Roadtec’s improved material transfer vehicle

First published at CONEXPO-CON/AGG - March 13, 2020

Roadtec has improved its material transfer vehicle

Roadtec has improved its highly successful Shuttle Buggy with the introduction of the new SB3000 model, which replaces the earlier SB2500. As the name suggests, capacity has been increased and it can offer a capacity of up to 27tonnes in all.

A spokesperson for the firm said, “We spoke to customers and there were three key areas we needed to improve: user experience and safety, transportability and jobsite performance.”

The firm also wanted to ensure it retained its market leading position for material transfer vehicles (MTVs), given that there are more competitors in the field now and that the rival machines have improved considerably in recent times.

One key change has been to relocate the engine at ground level, allowing better access for maintenance. The Cummins B6.7 diesel delivers 231kW and meets the Tier 4 Final/Stage V emissions requirements. However, the spokesperson commented, “Getting the engine at ground level was a big challenge.”

Meanwhile the operator position has also been relocated, as far back as possible while still offering a good all-round view. Two control stations are also fitted on top of the machine now. Meanwhile the ground operator also has the benefit of a safe protected seat, instead of having to walk beside the machine in a traffic area.

The all-important remixing capability is similar to before, “…but we’ve done a much better job of matching torque, auger size and material flow to maximise wear life,” said the spokesperson.

The material handling system has been improved, while the speed control is also better. And an infrared sensor is now fitted instead of the sonic sensor used previously, combining with the new speed control system to allow the machine to follow the paver more closely.

Manoeuvrability has been improved with the addition of a four-wheel steer capability. Another improvement is the hydraulic chain tensioner for the material chains, which eliminates another maintenance task.

Stand C30336