ForConstructionPros.com

You've been thinking about it a while, but now it's time to purchase your first self-propelled paver. The question is, what do you need to know before you make your buying decision? Certainly, equipment features and benefits are important, as is the price. But even more important, say manufacturers, is how the machine will be used … today, and tomorrow.

Buy a machine that will accommodate only small jobs, and that's all it will do efficiently. The price tag will carry less sticker shock, but bigger, higher-paying jobs would be out of the question. Conversely, buy more machine than you would ever use, and you will be paying for it, and its requisite larger support equipment, for years to come.

So what's the answer? Like any other major purchase you intend to make, begin with a clear picture of how you want to use it, and then do your research.

Understand your application

"Contractors need to ask themselves how much asphalt they want to put down in a day, and then find the machine that will do that," says LeeBoy service manager Mark Bolick. "If the goal is to put down somewhere between 100 to 150 tons of asphalt a day, a tilt hopper (gravity-fed) paver will do the job. If it's slightly higher, say between 300 to 500 tons a day, a smaller conveyor-fed paver will be the ticket. If they anticipate putting down 500 or more tons a day, then they will need a more powerful conveyor-fed paver.

"Contractors need to define their longer-range business goals, too, as well as their expectations for the first year in business.