The Wanco Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) is a portable flagging station that removes the traditional human flagger from the road while providing motorists with clear guidance through a temporary traffic control (TTC) zone. As a result, the Wanco AFAD not only improves worker safety but also lowers costs by limiting liability and exposure for personnel.
Nearly 40 percent of pedestrian fatalities in work zones are roadway workers who are struck by vehicles.* The Wanco Automated Flagger addresses worker safety by enabling a human flagger to remain off the road and out of the path of moving traffic. Operated by remote control, one worker can manage one or two AFADs from a safe distance.
The Wanco AFAD meets MUTCD standards for automated flagger assistance devices, featuring highly visible 12-inch red and yellow signal lights and a red-and-white reflectorized gate arm to control right-of-way. The gate arm blocks traffic when it is down, and allows traffic to pass when it is up. The signal lights change automatically in coordination with the gate arm position: a red light tells motorists to stop while the arm is down, and a yellow light flashes continually while the arm is up.
The flagger–operator is in full control of the gate arm, manually triggering changes in its position. The operator can choose either of the two included remote controls, a wireless touchscreen or cabled push-button. The full-featured touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to use. It offers several configuration options to suit the work zone and the operator’s needs.
The Wanco AFAD is compact and portable, making it easy to tow. Two AFAD trailers can be towed together by a single vehicle where allowed by local regulations. Deploying the Wanco AFAD is simple, quick and easy, allowing a worker to set up the unit in a few minutes.
*Work zone fatality statistics available through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Features
- Removes human flagger from the road
- Wireless or cabled remote control
- Intuitive easy-to-use controller
- Battery powered and solar charging
- Tandem tow or optional nested tow
Transport
- Extremely portable, can be towed by most vehicles
- Compact trailer is easy to maneuver
- Tow one trailer or two trailers
- Rear tandem-tow ball hitch
Setup
- Leveling jacks raise trailer tires off the ground to provide stability
- Heavy-duty hand-winch allows one person to easily raise and lower the sign and signal lights
- Single auto-locking device holds the tower in place while operating and during transport
- Gate arm remains attached during transport and for storage
- Gate arm extension can be removed and stowed
- Easy pairing and unpairing with wireless controller
- Full deployment by one person takes just a few minutes
Operation
- Remote control allows human flagger to remain off the road
- Wireless controller and cable-connected controller both included
- Flexible operation for one or two operators and AFADs
- 12-inch red and yellow LED signal lights are highly visible
- Operator can enable haul-road crossing mode
- Intrusion alarm activated from wireless controller
Wireless controller
- Full-color touchscreen with high-resolution display
- Intuitive easy-to-use interface
- Large AFAD buttons continuously indicate gate position and signal light behavior
- Prohibited operations are “grayed out” and inactive
- When two AFADs are controlled by one operator, the main control screen prevents both AFAD gates from opening at the same time
- Continuous display of wireless signal strength and power indicators
- Large “All Stop” button closes any open gate
- Individual vehicle-intrusion alarm buttons for each connected AFAD
Cabled controller
- Single large button opens and closes gate
- When cable is connected to control box, prevents wireless control
Power system
- Battery powered and solar charging
- Energy-efficient operation results in long run times
- Solar panel charges batteries automatically without intervention
- Charging system shuts down when batteries are fully charged, preventing damage
- Power system allows battery charging with solar panel or commercial power
- Cooling fan protects battery charger from overheating
- Battery box includes cradle and charger for wireless controller
- Battery box can be locked to prevent unauthorized access
Maintenance
- Standard trailer tires
- Bolt-on fenders can be replaced if damaged
- Durable powder-coat finish resists the elements
Applications
- Temporary traffic control zones
- Pavement patching operations
- Bridge maintenance
- Roadwork zones
- Partial road closures
- Haul road crossings
Options
Lights
- Signals backplate
- Rear indicator light
Gate arm
- Diagonal stripes
- 4″ (11.4cm) arm height
- Short arm extension
- Fluorescent orange flag
- Breakaway arm
Power system
- Choice of battery types and configurations
- Additional solar
- 45-amp battery charger
- High-security battery box
Towing
- Combo-hitch for 2-inch ball and 2 1/2-inch pintle hook
- Heavy-duty lunette ring for 3-inch pintle hook
- Rear tandem-tow pintle hook
- Nested dual-tow
Some options may not be available for aftermarket installation. Please consult factory.
Latest product documents only. For older product documentation, please contact our customer service department.
Weight
Approx. 875 lb (397kg)
Construction
Trailer
MIG-welded steel tubing
Finish
Oven-baked powder coating
Tow hitch
2-inch ball coupler
Tires
ST175/80D13
Gate arm
Material
Rectangular PVC tubing
3" × 2⅛" (7.6 × 5.4cm) H × D
Conspicuity
Vertical red-and-white stripes
Signal lights
Lights
12-inch LED modules
Red top light
Yellow bottom light
Housing
Yellow polycarbonate with hinged door access to lamp and wiring
Visor
Tunnel type, extending 9.75" (248mm) from door surface
Flash rate
50 times per minute
50% duty cycle
Regulatory sign
Size
24" × 36" (61 × 91cm) W × H
Design
Standard R10-6 “STOP HERE ON RED” sign
Material
Aluminum sheet, 0.080 in (2 mm) thick, with white high-intensity reflective coating
Intrusion siren
Sound
1-tone siren, 110 dB
Power
15W, 12Vdc
Wireless controller
Display
4.3-inch resistive touchscreen
480 × 272 pixels
Radio transmission
915MHz, 10Kbps
Range
1000 ft (305m) range from controller to AFAD trailer
Cabled controller
Function
Single push-button
Connection
Quick-connect cable
15 ft (4.6m) cable length
Power
Batteries
Four 6 Vdc deep-cycle Group 24 batteries, wired in parallel and series for a 12-volt system
Battery capacity
416 Ah total
Solar panel
One 85W panel
Specifications subject to change without notice.