Versatile commercial-class pavers offer flexibility in the field

For most smaller paving contractors, electronic controls are too foreign and threatening to merit consideration. These contractors are usually quite familiar with their equipment and like the fact that they know how to fix it. With manual controls, if something fails, contractors usually can repair it on the spot and continue paving. But if something electronic fails, it probably requires a certified technician to remedy the problem, which means dreaded downtime for the contractor. This fear alone steers many away from electronic control options, which is why most manufacturers offer both manual and electronic configuration options for each paver model.

But with greater risks come greater rewards. Electronics allow contractors to offer better, more easily repeatable results. Also, as the technology progresses, manufacturers are finding ways to better protect the electronic components, reducing reliability concerns. Yet, all equipment fails over time, and contractors will inevitably face issues with electronics. But as electronic controls become more efficient and reliable, more contractors will make the switch and electronically controlled machines will eventually become the industry standard.

Tim Hoover is sales and product manager, ProPaver by BOMAG Americas.

Learn Paving "Best Practices" at NPE

Contractors looking to learn state-of-the-art paving "best practices" can select from more than a dozen paving-focused sessions at the 20th Annual National Pavement Expo, Feb. 2-5 in Atlanta, including:

• Applying "Best Practices" to Your Paving Operation, John S. Ball III, Top-Quality Paving, Feb. 2.
• Make Big Profits Out of Little Jobs, Tom Skinner, Skinner Consulting Services, Feb. 2.
• Profitable "Best Practices" for Road Construction Success, Dale Starry, Ingersoll-Rand Co., Feb. 3.
• Effective Compaction of Hot Mix Asphalt, Jim Scherocman, consulting engineer, Feb. 4.
• Perfecting Asphalt Overlays, Alan Curtis, CHEC Consultants, Feb. 5.

For detailed descriptions and to register visit www.pavementonline.com.

F-525 Paver

• Tow-behind paver
• Independent, dual-controlled augers
• Paves up to 12 ft. wide & 2 in. deep
• Rubber-tired undercarriage
• 13½-in. hopper gate
• Optional screed heater and electric-hydraulic controls

Layton Mfg. Co.

1648 Power Box Paver

• Two fully extendable screed options
• Paving widths from 8 to 13 ft. and a paving depth to 6 in.
• Powered by a 41-hp Isuzu diesel
• Dual-speed hydrostatic drive system
• Compact 8-ft. 6-in. width
• Standard propane heating system

Gehl Company

Mauldin 550E Compact Paver

• Extendable augers for laying 6-in. mat to a full 13-ft. width, without the use of shovels
• Crawler or rubber tire models
• Gear-driven steering system
• 23-hp, 3-cyl. Kubota diesel
• Paving speed of up to 140 ft. per min.

Calder Brothers Corp.

8816 Asphalt Paver

• 5,000-lb., 130-hp track-mounted asphalt paver
• 8- to 15.5-ft. heat and vibrating screed system
• Dual operator stations
• 10-ton receiving hopper
• Independent sonic auger and conveyor system

LeeBoy

ProPaver 813RT

• Paving widths from 4 to 14 ft.; up to 16 ft. with optional 18-in. bolt-on extensions
• Paving depths from 0 to 6 in.
• 80-hp Isuzu diesel engine
• 7.5-ton hopper capacity

Bomag Americas Inc.

3020 Asphalt Paver

• 8-ton hopper and 21.5-in. hopper bed
• 73-hp Kubota diesel engine
• 8- to 13-ft. V-3 Xtend-a-Screed
• Vertical tow-point adjustment
• Independent washdown system standard
• Outboard track design

Ingersoll-Rand Co.