INDUSTRY NEWS
SAKAI America Introduces Echelon Mode for Guardman ® System, Enhancing Safety in Tandem Asphalt Rolling
S
AKAI America, a leading manufacturer of compaction equipment, today announced the release of its new Echelon Mode for the Guardman ® Automatic Brake Assist System. This innovative feature, developed in response to valuable customer feedback, further enhances the safety and efficiency of tandem asphalt rolling operations. Guardman, already a proven safety technology for SAKAI asphalt rollers, utilizes millimeter-wave radar or 3D LiDAR( depending on the model) to detect potential collisions with personnel or equipment, warn the operator progressively, and automatically brake to prevent accidents if needed. The new Echelon Mode builds upon this foundation by specifically addressing the unique challenges of echelon rolling, a common technique used in highway-class paving.“ We listened to highway contractors who expressed the need for a solution that would allow for closer, more efficient tandem rolling while still allowing the benefits of Guardman’ s automatic braking if necessary,” said Brad Belvin, Manager of Sales & Marketing.“ Echelon Mode is the result of that feedback, and we’ re proud to offer this advancement to the industry.” Echelon Mode allows two SAKAI SW884( 79”) or SW994( 84”) asphalt rollers, equipped with Guardman, to operate in close proximity without generating false alarms but still protecting against collisions. The system intelligently monitors distance to the lead roller, ensuring that both operator warning & braking is only initiated when an imminent collision risk is detected.
Key features of Echelon Mode include:
• Optimized Tandem Rolling: Enables closer, more efficient echelon formation, maximizing productivity.
• Reduced False Alarms: Minimizes unnecessary braking interruptions, keeping operations running smoothly.
• Enhanced Safety: Maintains the core Guardman functionality, providing reliable collision prevention.
• Proximity Indicator: Provides operators with real-time feedback on the distance between rollers, allowing for proactive adjustments and preventing unwanted braking.
• Easy Activation: Echelon Mode can be easily toggled on and off via the Guardman display screen with one button press.
“ Safety is our top priority at SAKAI America,” added Kevin McClain, VP Operations.“ Echelon Mode is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to providing our customers with the most trustworthy compaction equipment.”
The Echelon Mode update is now available for SAKAI SW884 and SW994 asphalt rollers equipped with the Guardman automatic emergency braking system.
About SAKAI America SAKAI specializes in asphalt rollers, soil compactors, and light compaction equipment for the paving and construction site prep markets. SAKAI, founded in Japan in 1918, is one of the compaction industry’ s most experienced manufacturers. For nearly 50 years, SAKAI America has supplied North America with reliable, easy-to-use, and durable compactors through a dealer network to construction industry businesses. Located in Adairsville, Georgia, SAKAI America continues to fulfill its longtime motto:“ Masters of Compaction”.
For more information about SAKAI America visit www. SakaiAmerica. com.
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[ 55 ] April 2025