Asphalt Compactor suits intermediate to high production jobs.
Press Release Summary:
Able to efficiently compact sub-base, base, and surface courses, CB-434D double drum vibratory asphalt compactor features automatic speed control with impact spacing indicator, operator's station with electronic/ergonomic propel lever, and vertical yoke frame. It has 50/50 articulation, 5 amplitude settings, and swing out radiator/oil cooler. With 59 in. wide drums, machine can be used on all phases of asphalt compaction.
Original Press Release:
Caterpillar Releases the CB-434D Asphalt Compactor
Caterpillar Inc. of Peoria, Ill., has recently announced changes to its high-production, double drum vibratory asphalt compactor line that results in a new model - the CB-434D. The CB-434D has many new features and modern styling that make it one of the most versatile and reliable machines available. Some of the important new features include automatic speed control with impact spacing indicator, new operator's station with electronic/ergonomic propel lever, vertical yoke frame, 50/50 articulation, five amplitude settings, swing out radiator/oil cooler, greater fuel capacity, improved access to water pumps and filters and an optional dual amplitude vibratory system.
The CB-434D is an intermediate to high production asphalt compactor with 1500 mm (59") wide drums and is designed for multiple jobs. It competes in the 5 - 8 metric ton class of asphalt compactors.
Typical applications for the D-Series include highways, city streets, county roads, lane additions, industrial sites, overlays, airport runways and other production sized paving jobs.
Caterpillar D-Series vibratory asphalt compactors are versatile. They can be used on all phases of asphalt compaction, reducing the need for a variety of rollers. They work well as breakdown and intermediate rollers because of their high compactive forces. In the past, static steel wheel rollers were the preferred equipment for finish rolling, but today vibratory compactors operating in the static mode or low amplitudes are often used in this role. The pounds per linear inch (PLI) exerted by the D-Series provides excellent results, and their machined steel drums are perfect for this application.
The D-Series can efficiently compact sub-base, base and surface courses and is ideal for the contractor/agency that prefers to do all phases of compaction with a single machine. Because the D-Series offers a wide range of amplitude/centrifugal force, the machines can be used on a variety of materials and mat thicknesses, such as harsh Superpave mixes and tender Marshall mixes.
Engine
The D-Series is powered by the Caterpillar 3054C diesel engine, with an operating speed of 2,200 rpm, producing a gross power of 62 kW (83 hp). It is a four-cylinder engine with 105 mm (4.13") bore, 127 mm (5") stroke and 4.4-liter displacement. The cool air intake is located at the top of the engine for cleaner, more efficient engine cooling. This engine meets U.S. Tier 2 and EU Stage II emission specifications.
Operator's Station
The new design of the operator's station includes the operator's platform, Maximum Visibility Position (MVP) control console and surrounding guardrails. The operator's station was developed to provide optimum comfort, efficiency and maneuverability. The operator's station is located on the front main frame. The engine is located behind and below the operator's station to provide the operator clear visibility to the drum surfaces and ground contact points. The MVP control console provides excellent operator mobility in order to maximize the views to the drum surfaces, all four-drum edges, and the general work area. The MVP control console is designed to keep the operator away from engine noise and heat. Another advantage of this arrangement is a lower center of gravity and shorter machine length for easier transport than some other designs.
The MVP control console includes all machine controls, except amplitude selection for the standard (5 amplitude) vibratory system. The optional dual amplitude system is controlled entirely from the operator's station. The MVP control console also includes an adjustable suspension bucket seat that allows operation from a number of different positions on the operation platform. There are nine different rotating positions and seven different sliding positions. The machine controls pivot along with the console and remain in the same relative position to the operator at all times, regardless of position selected.
From any of the numerous MVP positions, the operator has good visibility of both drum surfaces. When in the 900 position, left or right of center, the operator has excellent visibility to the drum edges at the ground contact point.
The operator's station is mounted on rubber isolators that help absorb machine vibration before it reaches the operator and machine instrumentation. This not only helps reduce operator fatigue but also helps prevent failure of instrumentation that can be caused by excessive vibration. An advanced ergonomic propel control lever incorporates fingertip controls that allow the operator to maximize efficiency.
Standard Vibratory System (5 Amplitude)
Drum vibration is achieved by rotating an unbalanced shaft mounted in a sealed housing inside each drum. A hydraulic vibratory motor drives the unbalanced shaft. As the unbalanced shaft is driven, it creates a centrifugal force that causes the drum to vibrate. The vibratory system features five amplitude settings, which are adjustable with a hand wheel from the ground level.
