Manual or automatic?
Be it a gravity-fed paver or a conveyor-fed paver, one of the biggest technology changes taking place today is the implementation of electronics. This is not only apparent with the available full screed automation packages, but also with operator controls.

Instead of presenting a series of levers that manually control paver operations, electronic controls utilize a series of toggle and jog switches. The benefits of this technology are numerous. Electronic controls are more precise and efficient, and they’re easier to use for operators of any experience level. But there is a catch. Electronics don’t mix well with a few elements - heat, liquid and dirt - all of which are ever present on a paving job site. Therefore, the choice of electronic controls poses a reliability concern.

But with greater risks come greater rewards. Electronics allow contractors to offer better, more easily repeatable, results. Also, as the technology progresses, manufacturers are finding ways to better protect the electronic components, reducing reliability concerns. Yet, all equipment fails over time, and contractors will inevitably face issues with electronics. This fact alone is enough to keep most smaller contractors away from more sophisticated control options. Even so, little-by-little, as electronic controls become more efficient and reliable, more contractors will make the switch and electronically controlled machines will eventually become the industry standard.