Pavers are self-propelled machines that lay down hot asphalt mix. The mix is usually loaded in the front, then carried by conveyers from the rear to augers that spread out the mixture, then leveled and compacted by a screed.
There are many different types of pavers that construction companies use to get the job done, including; rolled screen pavers, tracked pavers, wheeled pavers, hybrid offset pavers, side feeders, and inset pavers.
Used pavers cost between $30,000 and $180,000.
Top manufacturers of pavers include Ingersoll-Rand, Carlson, and Caterpillar.
Common uses for pavers include paving roads, bridges, and parking lots.
Pavers on average weigh 18 tons (36,000 lbs)
The first step in operating a paver is adding asphalt or mix from a dump truck or material transfer unit into the paver’s hopper. The conveyor carries the asphalt to the auger, which places the mix in front of the screed for it to be spread over the width of the surface. Paver operators use screed controls to control the screed’s angle of attack. Additional controls allow the operator to correct the slope, speed, and flow.
When buying a used paver, it’s important to do a full inspection report to look at key components like the screed, track rollers, idlers, dual operator stations, and engine.
New machines will have the latest technology like sensors and material controls. Overall, the paver technology, which is just a conveyor and iron, hasn’t changed over the last 60 years.
The average hourly pay for an Asphalt Paver Operator is $19.50
You can learn to become a paver operator through trade school, finding an experienced operator, or an apprenticeship program.
