AU Pat Apps PCT/AU2020/050636
Q-FE dual control “Q-FE Road Ant™” aggregate spreader has been developed to conform with VicRoads Standard of 408.11 that mandates all spreaders on sprayed sealing operations be forward moving from 1 July 2022. Q-FE’s Road Ant™ Forward Moving Aggregate Spreader meets this requirement as of now.
The Q-FE Road Ant™ is based on, but not restricted to an Isuzu FVR 300 6×4/8×4, fitted with a Trout River asphalt compatible body and 10 gate chip spreader.
The machine has a dual control cabin, to allow the operator to sit either side of the cabin, directly overspread line, allowing the clear uninterrupted vision of the worksite and surrounding area.
Dual control and seating also allow for training and demonstrations.
The cabin is fitted with air conditioning, UHF and stereo, has full braking and steering capabilities, and electric selection of forward/reverse and neutral.
The aggregate is conveyed from the moving floor body, under the cabin and into the Trout River 10 gate chip spreader. The spreader can be hydraulically raised and lowered to allow for towing and is removable.
The rear of conveyor assembly replicates that of a Trout Body, allowing fitment of any standard attachment. The truck cabin also has full controls for body and attachment, which enables the machine to be used for other purposes when not spray sealing, such as asphalting, shoulder work, and conventional spreading of crushed rock.
Safety Features
Reverse Smart “automatic emergency braking system” (AEB) fitted to Q-FE Road Ant™ cabin and truck cabin to automatically apply the brakes if an object or pedestrian is detected in the work area, greatly reducing, if not eliminating the possibility of an accident.
Truck Anti-Rollaway device fitted to both Q-FE Road AntTM cabin and truck cabin. The device monitors park brake activation, door open/closed state, as well as seat occupancy to determine whether the truck has been exited without the parking brake being applied. If necessary, the system will apply the vehicle’s brakes automatically, as well as audibly warn the driver via voice message.
Reversing/operating cameras and monitoring screens fitted to both Q-FE Road Ant™ cabin and truck cabins.
Brake lights, indicators and reverse buzzer fitted to the truck cabin when spray seal work being carried out (inactive when being operated conventionally).
TCS (Transport Certification Services) have been engaged to oversee and carry out VASS certification and to ensure compliance to all NHVR regulations, a summary and details of all modifications have been submitted to the regulator. The vehicle is not required to be driven under permit.
VicRoads have in place a panel to review all proposals regarding “forward moving spreaders”. Our concept has been reviewed by this panel and it has been confirmed that “It does fulfil the intent of section 408.11 around Forward Moving Aggregate Spreaders.”