Vögele has upgraded its MT 3000 material feeders to Dash 5 level and begun delivering the first units worldwide. The manufacturer said the machines are available in standard and offset variants in markets around the globe (with the exception of North America and China).

Both models, the MT 3000-5 Standard and the MT 3000-5 Offset, are equipped with the latest ErgoPlus 5 operating concept, additional comfort features and the improved PaveDock Assistant truck communication system. Thanks to the new Dash 5 control technology, these material feeders can also be integrated into Vögele’s digital solutions in the future.

Smart material conveying concept

The machines have a conveying capacity of up to 1,200 t/hr and can take on a complete truckload of asphalt mix within 60 seconds. The MT 3000-5 Offset is also fitted with a conveyor that can be slewed through an angle of 55°, enabling a wide range of applications – from parallel feeding of two pavers to the InLine Pave method, in which the material feeder and the pavers for the binder course and the surface course operate one behind the other.

The smart material conveying concept, featuring a large receiving hopper and an efficient conveyor belt heating system, allows fast unloading and smooth conveying of the asphalt mix. In addition, the material feeders are maintenance-friendly, and the ramp angle and receiving hopper have been specially optimised to facilitate easy transportation on low-loader trailers.

New touchscreen operating concept

The new ErgoPlus 5 operating concept is now easier and more comfortable to use. For the first time, it is possible to integrate an optional touchscreen display and additional cameras. This gives operators an even better overview of relevant areas on and around the machine and allows them to monitor various functions.

Vögele has also prepared the material feeders for the integration of digital solutions. With the automated functions from Feed Assist, operators only have to press a button to put the material feeder into the transport, repositioning or operating position, or to save material conveying programmes for later use of the settings whenever they are required.

Furthermore, the simplified PaveDock Assistant truck communication system makes the material transfer process even easier: the operator can use two signal lights to clearly show the truck driver whether to dock with the paver or stop. When paving with the InLine Pave method, the signal lights also indicate whether material for the surface course or the binder course is required. This ensures reliable, loss-free and efficient transfer of the asphalt mix.