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Slipform pavers are versatile enough that they are used for just about any paving job these days. With the diversity of sizes and the availability of kits and molds that change the abilities of a particular paver, you can do everything from curb and gutter to guardrails, barriers and multi-lane highways - sometimes all with the same machine.

“There are so many contractors who do so many different jobs with their machines,” says Tom Devonshire, Terex Roadbuilding. “For example, a mid-range, four-track paver such as the 3504 can be converted to do 12- to 36-ft. paving widths. It can also be fitted with barrier molds. It’s all in the utilization of the equipment.”

Versatility certainly enhances today’s machines. Kent Godbersen, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, GOMACO, notes that GOMACO units feature pivoting legs for variable track placement, enabling them to adjust to varying jobsite conditions and easing transport. And for easy, accurate bar placement, insertion bar system options range from those with hydraulic cylinders to air- or manually-powered units. The systems can also be frame mounted, side mounted or inserted with a trailing form. The In-The-Pan Dowel Bar Inserter (IDBI) fits within the length of the paver - it doesn’t require massive rear extensions to the paver frame.

Frames that widen hydraulically make width changes easier. For example, GOMACO’s dual telescoping V2 variable-width mold will make on-the-go width changes for tapered slabs.

Terex’s Series 6 slipform paving kit eliminates conventional nut-and-bolt connections by utilizing a wedge and pin locking system. Widths can be changed relatively quickly, allowing the paver to ready to work in hours rather than days.