Simex has introduced the second generation of its ART 1000 attachment, advancing the concept of zero-waste asphalt repair.
Representing a step forward in sustainable road maintenance, the next generation of Simex’s patented ART 1000 technology enhances in-situ asphalt regeneration.
The ART 1000 Gen II delivers improved efficiency, lower environmental impact, and enhanced overall performance.
An attachment for skid steer loaders, the unit is designed to meet demand for cost-effective and eco-conscious infrastructure solutions.
Total Rockbreaking Solutions Sales Director Jeff Jackson said the ART 1000 Gen II is capable of performing multiple functions in a single pass.
“It will perform milling, regeneration, granulation, and mixing, all in one swoop,” he said.
At the core of the ART 1000 Gen II is a patented technology designed to process recycled asphalt using 100 per cent of the existing material on site.
This solution allows for asphalt regeneration without removing milled material or introducing new aggregates or virgin bituminous mix. By utilising only existing on-site material, the process is as environmentally friendly as it is cost-effective.
With an operating depth of 0–100 millimetres, the ART 1000 Gen II is ideal for functional maintenance and surface distress restoration, such as alligator or branch cracking, surface bumps, dips or ripples, potholes, joint gaps, localised wear, aggregate smoothing, and temporary repairs requiring high-speed turnaround.
A streamlined in-situ recycling process
It all begins with milling the deteriorated section of a road. The ART 1000 Gen II uses an eco-friendly chemical rejuvenator to cold-recycle the bituminous aggregate produced. Simultaneously, a calibrated injection system administers rejuvenating agents, each automatically adjusted based on milling depth and machine speed.
The reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is then granulated to a specified particle size and distributed to optimise workability and bonding.
A high-performance mixing unit completes the process, producing a structurally sound recycled asphalt mix ready for immediate repaving.
The bituminous mix is then deposited into the milled track and is ready to be levelled and compacted using standard tools like rollers or vibrating plates.
Jeff said that in the case of repairs after the installation of fibre optics, the presence of cement mortars in limited proportions compared to the total volume of milled asphalt does not compromise the success of the final restoration.
“The 100-litre rejuvenator tank is also removable from the side, and due to a drainage cap located at the bottom, it can be easily emptied if necessary,” he said. “Additionally, the design of the ART enables access to the crusher drum for cleaning and maintenance.”
Lower costs, reduced emissions and smart on-site material reuse
In addition to the logistical and traffic flow advantages, Jeff said the ART 1000 technology offers a multitude of benefits for the civil construction industry.
“By utilising the bituminous mix available on site, operators no longer need to fund the purchase and transport of new raw materials to the job site,” he said.
Jeff said the ART 1000 was one of the most sustainable machines on the market.
“Recovering and re-using 100 per cent of the on-site material is unheard of in a machine like this,” he said.
“Without the requirement to supply new materials to the site and remove the excavated materials, construction traffic is reduced in and around the job site.
“This reduces emissions from traffic that would otherwise contribute to the project’s carbon footprint, making the ART 1000 Gen II a game-changer for sustainable construction practices.”
Jeff said it also enables fast, durable surface restoration, supporting more efficient project planning and long-term cost sustainability.
“Sustainable machines like the ART 1000 Gen II align with modern environmental and operational standards, making it a smart investment for municipalities and contractors,” he said.
Enhanced on-board control
To better meet the day-to-day demands of road construction sites, Simex has also upgraded the ART 1000 Gen II with enhanced on-board electronics.
“New upgrades such as the addition of a new video interface will improve connectivity between the operator and the ART 1000 technology, further ensuring seamless operation,” Jeff said.
The new interface displays real-time values such as linear metres (progress), litres per metre (additive dosage), and actual litres (additive consumption).
For a tailored display, unique to the operator and requirements of the job, it is possible to manually set a precise amount of rejuvenator.
“This can be set according to the manufacturer’s specifications and the site’s environmental conditions,” Jeff said.
“The software automatically calibrates and adjusts the rejuvenator dosage in line with changes in the carrier’s speed, based on parameters set by the operator at the start of the job.”
For more information, contact your local SIMEX dealer:
• Walkers Hammers (Vic, SA, Tas) – walkershammers.com.au
• Groundtec (NSW) – groundtec.com.au
• Queensland Rock Breakers (Qld, NT) – rdw.com.au/qld-rock-breakers
• Total Rockbreaking Solutions (WA) – totalrockbreaking.com.au
