Commissioning, manufacturing, installing

Noel Bessler, Peet Venter and Peet Eksteen of Osborn South Africa provide insight into some of the company’s top civil construction equipment.

OSBORN ENGINEERED Products is a leading name in mining and quarry markets, providing a full range of engineering products, including crushers, feeders, screens, idlers, and skidmounted crushing and screening plants. The company is now taking its excellence in manufacturing and supplying engineering equipment to further penetrate the civil construction market Osborn is a member of the Astec Industries Inc group of companies – a leading American manufacturer of plant and equipment for aggregate processing, asphalt road building, pipeline and utility trenching. The company deals with the full manufacturing from concept to installation and commissioning and is highly client-centred.

The mobile asphalt plants were game changers. What defines them in the marketplace?
Since then, mobility and capacity increased, and the capabilities of plants moved to meet industry demands. For a mobile plant to truly meet the market place requirements, it has to be able to match, to a certain extent, its more lustrous bigger brother. The modern mobile plant should be easy to erect and versatile. It should be capable of doing high tonnages and also accommodate a high percentage of recycled asphalt. The new requirements in the mix designs can be for up to 40% of recycled material. While mobility is important, the environmental requirements should also be met and honoured by plants.

What makes the mobile asphalt plant such a complete package?
The Astec six-pack mobile plant series offers clients superior mobile double drum technology. With six easily transportable loads, and quick and easy setup and erection, the plant can be operational is a very short time. Capable of doing up to 360 tph and using up to 50% of recycled asphalt, these mobile plants will supply a no-fuss solution to road projects.

With the newest addition to the Astec mobile family, the market can now also utilise a competitive, compact plant with for smaller projects. The Voyager 120 plant can produce 120 tph and accommodate 30% recycled asphalt. It is designed to be super portable with just two towable loads.

What accessories are available in this range?
A multitude of add-ons are available for contractors. This allows them to upgrade and improve their plants as the need arises. Storage and loadout systems can be added and improved. Astec’s NG silos are one of the best in the market. Product can be stored for up to four days in these uniquely designed silos. The Astec green system for warm mix production can also be added. Hot storage and heating solutions are available and can be supplied to any make of plant. Osborn and Astec can meet most customer needs through its diverse and comprehensive solutions.

Stabilisers and recyclers are hallmarked by their durability and versatility; what does this entail?
Roadtec soil reclaimer-stabilisers come with a list of features that highlight the machine’s performance, durability and versatility. With three sizes available to the industry, the stabiliser-reclaimers are capable of performing in various applications. The machines are extremely operator-friendly with simplified controls. Premium, high-strength steel is used to fabricate all the frames providing more than twice the yield strength of standard A 36 steel. This is why Roadtec machines are stronger without carrying excessive weight. The premium steel provides the necessary strength at reasonable plate thicknesses.

The machines are designed with excellent weight balance to perform in the cut without being extremely heavy to transport or consuming the excessive fuel that extra weight adds. The machine’s on-demand cooling uses a variable speed fan that takes air in from the cleanest possible area. This feature reduces the amount of dust and debris entering the engine compartment.

The fully enclosed operator station slides past the right side of the machine for excellent visibility. The seat and console swivel 90 degrees for additional operator visibility and the machine comes standard with a colour control screen and backup camera.

These 4-wheel drive machines can be steered in four different modes. The suspension is hydraulically controlled, allowing the depth of cut to be selected via push button. The variable geometry cutter housing allows for optimum control of material sizing and flow. Cutter housing doors are hydraulically adjustable. The belt driven cutter drum can be turned at four different speeds. An air shift 4-speed cutter transmission allows the cutter speed to be changed without a drop in production. An optional automated water/ emulsion system is available for machines.

What applications is this product suitable for?
The Roadtec SX4, SX6 and SX-8 Soil stabiliser-recyclers can handle a range of projects, including stabilising, pulverising or cold recycling.

How easy are they to maintain?
When designing its machines, Roadtec make sure that ease of maintenance is taken into consideration. Allowing the engine hood to be raised hydraulically to 90 degrees makes the engine compartment readily accessible. Convenient radiator cleanout and slide-out battery rack also contribute to the machine’s accessibility

What are the design principles behind the road building and maintenance range?
Roadtec machines are simply designed and well balanced for maximum efficiency. Many items come standard on Roadtec equipment. An example of this is the FXS fume extraction system. Another is the Roadtec Comfort Drive operator system, which embodies the latest in ergonomic design, provides greater visibility and provides fingertip control. The optimum balance between power, production and manoeuvrability is one of the main principles behind the design of all equipment.

Road rehabilitation is a pressing issue in South Africa; what can the Roadtec range offer in this regard?
Roadtec offers an extensive line of equipment that is extremely reliable and requires minimal maintenance. Roadtec is the inventor of the revolutionary Shuttle Buggy material transfer vehicle and also builds asphalt pavers, road milling machines, cold-in-place recycle equipment, self-propelled brooms and soil stabilisers/reclaimers. All these offerings come in a variety of configurations and sizes to support industry requirements and needs.

What kind of after-sales care can customers expect?
Many companies these days make statements about being the best in service and product support. Roadtec and Osborn are passionate about after-sales care. With the local support of Osborn, all Roadtec customers in Southern Africa can expect exceptional support. Parts support is handled through Osborn’s parts call centre and a well-equipped and trained service department is available for field support 24-hours a day, seven days a week.