Options for controls have scaled down in size, but have grown in capabilities. Control panels are smaller and sleeker compared to just a few years ago, but new advancements in sensors can now allow operators to control multiple functions that used to require workers on the ground assisting the operator up top.
“Everything can be set up on the operator’s platform,” says Frank Hansel, senior service technician for Power Pavers. “You don’t have to do it with tape measures, extensions or any of that any more. I can see what all my sensors are doing – they’re all electronic, not hydraulic.” Hansel describes the electronics as a “big deal” as they are much more sensitive.
During the 2017 World of Concrete show in Las Vegas, Hansel provided an overview of the control features of the Power Paver SF-1700.
“You can turn your elevation and steering off at any time,” he says. “You can turn off your sensor if there is something in the way. The machine will freeze right there and you can get past the obstruction and bring the sensor back out and put it back online. It’s all in the computers and the innovations that have brought this capability to use. It’s just simpler for the operator and saves a crew time.”
Hansel says when the SF-1700 is in pave mode all the sensors are live. “It used to be a big problem with the hydraulic sensors because you would run out of concrete or run short. Now you can shut just the sensors off. It goes to standby, which shuts all the sensors off, so the machine can’t pivot and it can’t go up and down. It freezes it and locks it in place. It also shuts off the propel, the vibrators and tamper bar. It kills everything.”
When there is enough concrete loaded up, the operator can go from standby to pave and get back to paving. It starts at the same speed it was and at the same rpms.
