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"If your crew is satisfied with the machine, they will give you quality work," says Tom Chastain, product manager - pavers/planers, Dynapac. "If they're comfortable with the pavers, whatever the configuration, everything else will run smoothly."

However, just because you've always used a particular configuration doesn't mean it's the best choice for a particular paving job. "There are a lot of perceptions, and some contractors may have already made up their minds," notes Bill Rieken, paver application specialist, Terex Roadbuilding. "But you should consider the types of jobs you're doing and take at look at the cost of operation before making a final decision."

That being said, periodically evaluate the pros and cons of each configuration to ensure you're using the machine that gives you optimum results and cost effectiveness.

Touting tires
Basically, the decision between wheels and tracks boils down to the type of work you are doing, and how much you are willing to pay for the unit itself and the corresponding operational and maintenance costs.

If you're doing overlay work on an existing surface, the best choice is likely going to be tires. You have a solid base on which to work, so the extra traction and flotation you gain from rubber tracks isn't needed.