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While some mid-range pavers can be equipped for this application, it is often handled by designated curb and gutter units. Yet, many of these units aren’t limited to curb and gutter, since they can often pave flat surfaces, as well. For example, the Curb Fox units from Messinger, Inc. can pave flat surfaces up to 5 ft. wide. And Power Curbers units can pave flat surfaces up to 10 ft. wide. Fitted with specialty molds, they can also slipform unique formations.

“As contractors get creative, we can work with them to develop appropriate mold designs and application setups to make their machines more versatile for a variety of jobs,” indicates Steve Milam, Power Curbers. “The role these machines fill is for the contractors who aren’t doing wide highway paving. The curb machines effectively do everything else. They can do all different styles of curbs and gutters, sidewalks, barrier walls and some unique applications, such as stadium risers, irrigation ditches, etc.”

Like their bigger brothers, selection of curb and gutter machines is based on evaluating the type of job at hand, says Tim Messinger, Messinger, Inc. Typically, they fall into two categories: those with built-in trimmers and those without.

Curbing contractors commonly roll onto jobsites where the grade may not be properly prepared, notes Milam. A larger curb and gutter machine with an on-board trimmer can accurately cut to final grade without having to wait on the dirt contractor. Since a larger machine can do more jobs, it can stay more productive.

“Curb and gutter contractors will usually do some of the grading,” Messinger agrees. “In areas where the grade is rough, the manufacturer may have a trimmer built into the machine to achieve the final grade. Otherwise, final grade can also be achieved with a motor grader or skid-steer loader. While a larger curb and gutter machine can do more jobs, they cost considerably more.”