New Electric Heating Rod RM53985049 RM53985050 Released for VDT-V78 VDT-V88 Screed Plate Sides

A replacement electric heating rod for the screed plate side sections of VDT-V78 and VDT-V88 asphalt pavers is now available from stock in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. The element carries part numbers RM53985049 and RM53985050 and fits the heater channels on the outer side plates of both paver models.

The part matters more than its size suggests. The side plates lose heat faster than the centre of the screed, and once that outer section runs cold, the mat edge tears, drags and needs hand finishing. Crews often read that as a screeding problem when the real cause is an ageing element that no longer reaches temperature.

Heating rod seated in the screed plate side heater channel

What the rod does during paving

The rod sits in the channel cast into the screed side plate and brings that section up to working temperature alongside the main screed. Three effects follow. The mat edge stays at the same temperature as the centre, so the longitudinal joint closes properly. Drag on the plate drops, which keeps material flowing instead of bunching under the screed. And pre-heating before the first pass of the day is shorter, which matters on night work and in cold weather contracts.

Specifications

Where the two part numbers differ

Both numbers are stocked as separate items. Contractors replacing a failed element should read the number stamped on the old rod, or send a photograph of the element and its connector, because the two rods sit in different channels and are not interchangeable on the machine.

Design details that extend service life

• Resistance wire selected for heat cycles. The element is built to survive repeated heat-up and cool-down without drifting out of specification.
• Protected sheath. The metal tube keeps the winding away from mechanical contact and from corrosion caused by asphalt fumes.
• Safe termination. Insulated leads and heat resistant sleeving prevent short circuits close to the hot plate.
• Even winding pattern. Heat is distributed along the length of the rod instead of concentrating in one hot spot, which is the usual cause of early failure.
• Drop-in dimensions. Length, diameter and lead position follow the original part so the rod slides into the existing channel.

Edge temperature checked during night paving, where side plate heating matters most

Installation notes

• Switch off the machine, isolate the heater circuit and let the screed cool before starting work.
• Compare rod length, diameter and lead wire position against the old element before fitting.
• Never bend or straighten the rod; deformation damages both the sheath and the internal winding.
• Keep the lead wire clear of sharp edges and hot surfaces when routing it back to the terminal block.
• After fitting, run a heat-up cycle and confirm the side plate rises evenly with the main screed.

Availability and ordering

Why crews keep a spare element on the machine

A failed heating rod does not stop the paver, which is exactly the problem. The machine keeps laying while the outer edge of the mat runs cold, and the cost shows up later as rejected joints, extra hand work and a longer paving window. A spare element in the tool box turns that into a short repair at the next break.

The rod can be shipped together with other screed and undercarriage parts, including track shoe kits and spray nozzles, on one consolidated order. Neutral packaging is available for dealers.

Order RM53985049 or RM53985050

Send us the part number from the old element, the machine model and the quantity required. Our Suzhou team confirms fitment, issues a quotation the same working day and arranges shipment within the lead time above.

Contact our spare parts team for pricing and stock availability on electric heating rods RM53985049 and RM53985050.