“The diverse specifications require smart and flexible paver solutions”

Robust machine technology, smart automation and electrification – At Bauma 2025, Joseph Vögele AG presented the wheeled paver SUPER 1803-5 X, the mini class representative SUPER 800-5 P, the fully electric SUPER 1300-5e, and the MT 3000-5 Standard and Offset material feeders. Marcio Cavalcanti Happle, Head of Sales, Local Marketing and Customer Support at Vögele, on the vision behind the machines.

Vögele has expanded the Dash 5 generation. What characterizes the machines?

In four words: User-friendliness, process automation, economy, and sustainability. These are the focus areas of the Dash 5 generation – and that means in concrete terms: Our Dash 5 pavers offer road builders maximum ease of use, intelligent automation solutions, short set-up times, and reduced noise and exhaust emissions. Numerous new functions improve paving quality, shorten commissioning and assembly times, reduce travel, and rework costs thus increasing productivity. These were the objectives we pursued when developing the new machines, too: With the wheeled paver SUPER 1803-5 X, the MINI Class representative SUPER 800-5 P, the fully electric SUPER 1300-5e, and the material feeder MT 3000-5, we demonstrate that we are implementing the Dash 5 technologies in all product ranges and classes – while enhancing them continuously. Our ambition is clear: With the Dash 5 generation, we are accompanying our customers into the future.

What does that mean in practice? For example, what makes the SUPER 1803-5 X so future-proof?

The new pavers combine clever, rugged, and sustainable engineering with smart automation solutions. The SUPER 1803-5 X combines the advantages of a wheeled paver, i.e., high maneuverability and great mobility when moving, with the versatile application options of the Universal Class and the Dash 5 technologies. These include, the ErgoPlus 5 operating concept, new automatic functions and digital controls, improved material management, a sustainable drive concept, additional comfort features, and a new integrated lighting concept. The SUPER 1803-5 X therefore improves the paving process and productivity in every respect and also offers all the prerequisites for digital road construction. This holistic approach equips the paver for all current and future requirements. Thanks to the modular structure, construction companies can decide for themselves how, when, and to what extent they use the available options. We are convinced: “The diverse specifications in road construction require smart and flexible paver solutions.

You are talking about automation solutions. What innovations does Vögele have in store and what is the aim of the new functions?

In the sphere of Smart Automation, the AutoTrac system for automatic steering and width control as well as the Smart Pave digital control system were premiered at Bauma. The aim of both these solutions is to make things easier for operators and to increase the paving quality, efficiency, and operational safety of paving. We consider these technologies to be intelligent assistants to help operators by performing routine tasks on their behalf or by supporting them in situations where automated processes deliver more accurate results.

Using AutoTrac, operators can control the pave width and direction of the paver automatically on the basis of physical references. Part of this automatic steering and width control system is the new Edge Detection, edge tracker which uses curbs, gutters, or milled edges as a reference for screed width and thus ensures an accurate edge line.

The next level of automation is then Smart Pave: The integrated system controls the pave width, position, and direction of the paver fully automatically using virtual references. Smart Pave uses installation geometries that have been stored in the digital platform, John Deere Operations Center. The automated control system saves time-consuming marking work, reduces the workload for users, and increases the safety of screed operators and process safety during paving. Most importantly: The system needs no assembly and is completely user-friendly.

Let’s move from the big Dash 5 technologies to the small ones: What are the benefits to construction companies of the new SUPER 800-5 P? Mini Class paver?

The new Mini paver takes a big step forward in many ways at once. For a start, the material hopper now offers maximum flexibility: The hopper sides can be adjusted asymmetrically on both sides at the touch of a button - for paving along a wall, for example. They also hinge in two ways, giving the paver operator an unrestricted view to the front. The paver operator's platform has been optimized to enable even relatively short paver operators to keep a better eye on all the areas relevant for paving. The SUPER 800-5 P is also now even more convenient and intuitive: The new ErgoBasic 5 operating concept follows the operating logic of the larger machines and for the first time, has a display where operators can view the paver’s operating data. Operation of the Auto Grade Basic system for automated grade and slope control has furthermore been fully integrated in the machine control unit, As a result, screed operators can now control the SUPER 800-5 P in compact form with just one console - like on large Vögele pavers. The new Mini Class paver is perfectly designed to meet the requirements of both users and small construction projects.

In addition to user-friendly machines, construction companies are increasingly focusing on the environmental balance of projects. What contribution does Vögele make to this?

Electrified construction machinery is an important building block for locally emission-free road construction. That is why we are continuously expanding our electrical segment: In addition to the small pavers MINI 500e and MINI 502e, we presented the new compact paver SUPER 1300-5e at this year’s Bauma. It is the first fully electric paver of the Dash 5 generation. Like its little brothers, it is equipped with a battery-powered electric drive and an electrically heated extending screed. This makes it locally emission-free and quiet. Ideal for paving in inner-city areas or in closed rooms. It was important to us that customers do not have to make any compromises in terms of output and user-friendliness: Depending on the paving method, the lithium-ion battery offers a runtime for an entire working day and can be easily charged via a wallbox or quick-charging station. With the new representatives of the Dash 5 generation, we offer our customers sustainable, modular and future-proof technology that is also easy to operate and use.