All-round asphalt machine

Building on the success of the previous generation, the new Volvo P2820D ABG asphalt paver offers a number of significant improvements. Peter Cnossen of SMT Benelux, exclusive distributor of Volvo Construction Equipment and others, gives all the ins and outs of the new machine with unsurpassed finishing bar and unique settings manager for quick start-up.

Although the new P2820D ABG is a compact machine, it has a large working range, begins Cnossen. "The standard Variomatic VB30 screed of 1.50 meters wide makes the machine extremely suitable for the construction of bicycle paths, for example. The screed can be extended to 3.0 meters working width and, in addition, screed extensions can be fitted to further increase the working width to 4.0 meters. Equipped with the new VB40 finishing beam, even a working range of up to 4.50 meters is possible. On the other hand, the finishing machine is small enough to be loaded directly onto a truck together with a roller."

Remote reading

The low noise level and low emissions make the P2820D ABG ideally suited for work in urban areas, Cnossen continued. "It is important to take into account the local environment in built-up areas. The combination of a quiet screed and efficient Stage V engine ensure impressively low noise levels. The engine is economical and thus has low CO2 emissions. The high interchangeability of components is also a plus. The drive system is characterized by efficient operation anyway. The P2820D ABG requires no daily maintenance (lubrication-free work bar) and the machine can be fully read out remotely, both by the user and by us. Remote reading of error codes means we can send a technician out with the right parts in case of any disturbances." Periodic maintenance is quick to perform thanks to a variety of features and functions, such as drain hoses for fluids, an easily accessible battery, an external start help panel and only three lubrication points for the entire machine. The feeder chain to deliver asphalt from the hopper to the beam has maintenance-free bearings with lifetime lubrication.

Ergonomics

Volvo paid close attention to ease of operation and comfort for the operator when developing the new machine, according to Cnossen. "For example, the undercarriage has been extended by 150 millimeters for better balance and traction and the machine is operated by electronically controlled pumps. This makes it very easy to drive in a straight line, which often proves to be more difficult with other asphalt machines. The undercarriage also features an automatic track tensioner, a unique feature from Volvo in this class for extended uptime and reduced operating costs. The operator remains protected in any weather thanks to the canopy with built-in sound insulation. Optional is even a fume extractor. The control panel (Volvo Electronic Paver Management system; EPM3) has a clear layout with a similar look and feel to that of the larger machines. Using the settings manager in EPM3, the operator can store the machine's settings for all types of asphalt, known from previous works, such as the speed of the feeder chain, the speed of the auger, et cetera. In this way, the operator can quickly get to work. Thanks also to the electrically heated screed that heats up quickly. Finally, the machine can be equipped with CoPilot Pave Assist, which allows material quantities to be stored for production purposes, displays and stores the temperature of the asphalt being processed, and displays the weather forecast."

The Volvo P2820D ABG is a talented all-rounder. Whether in locations with limited space or emergency repairs. Flexible configurations, such as individually operated hopper valves and an electro-hydraulic folding roof, add to its efficiency for handling a wide variety of finishing jobs. Finally, the machine is equipped with Pave-Assist, Volvo's proprietary GPS system.