Time is always of the essence when it comes to road works, so it is vital to use the right equipment to keep project schedules short and minimise traffic disruptions.
Emphasising the importance of timely works, asset owners can implement penalties if schedules are not met and roads have to stay shut longer than anticipated.
Local Queensland contractor All Whiting Profiling is involved in asphalt profiling and earthmoving projects and Owner, Darrel White, has witnessed the effects of project delays during his time in the industry.
“Ten minutes can be like an hour to asphalt experts, if there is any way for you to make your works quicker and in turn better prepare the job for its next stage, that is worth its weight in gold,” Darrel said.
When searching for a new asphalt planer, Darrel was given a few good recommendations for the Simex Planers and decided to view one in action, on site.
“I managed to see the planers working on various sites with a couple of other companies and the practicality of them was really second to none. I knew that if I was going to buy a planer it would be the Simex,” Darrel said.
The Simex Planers, distributed through supplier Queensland Rock Breakers, are a two in one machine which is able to perform both milling and stabilising applications for the complete rehabilitation of roads and streets.
With a maximum width of 1,200 millimetres and a milling depth of 350 millimetres (depending on model), the Simex Planers are well suited to small and medium works and are especially suitable in tight areas and around potholes or kerbs.
“We do asphalt patches up to 200 millimetres and we can do asphalt key ins with the planer. We can cut up to and against kerbs and in and around traffic islands. A key feature of the machine is that you can adjust the side plates to go up against objects, which is a huge benefit for asphalt contractors,” Darrel said.
Craig Einam, Queensland Rock Breakers Sales Area Manager, said the ability to get closer to manholes and kerbs is one of the big advantages of the planers.
“With the Simex Planer you can get a lot closer to these objects and that removes some of the manpower and other equipment like jackhammers that might be required. All the people that use these planers love the fact that the machine can do a lot of the work for them,” Craig said.
The Simex Planers are also self-levelling, which helps the operator to ensure consistent milling depth regardless of any surface discrepancies.
Another feature Darrel said is impressive for asphalt contractors, is the left and right depth control capability.
Independent depth control on either side of the planer can create sloped surfaces. When paired with the self-levelling feature and the traverse tilt system this ensures there are no height differences in the final product even if a project begins with uneven ground.
“We’re are also able to get into tighter situations behind traffic islands. Being compact, means you are not restricted by a big unit. I was shocked at how smooth and efficient the machine is and the accuracy of the final cut we get,” Darrel said.
Simex Planers are also designed with a built-in water tank and pump which reduces any dust produced during milling operations.
“Profiling has seen large growth in the last few years, with our operating and safety benefits we see the Simex planner as being really favourable in the industry,” Craig said.
“Time really does cost money and many of the features on the Simex Planer work to make applications more efficient on site, helping to keep projects on time and budget.”
Simex Planers are available across the country throughout the Simex dealership network which includes; Walkers Hammers in VIC, SA and TAS, Groundtec in NSW, QLD Rock Breakers in QLD and NT and Total Rockbreaking Solutions in WA. For contact details, visit attachmentspecialists.com.au/simex
