ForConstructionPros.com

Good things come in small packages, right? Look no further than ever-evolving computer technology to see how a premium has been placed on getting more out of the smallest possible package.

For roadbuilding contractors, however, the bigger is better cliché historically has been very accurate. Highway projects involving miles of road and thousands of tons of asphalt have been the paving contractor's Holy Grail. With big money going hand in hand with larger assignments, there was little incentive for highway class paving contractors to pursue commercial paving jobs.

While the almighty dollar was the clear primary factor, the available equipment also had an influence on contractors' job preferences. Compact pavers were perceived as machines that lacked the speed and ability of a highway class paver. The quality of the machines satisfied the needs of commercial contractors but fell short of the performance expected by highway class contractors.

But times have changed. Although the passing of a new federal bill may help revive the highway paving business, the lack of funding over the past few years has resulted in inconsistent workloads spread among contractors. Conversely, the number of available commercial projects has risen due to the need for repairs to an aging urban infrastructure, as well as the continuing growth of suburbs and new businesses across the country.

In addition to the increased quantity of commercial jobs, the quality of compact pavers has also improved. Just 10 years ago, a compact paver could lay about 500 tons of asphalt per day. But thanks to a design incorporating thicker and heavier steel components, the productive effort of compact pavers has risen dramatically. Now those same classification machines can reach up to 1,500 tons in a day and provide a high-quality finish in the process.