From screws to screed, Astec equipment delivers at every level

While Astec machines feature numerous innovative technologies to help improve efficiency on the job site, sometimes the aspects that resonate the most with customers are a little more granular.

For Matt Herrmann, president of Herrmann Equipment, this rings especially true.

Now at the helm of this California-based dealership, Herrmann and his team carry on the company’s legacy of supporting the road-building equipment needs of contractors through its extensive lineup of equipment that delivers on performance.

When Herrmann was considering adding the Carlson CP85 Commercial Class Asphalt Paver to the company's offerings, what was the best way to learn more about the machine and ensure the quality was up to needs of contractors? By taking it down to the screws, of course.

“My dad and I went to check out the machine, and with my partner Mike, we tore it apart,” says Herrmann. “We're mechanics so we wanted to see how easy it would be to work on and what we could expect when servicing it.”

What was awaiting them was best-in-class accessibility and features specifically designed to improve serviceability.

With its one-piece forward tilting hood, largest doors in its class and an access panel in the hopper, technicians and mechanics have direct access to all the paver's engine, hydraulics and electrical harnesses, making maintenance a little bit easier.

“The CP85 shines,” adds Herrmann. “It is seriously a machine that is easily accessible, easy to work on and overall is a mechanic-friendly machine.”

That's certainly music to technicians' ears and something the Astec team takes great care to ensure. Afterall, the company's reputation stands on a long history of testing and development and turning customer feedback into machine advancements.

From here, the Herrmann Equipment team would rinse and repeat, ultimately using this process to identify even more machines up to the needs of their customers.

Let's take a closer look at four of Herrmann Equipment's top sellers—the CP75 II, CP85, CP100 II and SB-3000—and why they are fan-favorites both for mechanics and operators.

The CP85 & CP75 II: Superior mat quality for a range of applications

The CP75 II and CP85 are both commercial-class asphalt pavers designed for versatility in residential and commercial paving projects.

Both models share an impressive lineup of features designed to make operations more efficient and productive, however some are clear standouts to Herrmann and his customers.

Exceptional mat quality job after job

Poor mat quality is a problem that will snowball on operators faster than anything. Say, a team is working on a parking lot, and the mat quality is off. Those blemishes are more than eyesores and driving hazards—they're extra dollar signs.

This is where the EZC815 electrically heated screed excels.

Featuring full length element holddowns for efficient heat transfer, adjustable deck cone system for leveling, spring loaded endgates and the exclusive Carlson 2 percent screed taper, the CP85 and CP75 elevate the standard for productivity and quality.

“Both the CP85 and CP75 have the same screed and it lays an amazing mat,” adds Herrmann. “It's easy to adjust and line up to match the main screed and very simple to pave with.”

It's not just easier to use and effective, the screed is also designed to help crews hit the ground running first thing.

“The electric heat on the screed is great,” Hermann adds. “It really helps get them started up in the morning.”

Compact design provides more flexibility to take on size-restrictive projects

Both the CP75 and CP85 are compact, yet powerful, allowing them to be used on sites ranging from driveways and drive-throughs to parking lots and municipal road applications.

Easy cleaning at the end of the shift

Another perk Herrmann's customers call out is the overall ease of cleanup.

“You don't have to raise the hopper to spray on the machine and clean asphalt underneath it, which is very nice,” says Herrmann. “The screed allows the material to flow out to the extensions, minimizing cleanup time at the end of the day by a lot.”

Horizontal sliding damper doors make adjustments a breeze

These horizontal doors are easy to adjust while paving and utility cut applications. They also can fully close for transport across the job site, preventing material flow during travel.

Manual overrides offer a backup plan in case something goes wrong

There is also a valve bank that has manual overrides in case something fails electronically. Customers have that extra peace of mind that even if something goes wrong, they can still get through the day Herrmann adds.

No DEF necessary

Neither machine requires diesel exhaust fluid, saving customers time on maintenance and lowers operating costs.

The CP85 vs. CP75 II: understanding the differences

Think of the CP75 II as the lean, efficient workhorse for projects that need a compact solution, and the CP85 as the slightly heavier-duty, more refined sibling able to tackle a wide range of projects.

This comparison is reflected in some of the side-by-side specs:

Weight:

CP75 II weighs approximately 17,000 lbs.

CP85 is heavier at around 19,750 lbs.

