One of the top paving worries is material segregation. You counter this problem with proper hopper husbandry. In other words: pay attention to the level of material flowing through the hopper.
- Don’t let the hopper run empty.
- Don’t let it run so low that you can see the flow gates.
- There are different schools of thought when it comes to folding the hopper wings, but you might want to stop topping your flowing hot mix with large, cooled chunks from the corners of the wings.
- If you must turn the material over, do so while moving forward the 6.5 feet that represents the length of the hopper. Do so between trucks. Do so while everything is a consistent temperature and size. Do so at a steady pace.
- Check on your screed. Make sure the screed is balanced so you’re placing the same amount of mix on both sides. In other words, have both extensions equal.
- Use a material transfer device that remixes prior to feeding a sloped hopper insert.
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