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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JUNE
2016
MT 3000-2 Offset
The MT 3000-2i Offset is a cutting-edge
feeder providing for a high and consistent
flow of mix on different applications, be
it a conventional road building site to be
supplied with mix or a trench running
alongside the roadway that needs to be
backfilled. An innovative material transfer
concept provides for maximum conveying
capacity and the ErgoPlus operating
system ensures easy and safe operation of
the machine.
• Uninterrupted paving thanks to a
total storage capacity (material feeder
and paver) of 45 ton with a conveying
capacity of 1 200 t/h.
• Non-contacting material transfer
ensures maximum paving quality.
• Homogenised material in the receiving
hopper of the material feeder due to
conical augers.
• Wide range of applications thanks to
the pivoting and inclining conveyor.
• Reliable material transfer based on
automatic distance control and anti-
collision protection.
• Optimum overview and safety thanks to
the convenient and practical ErgoPlus
operating system.
• Enormous power alongside low
consumption from the powerful Deutz
diesel engine delivering 160 kW at
2 000 rpm.
• Outstanding mobility in any terrain and
steering precision provided by crawler
tracks with powerful separate drives.
>
ROADS AND BRIDGES
Construction World
spoke to Road-
span’s Graham Thorpe about the
company and why he uses Vögele
machines. Roadspan recently
acquired two Vögele machines: a Universal
Class Super 1800-3 tracked paver and an MT
3000-2 Offset*. Roadspan is one of the first
companies in the South African market who
has invested in the Vögele MT3000-Offset
machine from the Wirtgen Group. These
machines are both used on Roadspan’s
Machadodorp project.
Who are your clients?
We work for SANRAL, municipalities as well as
well as private concerns. Although we are part
of WBHO (Roadspan was acquired by WBHO
in 2009), we have maintained some autonomy
and can do work for other companies.
What are some of your major
current projects?
The biggest project that we are currently
working on is on the N3. This is due to finish
in June. A project near Mt. Edgecombe is
imminent and will run for most of 2017.
In addition we have major projects at Macha-
dodorp (N4) and on the R24 near Rustenburg
(both with WBHO).
Do you work across the border ?
Yes, we have just completed a big project in
Mozambique in joint venture with WBHO.
Our mobile plant is still in the area as we
are awaiting the next section of the project
to be awarded.
How big is the division – in terms
of staff?
We have between 300 and 350 staff – this
includes wage staff.
Which project is utilising the two
Vögele machines in which you
recently invested?
These machines will be used on the Macha-
dodorp project – once trials have been
completed they will be used on this project
for the next year.
Why did you choose to acquire
the two Vögele machines?
I use Vögele machines all the time. I have five
Vögele pavers at the moment. The reason
why we acquired these machines is that the
price was good and it does not have as many
wearing parts as some others have – and it
is easy to move. Other brands are difficult to
move – the MT3000 is abnormal in width, but
the height makes it easier to move around to
sites around the country.
What, according to you, sets
this machine apart from
competitors?
Machines used for this function are very much
alike. What sets the Vögele machines apart is
that it does not have as many wearing parts,
while maintenance and keeping the machine
clean is easier. In addition, the cost was a
major factor. The machines also loads onto a
lowbed easier than other machines.
How much was the capital
investment for these two
machines?
Combined, It was an investment of about
R10-million.
How easy is the machine to
operate?
One of the machines was used on the Rusten-
burg R24 site for a SANRAL demonstration.
Wirtgen provided operator training and within
an hour the operator knew how to use the
machine. The ErgoPlus drive system that the
machines are equipped with is simple
to operate.
TRIED
and
TRUSTED
Roadspan was established
in 2008 and is a roads
surfacing & rehabilitation
contractor and asphalt
supplier with five static
plants centrally located
throughout South Africa
and a mobile plant which
can be moved to any
region as needed.