In the South West of WA, when asphalt sealing jobs need to be done, one company comes to mind: Malatesta.
The Malatesta name is synonymous with the city of Bunbury and its surrounds. The business has had a hand in developing the locality through the provision of asphalt, quality road sealing and surfacing applications and associated services since 1978.
Indeed, one could say that pretty much any thoroughfare traversing the region has had the Malatesta magic applied to it.
The company is renowned for completing any size job, from the driveways right up to Main Roads WA projects and airports.
The list of its projects is seemingly endless: car parks for Big W and Centrepoint, Simcoa, Worsley Alumina, the main street of Bunbury, the Koolan Bay Resort and its air strip, Wespine Bunbury, Busselton Hospital, CBHs depots,
as well as various local government projects for the cities of Bunbury and Busselton, and the adjacent shires of Dardanup and Augusta/ Margaret River.
The success of the company reflects a triumphant progression for the locally owned family business founded in 1978 by Robin and Maxine Malatesta, and managed today by their daughter Teresa.
It started with just one asphalt plant, one asphalt crew and a low loader trailer employing seven people in total.
By 2015, it owned a quality laboratory to test construction materials for roads and concrete; built the state-of-the-art Benninghoven plant; and constructed a bitumen bulk storage facility, signalling a major competitive advantage and an era of growth and continued business success.
Malatesta’s fleet had grown to include trucks ranging from six-wheels to live bottom semi-trailers, three asphalt pavers and a comprehensive range of machinery including loaders, rollers, and a grader.
And as Malatesta Operations Manager Todd Garbin explains, the company does more than just lay asphalt or spray seal.
“We supply ex-plant asphalt to a range of contractors and Main Roads WA for them to be able to complete their own works using our quality product,” he said.
“We recycle all old roads and profilings into road base hardstand material.
“Malatesta is the leader in the asphalt industry in the South West, completing many specialist jobs for our clients and the eight local shires we have contracts with.
“Many companies in this industry only have one asphalt team and contract out spray seal services, while some have only spray seal. In- house, we have two asphalt crews and our own seal crew. It’s a one-stop shop for asphalt and spray seal jobs.”
With such a pedigree behind it, the company is very discerning in its choice of equipment. This currently consists of four prime movers equipped with brand new floats to move the machines from site to site; three asphalt pavers; a fleet of more than 20 rigid trucks with trailers; multiple steel drum rollers, multi-tyre rollers and front end loaders; pocket rocket profilers; and skid steer loaders.
“We look for reliable machines with good back-up service and easy parts selection in Australia if we have breakdowns and maintenance needs,” Todd said.
One such piece of equipment that ticks all those boxes is the Cat AP400 Asphalt Paver, one of which was snapped up by Malatesta after being released last year.
Among other features, the unit boasts better mobility, more flexibility, bigger paving ranges, easier transport on trailers, smoother material flow and more comfortable operations, all in a compact size.
“The AP400 meets all our needs in regards to size for transport, but also for larger scale jobs,” Todd said.
“It offers great visibility for the operator, with easy screed controls for the operators on the ground, and has lots of power for uphill runs.
“The 4.7 metre paving range is also great.”
When it comes to after-sales service, Todd has no complaints.
“WesTrac Bunbury, where we bought the unit from, has exceptional field service and quick turnarounds for any job,” he said.
“We also use oil sampling at WesTrac to make sure our equipment stays in its best shape and stays reliable for our projects.”
“I can say that we have been very impressed with the AP400, and that adding another to our fleet is definitely on our list for the future.”
WesTrac Construction Account Manager Anthony Garic said he was delighted at helping Malatesta acquire the Cat AP400.
“I have been dealing with Malatesta for 20 years as a representative for WesTrac and Caterpillar®, and I have known the Malatesta family all my life,” he said.
“Before the AP400 was released, Caterpillar did not have a paver configuration that met Malatesta’s requirements.
“The company had always communicated with me that they wanted a machine the size of the AP400.
“So when it was released, we discussed the new machine and we realised it was the perfect fit for the company’s operations.”
Anthony highlighted many of the features that made the paver so flexible: the compact size, versatility on small jobs such as driveways through to busy highway construction, the ability to transport to site sharing the float with small rollers and other required machines, and the finish of the laid hot mix.
