Cat paving updates include improved maintenance access on asphalt pavers
Two quick-change SDX screed plate designs are available for pavers, and Cat introduces collision mitigation tech for asphalt rollers
Caterpillar has made multiple design enhancements on the Cat AP1000 wheel and AP1055 track asphalt pavers, targeting increases in reliability and longevity as well as simplified maintenance. In addition to the design improvements, contractors can now choose between two SDX Screed Plate System designs — original Textured SDX plates and new smooth SDX plates that perform like conventional screed plates with the added benefits of long life and quick-change capability.
"Hot, dusty environments. Sticky asphalt that can subject the cooling system to fine airborne particles during material transfer. Paving applications pose some of the most challenging environments for the equipment. We've improved our cooling system filtration, moved our hydraulic charge pump and added a remote oil filter to improve reliability and simplify maintenance," says Jon Anderson, senior sales support consultant for Caterpillar. "The construction of textured and smooth Cat SDX screed plates offers more abrasion resistance to asphalt material to help improve plate life and machine uptime availability."
Maintenance improvements through well-engineered design
The updated AP1000 and AP1055 paver models move the engine oil filter and drain to the left side compartment near the DEF tank to simplify service. Previous designs required accessing these items through swingout doors located at the back of the hopper. The new, easier access filter lessens the complexities associated with hopper inserts and material build-up around the access doors. Additionally, relocation of the hydraulic charge pump to the propel pump stack provides easier access and improved reliability compared to previous designs.
When fine asphalt particles accumulate in the cooling fins over time, engine temperatures can rise. To help mitigate this, a new optional prefiltration system is available for the AP1000 and AP1055 pavers. Located in the center housing on the top deck for easy access, the four interchangeable filters help prevent fines build-up and simplify routine maintenance. Additionally, the fan drive motors are now located beneath the fan blades to further assist with easier cleaning from above.
In 2026, Caterpillar will celebrate 30 years of paving innovation with the AP1055. Caterpillar first introduced the AP1055B asphalt paver with Mobil-Trac Undercarriage in 1996. Providing travel speeds like wheel pavers with the flotation benefits of track pavers, the exclusive Mobil-Trac system was designed to increase jobsite mobility. Since that time, there have been a number of design innovations, such as the introduction of a smooth belt in 2007, oscillating bogie design, Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) enabling proportional control for the material feed system and eliminating flow gates for material flow, and dual operating stations with settings that transfer from side to side with a flip of a switch to provide enhanced control and visibility.
Long-life SDX screed plating system meets big challenges
The Cat SDX Screed Plate System can meet contractors' biggest challenges by delivering the density and smoothness required for interstate paving with quick-change capability to be used on a wide range of applications from mainline to commercial. Two SDX plate designs are now available for contractors. Textured SDX plates feature angular grooves that promote increased density and smoothness behind the paver to help meet the toughest density specifications. Performing like traditional screed plates, smooth SDX plates deliver the added benefit of modular, quick-change capability.
Built with chromium alloy materials, Cat SDX plates deliver significantly more abrasion resistance than Cat standard and cladded extended-life screed plates. "We used ASTM G65 Dry Sand Rubber Wheel test procedures to evaluate the longevity of our SDX plates," explains Anderson. "Based on testing performed by Caterpillar utilizing ASTM G65 Dry Sand Rubber Wheel Test Procedures, the chromium alloy materials in our SDX plates deliver 4.2 times more abrasion resistance compared to our standard-wear screed plates and 1.2 times more resistance when compared to the cladded material used in our extended-life screed plates." Test results do not guarantee similar abrasion resistance improvements in paving application performance. Results may vary due to individual plate variation, paving techniques, and paving conditions.
Caterpillar's unique SDX screed plates are designed with integrated tapered blocks that fit over the front and rear of the adaptor plates. High-temperature silicone locking bans apply tension to securely hold the screed plates in place. Reducing standard hardware needed, the design shortens replacement time to as little as four hours.
Caterpillar's collision mitigation system can now be used on asphalt compaction
Enhancing situational awareness when operating the compactor, the now available Cat Detect — Collision Mitigation System features an integrated, intelligent sensor array to provide forward and reverse collision warnings, people detection, motion inhibit, and automatic braking. Visible in real-time and recorded for future analysis, critical zone detection events transmitted to VisionLink enables organizations to proactively mitigate potential hazards, enhance operational safety, and identify opportunities for improvement.
The Collision Warning radar system targets collision potentials in front of and behind the compactor using audible and visual alerts that allow the operator to see, manage and mitigate hazards that may otherwise go undetected. Leveraging smart cameras, People Detection alerts the operator when on-site personnel are detected to the front and rear of the compactor, providing alert levels that dynamically adjust travel speed based on the person's proximity to the machine.
With manual override capability, Motion Inhibit prevents compactor movement when the machine is stationary for at least two seconds and the detection system identifies a collision potential. When the compactor is in motion and critical zone detection occurs, Automatic Emergency Braking activates if the operator fails to act. When the critical zone detection clears, compactor control returns to the operator.
