cranes that are less bulky and mobile are used. The most economical are cranes with an electric motor.

Of the rotary and fixed taps, preference should be given to the first.

The running gear of construction cranes is varied:

• Rails.
• Pneumatic wheels.
• Caterpillars.
• Floating pillow.
• Pneumatic wheels.
• Truck cranes.

The use of a truck crane in the construction of a private house should be advisable.

Equipment for working with soil

Road equipment for ground work is represented by the following machines:

• 1. Bulldozers – cutting and moving soil and bulk materials;
• 2. Excavators – digging and moving soil and bulk materials over short distances in the range of 10-15 m;
• 3. Graders – soil leveling (cutting, leveling);
• 4. Scrapers – layer-by-layer cutting of soil and its transportation over a distance of up to 5 km.

Excavators can also be used to crush asphalt concrete, but the quality of such an activity will be significantly inferior to dismantling asphalt using cold milling.

Graders

Modern achievements in this class of machines are well demonstrated by the Case C series models from Case Construction Equipment . They are equipped with a special SiteControl system for control. The designers focused on achieving maximum reliability, reducing operating costs, durability and versatility of use. The series consists of models weighing 13 and 16 tons in 6x4 and all-wheel drive 6x6 versions. The machines have a pressure compensation system that allows several operations to be carried out simultaneously. The equipment is also equipped with a leveling system. The company talks about a 15 percent increase in productivity.

Equipment for territory preparation

Road equipment of this category is intended for clearing the area before starting work:

• 1. Brush cutters – elimination of bushes and small forests;
• 2. Uprooting machines – elimination of stumps, trunks, remnants of bushes, large stones, etc.;
• 3. Machines with a “hydraulic shovel” – special equipment for replanting trees;
• 4. Rippers – loosening frozen soil.

Clearing the area with the help of this special equipment allows you to quickly clear the site of foreign elements, as well as eliminate future germination of plants through the structural elements of the road cushion.

In addition, there is a list of manual mechanized equipment that can complement the work of the above equipment. This could be a shredder for shrubs and wood, a manual uprooter, etc.

Review of new construction equipment. Part 2

The concept of “new” and “innovation” in special equipment is different for everyone. Someone installed an air conditioner in the driver's cab, and someone replaced a team of masons with their development. And so on ad infinitum. But in fact, design and marketing thought in the construction equipment market is developing in stages.

However, in this New Year's review, we decided to look not only into the immediate utilitarian future of excavators, loaders, dump trucks, etc., but a little further - along with a couple of wonderful ideas that will become the future a little later. ++

This year we have already given an overview of the innovations of domestic special equipment -. Let us briefly recall its contents:++

• In 2016, the first dump trucks of the new model range KAMAZ-6580 and KAMAZ-65802 rolled off the assembly line. Next up is KAMAZ-65801. These vehicles are representatives of the heavy series of the family of promising vehicles on which the dump platform will be installed. They are designed for work on construction sites, mining quarries, and in agriculture.
• At the head enterprise of the Uralvagonzavod corporation in Nizhny Tagil, work is in full swing to create the first prototype of the EO-41211A crawler excavator weighing 23 tons. Next in line is a prototype of the EO-33222A wheeled excavator, weighing 19 tons.
• Russian Machines Corporation presented new road construction equipment - the TL 150 front loader and samples of TX series tracked excavators of class 27 and 30 tons.
• Promtractor has begun standard testing of the modernized T-9 bulldozer with a new domestic diesel engine D-3041-5 produced by Altai Motor Company).
• An all-wheel drive loader with a CHETRA EPK backhoe weighing 8,000 kg and a 101.5 hp diesel engine was put into production.
• The Petersburg Tractor Plant put on the conveyor a new tractor model K-744R1 PROM, representing a new generation of tractors under the Kirovets brand.
• The Tonar-4525 mining dump truck also appeared on the market.
• "Special Equipment Plant" introduced into production the improved universal road machine K-704 PETRA-ZST UDM-1. The main feature of the UDM-1 is the combination of a tractor and a bulldozer in one machine.