“The Cat AP400 is the only paver in this size class offering exceptional manoeuvrability, visibility and safety while still delivering high productivity from the large 5.9 cubic metre hopper and 4.7m rear mount screed with fast warm-up times.”
Anthony reiterated WesTrac’s excellent machine servicing and parts support.
“Our support is WA-wide with regional branch networks and resident mechanics available to customers in these areas. Our operational footprint is very customer focused,” he said.
Anthony also commented on preventative maintenance support for the machine, provided via a WesTrac FitFleet® Customer Value Agreement (CVA).
“The AP400 has a FitFleet Essentials CVA included for 36 months as standard. FitFleet Essentials provides data driven insights into the hours, health, and performance of the machine,” he said.
“WesTrac condition monitoring analysts also track machine usage and advise on servicing schedules.”
The Cat AP400 features in detail
The Cat Asphalt Paver is a wheel-type asphalt paver that provides easy transport, application versatility, and a wide paving range, making
it the perfect match for urban streets, parking lots, rural roads, sub-divisions and many other small to intermediate-type applications.
The small footprint simplifies manoeuvrability in tight spaces, while the lighter weight and optimal width accommodates easy transport.
The single sliding console, easy-viewing display, and unobstructed visibility to the hopper combine to simplify operation.
Configurable screed designs, high transport speeds, and serviceable components provide contractors with excellent flexibility.
- Size
The compact size and small footprint simplify manoeuvrability in tight spaces for efficient work in urban-type applications.
Tight 90-degree turning capability enables the paver to rotate and cover tracks on a return paving pass.
Standard paving range utilising the SE47 V screed is 2.4-4.7m with a maximum width of 6.1m. Standard paving range utilising the SE47 FM screed is 2.4- 4.7m with a maximum width of 5.9m.
The throughput capacity is 774 ton. Paving depths up to 300mm (12″) supports aggregate paving applications.
- Transport
Machine weight of less than 13.6 mt (30,000 lb) paver and screed combination enables easy transport on a variety of trailer types.
Length of less than 5.5m and width of 2.6m accommodates machine transport without special permits.
The front-loading angle of 20 degrees and high front bumper clearance reduces the need for additional blocking when loading onto various trailer designs.
Front, middle, and rear tie-down locations make securing the paver efficient for quick travel to the next job site.
- Mobility
Wheel undercarriage provides exceptional mobility and fast travel speeds for unmatched manoeuvrability around the job site.
Excellent traction is delivered through the 14.00×20 sand-rib or 15.5 R25 radial drive tires.
Front-wheel assist option provides power to the rear set of bogie wheels for excellent performance in tough conditions.
High, front ground clearance of 203 mm helps avoid storm drains, curbs, and other obstacles.
- Material flow
Low truck entry height and short front apron enhances material flow while simplifying clean- out.
Feeder system design with 355mm diameter augers provides consistent material flow across the screed for efficient flow at both narrow and wide paving widths.
Narrow auger chamber keeps material moving and helps eliminate stagnate patches.
Ventilation system draws fumes from the auger chamber and redirects them away from the operator for a more comfortable working environment.
Single sliding console enables operation from either side of the machine.
Optional screed and paver mounted umbrellas offer protection from direct sun.
Heated seat option delivers comfort in cool weather conditions.
- Viewing displays
High-definition, touchscreen displays with adjustable brightness control for all types of lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.
New touch screen operating display with simplified menu structures, intuitive graphics, and short-cut keys help simplify machine adjustments.
Single-touch functions from the main screen include screed heat, wash-down system, vibratory activation, ventilation system, and the accessory panel.
Wash-down system includes level indication.
- Screeds
SE-Series screeds deliver excellent ride, density, and material texture while providing superior adjustment capabilities.
Screeds with front-mounted extenders and rear-mounted extenders are available.
- Operating costs
Durable Cat C3.6 engine provides 90 kW (120 hp) of power and meets UN ECE R96 Stage IIIA emission standards, equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA.
Exclusive Eco-mode and Automatic Engine Speed Control reduce fuel consumption and lowers sound levels for better job site communication.
Conveyor bed plates and chain guards are designed to minimise labour requirements and lower replacement costs.
Maintenance-free high torque motors for the auger and conveyor drive systems reduce service requirements.
