GOMACO introduces its first four-track placer/spreader slipform paver

With the new GP348, GOMACO is building on the success of the GP360 and GP460, the industry’s first combination concrete slipform pavers and placer/spreaders on two tracks. The GP348 is a four-track machine that adds extra mobility. As a placer/spreader with a 48-inch (1,219 mm) belt, the GP348 will place at widths up to 36 feet (11 m) wide. As a concrete slipform paver, the GP348 will pave widths up to 30 feet (9.1 m) wide. 

It’s built on the framework of the GOMACO four-track GP3 slipform paver with the ability to convert the prime mover into a concrete placer/spreader. The prime mover is equipped with vibrator circuits for paving and auger drive circuits for placing. Controlling the new technology is made possible with the GOMACO-exclusive G+ digital control system. G+ seamlessly handles the controls conversion needed for each application while also bringing on board Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, sonic sensors, 3D machine guidance, and more. Rotary-sensored slew drives on its leg pivots work seamlessly with the G+ control system.

Operators can automate transitions from transport to paving mode, dramatically reducing setup time and improving efficiency. Its four-track design enhances stability and on-site manoeuvrability, while its compact transport footprint allows it the capability to be hauled on a single semi-tractor trailer (either as a placer or paver), minimizing downtime between pours.

The GOMACO GP348 is powered by a Caterpillar C7.1 turbocharged diesel engine. The high-volume, 48-inch (1,219 mm) conveyor belt can be mounted on either the left or right side, depending on job site conditions and the location of the haul road. It has a discharge speed of up to 491.5 feet per minute (150 mpm) for fast and efficient concrete placement. A controllable material deflector directs the flow of concrete at the discharge end of the conveyor for placement accuracy. A dual-drive auger system moves the material to the centre or outer areas and across the strike-off. 

The GP348 is available with an optional sonic sensor system to monitor the concrete depth as it is placed. Information from the sonic sensors is utilized by the G+ control system on the paver using M2M communication to provide an optimum and consistent head of concrete in front of the paver.

GOMACO can be found at booth C30282 in the Central Hall.