Contractors on the job need to depend on their asphalt paving equipment to get the job done right and on time. A paver failure can get them behind schedule and cost your paving company valuable profits. For this reason, it’s essential to choose the right equipment, whether you’re looking for used asphalt paving equipment for sale or new pavers. This guide will help you decide between investing in new vs. used paving equipment for your business.

Why New Asphalt Pavers Are Attractive

Many asphalt paving companies choose new machinery over pre-owned because they are equipped with the latest technology. This often translates into great efficiency on the job, fewer carbon emissions, and more comfortable operations. New equipment is also attractive because of the manufacturer warranties they usually carry. Many extended warranties are available that ensure businesses only have to pay for repairs to worn-down parts throughout most of the equipment’s life. When faced with these benefits, it’s not a surprise when paving companies that can afford new equipment buy new vs. pre-owned.

Benefits of Buying Used Asphalt Paving Equipment

Of course, several asphalt paving businesses find success with used pavers, whether they are paving parking lots or resurfacing highways. A pre-owned paver is just as capable of meeting project specs as a new model and may provide a better return on your investment. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of used paving equipment:

• Better Price: When you buy pre-owned equipment, you’ll receive a lower upfront cost. If you’re a small business, this could make it easier for you to get the equipment you need without requiring financing or with financing that is easier to secure.
• Save Money: Any money saved on asphalt paving equipment can be put back into your business. After buying used pavers, you may be able to expand your fleet and take on more projects.
• More Choices: The pre-owned market has a wide selection of paving equipment models, guaranteeing you’ll be able to find the model you need at the right time to get the job done.
• Expand Quickly: Buying used means you’ll be able to acquire the best equipment as soon as you need it. This will allow you to expand your business quickly.

Parts to Examine Before Buying a Pre-Owned Paver

Used asphalt pavers from reputable pre-owned equipment dealers can provide years of valuable service. Before you purchase used paving equipment, you’ll want to check its safety and performance. Here are some things you’ll want to look at when buying a used asphalt paver:

• Signs of Abuse: Walk around the machinery to see if there are any signs of obvious misuse or maintenance neglect. These signs could include torn seats, excessive rusting, missing pieces, and an instrument panel that isn’t intact.
• Oil: Check the oil to see if it’s clean or dirty. If there’s coolant in the oil, the paver likely has a blown head gasket, which can be an expensive repair.
• Radiator and Cooling System: Examine the hoses for bulges, dryness, splits, and points of weakness.
• Tires or Tracks: Look at the drive system. Will the tires or tracks need to be replaced soon?
• Hopper: You’ll want to ensure the hopper hasn’t been smacked or clobbered by the dump truck and knocked out of alignment during its last paving job. You’ll want a paver with a strong hopper deck.
• Screed: The screed is an essential component of the performance of the asphalt paver. A screed in good condition should be one-half inch thick on the front and rear. If the screed is not the same thickness on each side, the paver is out of alignment. You will need to replace the plate to get optimum results.
• Auger: Examine the auger to see if there’s bearing wear. You can do this by grabbing it to see if the mounting is sturdy.

Once you examine all these parts of the used asphalt paver, turn it on and run through its functions. As you do, listen for unusual sounds and check for leaks in the engine and hydraulics.

Choosing New vs. Used Asphalt Pavers

As you can see, there are several benefits to buying new asphalt paving equipment as well as buying used. Therefore, new vs. pre-owned pavers comes down to your budget and the specifications of your paving job.

When you partner with a reputable asphalt paving equipment dealer, you can trust that you are getting the highest quality equipment, no matter if you choose used or new heavy equipment. At Asphalt Care Equipment, we have a wide selection of new and used asphalt pavers as well as asphalt paving equipment rentals so that you can get the tools you need to out-perform your competitors.