Tough Enough?
Productivity features are important, but will the paver be tough enough to handle the day-to-day rigors of asphalt paving? Bear in mind that from the moment a paver hits the job site, it’s receiving several tons of hot, abrasive aggregate. And this isn’t a temporary occurrence. Pavers typically run from sunrise to sunset with few breaks in between. So, in a matter of thinking, a paver is built to be abused. The fact is that no matter how durable the paver, regular maintenance is unavoidable. But will it be something that needs to be maintained once a week or once a day? These maintenance intervals can make a big difference to the bottom line of a paving operation - and the materials that make up a paver’s wear components can be key.

All manufacturers will list the materials that make up their respective augers and screed surfaces. Basically, the type of materials used will indicate the expected life of these wear components. Durability is usually indicated through a hardness rating. For instance, depending on the manufacturer, one might find the option of having wear components constructed of heavy-duty steel with hardness levels of 400 or more. Popular suppliers of such materials include Brinell and Hardox. Compared to standard-grade steel components, a 400 Brinell or Hardox hardened steel will offer four to five times longer life. Of course, this added life comes with a price, but in the long run, contractors will typically find that the extra price for more durable wear components will be greatly offset by the amount saved through reduced maintenance requirements.