For contractors who want to monitor asphalt temperatures in real time, Caterpillar has a new thermal imaging system.

The system, which includes an infrared camera and Global Navigation Satellite System, can be retrofitted to Cat’s pavers for achieving optimal paving quality. Cat is rolling out the new Thermal Mapping on its rubber-tracked AP1055F paver, designed for airport runways, interstates, highways and other large jobsites.

Thermal imaging can identify variations in temperatures, allowing contractors to manage the material-delivery process and make adjustments to achieve uniform temperatures.

Cat says Thermal Mapping meets AASHTO specifications. The camera is mounted to a fixed mast and has no moving parts.

The AP1055F paver is designed to be 15 percent more fuel efficient than E-Series pavers with an integrated generator designed to last the life of the paver and with eco-mode. It runs on a 225-horsepower Cat C7.1 ACERT engine. It is equipped with Automatic Engine Speed Control, which reduces idle speed to 1,000 rpm when in neutral and to 1,300 rpm when screed heat is activated. Paired with eco-mode, engine rpm is matched with load factors. It will operate at 1,650 rpm when paving and will increase to 2,200 rpm if the upper power threshold is exceeded. It will remain at 2,200 rpm until demand drops below the threshold for 30 seconds.

Cat says the screed plate can heat within 15 minutes. It offers three pre-set heating options ranging from 230 to 320 degrees Fahrenheit.

The paver is equipped with dual independent operator stations that can extend beyond the frame for better visibility. A top-mounted cooling system directs fumes, hot air and fan noise from the crew, and a ventilation system draws fumes from the conveyor tunnel and away from the operator.

Operators can control the feeder system and hopper operations with one-touch controls. The LCD touchscreen gives access to generator activation, screed temperature and mix height. If a temperature sensor fails, Cat’s Zone Monitoring allows heat to continue.

Cat Grade Control can be operated from the operator station or the two screed consoles. Each side of the screed can be monitored in split-screen mode.

Wide-paving packages are available, as is a tamper bar screed for increased density. Cat says the heating elements slide out for easy replacement without having to remove the screed plates, and plate replacement and leveling have been simplified.

The AP1055F has an operating weight of 45,090 to 48,320 pounds, depending on the screed.

Standard paving range is 9 feet 10 inches to 19 feet 6 inches. Max paving width is 25 to 33 feet, depending on the screed.

Max paving speed is 210 feet per minute with the vibratory screed, and 82 feet per minute with the tamper bar screed. Hopper capacity is 267 cubic feet.