This month, the toolbox tips from AsphaltPro magazine focus on paving. One of the most vital machines for your paving operation is, of course, the paver. By taking extra time right now to maintain and update the paver, you invest in your 2023 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. Let’s look at a couple specific points right here.
Make sure the paver operator and mechanic working on the paver this month check for missing bolts and metal fatigue. This is the time to replace bolts and shore up metal componentry. 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 later. Maybe you need to repair the conveyors in the hopper floor to more efficiently move material. Maybe the flow gates have worn and now need attention.
Take a tape measure to the auger chamber. The augers should be no less than one-eighth of an inch thick. If they’ve gotten thin, go ahead and replace them now rather than waiting for them to hinder an asphalt mat later. If they’re wearing unevenly, it’s time for investigation into the way they rotate and the way material flows to them. When in doubt, check with the OEM about components and wear. Take time now to “baby” this vital machine in your fleet so your paver is ready for start-up in the spring.
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