In the heart of Finland, the contractor ESV Urakointi is transforming the way it handles asphalt removal by using advanced FAE technology. An FAE RPL/EX-45 road planer is mounted on a Huddig 1370 backhoe loader.
The RPL/EX is for excavators from 8-14 tonnes and is capable of milling to a depth of 13.5cm. It is normally used to prepare roads for resurfacing before laying a new layer of asphalt or cement, or to simplify excavation operations, explained Marko Turunen, who has first-hand experience working on the combination of FAE and Huddig technologies. The RPL/EX road planer’s cut is clean and precise and the residual milled material can be reused as filler before the new asphalt layer is paved.
“We first started using the FAE RPL/EX-45 in spring 2024,” recalled Turunen. “Since then, this machine has become an essential part of our work and has always proven its versatility and efficiency, starting with simplicity of setup. The machine comes with clear instructions showing where to connect the oil pressure lines as well as the return and drain lines.”
The only modification required was upgrading hydraulic lines to the correct length. To ensure a perfect connection of the hydraulic lines Turunen’s team sought advice from the Huddig dealer, which promptly answered all questions from ESV Urakointi.
From the operator’s perspective, the FAE RPL/EX-45 stands out for its exceptional functionality. Turunen described the experience as “revolutionary”, saying that he “can’t think of a better way to remove asphalt than using this FAE”.
From a site-safety perspective, no accidents related to its use have been reported. “Occasionally, some small debris may be expelled which stops after travelling about one or two metres. This doesn’t compromise safety on the construction site at all,” said Turunen. In fact, in addition to performance, the machine is designed with safety in mind, partly due to its frequent use in urban settings, near houses, sidewalks and footpaths.
“After several months of use, the machine has not yet required specific maintenance, other than greasing every now and then,” he said. “The picks, which are 42 round bit picks over a 60cm-diameter rotor, have not yet worn out and are still working very efficiently.”
ESV Urakointi rented the FAE RPL/EX-45 model from earthworks and infrastructure contractor Varpaisjärven Maansiirto, which purchased it from the dealer FAE Tapio Pirttinen. Tapio Pirttinen was founded in western Finland in 1977 and specialises in the sale of agricultural and road-maintenance equipment. It is a small family-run business, now in its second generation and headed by Jukka Pirttinen. “We gradually moved from manufacturing to importing in 2001 and now imports account for 95% of our business. We have been working with FAE for many years and are very satisfied with the collaboration,” said Pirttinen.
The story of Marko Turunen and ESV Urakointi illustrates how modern technology can revolutionise the way work is done in road construction and maintenance. The FAE RPL/EX-45 road planer exemplifies innovation that simplifies work, increases efficiency and improves the operator experience.
