Tandem asphalt rolling gets a safety upgrade with SAKAI’s automatic braking system

SAKAI America released its new Echelon Mode for the Guardman Automatic Brake Assist System. This new feature was developed in response to the highway contractors putting in work with SAKAI equipment and offering valuable feedback; the company emphasized the goal of enhancing the efficiency of tandem asphalt rolling operations.

The Guardman safety technology was one of Heavy Equipment Guide's Top Introductions of 2024 after SAKAI showed the technology on the 79-inch SW884ND double-drum asphalt roller at World of Asphalt 2024.

The Echelon Mode update is now available for SAKAI SW884 and SW994 asphalt rollers equipped with the Guardman automatic emergency braking system. 

Echelon Mode makes highway operations safer 

Guardman utilizes millimeter-wave radar or 3D LiDAR (depending on the model) to detect potential collisions with personnel or equipment, warn the operator progressively, and automatically brake to prevent accidents if needed. The new Echelon Mode builds on this foundation by addressing the unique challenges of echelon rolling, a common technique used in highway-class paving.

Echelon Mode allows two SAKAI SW884 (79-inch) or SW994 (84-inch) asphalt rollers, equipped with Guardman, to operate in close proximity without generating false alarms but still protecting against collisions. The system intelligently monitors the distance to the lead roller, ensuring that both operator warning and braking are only initiated when a collision risk is detected.

Key features of Echelon Mode include:

• Optimized tandem rolling: Enables closer, more efficient echelon formation.
• Reduced false alarms: Minimizes unnecessary braking interruptions.
• Enhanced safety: Provides reliable collision prevention.
• Proximity indicator: Provides operators with real-time feedback on the distance between rollers, allowing for proactive adjustments and preventing unwanted braking.
• Easy activation: Echelon Mode can be easily toggled on and off via the Guardman display screen with the push of a button. 

"We listened to highway contractors who expressed the need for a solution that would allow for closer, more efficient tandem rolling while still allowing the benefits of Guardman's automatic braking if necessary," said Brad Belvin, manager of sales and marketing. "Echelon Mode is the result of that feedback, and we're proud to offer this advancement to the industry."

"Safety is our top priority at SAKAI America," added Kevin McClain, VP of operations. "Echelon Mode is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to providing our customers with the most trustworthy compaction equipment."