Large-Paver Designs Aim for Efficiency

摘要

Asphalt paving machines with operating weights of 19,000 pounds or more are conventionally categorized as "highway class." Most paver manufacturers, however, say that the large spread in operating weights for highway-class machines (from 19,000 to more than 60,000 pounds) really calls for several categories, perhaps loosely identified as commercial, heavy commercial/light highway, and heavy highway. Practically, though, the capabilities of a specific machine depend on its design and construction. "For the last three years or so, larger commercial contractors seem to be looking for machines that can go from driveways to highways, because of the scope of the work they're securing," says Brian Hall, LeeBoy's territory manager, mid-South region. "The 20,000-pound machine allows crews to pave a medium-size parking lot today, and move directly to a city/county road project tomorrow."