Maximum Pave Speed:

CP75 II can pave at speeds up to 155 fpm.

CP85 has a maximum pave speed of 100 fpm.

Maximum Paving Width:

CP75 II has a maximum paving width of 15 ft.

CP85 maxes out at 17 ft.

(Standard paving width for both machines is 8ft to 15ft)

Enhanced visibility and versatility on the CP85

Visibility from the CP85's operator station is amazing, adds Herrmann.

Able to pivot outward by 30 degrees and downward by 40 degrees, the control stations can adjust to the comfort and visibility needs of the operator.

Combine that with its ability to easily convert to a two-man, two-man with seats and three-man configurations, no other commercial paver platform can match the visibility, comfort or ergonomics of the CP85.

Built with the operator in mind

As labor challenges continue to plague the industry, having equipment that is simple—or operator-friendly, as Herrmann explained—is huge. More and more construction companies are looking to younger professionals and even those outside the industry to fill in gaps on staff. The more intuitive features that help these industry newbies hit the ground running, the better.

With its versatility, low-profile frame and mechanic-friendly design, the CP85 and CP75 are perfect for dealers like Herrmann Equipment looking to cover the wide range of needs of today's operators.

The CP100 II

Another paver that earns top marks from the Herrmann Equipment team and its customers is the CP100 II.

Featuring a powerful Cummins Tier IV Final engine, highway-class wear components and the EZCSS screed platform, the CP100 II is a step above the CP85 and CP75, providing an elevated level of performance—while also still delivering on superior mat quality that the Carlson lineup of pavers is known for.

The CP100 II is designed for larger commercial projects, from highway jobs to motor sports paving, that require higher performance and wider paving capabilities. Its standard paving width is 8 feet to 15 feet, with a max width of 17 feet.

It also is available in 2-man or 3-man configuration. When in the 2-man configuration, the platform's control consoles are screed mounted, while in the 3-man position, the CP100 II features seats and operator stations that can pivot outwards 45 degrees for optimal visibility.

What does this mean for Herrmann Equipment's customers? More options to get the job done.

“The CP100 is another great tool in the arsenal, allowing me to give my customers even more capabilities,” adds Herrmann. “It's a versatile machine so our customers can take on a range of different projects.”

The SB-3000

Rounding out the list of top sellers is the SB-3000 Material Transfer Vehicle (MTV).

Similar to the CP85 and CP75, the SB-3000 excels at supporting incredible mat quality and includes mechanic-friendly features designed to make maintenance a bit easier.

Contactless paving means consistent mat quality

With the SB-3000, the paver never needs to stop, resulting in higher productivity and increased profits.

Without the SB-3000, crews stop the paver, trucks back up to dump into the idle paver, the machines make contact and there is a bump. When the paver restarts, the screed has settled and the mix has cooled, resulting in another bump. Fortunately, the SB-3000 feeds the paver at rates of up to 600 tons per hour, maintaining contactless paving and preventing these problems.

With this approach, users can eliminate issues that contribute to poor pavement quality, like temperature changes, truck handling and segregation.

Designed with routine maintenance in mind

The SB-3000 was designed not only for the operator, but for the engineer or mechanic to have easy access to key components.

The engine, for example, is at ground level so daily inspections and maintenance can be performed safely and easily via large barn doors. A similar door is located on the other side of the MTV to access hydraulic pumps.

Additionally, the fuel and DEF tanks are both easily accessed and refilled at ground level.

As regular cleaning plays a vital role in prolonging the life of all asphalt paving equipment, the SB-3000 also includes a comprehensive wash down system which includes coil hoses at ground level—two on the front and another on the back—that can reach around the entirety of the machine.

Working with Astec

Partnering with Astec means more than just investing in high-quality equipment—it's about gaining a trusted ally committed to your success. With a reputation for innovation, durability and customer support, Astec provides solutions that keep operations running efficiently, both on the job site and in the shop.

While there are significant benefits of each of these machines from a maintenance perspective, sometimes issues happen. When Herrmann and his team need a fresh perspective or an extra set of eyes, they know the Astec support they need is only a phone call away.

“We have a good team from Astec for when we get into those difficult situations,” says Herrmann. “They always give us the support we need so we can keep our customers moving.”

Learn more about the full lineup of Astec road construction solutions and how these machines work together to improve efficiency on the jobsite: https://www.astecindustries.com/road-construction.