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The AP1055F and Its Role in High-Volume Paving
The Caterpillar AP1055F is a high-production rubber track asphalt paver designed for large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, airport runways, and interstates. Introduced as part of Caterpillar’s F-series, the AP1055F builds on decades of paving innovation, offering improved fuel efficiency, faster screed heat-up, and advanced operator controls. With a Mobil-Trac undercarriage system, it delivers excellent flotation and traction, allowing smooth travel across varied jobsite conditions.
Caterpillar Inc., founded in 1925, has long been a leader in roadbuilding equipment. The AP1055F continues that legacy with features like dual operator stations, integrated diagnostics, and compatibility with a range of screeds including the SE60 and XW-Series. These screeds offer paving widths up to 33 feet and can be configured with tamper bars or vibration-only setups depending on project requirements.
Terminology Clarification
The MOBA Big Ski system is a precision-grade averaging beam that uses multiple sensors to detect surface variations and guide the screed accordingly. Unlike traditional three-sensor skis, the Big Ski uses four or more sensors spaced across a long beam, allowing it to average out dips and humps over a wider area. This results in a smoother final surface and reduced need for post-compaction correction.
When installed on the AP1055F, the MOBA Big Ski enhances the machine’s ability to maintain consistent mat thickness and eliminate surface waves. It’s especially valuable in mainline paving where long, uninterrupted stretches of asphalt require uniformity across lanes.
A paving crew in Florida used the AP1055F with a MOBA Big Ski to resurface a 12-mile stretch of interstate. The result was a ride quality score that exceeded DOT specifications, reducing warranty callbacks and improving public satisfaction.
Installation and Calibration Considerations
Installing the MOBA Big Ski system requires:
Operator Experience and Workflow Efficiency
The AP1055F’s dual operator stations allow seamless control from either side of the machine. When paired with the MOBA Big Ski, operators can monitor grade feedback in real time and make adjustments without stopping the paving process. Features like automatic screed heat-up, eco-mode fuel management, and water-resistant displays contribute to a smoother workflow and reduced downtime.
Operators report:
Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
To maintain optimal performance:
Conclusion
The combination of Caterpillar’s AP1055F paver and the MOBA Big Ski system represents a leap forward in asphalt paving precision. Designed for high-volume, high-spec projects, this pairing delivers smoother surfaces, faster production, and reduced rework. For contractors focused on quality, efficiency, and long-term profitability, investing in advanced grade control systems like the Big Ski is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic advantage.
The Caterpillar AP1055F is a high-production rubber track asphalt paver designed for large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, airport runways, and interstates. Introduced as part of Caterpillar’s F-series, the AP1055F builds on decades of paving innovation, offering improved fuel efficiency, faster screed heat-up, and advanced operator controls. With a Mobil-Trac undercarriage system, it delivers excellent flotation and traction, allowing smooth travel across varied jobsite conditions.
Caterpillar Inc., founded in 1925, has long been a leader in roadbuilding equipment. The AP1055F continues that legacy with features like dual operator stations, integrated diagnostics, and compatibility with a range of screeds including the SE60 and XW-Series. These screeds offer paving widths up to 33 feet and can be configured with tamper bars or vibration-only setups depending on project requirements.
Terminology Clarification
- Screed: The rear-mounted component of a paver that spreads and levels asphalt.
- Mobil-Trac undercarriage: Caterpillar’s rubber track system designed for high-speed mobility and low ground pressure.
- Grade control: A system that maintains consistent paving thickness and surface elevation.
- MOBA Big Ski: A multi-sensor averaging beam used to smooth out grade irregularities during paving.
The MOBA Big Ski system is a precision-grade averaging beam that uses multiple sensors to detect surface variations and guide the screed accordingly. Unlike traditional three-sensor skis, the Big Ski uses four or more sensors spaced across a long beam, allowing it to average out dips and humps over a wider area. This results in a smoother final surface and reduced need for post-compaction correction.
When installed on the AP1055F, the MOBA Big Ski enhances the machine’s ability to maintain consistent mat thickness and eliminate surface waves. It’s especially valuable in mainline paving where long, uninterrupted stretches of asphalt require uniformity across lanes.
A paving crew in Florida used the AP1055F with a MOBA Big Ski to resurface a 12-mile stretch of interstate. The result was a ride quality score that exceeded DOT specifications, reducing warranty callbacks and improving public satisfaction.
Installation and Calibration Considerations
Installing the MOBA Big Ski system requires:
- Mounting the beam securely to the screed frame
- Connecting sensors to the control module and verifying signal integrity
- Calibrating sensor height and spacing based on project specs
- Testing the system on a controlled surface before live paving
- Integrating with existing grade control systems if applicable
- Use shielded cables to prevent signal interference
- Clean sensor lenses regularly to maintain accuracy
- Store the beam in a dry, padded rack when not in use
- Train operators on sensor feedback interpretation and override procedures
Operator Experience and Workflow Efficiency
The AP1055F’s dual operator stations allow seamless control from either side of the machine. When paired with the MOBA Big Ski, operators can monitor grade feedback in real time and make adjustments without stopping the paving process. Features like automatic screed heat-up, eco-mode fuel management, and water-resistant displays contribute to a smoother workflow and reduced downtime.
Operators report:
- Faster setup and calibration compared to older systems
- Improved visibility of grade data through LCD displays
- Reduced fatigue due to ergonomic controls and quiet cab environment
- Better coordination with truck drivers and ground crews
Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
To maintain optimal performance:
- Inspect screed components weekly for wear and alignment
- Replace sensor mounts and cables annually or as needed
- Update MOBA firmware to ensure compatibility with new control modules
- Clean and lubricate beam joints to prevent corrosion
- Monitor grade control logs for anomalies and recalibrate if necessary
Conclusion
The combination of Caterpillar’s AP1055F paver and the MOBA Big Ski system represents a leap forward in asphalt paving precision. Designed for high-volume, high-spec projects, this pairing delivers smoother surfaces, faster production, and reduced rework. For contractors focused on quality, efficiency, and long-term profitability, investing in advanced grade control systems like the Big Ski is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic advantage.
