Assess Your First Paver Needs
BY Astec Industries
Editor’s Note: For 2024, AsphaltPro Magazine allows experts in the industry to share how to expand your operations to the next phase of business. Are you ready to take the plunge and add more services to your arsenal? Let’s turn to some professionals who have equipment, services, software and tenure to help you expand to paving bigger, broader, more lucrative projects. This month’s installment from Astec Industries looks specifically at paving technologies and applications for different sized projects.
When it comes to building roads, finding the right paver for the job is critical to your success. Paving encompasses a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from the establishment of small-scale pedestrian walkways and residential projects like driveways and parking lots, to highly regulated endeavors such as interstates and racetracks. Choosing the right paver for your project can make a substantial difference in terms of efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness. When you’re ready to invest in your first paver or considering an upgrade, there are questions to answer before making a final decision.
To help answer these questions, we called on Tom Travers, director of technical sales at Astec Industries. Tom has been with Astec for nearly 20 years.
Key Considerations
“When deciding what paver to purchase, I recommend you keep three key factors in mind,” Travers said. “You need to know what class of machine best suits your project needs, the material throughput required for the job and the level of technical support you will need over the course of the project.”
- Class of Machine
The class of machine encompasses the width and weight of the machine. Pavers are typically categorized as commercial or highway class. The class you choose should align with the scope of your work.
Commercial class pavers are suitable for projects with a daily production volume of a few hundred tons. They are often preferred for smaller-scale work due to their lower weight and size, which makes them more maneuverable. They can handle a wide range of projects, including parking lots and smaller roadways.
If you are working on larger projects with higher daily production volumes, highway class pavers are the better choice. These machines are designed to handle the demands of highway construction, with larger sizes, more horsepower and greater material throughput.
In some instances, commercial and highway class pavers may be interchangeable, depending on the requirements of your project. Always consider factors like the scope of work, production volume, speed, size of trucks and the expected lifecycle of the paver.
- Material Throughput
Material throughput refers to the paver’s capacity to handle and lay down material effectively. This feature will directly impact the paver’s efficiency and productivity. When assessing material throughput, consider both the rate of throughput and grade conditions.
“Too much or too little throughput can lead to subpar results,” Travers said. “The weight of the paver directly affects its ability to handle different grade conditions. Your machine should maintain stability and quality in varying terrains and slopes.”
- Technical Support
Technical support from the dealer or manufacturer can have lasting impacts. Reliable technical support and availability of parts can make a significant difference in your overall experience with the machine.
Choose Your Paver
Asking the right questions on your hunt will help you choose the right paver for the job. For example, proper width and height clearances influence the paver’s functionality and the quality of the final product. The paver’s ability to handle the required material throughput helps keep the project on schedule, while using a paver that cannot handle the grade conditions of a project may result in an unstable paving process and subpar results.
To choose the right paver, begin by evaluating your current projects. What type of work are you doing, and what are your short-term goals? This will help you choose a paver that matches your immediate requirements.
Then consider where you aspire to be in the future. If you plan to take on larger projects or expand your services, it’s important to invest in a paver that can accommodate your growth.
Tracked vs. Wheeled
Another important decision you will need to make in your pursuit of the best paver for the job is between wheeled and tracked pavers. Where and how you plan to use the machine, along with the overall cost, come into play when deciding between the two. In certain scenarios, a combination of both types may be required to achieve the best results.
Wheeled pavers are well-suited for road construction or resurfacing projects that are relatively short in duration or need to be interspersed with other jobs. These machines are ideal for scenarios where you have multiple projects ongoing and require a paving machine that can be swiftly and seamlessly moved from one job site to another because of their speed of mobilization and setup. These machines often have a lower initial purchase price, and their maintenance and operational costs are also generally more affordable compared to tracked pavers.
Tracked pavers are more suited for specific scenarios that demand enhanced traction and stability. These machines are indispensable when working on soft sub-base conditions that require maximum flotation to prevent the paver from sinking. They provide excellent stability, especially when paving wide and deep lifts, resulting in a uniform and consistent finish. In situations where the terrain is steeper or uneven, tracked pavers offer enhanced operation. Their tighter turning radius offers an advantage in confined spaces.
These are just some of the considerations to keep in mind when shopping for your first paver. Make sure to give yourself the time you need to make the right call. By taking the time to learn more about your options before making an informed decision, you can set the stage for success.
Paver Components That Make a Difference
When assessing paver options, it’s essential to understand the key components of the machine that impact the quality and efficiency of the paving process. These components include:
Conveyors: The conveyor system is responsible for moving materials to the screed. Look for one that minimizes material segregation while promoting a uniform head of material through the flow gate to achieve a smooth surface.
Augers: Augers play a crucial role in preventing material segregation and ensuring even distribution. A well-designed auger focuses on reducing material shearing, which can lead to segregation.
Flow Gates: Flow gates are metering plates that allow you to adjust the amount of material without changing the conveyor speed. This feature helps reduce material shearing, prevent segregation and maintain an even and consistent mat.
Screeds: The screed is responsible for shaping and smoothing the material. An ideal taper design will allow material to move from the center to the edges, improving material fluidity and reducing the chances of cold material in the mix.
Delta Plate: Positioned under the conveyors at a 45-degree angle, the delta plate directs material toward the screed instead of allowing it to fall forward. This adds uniformity to the material and prevents segregation.
Sight Lines: Good visibility from the operator’s seat is vital for safety and achieving precise results. Well-designed sight lines make it easier for the operator to maintain control and accuracy during the paving process.