What You Need to Acquire an Asphalt Paver
Jan. 24, 2020
Paver Checklist
- Determine whether a tracked asphalt paver or wheeled asphalt paver is necessary or preferred.
- Determine whether an 8-foot or 10-foot basic width tractor is necessary or preferred.
- Determine whether an 8-foot or 10-foot basic width screed is necessary or preferred.
- Determine whether a screen with front-mounted extensions or rear-mounted extensions is necessary or preferred.
- Determine what technology is required on the paver to accomplish pavement profile specifications.
- Determine if mix will be dumped directly into the paver hopper (sometimes requiring the paver tractor to incorporate oscillating push rollers and/or a truck hitch option) or will be delivered through a material transfer vehicle (requiring a hopper insert in most cases).
Job-site Checklist
- Identify what range of paving widths will be placed.
- Identify what thicknesses of pavement will be placed.
- Identify how much pre-compaction (density) needs to be achieved by the paver screed.
- Calculate what paving speed is required to achieve laydown tonnage targets.
- Determine whether the compaction equipment planned for use can keep up with the paving speed target.
Paving Crew Checklist
- How much automation is required to ensure mat quality and prevention of mat defects?
- Are manual depth cranks or electrical controls preferred for the screed?
- How much training will be necessary for the crew to properly utilize the technology incorporated into the paver tractor and screed? Will this training be available from the equipment dealer or paver manufacturer?