Asphalt milling machine WIRTGEN W-500 (1993)

Asphalt equipment is a collective term for machines and tools used in the production, laying, compaction, and maintenance of asphalt pavements. These machines play a crucial role in the construction and upgrading of infrastructure such as roads, parking lots, airports, and pedestrian and bicycle paths. With the right asphalt equipment, one ensures efficient workflow, high surface quality, and long lifespan of the finished pavement.
The most common machines in asphalt equipment are asphalt pavers and asphalt rollers. Asphalt pavers are used to distribute the asphalt mixture evenly over the substrate and come in various sizes – from small, compact models for pedestrian and bicycle paths to large machines for main roads and highways. Modern pavers have high precision and can be adjusted in both width and thickness, providing flexibility and efficiency.
Asphalt rollers are used after paving to compact and smooth the asphalt surface. They come as tandem rollers with double steel drums, combination rollers with one steel drum and one set of rubber tires, and pure rubber-tired rollers that provide softer compaction. For smaller jobs, manual plate compactors, vibratory plates, and edge rollers are also used.
Asphalt equipment is primarily used in construction projects related to road and street building but also plays an important role in maintenance and resurfacing. The machines are used in both new construction and rehabilitation projects, from large highway projects to smaller private parking lots and municipal walkways. Additionally, the equipment is used in industrial areas, at airports, and in the construction of sports facilities.
To adapt asphalt machines to various conditions and tasks, there is a range of accessories and upgrades available. Common accessories include leveling systems, asphalt cutters, edge heaters, vibration systems, and automatic control systems. Many asphalt pavers also have GPS-based solutions for precise control of thickness and width. Rollers can be equipped with water tanks to prevent asphalt from sticking and additional edge rollers for better coverage along edges and transitions.
Asphalt equipment is built for high load and demanding operation and can have a long lifespan if well maintained. Machines from reputable manufacturers can often have operating times of several thousand hours and be in operational use for 10–15 years or more. The lifespan is influenced by factors such as usage frequency, maintenance routines, substrate, and climatic conditions.
Buying used asphalt equipment can be a very profitable alternative. Used equipment often has significantly lower prices than new, and many machines on the used market still have high functionality and reliability. This provides a quicker return on investment and makes it easier for smaller contractors to start projects. Additionally, it is a sustainable choice – reusing machines contributes to reduced resource use and less environmental impact compared to new production.
When purchasing used asphalt equipment, one should examine the condition of the engine, hydraulic system, vibration functions, and wear on moving parts such as roller drums and tracks. It is also important to check electronic components and control systems and assess whether the equipment is suitable for the intended application. Service history, operating hours, and previous usage conditions provide valuable information for assessing the machine's remaining lifespan and potential future maintenance needs.