+

Continuing the theme of Russian technology, we can add a few more new products that were not included in the previous review. The Kirovets K-702MBA-UDM 2.3 front loader was launched into production. As experts note, it is a tradition for the Kirov Plant to manufacture multifunctional equipment, and this machine is no exception: its feature is the installation in the rear part of a 3.16 m wide bulldozer blade. Among the improvements that distinguish the loader from the previous version is increased load capacity ( now it is 7 tons), a shorter hydraulic cycle of the loading equipment (it can vary from 12 to 16 seconds depending on the configuration of a particular machine) and a larger fuel tank. The manufacturer installed a Russian engine (YaMZ-238NDZ-1), and an imported transmission (ZF 4WG-190). The standard delivery package includes joystick control and air conditioning.++

According to a representative of Isuzu Rus, full-scale and serial production of heavy-duty Isuzu trucks is planned in Russia from March 2022. We are talking about trucks with a gross weight of 26 to 33 tons. Let us note that until this time in Ulyanovsk it produced medium-weight trucks - from 5 to 18 tons. These were NPR four-wheel drive trucks, the production of which is planned to increase. Thus, according to a company representative, by increasing the model range, it is planned to increase the total production of trucks to 5 thousand units by 2022. ++

The Russian plant Hitachi Construction Machinery begins production of excavators designed to work in cold climates. The factory cold climate specification developed for Hitachi ZX200/240/280/330-5G crawler excavators allows the equipment to operate in a temperature range of -40 to + 40 ℃.++

The coolant heater is located in the free space behind the cab, and the timer is located in the excavator cab for operator convenience. In addition, machines of this specification provide several special equipment positions. The number of lights on the cab has been increased to four (there are two as standard), lights have appeared on the boom and at the rear of the cab, which is important in conditions of reduced daylight hours. The machine is equipped with a heated operator's seat, as well as a protective cover for the running frame. It prevents damage to the hydraulic hoses as a result of branches and other dangerous elements getting into the opening of the running frame, which are often not visible under the snow.++

The Belarusian manufacturer MAZ has its new Euro 6 dump truck MAZ 6516M9-620. This is already the third new product in the new generation of MAZ’s promising line. Thus, MAZ makes it clear that the future transition to Euro-6 standards, planned for 2018, will not come as a surprise to the plant. The four-axle dump truck is equipped not only with a new generation cab, but also with the latest Mercedes-Benz Euro-6 engine, 476 hp. Gearbox – 12-speed robotic Mercedes-Benz G 281-12 New AMT. ++

The plant also made another offer for builders. Thus, the 60-ton truck crane KS-6576Z-1, a record for MAZ, was created in collaboration with the Chinese Zoomlion. The MAZ truck crane is capable of lifting loads to a height of 59 m, and the boom reach reaches 40 m. ++

Among the imported new products of 2016, we can note the Caterpillar 320D2 GC crawler excavator (power - 85 kW, weight - 20.8 tons). When creating it, the developers paid special attention to operator safety, the power unit and hydraulic system elements. The model is equipped with a Cat 4.4C (Tier 3) engine with electronic control. According to tests carried out, it provides 17% more fuel economy than its predecessor (C7.1). The fuel cooling and filtration system has also been improved. The excavator's hydraulic system has variable volume pumps and oil regeneration systems. Operational safety is achieved due to the power unit switch, thanks to which you can quickly stop the fuel supply. In addition, there is a lock and an automatic shutdown function for electrical circuits and hydraulic systems.++

Another new product is the EC 140D excavator (crawler) from Volvo. Its weight varies from 12.8 to 15.8 tons, power - 73.3 kW. In the process of performing a production task, you can choose one of 5 modes (1st - idling, 5th - maximum power). ECO mode is also available. Declared, but not specifically indicated, savings are guaranteed by the auto-motor shut-off function. Among the advantages of the model, we can mention the linkage control system, protected by a password: having set the necessary settings, they can be saved so that they can be quickly restored in the future if necessary.++

A new economical operating mode is also available for the new John Deere 1050K bulldozer - by adjusting engine speed, fuel savings of up to 25% are achieved. The machine is equipped with a powerful PowerTechTM power unit with wet cylinder liners and a dual-circuit hydrostatic transmission. These two components are designed to increase the efficiency of work performed. Thus, unlike a transmission with a torque converter, the drive used helps prevent loss of soil in the event of turning a fully loaded blade. A solid supporting frame is responsible for the strength of the structure, and a more spacious cabin for comfort. The bulldozer comes complete with the JDLink monitoring system.++

