Coatstone Surfacing Ltd of Swindon, Wiltshire, has broken with tradition and purchased its very first Volvo P6870C wheeled paver for its fleet of road paving equipment.
Commenting on the new addition, Managing Director, Jason Richens states: “We were extremely pleased with the machine on demonstration. The overall build quality and low noise emissions are impressive, and it lays an exceptionally high quality mat. In addition, compared to what we’ve previously experienced, the P6870C demonstrates a very good ground clearance, which assists greatly when we are working around raised ironwork. These were good enough reasons to place an order for the new machine”.
The P6870C is powered by stage IIIB compliant Volvo D6 engine, which produces 175hp. At its heart features the EPM II, which is an electronic paver management system that incorporates a ‘Settings Management’ system. This allows the operator to store up to twelve parameter settings for the major functions, such as; screed temperature, tamping & vibrating, conveyor, auger & paving speeds. The machine has other unique features, such as the ‘Smart Power’, offering optimum power for the job at hand, together with 6×6 ‘Smart Drive’ technology for unparalleled continuous independent traction control over all six wheels.
Even on the most difficult bases, tractive forces are automatically adjusted according to the weight of material in the machine’s 12 tonne capacity hopper.
Screed performance is a distinct feature on Volvo pavers. The P6870C has a variable screed width of between 2.5 and 5 metres in standard configuration, as supplied to Coatstone Surfacing, but can be fitted with optional extensions that provide a generous width of 9 metres. The machine has a theoretical output of up to 700 tonnes per hour, at varying screed widths and depths. It also demonstrates a high degree of manoeuvrability, thanks to the ‘Active Steering’, feature with an inside turning radius of just 2.5 metres. “A great deal of our work is laying base, binder and surface course, so being able to manoeuvre in relatively tight confines is another key feature of the machine.” continues Jason.
Coatstone Surfacing Ltd was established fifteen years ago by Managing Director Jason Richens, who has over thirty years of experience working within the surfacing industry. With its headquarters located at Swindon, Wiltshire, the company employs 35 personnel, and covers the M4 corridor and up to a 100 mile radius from its base.
