News & Events
On-Site Services the First in Georgia to Operate the New Cat® AP-655C Mobil-Trac Paver
If you were driving through a new subdivision five years ago you were likely to see Skid Steer Loaders of all makes and sizes. And the one thing they had in common was four tires. Today if you drive though a new subdivision, over half of the machines are now operating on rubber tracks.
Similarly only two years ago driving on Georgia’s streets and highways you were likely to see asphalt paving machines of all makes and sizes. And again they all had one thing in common – tires. However, if you are traveling in the McDonough area look closely because you might catch a glimpse of something new to the paving industry – a Caterpillar® AP-655C Asphalt Paver.
Jeff Kleemeier, Owner and President of On-Site Services based out of McDonough, is the first customer in Georgia to purchase the new Cat AP-655C paver. Instead of operating on rubber tires as has been the industry standard for decades, Cat’s new paver operates on a rubber-track system. “I have always been around rubber-track machines of all kinds and all of them have had issues off and on, but Yancey took me to the factory to see these pavers being made and that sold me right away. It was an easy decision for me and has turned out to be a really good one” says Kleemeier.
After working for someone else in the paving business for 20 years, Kleemeier decided it was time to go on his own. Three years ago he formed On-Site Services and currently does paving work primarily for the residential market but is also venturing into some commercial work as well. His company has grown to operate six crews running Caterpillar Rollers and Motorgraders and the AP-655C.
“I’ve used Lee-Boy pavers in the past, and I had a lot of experience with Barber-Greene and Ingersoll pavers as well, but when it came time to buy one for myself I looked really hard at the production of the different machines and the service the different dealers could provide. This Cat paver is better. It is heavier and has more power. It’s a lot faster than other machines I’ve used.”
Another service Jeff took advantage of when making his purchase decision and continues to use today is the help that Yancey’s new Paving Products Specialist, Nelson Hunt, provides. Nelson has worked primarily with Jeff’s Foreman, Greg Warner. The two have worked together for almost twenty years. While Jeff benefited from both his machine salesman, Mike Potts, and Hunt during the purchase decision, Warner has benefited on the job. “Nelson is really knowledgeable. He has worked with us on a lot of different paving issues. He has helped us a lot with parts also. And the machine itself is great. It’s fast as a horse and the rubber track keeps it from bogging down.”
One of the features both Kleemeier and Warner are pleased with is the generator system that provides power to the electrically heated, asphalt screeds. The electrically heated screeds have improved heat distribution by incorporating sensors in the screed plates to continuously monitor screed plate temperatures. The electric screed heating system includes a tractor-mounted generator, replaceable heating elements, operator friendly controls and an optional auxiliary power supply panel. These new features allow operators to eliminate use of the diesel fuel burner system in order to provide an operator-friendly environment.
“We really like the screed on this machine. But that track really is great. It just makes the ride better and faster. And the support from Mike Potts and their parts and service departments on not only this paver but also with our other Caterpillar equipment has really helped us to get our work done faster and better.”