When concrete contractors are searching for new equipment for their business, one feature seems to be at the top of everyone’s list: it has to be tough. Working in concrete is a harsh job, so the equipment used must live up to expectations to be of value.
Ligchine International has been manufacturing laser-guided concrete screed machines since the company’s formation more than 8 years ago. Seeing the need for a durable, boom-operated screed in his own business, Peter Ligman designed the first ScreedSaver in 2007. Ligchine International now offers three robust ScreedSaver models, propelling the company as the top laser-guided boom screed manufacturer in the world. The newest model in the ScreedSaver lineup is the ScreedSaver MAX Xtreme, also dubbed as the “MAX XT.”
SCREEDSAVER MAX’S SISTER: MAX XT
The ScreedSaver MAX XT is the sister machine to the industry leading ScreedSaver MAX model. The two machines share the same platform—a 14-foot long, 100-percent welded, tubular frame made from ¼-inch thick steel plate. A 35 hp Kubota diesel engine provides the power to navigate on any jobsite and screed concrete to the level finish for which the ScreedSaver machines are famous. With a 16-foot boom, and when equipped with the standard 12.5-foot auger screed head, the ScreedSaver MAX XT can screed up to 200 square feet per pass. Like the ScreedSaver MAX, the MAX XT has wireless controls and a pivoting undercarriage, allowing parallel-to-the-pour capabilities to increase efficiency and ease of navigation. With a weight under 4,500 pounds, it can be pulled with a pickup and trailer, keeping transportation costs to a minimum. The MAX XT can also be fitted with TopCon Millimeter GPS System for concrete paving applications.
The differences between the ScreedSaver MAX and MAX XT: The MAX XT is the only production boom-operated screed equipped with a heavy-duty set of tracks on the front drive axle. The tracks are an aluminum cast frame construction with a heavy-duty four link, quad spring internal suspension. The wheels inside the track are an aluminum reinforced UHMW with a rubber coating for long life (even in concrete). The all-terrain tread design has a lug depth of 1 inch and the track has an 11-inch wide footprint, ensuring that the machine will be able to drive in just about any terrain.
INCREASE PRODUCT EFFICIENCY
The development of the use of tracks in the ScreedSaver lineup originated from customer requests. Jobsites and regulations differ throughout the world and feature many types of aggregates used for subgrade, including one of the most common—sand. Since wheeled machines operate poorly—if at all—in sand, the need for an optional drive system was obvious.
Like all concrete equipment, keeping the equipment free of concrete as much as possible will result in a longer lifespan. While all ScreedSaver machines operate “outside” the mud with their long reach boom’s, a release agent is also applied to the track set prior to use. Pressure washing the tracks when the job is completed has proven to ensure long-term durability of the drive system.
The Ligchine ScreedSaver MAX XT has been designed to meet the high durability expectations of today’s concrete equipment. With looks and features that mimic a battle tank, the MAX XT ultimately allows a sophisticated laser-guided boom-operated screed to operate in difficult jobsite terrains, as well as work with a wide variety of subbases.
For More Information: For more information regarding Ligchine International and its ScreedSaver lineup, visit www.ligchine.com.
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Modern Contractor Solutions, September 2015
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