In 2016, Iveco-AMT introduced the heavy-duty Trakker dump truck (8x8), the gross weight of which is 48 tons. The power of the engine installed on the machine is 450 hp. The Iveco-AMT 753910 dump truck, made for a domestic oil and gas company, has a body volume of 24 cubic meters and is designed for northern operating conditions. Also presented is the Iveco-AMT 633910 tractor, which is designed to work in conjunction with a road train with a gross weight of 97 tons. The package includes a reinforced front axle with a load of 10 tons, a ZF transfer case (there is a function to disable the front axle), a double cab, 16R20.++ tires

Japanese Komatsu introduced a robotic mining dump truck in the fall. For the first time since testing of autonomous vehicles of this class began in 2008, the dump truck has turned into a full-fledged robot. The driver's cabin and rear-view mirrors have disappeared, each wheel has received autonomous control, and the weight of the transported cargo is distributed throughout the entire structure.++

Unlike the latest Komatsu 930E series dump trucks used in Chilean quarries, the newcomer is no longer a truck. It is an "Innovative Transportation Machine" that doesn't need to turn around, moves forward and backward with equal speed and grace, and avoids wasted fuel and tire wear. And carries up to 230 metric tons of cargo at speeds up to 64 km/h.++

The dimensions of the robot dump truck are 15 by 8.5 m, it is equipped with a 2700 hp engine. Its control system is based on navigation beacons in the quarry together with its own obstacle sensors. Increased maneuverability minimizes the requirements for the quality and width of entrances, and the intelligent control mechanism reduces the risk of getting into an accident.++

A new Komatsu D39EZ|PX-24 bulldozer has been released with a Komatsu SAA4D95E-7 engine of 3.26 liters and 105 hp. It is water-cooled and has a turbocharger, which improves the stability of the internal combustion engine and switches off automatically at idle. In addition, the applied methods of selective catalytic regeneration and special. Fluids (DEF) for the diesel exhaust system ensure that the power unit operates within the required environmental standards. Among the accessibility innovations is the inclusion of a standard automated reverse layout mode. And the Triple Labyrinth mechanism has improved the protection of the case from external factors.++

The main advantage for the driver-operator is the ability to quickly switch between control modes - automatic, three-speed and “custom” mode of a 20-speed gearbox.++

Komatsu D39EZ|PX-24 has on board the proprietary Komtrax telematics system with real-time testing and information display. And one more convenient additional functionality - a set of rear view cameras as standard equipment.++

The Japanese company Kobelco announced the release of a new tenth generation crawler excavator weighing 30 tons with the index SK300LC-10. It is powered by a 7.68 liter Hino turbocharged diesel engine producing 250 PS. Euro 6 standard for harmful emissions. The company usually uses this engine on larger machines weighing 35 tons, so it is not surprising that the new model’s bucket breakout force is 209 kN, making this machine one of the most powerful in its class. The profile of the cabin and, in general, the entire upper part of the machine is similar to the heavier SK350LC-10 model. Particularly noteworthy is easy access to the engine compartment for daily inspections and maintenance. For extremely rocky surfaces, it is possible to install special 60 cm wide tracks with two lugs instead of the standard three. ++

Haulotte has introduced a new series of heavy-duty telehandlers. Currently, the series consists of three models: HTL 5210, HTL 6508 and HTL 7210. The machine with the HTL 5210 index has a lifting capacity of 5.2 tons and a lifting height of 10 meters, and with a horizontal reach of 5.8 meters it will be possible to move up to 3 .5 tons of cargo. The HTL 6508 loader with a lifting capacity of 6.5 tons can lift loads up to 8 meters. And the HTL 7210 telescope is 7.2 tons and 10 meters, respectively. ++

Interestingly, the models were developed from scratch; the series significantly expanded the line of telescopic loaders produced by the company. Among the advantages, there are several main differences from competitors. There are stabilizers included as standard, which provide excellent horizontal reach, and a rear axle locking system for greater lateral stability. The HTL 5210 has all-wheel drive and can work effectively on any uneven surfaces, which is especially important when working, for example, on a construction site. The model is equipped with a hydrostatic transmission for high precision movements and pedals for a smooth and easy ride. All this guarantees high productivity and load capacity.++

All new products are equipped with various Perkins engines that meet Euro 3 and Euro 4 environmental standards. All HTL telescopic loaders can quickly be equipped with additional attachments: forks, buckets, crane booms with hooks. ++

