Paving is usually crucial in any road construction project; therefore, you need the equipment to ensure smooth surface finishing. You can find many tools for properly paving surfaces, like pavers, rollers, and tampers. However, if you are looking for reasonably priced options for your pavement project in a short time, Mico Cranes and Equipment is the best option.
What is Asphalt Paving Machine? For What Purpose is it Used?
Asphalt paving equipment is usually used in road and bridge construction projects or for existing pavement and other types of surfaces. It provides precise and powerful coverage, mostly with other supportive tools like rollers.
Mico equipment provides mechanical pavers and high-performance rollers for indispensable road finishing. We have reliable options for used heavy equipment sales in Houston. Asphalt pavers have two types:
- Tracked Asphalt pavers
- Wheeled Asphalt Pavers
(You can buy the type you need, depending upon your project requirement)
Tracked Asphalt Pavers
Used for:
- Uneven or soft terrain like gravel or unstable surfaces.
- Mostly in large-scale construction or road pavement projects.
- Suitable for areas requiring high traction or steep slopes.
Their tracks provide better stability and traction while allowing smoother operation on rough terrain. So, they’re more versatile and minimize the damage to underlying surfaces, which is ideal for freshly laid surfaces.
However, tracked pavers sometimes require higher maintenance costs than wheeled pavers because of their tracks and undercarriage. But Mico equipment is here to assist you in making your equipment work better at much more reasonable rates.
Wheeled Asphalt Pavers
Used for:
- Paving smooth or hard surfaces or renewing existing roads.
- Repair projects.
- Urban road construction.
- Best for frequent relocation of the paver.
Wheeled pavers are more commonly used than tracked pavers. This is because they can easily and quickly move between job sites and enhance efficiency. With that, they’re generally more straightforward, cheaper to maintain, and less likely to damage finished surfaces or existing pavements. It also consumes less fuel than other types.
Key Components to Check While Buying the Asphalt Paver
Here are the main components of an asphalt paver that needs to be in good condition for reliable performance. Make sure these components are working correctly.
Hopper
It is a large container at the front of the paver used to store the asphalt mixture before moving it to the conveyor chains. There are hopper wings that work hydraulically, located on either side, increasing the hopper’s capacity by making space for dump trucks. Their folding ability delivers the asphalt mix to the conveyor by making smaller packages for transport to the screed.
Conveyor System
It transfers the asphalt mixture from the hopper to the screed and consists of heavy chains and flight bars that move the material at a constant speed. Most models allow automatic feed control, which makes it easy to handle the operation, i.e., cut-off paddles or switches.
Screed
This component determines the smoothness of the pavement and ensures uniformity. It is pulled by a screed arm located on the sides of the paver. There is also a screed plate responsible for spreading the asphalt mix evenly on the surface. The plate can be adjusted to allow different material depths and widths.
Augers
They are located at the rear of the conveyor system or in front of the screed. They help control the asphalt mixture delivery to the screed extensions. They ensure the uniform and levelled transfer of the mixture across the screed’s width.
How Do Asphalt Pavers Work?
Asphalt pavers lay the asphalt concrete, a mixture of asphalt binder and aggregate on the surfaces. They evenly spread and compact the layer to the desired thickness. The overall process involves various steps:
Surface Preparation
It is essential to prepare the area of construction before paving the new surface to prevent potential problems. Without preparing the surface, pavement won’t last longer and may start cracking after a short time. Preparing the surface involves cleaning and removing debris and fixing issues like tire ruts or cracks.
Spreading the Asphalt
Now, asphalt laying will be started, which involves using the asphalt paver for even and smoother fining over the surface. The paver ensures that the asphalt mixture flows and properly adheres to the base layer. For consistent spearing of asphalt, the operator needs to control the speed and direction of the paver. Proper placement also ensures durability, without which there will always be the risk of damage and ruts.
Compacting the Asphalt
It involves creating a smooth and durable surface that is water resistant and protected from cracks. For that, different kinds of compactors are used, and each has a unique advantage. Vibratory rollers are mostly used for compacting the new layer. Pneumatic tire rollers are used to finish the layer and improve its density.
Asphalt Paving Machines
Asphalt pavers and rollers are mostly used for sustainable road construction. However, dump trucks can also be used during this process for material transfer and unloading the asphalt mixture on the construction site. Also, cold milling machines are used to remove the existing asphalt before starting the actual process, and this material is then disposed of or sometimes reused. The following are the important equipment used in the pavement process.
Pavers
Pavers are used at the starting phase of the project. They help layer the asphalt mixture, ensuring smooth coverage on the surface. Mico Equipment dealers in used construction machinery provide durable and cost-friendly asphalt pavers, both wheeled and tracked, from the top heavy equipment manufacturers.
Rollers
Rollers are machines used for compaction or reducing the air volume in the asphalt mixture after layering. There are two types: vibratory rollers and static rollers, which are available for sale at Mico Equipment.
Vibratory rollers use the vibratory drum for compaction, while static rollers use the weight. However, for your needs, you would have to consider the roller’s size and weight, keeping in mind your budget and the type of surface you’ll be dealing with.
Asphalt Paving Equipment for Sale Near Me in HOUSTON, TEXAS
Mico Cranes and Equipment provides high-quality machinery that is beneficial for both asphalt contractors and their customers. The right equipment speeds up the process and ensures precision. Our professionals test these asphalt paving equipment, which ensures that the job is completed efficiently and quickly.
Mico’s asphalt paving equipment lays down asphalt mixture with great accuracy, while our rollers are tailored to compact the mixture into place evenly and quickly. Thus, you can save time and maximize accuracy while saving costs without compromising the quality and safety of your project.