'Asphalt should be shoveled, not (re)tipped'

From now on also emission-free

For fifteen years Ludo Pauwels BVBA has been making a good impression in construction and infra with the high-quality range of Fliegl Baukom. At TKD 2025, the company will present a first for the transport of asphalt, among other things: an electric shear system on a MAN 5-axle truck. A configuration that was even developed specifically for the Dutch market and takes into account NL-specific requirements regarding axle loads.

Fliegl has the philosophy that it is better to shear asphalt instead of (re)tipping it, says Pauwels. "It always offered advantages, but the new standards and the fact that asphalt is produced at an increasingly lower temperature play into the hands of the shear system. After all, asphalt is a composite product. The longer it sits in the container, the more the asphalt mixture is subjected to vibration and the more the bitumen sags. With a conventional tipper, the cooled gravel falls down first and then the rest. Then you may get "spots" in your asphalt that are less well bonded. By using a shear system, the mixture falls nicely mixed as 'slices of bread' into the finisher/hopper for a high-quality end product."

Optimal axle load distribution

With Fliegl's latest innovation, which Ludo Pauwels is presenting at TKD, the asphalt mixture can now be transported low-emission and dumped emission-free. "In the regular configuration, the cylinders for operating the sliding bucket come out in front of the bucket," says Pauwels. "However, we have developed a special version for the Dutch market where the cylinders do not protrude. That way we achieve more weight on the front axles of the truck. This configuration was built by Wierda. The shear system works with hydraulic cylinders that operate the sliding bottom and board. Normally the oil pump is coupled to the truck's internal combustion engine, in this case the pump is electrically driven by the e-PTO and the body is also closer to the cab for optimal weight distribution."

More insulation

The new requirements and standards for asphalt, according to Pauwels, mean that every detail in transportation must be reconsidered. He expects that in the future we will also return to using sliding tarpaulins in the Netherlands. "The aluminum flaps that are common now do not insulate at all. Smaller bins in combination with tarpaulins ensure less cooling of the asphalt mixture." Fliegl's bins, by the way, are insulated to the max. "And because of our sliding system in combination with scrapers, the bin is constantly cleaned perfectly. No residue remains," assures Pauwels who adds that they are celebrating their 15-year anniversary this year. "We are currently building new premises in Lokeren because we have grown quite out of our size. We have sold quite a few slide trailers in recent years in both the Netherlands and Belgium. In our new premises we have a much larger workshop at our disposal, so we can perform maintenance and repairs even more efficiently."