The paver operator’s first job is to drive the tractor in a straight line. Sure, he has to keep up with the production coming from the asphalt plant, but he must do so without wobbling down the lane. Each pass with the paver has to match to the joint he created with the pass before it. To help him, make sure the paver is in optimum condition, and check the guide bar on the front of the tractor.
Clean the guide bar and straighten it if it’s bent or warped. Some crews will paint the end of the bar to make it more visible.
If you’ll be paving at night, put a light on the end of the guide bar for safety and visibility. It seems a simple device, but it can make the difference for the operator.
Sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it? We all know there’s a lot more for the paver operator to focus on up there, so getting these simple tools in place will help out. Do you have a member of crew you’d like to forward this to? Send it along to them.
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