Asphalt paving is a challenging and rewarding job. You build infrastructure that people use every day. However, there are so many ways during the paving process that can ruin the mat. An experienced crew and the latest equipment can make achieving specifications much easier.
An asphalt paver, including its screed, is the most crucial machine on a paving job. All other machines work according to the speed of the paver.
Here are some of the best city and highway asphalt pavers.
Ammann AFT 400-3
This city paver comes equipped with Q Pave — a GPS-based, position-accurate temperature control. Q Pave helps ensure the asphalt pavement meets specifications. The system automatically generates documentation to help contractors control and improve processes and notify clients.
The availability of PaveManager 2.0 on the AFT 400-3 (https://www.ammann.com/en/machines/asphalt-pavers/aft-400-3) sets this paver apart from the Ammann AFT 400-2. This automated paving system controls many key functions, constantly monitors the paving process and provides important information to operators.
It comes equipped with either a gas or electric Ammann V3500 screed. Each screed can be either vibrating or tamper. Hydraulic extensions allow a maximum paving width of 11.5 feet; mechanical extensions allow a maximum paving width of 15.4 feet.
Astec Carlson CP85
This paver is well-suited for small to large-scale commercial paving projects, such as parking lots or municipal road applications. The paver’s low profile, small dimensions and tight turning radius promote use in size-restrictive areas. It’s powered by a smaller engine — one that is below the DEF requirement threshold — a quiet, 74-hp Tier IV Final.
The Carlson CP85 (https://www.astecindustries.com/products/details/carlson-cp85-commercial-class-asphalt-paver) features an intuitive, contractor-focused platform and standard dual control towers that pivot outward by 30 degrees and downward by 40 degrees. The exclusive Horizontal Sliding Damper Doors feature prevents material flow during travel.
The paver comes equipped with the award-winning EZC815 electrically heated screed, which features electric heating elements and screed plates composed of 450 Brinell-rated hardened steel (three-eighths of an inch in diameter).
Blaw-Knox PF-5170B
As a result of the front-mounted extensions on this paver, contractors can easily maneuver around obstacles (at the touch of a button). This feature traps asphalt and provides effortless head-of-material control in the auger box.
Hydraulically adjusted paving widths on the PF-5170B (https://www.blawknox.com/products/asphalt-pavers/pf-5170b/) range from eight to 16 feet. Seats extend beyond the side of the machine for superior visibility of the work area.
The UltiMat screed uses power screw depth cranks to make the screed more receptive to manual input. The screed heat bar system provides quick heating times and improved heat distribution to the crown area and outside edges of the screed plate. Heat bars are placed outward on the screed to help eliminate segregation and tearing.
Cat AP1055
The Caterpillar AP1055 (https://www.cat.com/en_US/products/new/equipment/asphalt-pavers/track-asphalt-pavers/114820.html) can be equipped with several technologies that improve product quality and accuracy while saving time and money.
Cat Paving Technology helps contractors with 3D paving, advanced compaction monitoring and more. An optional sensor measures material height to help the operator determine paving speed and when to request for more asphalt. Paving operators can monitor asphalt surface temperatures in real-time with the optional Cat infrared camera.
The AP1055 comes with four screed options. Two screeds have a maximum paving width of 33 feet, while two have a maximum paving width of about 25 feet.
Dynapac SD2500CS Protac
This paver combines the duties of spraying tac and paving asphalt into one machine, so you don’t need an additional truck plus operator on site.
The SD2500CS Protac (https://dynapac.com/en/products/paving/dynapac-sd2500cs-protac) features PaveManager 2.0 OS (operating system) in the dashboard to better control the machine and paving process. MatManager provides documentation of the material feeding process to help you optimize machine usage and paving operations. With MatTracker, you can automate screed extension and retraction based on trackable edges on the jobsite.
Choose between the Dynapac TH E Screed range and the Dynapac Vario Screed range. TH E screeds come with a high-compaction system in each screed section. Vario screeds feature continuous high compaction and excellent guided material flow, which helps eliminate material segregation.
[Photo: CatAP1055 Asphalt Paver]
[Caption: Caterpillar AP1055 Asphalt Paver]
[Source: Caterpillar Inc.]
