Volvo’s performance grade pavers – designed for ultra-smooth and precise mat placement.

The new ABG P8820C tracked paver from Volvo Construction Equipment can pave widths up to 13 m (42.7 ft), while the P7820C paves up to 11 m (36 ft). Both machines offer a compelling combination of power and precision – delivering a perfectly smooth mat, even in demanding conditions, such as steep hills.

Designed as global paving products, only the engines differ, to comply with local market requirements. In Europe and North America, pavers are powered by Volvo’s latest D8 Stage IIIB/Tier 4 interim emissions legislation-compliant six-cylinder, seven-litre engine. The P7820C is equipped with a 175 kW and the P8820C has a 200 kW engine. 

These Stage IIIB/Tier 4i emission compliant engines are designed for high power while providing low noise and low fuel consumption. In all cases these outputs represent a considerable increase in horsepower over the models they replace.

Designed for impressive fuel economy

These Volvo ABG pavers are designed to perform in a variety of applications and material, each having their own power needs. However, most paving jobs will not require full engine power all the time. To conserve fuel while not affecting operation, the operator need only select the smart power mode. This immediately lowers engine RPM to better match power and demand, resulting in fuel savings to 30%.

For all models the noise level is also noticeably lower, due to quieter engines but also because of sound lowering components and a robust frame. In some cases (e.g. when using the smart power feature), this can represent a 50% reduction in noise levels – resulting in less annoyance when working in urban areas, as well as greatly reducing operator fatigue.

Throughput, power, visibility & control

The P8820C can pave up to 13 meters 1 (42.7 ft) and place an incredible 1,100 tonnes per hour, and the P7820C can pave up to 11 meters (36 ft) and place up to 900 tonnes per hour. Such high levels of throughput make these pavers suitable for a wide range of applications, from municipal roads and highways to waste storage areas. They also excel in paving a range of materials, from wearing course and binder course down to base course or even frost protection layers like CTB. 

Enjoying a large and ergonomically designed environment, operators benefit from a commanding all-around view that allows them to concentrate on the job at hand. A direct view into the hopper, the auger channel and the work area provides the conditions for achieving high-quality paving. The sitting position can be adjusted, as can the control panel. The central control panel can be swivelled, tilted and extended and also features the latest Electronic Pavers Management II system (EPM II).

Controlling all paving processes, EPM II intuitively guides the operator through working functions. Operators can select menus for the engine data that are shown clearly on a large color screen in multiple languages. EPM II also monitors fuel consumption and contains a Service Interval Manager and Settings Manager. The Service Interval Manager alerts the operator that a required maintenance is due. The Settings Manager allows operators to save settings in the system, to be recalled in the future when similar conditions are present. This reduces set-up times, improves productivity and ensures a consistent mat quality. For security, the EPM II console, screed control panel and auxiliary control panel can be removed and stored in a lockable compartment when not in use.

Perfect paving – performance & quality

Volvo’s ABG models offer both fixed and variable extending screeds, which provide industry leading performance in terms of quality, uniformity, texture, density and smoothness. Not only does this significantly reduce the need for subsequent roller compaction, the screeds contribute to a smoother and more even mat. The screeds can be used on bituminous, concrete base, aggregate and railway ballast material. Extensions can be added or removed in minutes, with no special tools, using Volvo’s quick coupling system. Variomatic (variable extending screeds) have a dual-electric heating bar arrangement to provide consistent and reliable heating. Volvo fixed width screeds feature efficient gas heating system and can be fitted with fixed and variable extensions. A patented screed load device prevents paving bumps by exerting pressure on the screed for a short period after paving starts. 

Paving efficiency is assisted by the large hopper design, working together with the conveyor and large folding wings to avoid segregation and ensure consistent mix of materials and uninterrupted material flow (avoiding stops and starts). The P7820C’s hopper capacity is 13,500 kg (29,760 lbs.) of material, while the P8820C capacity is 14,000 kg (30,860 lbs.). An optional front hopper apron is able to empty material at the front of the hopper into the conveyor system – all but eliminating over-spill. Independent, reversible hydrostatic drives, for both bar conveyors and augers, ensure the paving material is moved evenly to both sides of the screed. The optimum head of material is maintained in the auger channel by adjusting the height, speed and direction of the augers. This larger volume of throughput supports optimum mat quality regardless of width, thickness or paving speed, as well as continuous paving such as under bridges.

Getting the power down

Wide contact area crawler tracks combined with good weight distribution allows effective transfer of engine power to the road. The rubber pad-clad crawler units are maintenance free and feature individual (electronically controlled) drives for each track. A system monitors track movement, and controls motor response to ensure both straight line and fixed radius work is accurate. These, combined with good weight distribution, ensure an efficient paving process. Smooth and precise control of the electro-hydraulic steering is gained via an easy-to-use dial on the control panel.

These tracked pavers from Volvo are easy to maintain, with improved service access from the deck to service points, accessed via large opening compartments. An optional central lubrication system simplifies maintenance still further. A folding canopy allows easy transport.