Green is the ‘new black’ We are excited to test this machine because of its greener features and fuel efficiency. The P4820D is the smallest of Volvo's 2.5 metre tracked pavers and their first to have the new EPM 3–control system and Stage–IV, fuel efficient Volvo engine. Volvo's new paver is more fuel efficient than our current machines. It has load-sensing hydraulics and engine, so only demands and gives power that’s needed for application. Along with a host of other new features, Volvo is justified in saying this machine raises the bar.


There’s more pressure on contractors to be 'greener' particularly when carrying out works in areas like London – and we all like to see where we can make savings. With this in mind, Volvo makes machines that operate at a capacity that clients like ourselves require, but using a four-cylinder engine.


Smaller engine – same work appetite! Colin Mackenzie of SMT GB explains, “The P6870C pavers that Connor already runs have six-cylinder engines that are capable of running between 7.5m up to 9m screed with upgraded hydraulics, but they’re mainly operating within the standard width of 2.5 to 5m. So even though they’re fuel efficient machines in their own right, it’s like running a car with a V6 engine all the time – you don’t always need that much power.” This paver can handle any application and a lot of consideration has gone into its design. For example, the weight and length of this machine means you can load it along with other equipment. Also, the roof and exhaust pipe is easily lowered and raised, giving you a lower transport height. For extra reliability, Volvo designed this paver with a longer undercarriage and automatic track tension system. For greater ground contact, they have a new option of bolt-on rubber trackpads with a 'lube-for-life' track chain. The P4820D delivers a smoother finish due to having large hopper capacity, enabling uninterrupted supply of material, keeping the paver moving while reducing stops and starts. They’ve included a hydraulic front apron to assist with emptying the front of the hopper, avoiding spillage and reducing manual cleaning. The new electronic system features ECO–mode, a system that measures average fuel consumption, displays daily fuel usage and remaining fuel run-time, reducing fuel usage by 30%. The hydraulic system provides the same high performance as their other machines, while using less fuel, reducing noise levels and emissions. Sounds good, doesn't it? The only thing we can do now is see what it's like on the road for ourselves! Seeing as we lay tonnes of asphalt across Europe, Volvo can remain confident that we are the right people to put this paver through its paces! Fast forward a couple of months and The Voice caught up with Ian to find out how the trial has gone:


“Just as we’ve trusted Volvo in our purchases of machinery, they’ve trusted us to trial their P4820D paver, a machine that could lay the new standard for pavers!”


Undeniable reliability The Volvo P4820D paver has been used constantly since we received it back in July this year. We have used it on a variety of contracts across the country – these sites have ranged from laying clean stone on porous applications, to working on carparks and even major roads where it’s successfully laid up to 1,000 tonnes of binder each day. In every circumstance, we’ve seen the P4820D respond with impressive results and received fantastic feedback from our operators. We wouldn't use any machinery that we wouldn't trust on our works more than once – even as a trial – so the fact that we have carried on using it is a huge compliment to its reliability and quality.


Ease of transportation and flexibilty Due to its size, weight and design, we’ve found the Volvo P4820D very easy to transport – it can be moved to sites with other additional equipment, and still not be overweight. This is a great feature as we offer so much in the way of plant hire, and it means that we can pack more on to our low loaders, while remaining completely safe and compliant.


You could hear a pin drop Operator and foreman, Gary Atkins, was astonished at how quiet the Volvo P4820D is. "Because the noise levels are so low, it allows me to concentrate more on handling and operating the machine. I can clearly hear and concentrate on everything else that is happening on site too, which is really important as a foreman. You just wouldn't believe how quiet it is – you need to hear it to believe it."


CONTINUED OVERLEAF a THE VOICE MAGAZINE No31 2017 27


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