Installation, Maintenance, and Long-Term Value

For equipment managers and maintenance engineers, a leveling sensor’s true worth is measured not only in its paving precision but also in how quickly it can be installed, how little attention it demands, and how long it continues delivering reliable service. The APOLLO 70618034 outdoor rainproof sensor kit for BOMAG asphalt pavers excels across all these practical dimensions, making it a favorite among fleets that prioritize uptime and low lifecycle cost.

Time spent swapping a grade control sensor is time not spent placing asphalt. Recognizing this, APOLLO engineered the 70618034 kit with mechanics and technicians in mind. The package includes the sensor, precisely machined mounting hardware, and pre-terminated wiring harnesses with factory-keyed connectors. These standardized fasteners match the mounting points already present on BOMAG paver frames, eliminating the need for drilling or welding.

A typical installation by an experienced technician can be completed during a scheduled screed heat-up period. The connectors are distinctly shaped and labeled, which reduces the risk of wiring errors that could delay startup. For contractors who move sensors between machines to maximize utilization, the easy-release mounting design supports rapid transfer, keeping the grade control asset productive across multiple projects.

The included wiring harnesses feature abrasion-resistant sheathing that can be routed through existing conduit channels on the paver. This protection prevents hot mix overflow from scorching cables and keeps crushed aggregate from compromising insulation. The sensor housing itself is sealed against moisture and dust, a rainproof fortress that also resists the corrosive effects of asphalt tack coat overspray. Maintenance crews find that a simple visual check and wipe-down during daily inspections is usually all that is needed.

APOLLO’s design philosophy emphasizes serviceability. The sensor’s external mounting bracket allows quick inspection of fasteners for tightness. Although internal electronics are sealed, the connector interfaces remain accessible for periodic cleaning and application of dielectric grease if desired. The manual recommends checking cable strain relief points and ensuring that routing does not impede screed movement. These simple steps, performed during regular screed service, help the 70618034 reach its full design lifespan.

Because the sensor is built from corrosion-resistant materials, operators in coastal regions or areas where deicing salts are used do not face accelerated degradation that plagues lesser-grade components.

When grade control issues arise, the APOLLO sensor’s clean signal characteristics simplify diagnosis. Technicians can verify output using standard multimeters or the paver’s onboard diagnostic interface. The stable voltage or CAN messages eliminate the ambiguity created by noisy sensors. This clarity speeds up fault finding, allowing crews to isolate whether a problem lies with the sensor, wiring, or hydraulic control valves. Faster troubleshooting further reinforces why the 70618034 makes sense for fleets where every hour of paver availability counts.

Because the sensor kit is a cataloged product maintained as 100% new stock, procurement teams can reorder identical units months or years later without encountering discontinued part number issues. This continuity helps standardize training and ensures that spare sensors in inventory are identical to those installed, reducing confusion during night shift replacements. For BOMAG owners committed to long equipment retention, the certainty of ongoing part availability protects the paver investment over its economic life.

The APOLLO 70618034 is designed to be reusable and environmentally friendly, aligning with corporate sustainability initiatives that influence public tender evaluations. Rather than disposing of the entire assembly when a cable gets damaged, the modular nature of the kit allows replacement of harness subcomponents, minimizing waste. This considerate engineering appeals to organizations pursuing ISO 14001 certifications and green procurement policies.

Ultimately, the installation ease, minimal maintenance, and robust durability of the APOLLO sensor kit translate into more paving time, higher quality, and lower total cost of ownership—exactly what BOMAG equipment owners demand from their precision control investments.

1. What tools are required to install the APOLLO 70618034 sensor kit?
   Basic hand tools, typically wrenches and screwdrivers that any paver mechanic already carries, are sufficient for mounting and connection. No special programming tools are needed for the sensor itself.

2. Does the sensor need to be recalibrated after installation?
   A validation calibration is recommended after mounting to ensure the null point aligns with the paver’s grade reference. The procedure is straightforward and covered in the installation guide; once set, the sensor maintains its calibration with minimal drift.

3. How does the rainproof seal hold up over years of use?
   The sealing technology uses long-life elastomers that resist cracking and hardening. Regular inspection of the housing for physical damage is advised, but normal weathering does not compromise the rainproof integrity under prescribed operating conditions.

4. Can damaged cables be replaced without buying a complete new kit?
   Yes, fleet customers can source replacement wiring harnesses separately, allowing cost-effective repair of incidental cable damage while retaining the sensor head and mounting hardware.

5. What maintenance schedule do you recommend for the sensor?
   Incorporate a visual inspection of the sensor, bracket, and harness routing into the paver’s daily walk-around. Clean off accumulated asphalt debris and check connector seating. No internal servicing is required.