Category Archives: GB1

Saving Brovold (GB1) Data

Saving data on the Brovold (AFGB1) gyratory compactor can be done manually or programmed to be saved automatically.  The AFGB1 (a.k.a. GB1 or Brovold) has a few different models – each functioning a bit differently.  The information presented here is for AFGB1’s with the Beijer Exter K20M control panel (serial numbers 5706 through 5884). The…

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Retrieving Brovold (GB1) Test Data

So, you have a Brovold Gyratory Compactor (a.k.a. AFGB1 or GB1) and need help retrieving the data from your machine.  Understanding a few basics of the machine will help with that retrieval.  Just a quick side note, there are a few different Brovold models that function differently.  The example used here is specific to the…

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Printing Pine GB1 Data – Height per Gyration

“I need to get the data off of my GB1 gyratory compactor.  Can you help me?” Of course we can help you. We cover a collection of related topics for the Pine GB1 Superpave gyratory compactor in a series of blogs. The first article published covers the basics of GB1 data files—storage, types, naming convention,…

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Saving Pine GB1 Data to a USB Stick

“I need to get the data off of my GB1 gyratory compactor.  Can you help me?” Of course we can help you. We cover a collection of related topics for the Pine GB1 Superpave gyratory compactor in a series of blogs. The first article cover the basics of GB1 data files—storage, types, naming convention, and…

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Pine GB1 Data Files – Store, Types, Names & View

“I need to get the data off of my GB1 gyratory compactor.  Can you help me?” Of course we can help you. We cover a collection of related topics on the Pine GB1 Superpave gyratory compactor in a series of blogs. This article covers the basics of Pine GB1 data files—storage, types, naming convention, and…

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Bent GB1 Brovold Lift Screw?

Did you bend the lift screw on your GB1?  Take heart.  You’re not alone. A Common Problem on AFGB1’s:  Bent Lift Screws The Pine AFGB1 is designed with a screw system to lift the gyratory head off the compaction chamber and rotate it out of the way.  Unfortunately, the lift screw that forms the cornerstone…

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GB1 Brovold Angle of Gyration

“What does the angle information on my AFGB1 calibration sticker tell me?  This is confusing!” Sound like you?  Keep reading.  This article is an attempt to bring some clarity to subject.  Angle of Gyration Defined AASHTO T344 provides the following definitions (See Figure 2), Section 3.1.  external angle – the angle formed between the external…

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Clean Your AFGB1’s Compaction Chamber

“I’m told I need to keep the compaction chamber of my AFGB1 free of asphalt.  It’s a real pain digging the asphalt out of the bottom of the chamber.  Is it really such a big deal?” Yes, keeping the bottom of your AFGB1 compaction chamber free of asphalt is important.  Frequently, our field service technicians…

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Clean and Lubricate the Spherical Seat on Your AFGB1

“I hate cleaning my machine!  It’s such a dirty job.  And, it doesn’t make a difference anyways, does it?” Does it?  Actually, it does make a difference.  Keeping your gyratory compactor clean and free of debris will reduce wear and ensure maximum performance.  Let’s consider only one specific part of the AFGB1, the spherical seat….

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