Using an asphalt paver may seem simple and easy. However, minor errors can lead to costly repairs and uneven surfaces. These issues can delay your road construction project and pose safety risks to the public. Join us, whether you are an experienced contractor or a startup company, to understand the pitfalls of asphalt pavement techniques. 

This guide highlights 10 costly mistakes to avoid when operating asphalt pavers to ensure smooth, flawless road surfaces. Mico Crane and Equipment in TX is a reliable source for purchasing used asphalt pavers for sale in Houston, Texas. We offer optimal working machines from top-notch manufacturing brands.

Common Asphalt Paving Mistakes Affect Productivity

Road developers must follow strict quality codes to deliver outstanding surfaces. They need reliable machinery and careful handling practices to achieve these goals. Here, we explain the typical mistake the operators can make while using asphalt pavers. 

Ignoring Pre-Operation Inspections

Skipping daily inspections feels like time-saving, but it often leads to equipment failures at inconvenient times. This negligence can worsen the issues and result in costly repairs or total equipment breakdowns. Operators should inspect the fluid levels, conditions of the conveyor belts, and any potential hydraulic leaks.

• Conduct a thorough walkthrough check before starting the paver.
• Examine the gasoline, cooling fluid, engine oil, and brake fluid gauge levels.
• Check the belt’s condition, hydraulic hose, engine filter, and battery connections.
• Inspect tamper barriers, drills, and screed dishes for wear and proper alignment.
• Assess controls, meters, backup warnings, and lights.
• Document any issues and ensure they are resolved before operations.

Improper Screed Setup

A poorly adjusted screed level may lead to inconsistent asphalt layer thickness. It is also responsible for improper edge shapes and compaction issues. This minute mistake can be expensive when the spread asphalt is cooled.

• It is important to calibrate the screed position before operating.
• Check the extensions of the screed that are evenly aligned.
• Fixed the crown setting according to proposed actions.
• Examine the physical condition of the screed plate, which should be smooth and work properly.
• Take a test run of the screed performance on a selected section.

Inconsistent Paving Speed

Fluctuations in paving speed bring on surface flaws like cracks, waves, or depressions. These flaws shorten pavement lifespan and could cause it to fall short of project requirements.

• Keep up a constant pace during the paving process.
• Organized proper material delivery timetables to prevent abrupt starts and interruptions.
• Reduce operator error by the use of automated controls. The effective speed controllers and automated feeders are the best solutions.
• Maintain an ongoing material supply while the paver works at full capacity.

Overloading or Starving the Hopper

If the collecting area is too heavily loaded with asphalt, it can spill over and cause segregation of aggregates. Similarly, too few materials inputs can deliver uneven layers with low mat finishing.

• Educate and train the workers for dumper truck refilling on properly and regularly loading materials.
• Maintain the hopper at roughly 75% full to enable the augers to be fed smoothly.
• Proper material flow is controlled and maintained by auger flow gates.
• To minimize mechanical stress, avoid heavy paver or truck bouncing loading.

Ignoring Material Segregation

The uneven mixing of the aggregates leads to material segregation or runoff. This will result in weakening the pavement that is unevenly distributed. Larger particles are separated from the remaining mixture, causing voids.

• Completely track the movement of materials from the facility to the surface.
• Remixing asphalt with an MTV avoids substance segregation and premature fractures.
• Prevent quick evacuation that encourages fragmentation or end-dumping.
• Offer operators instructions on how to feed material while preserving consistency.

Neglecting Temperature Management

Compaction problems and poor layer bonding result from using asphalt that is not within the optimal temperature range. The temperature maintenance is the prime feature that produces desired results.

• Using laser-controlled thermometers that can mix and regulate temperature on the job site and throughout transportation.
• Cover the screed and insulate the truck beds for optimal material temperature.
• Paving when the weather is ideal avoids places that are too hot, cold, or wet.
• Before pouring the material, check the substrate cleanliness and the surrounding temperatures.

Poor Communication on Site

Indeed, the success of each construction or developmental process depends on the timely coordination between staff. Miscommunication can interrupt collaborative efforts, supply chain issues, and irregular asphalt layers. In fact, this concern can lead to occupational hazards and safety issues.

• Arrange regular staff meetings on objectives, duties, and job site arrangement.
• Use trustworthy dual-channel radios or defined hand gestures.
• Designate an accountable person to serve as a coordinator between all stakeholders.
• Putting in place a transparent line of command to facilitate swift decision-making.

Improper Head of Material

If the asphalt pavers are fed irregularly, it will impact the outflow of material and surface qualities. The contractor will experience uneven density of pavements, material segregation, and premature signs of wear.

• Maintain a watch on and sustain a steady, reasonable amount of material.
• Monitor and modify the input rate and rotor speed adjustments.
• Keep the flow steady using sensors and physically stepping in when needed.
• Instruct operators on how to spot indications of inconsistent head movements.

Insufficient Compaction Timing

Delay in compaction causes the asphalt to become cool before time, which increases the likelihood of breaking and makes it more difficult to reach the required density.

• It will break down when the mat supports the compactor drum without shifting.
• Observe the correct rolling order and pattern.
• Regulate the compression time and speed to adjust the paving rate.
• The best outcomes are achieved when the mat’s temperature is optimal while compaction occurs.

Avoiding Routine Maintenance

Obviously, the regular maintenance prevents premature breakdowns of components, ineffective operation, and unscheduled downtime.

• Follow the suggested maintenance schedules provided by the manufacturer.
• Maintaining a thorough checklist for maintaining the log.
• It is better to replace worn-out parts proactively.
• Machines should be cleaned after every use and stored correctly.
• Instruct operators on basic maintenance and defect indicators.

Professional Tips for Asphalt Paving Machines

• GPS and 3D paving technologies can improve accuracy and minimize the need for adjustments by giving you immediate oversight of grade and slope.
• Invest in credentials for operator training. Indeed, competent operators avoid expensive mistakes, cut waste, and increase efficiency.
• Make arrangements for generators and extra batteries. If you’re using electric pavers, making arrangements for charging can help you prevent expensive downtime.
•  After every project, evaluate what worked and what didn’t. These post-work evaluations help in technique improvement and the identification of recurring problems.
• Employ a premium blend and check the material quality after receiving it from suppliers. It is important to prevent surface issues and ensure your mix source maintains a constant level of quality.
• It is reliable to have a supply of temporary solutions on hand. To avoid prolonged downtime, stock the spare parts for emergency conditions.
• Crews that are overburdened are more prone to errors. To keep accuracy, be sure to rotate and take rest periods.
• Monitor every facet of pavement, including screed pressure and feeding temperatures, with telematics logs.
• Collaborating with manufacturers frequently provides professional diagnosis and support. When dealing with complicated problems, contact them.
• Environmental standards and local construction codes change over time. Maintaining your knowledge guarantees that your paving techniques are up to the mark.

Used Asphalt Pavers for Sale in Houston, TEXAS Near Me

In road construction, delivering a long-lasting, superior pavement that sustains itself is more important than saving time and money. Therefore, the contractors should avoid these costly mistakes. A proactive strategy can significantly increase your productivity and pavement surface finishing.

If you are searching for optimal-performing used asphalt pavers for sale in Houston, Contact Mico Crane and Equipment, TX. Explore our extensive inventory of used construction equipment and professional assistance to select the suitable one.