Maintenance, Tech Control Slipformer Costs

“Although G+ controllers have been released for years now, the continuous updates to that platform have advanced control systems across the board on all GOMACO machine models,” says Kevin Klein, the company’s VP of research and development.

Klein says the updates are meant to improve safety and machine performance in areas such rideability. They have also involved access to machine settings for troubleshooting, radius control software, GSI, dual display controls, attachment operation, and controls such as TBIs, SBIs, DBIs. Additional sensors added to different parts of the machine, such as smart cylinders and speed sensors, also help monitor and improve performance.

Telematics plays a role, as well. GOMACO, for example, has GOMACO Remote Diagnostics (GRD). 

“GRD is a huge benefit for the equipment manager,” Klein says. “It provides an excellent platform for accessing the machine and crew performance during the paving day. It can also be used for troubleshooting day-to-day issues that arise. GOMACO service technicians can access the machine to troubleshoot.

“GRD can be used to download new machine control software as new code developments are implemented,” Klein says. “It can track and institute maintenance schedules on the equipment from remote locations such as the equipment manager’s office or construction vehicle. It also provides engine alerts, which is big due to the most recent emissions standards on diesel engines.”

Stringless machine-control technology continues to gain acceptance, a trend that will continue.

“3D/stringless guidance technology isn’t as new as it once was, but we still talk about it all the time and it is the most significant technological advancement in the industry in decades,” Bryan says. “Power Curbers & Power Pavers has a proven, successful history with the three largest guidance system suppliers.”

Market trends in concrete pavers

Construction Equipment asked slipform concrete paver OEMs about their market before the infrastructure bill was passed by Congress in early November. At the time, supply chain issues and labor shortages weighed heavy on their minds.

“The current market at this point is up in terms of overall industry optimism and attitude towards the [then] pending infrastructure bill,” Franzen says. “Certainly, the infrastructure bill will be positive news for the industry. However, the shortage of workers and the continued global supply chain issues are in fact creating some uncertainty as to how to proceed with planning and scheduling.

“Customers are concerned about availability of equipment and supplies, and we as manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the changing lead times and costs increases from our vendors,” Franzen says. “Our customers tell us time and time again they are busy and could grow their businesses but are unable to do so due to the shortage of workers. Covid certainly has created challenging times for us all.”

Kent Godbersen, GOMACO’s VP of worldwide sales and marketing, says he has seen a somewhat flat market for concrete paving equipment in 2021. “There are several factors which have contributed to this, but the two prominent ones in my view are the ongoing side effects of Covid-19 and the continual delay in the passage of the much-needed infrastructure bill. Passage of a robust infrastructure package will help rebuild the economy, increase employment, and begin the process of revitalizing our aging infrastructure system.”    

 Power Curbers’ Bryan agrees on Covid’s effects, but sees the next two years positively.

“The market for slipform concrete pavers has been negatively affected by the pandemic,” he says. “A variety of causes are to blame, ranging from Capitol gridlock over an infrastructure bill to labor shortages. Internationally, developing markets with an abundance of planned roadbuilding have been the hardest hit by Covid.

“Fortunately, things are getting better. Developing countries’ access to the vaccines is increasing and they are getting back to work,” Bryan says. “I expect that slipform paving will gradually increase over 2022 and reach pre-pandemic levels some time in 2023.”