British heavy equipment manufacturer JCB has unveiled the new JCB JS 305 track model, adapted to work in harsh hot or cold conditions. The machine, weighing 30 tons, is aimed at the Russian and CIS markets, African, Middle Eastern and Asian markets. The excavator uses a seven-liter six-cylinder Dieselmax 672 engine of its own production. The reliability and long service life of the power plant is ensured by a mechanical high-pressure fuel pump, a turbocharger with fixed geometry and a cooling fan (without the ability to regulate). The maximum engine power is 165 kW (221 hp). The JS 305 engine also features a modern air purification system and a 2-stage pre-filter as standard. The excavator is equipped with an adjustable hydraulic pump, thanks to which the machine can reach its maximum level of productivity, regardless of conditions. The operator can choose one of three operating modes: Eco - the optimal combination of fuel efficiency and productivity, Power - maximum productivity aimed at excavation work, including large volumes, as well as the Power+ mode optimizing the operation of the power plant and hydraulic systems.++

The JS 305 uses a combination of a monobloc boom and a 2.5/3.1 meter stick. The latter have a replaceable lining on the inside that protects against premature wear and damage. The design provides for various attachments: buckets, hydraulic hammers, etc.++

Nikola Motor Company introduced the world's first truck with a hybrid electric powertrain. The model is called Nikola One, and its industrial production will begin in 2020.++

The car's engine is completely electric; it receives energy from lithium-ion batteries according to the classical scheme. The innovation here is that the truck does not require recharging from the mains; the batteries are supplied with electricity by a hydrogen fuel cell unit while on the move.++

Thus, Nikola Motor Company eliminated the problem of the car having to sit down to charge the battery. The relatively short range of an electric truck was one of the main difficulties in converting long-haul freight transportation to electric traction.++

But the Nikola One’s range on one hydrogen fuel fill can reach 1.93 thousand kilometers. The engine power of the machine is 1000 hp. s., and the weight of a six-wheeled tractor, depending on the configuration, ranges from 8.2 to 9.5 tons.++

True, the price of the truck is rather high - about 375 thousand dollars, that is, approximately three times more expensive than a conventional tractor with a gasoline or diesel engine. However, Nikola Motor assures that owners of such cars will be able to compensate for the high cost with low operating costs.++

To ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel, Nikola Motor promises to build a sufficient number of hydrogen filling stations.++

The legendary king of truck tuning, 77-year-old Sven-Erik “Svempa” Bergendahl, is known throughout the world. Until now, only Scania tractors have been modified in his tuning studio, but now, for the first time, he has begun to modify a dump truck. The author's approach was applied not only to the appearance of the truck, which stands out noticeably, immediately catching the eye, but also to the interior design of the cabin: stylized upholstery of the seats, steering wheel and door panels. The result is a car with an exclusive, memorable “Black Claw” design.++

The dump truck is equipped with an economical 13-liter 6-cylinder in-line Scania DC13 engine producing 400 hp. with high torque. Compliance with the Euro-5 eco-standard is ensured by the Scania SCR.++ exhaust gas purification system

The 12+2-speed gearbox with divider is equipped with the Scania Opticruise automatic gearshift system and the Scania hydraulic retarder, which is designed to reduce the vehicle's speed without activating the main braking system. This increases operational safety and reduces operating costs.++

The all-wheel drive chassis has parabolic springs at the front and rear, the permitted load on the front axle is 9 tons, on the rear bogie 26.5 tons.++

The machine was designed for operation exclusively in the Siberian region, on the territory of permafrost, and must “walk” not only on “reliable” winter roads, but also at a time when the top layer of soil briefly thaws, and the soil turns into a viscous mixture dirt, sand and clay, which significantly impedes movement. To increase cross-country ability and maneuverability in such harsh off-road conditions, a single-pitch tire with wide-profile tires of size 16.00R20 is used, which distinguishes this dump truck from “traditional” ones.++

And now a couple of “cherries” on the brutal cake of special equipment. ++

The new product should be of interest to owners of warehouses and large industrial complexes, including construction industry enterprises. Drivers of heavy-duty trucks know well how difficult it can be to turn around in a small area near the terminal. Verhagen Leiden has proposed its own solution to this problem by developing an electric towing dolly, the Trailer Mover XXL.++

