FAQs & Tips
Python 5000
How much compaction does the roller apply to the asphalt?
It applies a force of approximately 88.8 lbs/linear inch or 16 kg/linear cm. That’s the same amount of compaction as a one-ton construction roller. The back and forth motion of the roller forces the asphalt into every crevice of the pothole, making the compaction even more complete.
What does it cost to operate a Python 5000?
The Python 5000 will provide you with a cost savings of up to 60% in comparison to traditional three-person road crews. Factoring in all the regular and preventive maintenance items, as well as replacement parts over a 5-year period, the Python 5000 costs approximately $6.20 per hour to operate. Adding in the cost of fuel and an operator costing you $40 per hour, the total cost of repairing potholes comes to about $60 per hour.
Do you need a special license to operate the Python 5000?
Not in Canada or the United States as it is under 26,000 GVWR. If you are outside of these countries, it would be best to verify what the regulations are for your location.
How much air pressure is being used to clean out the potholes?
The air compressor delivers up to 26 cubic feet per minute at 120 psi. The air blast it delivers is more than enough to clean water, rocks, dirt and the heaviest debris from the pothole.
Can I use the compressed air for anything else?
Yes, there is an auxiliary air port for cleaning the machine and filling tires.
How do I clean the Python 5000 at the end of the day?
It comes complete with a 20 gallon tank, which can hold an environmentally-friendly chemical you can use to hose down the hopper, belt and tool assembly at the end of the day. It takes about 20 minutes to clean the unit so that it’s ready to go the next day.
Does the auger get plugged with asphalt?
The heavy duty auger runs the length of the machine and isn’t very susceptible to plugging. Should that happen, however, the auger is reversible which allows you to easily clear any plugs. In addition, an anti-bridging devise keeps the asphalt from plugging up at the elbow.
Does the asphalt stick to the roller?
Water is continuously sprayed onto the roller to lubricate it while you are patching. It is a computer-controlled smart system that knows when you are actually patching. We also recommend that a release agent is added to the water to further prevent sticking. This release agent also acts as an antifreeze when you are operating the machine in freezing temperatures.
How do you control the temperature of the asphalt in the hopper?
The asphalt is kept warm by routing exhaust around the double-walled hopper. The temperature is controlled by a flapper valve that opens and closes to let exhaust enter, or exit through the exhaust system.
How long can you keep the asphalt hot?
As long as the machine is running, or you are using the optional auxiliary heating system, it will keep the asphalt hot. However, asphalt will start breaking down after about 72 hours, so it’s best to use it before that amount of time has elapsed.
How comfortable is the cab for long hours on the job?
The climate-controlled cab is very comfortable. It is sealed with a cab air filter and a HEPA filter inside to keep out dust. The control panel moves up and down with the operator’s air ride seat for ease of operation.
Will this machine take care of all my road repairs?
The Python 5000 is most efficient at repairing potholes up to about 3’ in diameter, and is the only machine that can automatically repair long cracks in the road. Larger areas needing repair and roads that are crumbling are still best handled using traditional methods.
Sweepers
What makes the S3 the most powerful sweeper in the industry?
It has four hydraulic pumps, each of which deliver about 9 gallons/minute at up to 2750 psi. And each hydraulic motor has its own dedicated pump. So if you slow down a gutter broom, it doesn’t affect any of the other functions.
Why don’t you lift the hopper with the scissors or use an integrated system, like other sweeper manufacturers?
We lift the hopper on the S3 with the hydraulic cylinder and use the scissors just for balance. The other systems put a tremendous amount of strain on the scissors, which will pull the sweeper frame apart eventually. Our system avoids that possibility.
How is your chain conveyor different from the competitions?
Everyone in the industry uses the same chain. What we do differently is add a centre idler to keep the chain from slapping back and forth. It’s that back and forth movement that puts extra strain on the drive sprockets and chain links, so preventing that movement makes ours last a lot longer.
Why don’t you make the in-cab hydraulic down pressure control standard on your sweepers?
We strongly believe that operators should set the down pressure of the brooms once at the beginning of the shift, and set it while they are observing the sweeping pattern. In that way, they are assured that they are doing the best possible job, and they are getting the optimum life from their brooms. When the down-pressure control is in the sweeper cab, inexperienced operators will often set it incorrectly, or keep adjusting it – thereby limiting the effectiveness of the sweeping and needlessly wearing out the broom.
Why do you offer a greaseless unit? Do the bearings last as long as the kind you grease?
We have found that they far outlast the ones that need to be greased by the operator. After we changed to this system, our customers went from having to change the bushings yearly to not having to replace any for more than 1900 hours. That’s because often the daily greasing doesn’t happen, or too much grease is applied, which is even harder on the bearings. The greaseless system also saves a lot of money on maintenance. All the operator has to do in the morning is check the oil and do a quick workaround instead of having to tend to approximately 50 grease points which would take about 20 minutes daily.
But if the owners have an experienced operator and/or maintenance staff, they may prefer the type that requires daily greasing.
Why do you have dual water tanks instead of one larger one?
Having a large water tank hanging on the back of the sweeper is very hard on the rear axle. By having two tanks, we can balance the load which makes it much easier on the truck.
How are you able to reduce the amount of water you use?
We have a unique system that sprays water on the gutter brooms, which goes down to the tips of the bristles. That helps with the sweeping and lessens the amount of water that needs to be used.
What type of broom do you recommend?
We prefer the tube style main broom. It does a better job of sweeping and you can go faster with it. It is also easier to replace. However, we can also supply the strip style if that’s your preference.
You have a one-button start and stop on your sweepers. What happens if you need to stop a single function – for example if you are coming up to a car?
You can start or stop any one function independently.