How to Store the Paver for the Winter

One of the most vital machines for your paving operation is, of course, the paver. By taking extra time this winter to clean and shore up the paver, you invest in next paving season’s success. The online training course that we offer gives an in-depth look at paver maintenance, including a downloadable checklist for paver operators and mechanics to use, but let’s look at some points of concern right now.

Make sure the paver operator and mechanic working on the paver this winter check for missing bolts and metal fatigue. This is the ideal time to fix those things. Maybe you need to repair or add conveyor belt rubber to the front of the hopper and hopper wings to improve holding capacity. Adding lights to the hopper wings now gives haul truck drivers clear delineation for backing and dumping later. Maybe you need to repair the conveyors in the hopper floor to more efficiently move material. Maybe the flow gates need attention. Whatever the point of concern, now is the time to address it.

Before you store your paver for the season, there are things you can do to ensure it will have a healthy spring start.

• You want to start with a thorough cleaning with a biodegradable release agent to get any and all debris and asphalt off all moving parts and extra greasing on chains, sprockets and exposed cylinders.
• Drain the fuel tank and refill it with a winter blend to prevent the fuel from turning to sludge at cold temperatures. You don’t want to leave the tank empty, as it will be prone to rust. Also drain the fuel/water separator. Drain the spray-down system, mixing system, lines and nozzles of water, and flush them with antifreeze.
• Next, secure all the panels and lock the hopper in transport mode. You’ll lock the screed “up” off the ground to keep it from rusting.
• Cover the fume extractor and seats to prevent weathering.
• Even though you’ve stored the paver for the winter, you want to have a schedule posted to start and move the machine at least monthly. Drain and refill the lines of antifreeze, remove the blocks and uncover the fume extraction system. Starting the machine and moving it a bit will charge the battery, move the fuel and hydraulics through the system, and help prolong the life of the tires or tracks.
• Don’t forget company policy. Your team may have additional steps to lock up equipment for the next few months.

Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!