Now the effort of one worker operating a trolley is enough to move a huge loaded 20-ton semi-trailer from place to place. This was made possible thanks to the enviable hydraulic lifting capacity of the Trailer Mover XXL - 3500 kg, the V-move system with a 4-kilowatt AC motor and a powerful 245 ampere-hour battery, which ensures long-term operation without recharging.++

In addition, the tow dolly has a solid array of safety features, including its own brakes, an anti-rollover device and an additional air compressor that allows the worker to control the semi-trailer's braking system. Another important advantage is that you do not need a special license to operate it.++

It would seem that in the world of replaceable attachments everything has long been invented, but technological progress does not stand still and more and more new types of attachments are constantly appearing, the creation of which is caused by the need for special equipment to perform a certain type of work. This is how the new universal grab Mega Beak 200 appeared, produced by the American company Daniel Manufacturing for the destruction of monolithic building structures with the function of gripping slabs. The equipment is a combination of a grapple and a two-prong fork, which itself (beak).++

Australian engineers have developed a brick-laying robot that can independently erect the box of a typical brick house in a couple of days. The invention works tens of times faster than the most professional mason. The full-size robot was named HADRIAN, in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, on whose orders in the 2nd century the Romans built the famous wall, more than 117 kilometers long, that once completely divided Britain.++

The productivity of this machine is 1000 bricks per hour and if the manipulator works constantly, then within a year it is capable of building about 150 brick houses. ++

The robot works according to 3D drawings, carefully building the wall according to the parameters specified by the program, all manipulations are performed by a telescopic boom, and the fastening solution is supplied to the place where the brick is laid, automatically through a pipeline laid on the boom. Sensors on the boom track its location up to 1000 times within one second. The robot's giant arm moves based on fixed marks that take information from a house design in a 3D CAD application. It automatically corrects itself to prevent interference from vibration or electricity. Using the program data, the robot independently determines the places where all the bricks should be placed. The software can also leave free spaces for laying pipes, electrical wiring or installing wooden structural elements of the future home.++

Today, having spent more than 10 years creating their mechanical mason, engineers from Australia offer the robot in several versions. The first is with a 28-meter boom on the chassis of a crawler excavator, the second is on the chassis of a Mercedes truck, with a 30-meter boom-manipulator. The car-based version turned out to be more maneuverable, and the design itself was improved and modernized. The robot learned to carefully adjust the bricks to each other, grind and cut as necessary, and manipulate the laying material by repeating the movements of a human hand. The bricks are seated on a special adhesive patented by the manufacturing company, which is applied to the surfaces to be fastened using a special device.++

The benefit is obvious - a machine, unlike a person, does not get tired, works without interruptions, and does not need sleep or rest. In addition, it works up to 20 times faster, replacing a dozen people. The first copies of Hadrian robotic masons will be sold first in Australia, and if successful, the sales area will then be expanded throughout the world.++

The British company Charge, an official partner of Formula E, presented a prototype of a futuristic electric truck model. In its plans to create an electric truck, the company notes that the use of lightweight composite materials and a modular production method will allow it to produce more than 10,000 vehicles per year from a plant workforce of 10 people. In addition, the company's proprietary manufacturing methods and electrical equipment will reduce weight and operating costs by 50 percent compared to existing standards.++

Charge says the trucks will have about 100 miles of zero-emission range, and also notes that this could be increased to 500 miles using an “extender” that is not yet known.++

It is worth noting that the company will equip all trucks with hardware for unmanned systems, which can subsequently be easily integrated into the transport itself. The company also promises to provide ongoing truck software updates that will be installed over-the-air.++

Charge is expected to build its first plant near its headquarters in Oxfordshire, UK, with the first trucks hitting the market next year.+

Denis Bannikov +

Road equipment for improvement and maintenance

This category of road construction equipment usually includes machines for creating road infrastructure, as well as municipal special equipment for maintaining highways.

Characteristics of special equipment

Let's look at what general characteristics you should pay attention to when purchasing equipment for construction, for road, excavation and other work:

1. Overall dimensions are perhaps one of the first indicators that need to be taken into account. For example, large construction equipment is unlikely to be suitable for work inside a yard.
2. Power and/or load capacity.
3. Own weight of the equipment.
4. The versatility of the machine. For example, an excavator with a quick-release attachment for attachments is more efficient when you plan to frequently replace working tools.
5. Degree of novelty. More modern models of equipment, as a rule, meet the more demanding needs of buyers. The market for special equipment is developing based on these very requests.

