P R O D U C T GA L L E RY
Change Out a Drum liver time-critical projects within the asphalt industry,” said Marcus Jinks, director of Dixon Engineering. “These projects range from like-for-like replacements, retrofits and adaptations requiring various skill sets for heavy plants and equipment.” The replacement drum on Breedon Group’s asphalt plant has a skin thickness of 15 mm and should last at least another 15 years, Coles said. “Further benefits include improved overall plant efficiency due to heat retention,” he concluded. For more information, visit www.ammann.com.
Steam evacuation pipework was removed on the first day. The old drum was removed by crane on the second day. FROM AMMANN GROUP
Ammann Group, Langenthal, Switzerland, reported on a dryer upgrade to extend the life of a plant for customer Breedon Group in the United Kingdom. The Ammann ABP Universal Asphalt-Mixing Plant began operation in 2004.
T
he Longwater plant, located near Norwich, England, was well maintained and had much more operating potential. Yet the dryer had surpassed its life expectancy. It was time for a replacement. “We allowed for five days,” said Richard Coles, parts sales manager at Ammann UK Ltd. “On the first day, the steam evacuation pipework—from mixer and screen to raw gas ducting—was removed by crane, as was the suction hood. The slinger conveyor was disconnected and moved out of the dryer. “ The old dryer then was removed by crane. This was completed by the second day. “On the third day, the new drum was positioned, and the disconnected items were reinstalled on the plant,” Coles said. Mechanical installation was finished the next day. On the fifth day, tracking was completed, marking the end of the project. Mark Wood, area operations manager for Breedon Group, spoke of the process. “When it was decided that the dryer drum on our Longwater asphalt plant was due for renewal, we went out for quotes for the replacement,” he said. They decided to use Ammann as the preferred supplier. There was good communication from Ammann as to lead times and delivery dates, which were all on time and as quoted, Wood said. “The contractors (Dixon Engineering Ltd.) that Ammann used to install the drum were exemplary in providing all relevant safe systems of work and risk assessments,” Wood said. “We didn’t find any fault with their work during the entire operation. The job was completed on schedule and with no incidents.” Coles was pleased with the smooth project as well. He counts on Dixon Engineering to handle such work. The experienced firm based in Derbyshire is committed to quality and timeliness. “Over a period of time, Dixon Engineering has formed a strong business relationship with Ammann UK—working together to de54 | JULY 2022
The Astec M-Pack asphalt plant is engineered as a set of modules and can incorporate one of four exclusive mixing systems: Double Barrel, Double Barrel X, Double Bareel XHR or UniDrum.
ASTEC
The Astec M-Pack from Astec Industries, Chattanooga, is designed for quick setup. The plant has the capacity and size of a permanent facility with reduced setup costs. It is engineered as a set of modules that are transported by truck. Each Astec M-Pack plant ships in ready to set up loads when it leaves the manufacturing facility. Level and pave your site, then lift the pre-piped, pre-wired modules off the trailer and bolt them up. If you ever have to move to another site, most loads fit on lowboy type trailers and the built-in foundations go with them. The Astec M-Pack features high-production, large capacity, full-size control rooms, high-quality components, and excellent maintenance access, according to the manufacturer. For more information, visit www.astecindustries.com
CATERPILLAR
Caterpillar announced its new compact wheel loaders May 4 with an expected arrival date in the United States and Canada in fourth quarter 2022. The 906, 907 and 908 are the updated machines built in Lester, England, and featuring new amenities for operators as well as enhancements to hydraulics. All three machines offer air conditioning as an option and a spokesperson explained this “has been upgraded versus the previous HVAC system by +60% increase in performance.” Also check out the LED roading and working lights, some of which can be rotated 90 degrees and feature light guarding for extra safety. The 906 has an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, which represents a 30% increase over the earlier model. The 907 and 908 models have 24-gallon fuel tanks. None of these require DEF fluid.
