Increasing environmental regulations across the construction industry have led many companies to fully embrace sustainability. According to data from the National Asphalt Pavement Association, asphalt producers recycled approximately 94.6 million tons of reclaimed asphalt pavement into new mixes in 2021, a significant increase from when they began collecting this data in 2009.
As experts in the equipment space, we know how important it is to provide accurate information on whether a piece of equipment is worth the investment. Companies looking for a sustainable approach to the roadbuilding process will find that a premium road reclaimer will help them maximize savings while adhering to changing environmental laws.
A reclaimer machine is a specialized type of construction equipment that pulverizes the old asphalt layer on a road’s surface and mixes it with underlying materials to produce an even surface.
During the road or pavement reclamation, the reclaimer uses asphalt emulsions or other binding agents to hold the ground-up and base materials together. Then, the asphalt reclaimer discharges the mixture to produce a stabilized base for a new road surface.
With the increase in sustainability practices, there is a clear need to reduce the environmental impact of road construction. Asphalt reclaimers play a significant role in sustainable road building. Here are the different ways this machinery contributes to sustainable construction practices:
Reclaimers are vital pieces of equipment in road construction. Aside from the environmental benefits they provide, the advantages of using reclaimers include:
Reclaimers can help you reduce roadbuilding costs by using recycled and reclaimed materials instead of costly new ones. The roadbuilding process is also faster and less labor-intensive with a reclaimer than with traditional equipment, which translates to a more cost-effective solution.
Conventional road rehabilitation techniques like reconstruction and excavation are time-consuming and labor-intensive because they require your team to use different equipment for each separate task. Reclaimers combine tasks such as mixing, grinding and laying down the new surface, which reduces downtime and helps you finish projects faster.
Using reclaimers for pavement reclamation makes addressing issues like cracks and potholes easier and quicker to complete. The process also makes the road surface more durable and extends its life by several years.
Following a preventive maintenance routine is critical for keeping your impact on the environment at a minimum. Preventive maintenance enables you to catch equipment issues before they can escalate into costly breakdowns, which can both save you money and ensure your road reclaimer is functioning optimally.
As your reclaimer machine ages, its carbon emissions increase due to wear and tear within the machine. Regularly inspecting and performing maintenance on your equipment can help offset aging-related inefficiencies and minimize emissions by:
Of course, knowing when to replace your asphalt reclaimer is also important. If it breaks down frequently or you notice its performance has significantly decreased, it may be time to look into a new machine. The experts at H.O. Penn Machinery can help you find the right model for your specific operations so you can get back up and running in no time.
Road reclaimers are excellent tools for sustainably sourcing materials, saving time on projects, and reducing your company’s carbon footprint. We’re the dealer of choice for construction companies in Southeast New York, Long Island, and Central Connecticut.
At H.O. Penn Machinery, we carry an extensive line of premium Cat® asphalt reclaimers for sale with exceptional performance and durability to handle all your construction needs. We also supply genuine Cat parts and provide exclusive equipment service solutions so you can maximize your ROI on your reclaimer machine.
Look through our selection of road reclaimers, and contact us online or visit your nearest H.O. Penn location for more information.