Author: Andrey Solomin
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Equipment for transporting materials

To transport many materials used in road construction, dump trucks that are familiar to everyone are used:

“A dump truck is a universal type of road equipment designed for transporting and unloading various materials. The main feature of such trucks is the self-unloading of the body."

Depending on the intensity of laying the asphalt mixture, dump trucks of different carrying capacities are used - the higher the asphalt paving productivity of the asphalt paver, the higher the dump truck's loading capacity should be. This is due to the fact that asphalt concrete mixtures are supplied to the asphalt paver hopper immediately from the self-unloading body (the dump truck follows in front of the paver during asphalting).

Modern dump trucks are divided into 4 categories of load capacity:

• 1. Low – up to 2,000 kg;
• 2. Average up to 6,000 kg;
• 3. Increased – up to 14,000 kg;
• 4. Particularly high – over 14,000 kg.

When laying asphalt, ~10-ton dump trucks are most often used - in most cases this is enough to ensure uninterrupted supply to the paver hopper.

Transport

These are vehicles for delivering materials, soil, and removing waste from the site. Transportation of construction equipment is also carried out with their help. For such work, the following types of construction equipment are distinguished:

• trucks with trailers;
• dump trucks;
• tractors with semi-trailers (scows) carrying up to 20 tons of cargo;
• long trucks – trucks with an extended body.

Loading and unloading machines transport goods around the site. They are needed in warehouses and large construction sites.

Some types of construction equipment are purchased by contractors, but in most cases, trucks are rented. For example, common services are scow rental and long-vehicle rental.

Machines for the production and transportation of concrete mixtures

Concrete roads, despite their high performance characteristics, do not tolerate frost well, as well as serious temperature changes - such circumstances lead to rapid cracking of concrete. This seriously limits the possibility of constructing concrete roads in Russia, since the constant destruction of concrete will require constant and expensive repairs.

Therefore, road equipment for the production and transportation of concrete solutions is mostly used in the construction of various buildings rather than in the construction of highways.

Road equipment for concrete mixtures

Bulldozer

This special-purpose vehicle is used not only in the construction of buildings. Externally, it is a caterpillar or wheeled tractor with high power and a mounted working blade in the form of a shield.

Used for digging, leveling the ground, demolishing dilapidated buildings. This is an indispensable assistant in cleaning the area from snow, stones, bushes, and debris. A bulldozer is an excellent assistant for cutting soil in construction projects.

Based on the type of lifting mechanism, bulldozers are divided into rope and hydraulic. There are machines with adjustable cutting angle.

For bulldozers to pay off, it is necessary to minimize the time they are used and to maximize the volume of earth moved. In conditions of individual construction, machines that are ultra-light or lightweight are preferred. In addition, the maneuverability of such a bulldozer is higher than that of heavy class vehicles. The bulldozer is a worthy assistant to the excavator.

conclusions

Road equipment (road construction machines) are special self-propelled vehicles and other equipment designed to perform tasks inextricably linked with the construction, repair and maintenance of highways and other objects with asphalt concrete pavement.

Today, road equipment can be divided into several categories:

• 1. Road equipment for asphalt paving and maintenance of asphalt concrete surfaces;
• 2. Machines for earthworks;
• 3. Equipment for preparatory activities;
• 4. Equipment for creating road infrastructure and maintaining the road surface;
• 5. General transport vehicles;
• 6. Special equipment for the production and transportation of liquid concrete.

Road equipment can have a strictly defined purpose or be universal. For example, an asphalt paver will be a highly specialized machine, while a dump truck will be a universal one.

The use of mechanized machines and compact equipment significantly increases the efficiency of road construction work: construction time is reduced, the performance characteristics and service life of the pavement are increased.

Asphalt mixing plants

This type of road special equipment can be called the pinnacle of modern technology. Highly mobile models are built on a modular basis. The plant uses up to 50 percent of the old coating, is quick to install and has low energy consumption. Equipment productivity ranges from 80 to 160 t/h. Special systems allow you to control drum performance and reduce losses at the beginning and end of the cycle. The Fayat Roadstar RS2500 model is installed without the use of cranes and has a capacity of 200 t/h. The basic elements are similar to other plants.