The system is comprised of the unbalanced shaft with two interlocking eccentric weights. The bearing supporting the shaft requires continuous lubrication. This is provided by an oil bath arrangement. The sealed housing containing the bearings and shaft serves as an oil bath chamber and provides continuous recirculation of the oil.
With the exception of amplitude selection, operation of the vibratory system is entirely controlled from the operator's station. All controls are located on the operator's instrument console and propel handle.
Dual Amplitude Vibratory System (Optional)
Drum vibration is achieved by rotating an unbalanced shaft mounted in a sealed housing inside each drum. A hydraulic vibratory motor drives the unbalanced shaft. As the unbalanced shaft is driven, it creates a centrifugal force that causes the drum to vibrate.
The dual amplitude system allows operators to choose between high or low amplitude, each with it's own frequency, from the operator's console to match job specifications. The vibratory system is very similar to the dual amplitude system that is used on Caterpillar soil compactors. The positive amplitude selection is accomplished when the steel shot is repositioned inside the hollow eccentric weight. Direction of the weight shaft determines amplitude level (High or Low). Two vibratory frequencies of 70 Hz (4200 vpm) and 53 Hz (3200 vpm) are available to match varying job conditions.
Propel System
The propel system is a closed circuit hydrostatic design. The propel pump is half of the two section hydraulic pump group driven through a pump drive at the flywheel output of the engine. It is the pump closest to the engine. The pump is a variable displacement axial piston design. Flow from the pump is directed to traction motors mounted on each drum. The D-Series is also equipped with the Automatic Speed Control (ASC) system. The system provides consistent speeds that can be maintained throughout a job. The operator can also set the Automatic Speed Control (ASC) to match impact spacing requirements.
The propel lever is connected to an electronic control which in turn controls the angle of the swashplate in the hydraulic pump. Movement of the lever controls both the pump output and direction of oil flow between the pump and motors.
Drum Spray System
One of the most important systems of an asphalt compactor is the drum spray system. To help prevent hot mix asphalt from sticking to the drum surface, the drum must be kept continuously wet. If it is not, the drum will pick up material from the new mat, leaving air voids in the surface. Once sticking occurs, it rapidly spreads, requiring cleaning of the drum and hand repair of the mat, slowing production and increasing costs.
All asphalt compactors have drum spray systems to help prevent this problem, but special care in design and construction has been taken to help ensure that the Cat system is highly reliable and will increase production time.
The system includes one large 800 liter (211 gal) polyethylene water tank, positioned inside of the machine front frame. By eliminating the two tank system, this design improves operator visibility to the front and rear of the machine and to either side. Objects that are 1 m (3.3') in front of the machine or behind the machine and are 1 m (3.3') above the ground can be seen by the operator. The design provides the additional benefit of shielding the spray bars and nozzles from wind and sun, allowing the spray nozzles to provide consistent coverage across the drum surface.
The tank is resistant to deformation under heating and cooling and has no internal coating to deteriorate and clog the system. The black color reduces the growth of algae in the water. The large capacity helps to ensure long operation between refills. The water tank level gauge is easily readable from the operator's console. A large single point fill port allows access from ground level for quick, convenient refilling from all types of supply systems.
Although the materials used in the system eliminate the possibility of corrosion, which could clog spray heads, foreign material added to the system with the water can also clog the system. To help prevent this, water is triple filtered. The fill ports include removable basket-type strainers to help prevent large particles from entering during refills. An in-line replaceable filter is located between the tank and its corresponding pump, and each spray nozzle incorporates a brass wire mesh filter in the spray head.
Spray bars are also polyethylene to help prevent corrosion and help ensure uniform spray. The spray bars are equipped with brass/plastic spray nozzles. Each nozzle can be adjusted for spray direction and can be completely disassembled for cleaning without the use of tools.
The water spray system incorporates two pumps that allow water to be supplied from one pump while traveling forward and the other pump while traveling in reverse. The two pumps are mounted on the right side of the machine behind the forward machine frame. This location makes servicing these components easier, and it provides increased protection from damage. The in-line water filter and tank drain are also located by the pumps.
