Capital Equipment News September2022

NEW EQUIPMENT

Key differentiator A major feature that sets the Roadtec SX-6EX soil stabiliser/reclaimer apart from the competition is the parabolic machine’s drum housing, which is integrated into the mainframe. This is in direct contrast to competitor machines, which often come with free floating drum housing. “On most competitor offerings, the drum housing is hydraulically pushed into the ground, whereas on the SX 6EX, the machine lowers down with the drum and 100% of the machine weight is over the drum balanced between the wheels for maximum down force which also allows for bi-directional cutting,” explains Fennell. The SX-6EX’s durable frame is built from strong A656 grade 80 steel, which has twice the yield strength of the mild steel in other competitor machines on the market. The custom-made frame is designed to perform in all terrains by providing substantial ground clearance. The wheels are suspended by four independently controlled, hydraulically adjustable leg assemblies that are bolted to the mainframe. Machine in detail Powered by a 447-kW Cummins QSX15 engine, the SX 6EX weighs in at 33 112 kg, offering a combination of power and mobility in road rehabilitation, cold recycling and soil stabilisation applications. The machine can cut up to 508 mm deep and 2,44 m wide. Fennell says this machine size constitutes about 80% of the local stabiliser/reclaimer market. Weight balance and power allocation are critical in all stabilisation and reclamation applications. The weight of the SX-6EX is perfectly distributed between the two axles, allowing the machine’s engine to work as effi ciently as possible with maximum tractive effort. With ideal weight placement and a balanced four-wheel drive, the machine is better equipped to consistently perform in arduous job environments. Commenting on further key features and benefits of the machine, Fennell highlights the SX-6EX’s cool ing system, which introduces air from the top of the machine at the cleanest possible area, before it is exhausted away from the machine and engine through the rear radiator package. “By pulling air from the top of the machine, the amount of dust travelling through the cooling system is limited,” explains Fennell. Operator in mind Based on Astec’s understanding that a comfortable operator is a key to productivity and safety on site, the new machine is designed with operator comfort and visibility in mind. The operator station’s seat, for example, slides laterally and swings 90 degrees to help create the perfect vantage point for which to work. The operator platform also slides 457 mm past the right of the machine for additional visibility. A full-view cab gives the operator an excellent view of the cutting edge and any obstacles that may be in the way. A standard backup camera system provides addition al visibility while the machine is operated in reverse, thus maximising safety on site. A screen inside the cabin conveniently displays the area directly behind the stabiliser when reverse is selected and can also be viewed during operation allowing the operator to check

A full-view cab gives the operator an excellent view of the cutting edge and any obstacles that may be in the way.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022 20