Choosing the Right Asphalt Paver: A Buyer’s Guide for Road Construction Projects

The world of heavy equipment is wide, and it might feel like the options are endless. Knowing how to narrow down the right equipment is an essential factor in securing your business’s success. When it comes to road construction, no machine is more essential than the asphalt paver — but with so many options out there, how do you choose?

Learn what you need to know about purchasing asphalt paving equipment and some special features to look for.

Asphalt Paving Equipment — The Basics

If you’re looking into purchasing your first asphalt paver, or you want to replace or expand your current inventory, there are a few key things to know:

• What do they do? Asphalt pavers distribute and level asphalt. They’re essential pieces of equipment and one of the final steps in in road construction and paving projects.
• How do they work? Pavers come with two components — the tractor and the screed. The tractor portion includes the engine, the operator controls, the conveyor and the hopper. The conveyor system transfers hot asphalt from the hopper to the screed at a consistent speed. The screed controls the uniformity of the final product by spreading the asphalt mix evenly along the prepared surface. You can adjust the screed for different material depths, widths and grades.
• How fast do they go? The speed of an asphalt paver is often measured in both miles per hour (mph) and feet per minute (fpm). For example, a compact paver for streets can have a top speed of 7 mph and a maximum paving speed of up to 200 fpm. To get the best results, it’s important to align conveyor and auger speeds — going too fast or too slow can result in an uneven surface, which is why many pavers use auto-speed settings. Operator training and experience are also essential to control speed and ensure an even spread.

Types of Paving Machinery

When it comes to different types of road pavers, a key differentiator is the use of wheels or tracks:

• Track pavers: Track-mounted pavers are set on rubber tracks on either side of the machine. Tracks work well on rough ground conditions including sand and mud, and they offer enhanced stability.
• Wheel pavers: Wheel-mounted pavers are often best on existing road surfaces and tend to be more maneuverable. The number of wheels and their size depend on the machine’s capacity.

Additionally, while many asphalt pavers are self-propelled — meaning they operate on their own with an engine, a driver and a set of tracks or wheels — some options can be towed.

Guide to Buying Road Paving Equipment

So you’re ready to buy an asphalt laying machine — how do you evaluate your options and choose the best one for you? The first step in this process is to determine what your needs are.

Choosing the right paver comes down to four key considerations:

1. Scale

The scale of your roadwork projects includes factors like the size of the surfaces you have to pave and the number and kinds of jobs you complete. Do you exclusively perform large-scale projects, or are you a smaller operation with more variation in your project specs?

For larger projects, it’s easy to assume you’ll need a larger machine. However, going with a big machine means you might be getting less maneuverability, making it harder to navigate sites on city streets. Similarly, a smaller paver with less capacity can extend larger project timelines. It’s essential to take a bird’s-eye view of your project needs and find a good middle ground when purchasing a machine.

2. Budget

The initial purchase price for a paver is only one part of the total machine cost. When you budget for a new asphalt paver, you’ll need to think about fuel efficiency, transportation and service. Choosing an option that includes features like eco-mode and speed control can lower your overall operating costs. You may also be able to find a used model to cut down on those initial purchase costs.

However, buying an asphalt paver isn’t your only option — renting is a great way to try out new equipment or access machinery for a limited time. If your budget isn’t there for a full-scale purchase, or your operations have yet to reach that level of demand, rent an asphalt paver to save on maintenance and transportation while still getting the equipment you need.

3. Terrain

The terrain and environment you work with can influence your purchasing decision — namely, the paver’s mobility. If your jobs center on road work and parking lots, a paver with wheels will have better maneuverability and easier relocation. However, you’ll be better off with a track-mounted paver for job sites on difficult terrain or steeper grades.

4. Manufacturer and Service

A reliable machine that lasts will ensure you get the best return on your investment. Choosing a trusted brand that produces machinery you can rely on is essential. It’s also important to have access to parts and services for regular equipment maintenance, like checking the fluids, filters, electrical systems, lights and brakes. In the event of a sudden breakdown on the job, you should also look for a dealer that offers repairs in the field.

Asphalt Paver Features to Look For

When evaluating individual pavers, you’ll find a lot of information on the spec sheet. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most important things to look out for:

• Screed width: The screed width determines the surface area the paver covers with a single pass. Look for screeds with variable widths that can accommodate different paving applications.
• Paving depth: The paving depth essentially indicates the height of the asphalt mat.
• Heating time: The screed has heaters that help keep the asphalt warm. A quick heating time means you can get started quicker.
• Material delivery: Material delivery features include the hopper capacity, auger size and the number of conveyors, which all determine the paver’s capacity and efficiency.
• Power: The engine horsepower should be enough to accommodate the size of the jobs you perform — talk to an expert if you’re not sure what powertrain to look for.
• Fuel economy: Look for pavers with eco-mode and automatic engine speed control, which will enhance fuel efficiency. You might also check that the engine meets emission standards, including EPA Tier 4 Final.
• Operator controls: Seamless operator controls, such as touchscreens, waterproof displays, single-touch functions and diagnostics, can greatly improve ease of use and efficiency.
• Technology: Some special tech features you might find include grade control, auto-fill, screed material flow sensors, thermal mapping, and hopper level and material height sensors. This technology automates paver functions to improve mat quality and simplify paver operation.

Purchase Your Paver From H.O. Penn Machinery

Getting the right equipment can optimize project efficiency, worker safety and your overall operations. H.O. Penn is a Cat® dealer in Southern New York that offers a wide range of paving equipment for purchase or rent, along with experienced technicians to get you the parts and services you need. When you partner with us, you receive more than just a reliable piece of machinery — you get industry-leading knowledge, expert technicians and world-class service.

Reach out to our team to talk through your paver options, or browse our asphalt pavers online.