The Caterpillar water pumps are designed to be the most reliable and durable water pump available. Cat water pumps feature full electrical sheathing and pin connectors. They offer all-weather protection, keeping moisture and corrosion out. The internal power switch is also sealed and has an internal by-pass circuit that eliminates switch corrosion and provides automatic pressure relief. The pumps are self priming and pressure regulating. This design allows the pumps to provide optimum flow and spray.
Caterpillar Serviceability
The D-Series is designed for ease and speed of service. A large vertical lift engine compartment door swings up to provide easy access to the engine and routine service points while parked near other machines or objects. Because the engine is located on the rear half of the machine and below the operator's station, access to all service points takes place from ground level. The door latch has a lock that increases vandalism protection.
Radiator fill for the cooling system is accessible under the engine compartment on the right side of the machine. The radiator drain valve is located on the bottom front of the radiator frame. The D-Series protective grill rotates away from the side-by-side radiator and oil cooler to provide access for cleaning.
The fuel tank is located behind the operator's station and is accessible from ground level without opening the hood. The fill spout is located at the rear of the machine, and the fill spout cap is lockable with a padlock. A filter screen basket in the fill spout helps to reduce contaminants, when fuel is added. The fuel gauge is located on the instrument panel.
The hydraulic oil tank is located on the rear frame. The hydraulic oil fill spout is located on the left side of the machine and is accessible from ground level. A sight gauge is visible on the left side of the machine under the engine hood.
The drum vibratory systems run in a self contained oil bath. No daily lubrication of the eccentric bearings is required.
Electrical System
A 12-volt electric starting system with an 80 amp alternator is standard with the starter mounted to the flywheel housing on the right side of the engine. One 12-volt (950 amp) maintenance free Cat battery supplies electrical power. The battery is located under the rear bumper at the back of the machine. To simplify giving and receiving jump starts, the CB-434D has a quick start post mounted on the right side of the engine compartment.
All electrical wiring is Caterpillar color coded and numbered with Caterpillar harnesses. Connectors are soldered and molded to prevent moisture from entering connections. The electrical system fuses are sealed to help keep moisture and corrosion out. The fuse panel is located on the right side of the operator's station for quick, easy access.
Versatile and Productive Options
Water Distribution Mats
The mats help keep drum surfaces wet in extremely dry, hot or windy conditions. The mats are constructed of flexible rubber and are designed to hold and disperse water on the drum surfaces. They also keep drums clean by providing a secondary cleaning action to remove minor asphalt particles not removed by the drum scrapers. The mats can be retracted from the drums when not in use.
Cocoa Mats
The mats retain water as it is distributed by the water spray system. The cocoa mats allow water to seep out of them. This provides a continuous distribution of water and keeps the water spray system from having to work continuously.
High Intensity Discharge Lights
The package includes four, 35-watt high intensity discharge xenon gas lights. Two face forward, and two face rearward. The lights are fully functional at both high and low idle. The option can be installed on either ROPS or non-ROPS machines.
Rotating Amber Beacon Light
The light alerts ground personnel to heavy equipment. The option can be installed on either ROPS or non-ROPS machines.
Drum Covers
The covers shield internal drum components from contaminants. The shields cap both ends of the drums to form a physical barrier.
Water Spray Freeze Protection Kit
The kit includes an in-line anti-freeze bottle that allows the operator to pump washer fluid into the system. The washer fluid is circulated through the pumps, lines, filters and nozzles for light overnight freeze protection.
Dual Amplitude Vibratory System
The system provides two amplitude selections that are selected from the operator's console. Each of the amplitude selections has it's own frequency of 53 Hz (3200 vpm) or 70 Hz (4200 vpm). The system provides contractors a machine that works efficiently in a wider range of applications.
Offset Hitch
The hitch further enhances curb clearance and joint rolling capabilities by offsetting the machine +/- 169 mm (6.65").
ROPS Cab
The ROPS cab includes a deluxe seat, heat/defrost, interior light, mirror and wiper/washer (front and rear). Optional cab components include air conditioning, external mirrors and sun visors.
Roading Light Package
The roading light package includes two front lights and two rear facing lights, each with turn signals.
Open Platform
The open platform includes handrails and a vinyl suspension seat with weight, tilting and fore/aft adjustments.
Rear Facing Mirrors
Rear-facing mirrors are mounted forward of the operating station and allow rearward visibility.
For more information, contact Terry Sharp, Caterpillar Paving Products at 763-712-3001.
