On the Right Track
One variable found with commercial-class pavers relates to how the equipment is propelled. Units are available that are either track- or wheel-driven. Quite frankly, today this is almost a moot point since roughly 95-percent of all commercial pavers being used in the U.S. are track-driven. Even so, there are some specific advantages of wheel-driven units that have kept this option in the market.

First of all, wheel-driven pavers offer higher travel speeds than track-driven units. When working on road maintenance applications, this can be a major benefit, allowing operators to quickly travel from one pass to another and reducing the amount of time that traffic is impeded. Secondly, wheel-driven units travel on pneumatic tires that can safely roll over surrounding structures, such as curbs and sidewalks, without fracturing the concrete. This is a hazard presented by pavers with steel tracks.

So, with these obvious benefits, why do wheel-driven pavers make up such a small portion of the market? Traction, or a lack thereof, is the culprit.

When working on unstable bases or subgrades, wheel-driven units have a tendency to spin their tires and get stuck. And from a contractor’s point of view, getting stuck is about the worst thing that can happen with a paver next to breaking down. Therefore, wheel-driven pavers are a feasible option only for those contractors who almost exclusively do maintenance work because they will typically be working on stable bases.