On the other hand, the only limiting factor of track-driven pavers is travel speed. Otherwise, tractive effort, gradeability and maneuverability are all greatly enhanced with tracks.

Though wheel-driven units are naturally kinder to surrounding concrete structures, options are available for track-driven units to make them more concrete friendly. One of the most common available options for commercial pavers are street pads, which are bolt-on rubber or urethane pads that mount directly to the steel tracks. With street pads in place, track-driven pavers can safely travel over curbs and sidewalks without fracturing the concrete. Street pads also offer the secondary benefit of increased tractive effort and smoother operation.

Finish Up Strong
Speaking of smoother operation, there are many screed options available to increase paving capabilities, speed up production and provide better results. Basically the business end of any paver, the screed is the last portion of the paver to come in contact with the fresh asphalt - forming, compacting and smoothing the material as it leaves the machine. To do this more effectively, one common option is the bolt-on screed extension.

With most mainline pavers, the ability to produce a raised or tapered edge in the asphalt is integrated into the screed itself, but commercial pavers must offer bolt-on alternatives to achieve the same results. Bolt-on screed extensions give the operator more control over the material, while offering variable finishing configurations. Additionally, special ditch plates are available from several manufacturers that attach to the screed and narrow the paving width. This is ideal when paving bike or cart paths and utility trenches.

Another option found on many commercial-class pavers is screed automation. The general idea behind screed automation is to provide the paver with the ability to adjust screed depth or material thickness automatically through the use of onboard computers. Basically, this is the same sophistication level found on mainline-class pavers and the goal is to provide better, more consistent paving results by eliminating some of the human element on the job site. Several screed automation packages are available ranging from simple joint-matching packages that cost roughly $3,000, up to full-blown screed automation packages that can run up to $20,000.