Why is it important to know how to choose an asphalt paver?

Are you wondering how to choose an asphalt paver that will truly meet your project’s needs and ensure a high-quality pavement?
The choice of paver determines not only work speed and operator comfort, but also the quality of the pavement, costs, and ease of operation.
There are three main types dominating the market—mini pavers, tracked city or multi-class pavers, highway-class tracked pavers, and wheeled pavers.
Below you’ll find the differences between each type, the unique advantages of Ammann ABG tracked pavers, and key tips for selection.

Main Types of Asphalt Pavers According to Ammann

1. Mini Pavers

Where to use?
Small areas, neighborhood parking lots, sidewalks, bike and pedestrian paths, narrow passages, or repair work.

Pros:

• Compact, highly maneuverable, easy to transport

• Extremely precise in narrow areas

• Fast to set up for work

Cons:

• Limited performance and paving width

• Not suitable for large or very wide projects

Ammann models:

• ABG 1570, ABG 2820

Alternatives:

• Vögele SUPER 700i, Super 800i, Dynapac F80W

2. Tracked City or Multi-Class Pavers (Multi-Class Tracked Pavers) – ABG’s Advantages over Competitors

Where to use?

City streets, residential roads, industrial sites—wherever versatility, productivity, and pavement quality are needed.

Pros:

• Versatility—ideal for a variety of urban and mid-sized projects

• Higher productivity and compaction efficiency (Duotamp®)

• Low noise level, operator comfort

Cons:

• Slower transfer between sites

• Not suitable for very large, highway-scale projects

ABG modeliai:

• ABG 4820, ABG 6820

Alternatives:

• Bomag BF300C-3, BF600C-3, BF700C-3, Vögele SUPER 1300-3i, SUPER 1600-3i, Super1800-5X

3. Highway-Class Tracked Pavers – ABG’s Advantages over Competitors

Where to use?

Main roads, highways, country roads, airport runways—anywhere maximum stability, performance, and pavement quality are needed.

Pros:

• Maximum productivity and largest paving width

• Top pavement quality (Duotamp® double tamper screed)

• Stable, massive construction for intensive work

Cons:

• Large dimensions, more difficult transport

• Limited maneuverability in small or closed spaces

ABG models:

• ABG 7820, ABG 8820

Alternatives:

• Bomag BF800C-3, Vögele SUPER 1900-5i, Super2100-5X

4. Wheeled Pavers

Where to use?
City centers, squares, sites where fast relocation is important, where maneuverability and work at multiple locations are needed.

Pros:

• Faster movement between sites

• Highly maneuverable

• Quick startup, convenient for frequent jobsite changes

Cons:

• Less traction, not suitable for soft or uneven bases

• Not designed for highways, airport runways, or very high-performance, thick layer paving

ABG models:

• ABG 4870, ABG 6870

Alternatives:

• Bomag BF 600 P, Vögele SUPER 1303-3i, SUPER 1603-3i, Super 1803X

What Makes ABG Tracked Pavers Stand Out?

Unique Duotamp® (Double Tamper) Technology

• Duotamp® (VDT): This patented, adjustable two-tamper and vibrator compaction system achieves up to 98% Marshall asphalt density before rolling.
• Why does it matter?
  • The universal screed is perfect for both thick (10–20 cm) and thin (3–6 cm) asphalt layers. Even with thick layers, it ensures ideal structure, density, and smoothness, reduces the number of roller passes, and saves significant time. For example, after laying a 12 cm asphalt base layer, you don’t need another paver with a TV screed; you can simply change the screed settings, set the first tamper stroke to “0,” and be ready to lay a 4 cm asphalt layer.
  • Because both tampers compact at the front of the screed, almost all compaction is achieved before the vibrating plate, which ensures surface smoothness and appearance. Competitors’ TP1 or TP2 screeds have only one tamper in front, achieving less pre-compaction, and only the 1 or 2 pressure bars at the rear finish the job. If the base is uneven, pressure bars press into the asphalt differently, reducing surface smoothness.
• Advantage over competitors:
  • Vögele and others often have separate screeds for thin layers (TV-type screeds) or for thicker layers (TP1 and TP2 screeds).

ABG Pavers’ Automatic Hydraulic Track Tensioning with Thick, Durable Pads

• Track tension is adjusted hydraulically and automatically each time the paver is started—no manual adjustment needed.
• Track pads are 40 mm thick (Vögele—only 25 mm), guaranteeing durability, quieter operation, less vibration, and smoother surfaces.
• Automatic track tensioning avoids sudden jerks, chain wear, uneven movement, or track marks on the pavement (common with manual systems on other brands).

Industry-Leading Sound Insulation and Lowest Noise Levels

• Sound insulation in the roof and engine compartment, vibration reduction—Ammann pavers are officially quieter than competitors (significantly lower noise than Vögele).
• Operators get a quieter, more comfortable working environment, reduced fatigue, and lower risk of mistakes.

Comfortable Operator Workplace and Controls

• EPM3 (Electronic Paver Management): Intuitive, bird’s-eye-type control system with a large display, excellent lighting, minimalist menus.
• Comfortable cabin with abundant storage, ergonomic, easily adjustable seats, remote-controlled panels, spacious legroom, and convenient access to controls even when standing.
• Competitor drawbacks:
  • Vögele operator cabins have less space, narrower seats, limited visibility, and sometimes awkwardly placed controls.

Innovations and Additional ABG Advantages

• Screed load and tensioning: Patented screed load and tensioning system guarantees that asphalt stays flat even when laying at wide widths and when stopping and starting.

• Soft Dock system: Unique cushioning material between paver and truck reduces shocks and negative impact on pavement quality.

• Fast and easy screed extensions (hydraulic quick coupling): No need to tighten hard-to-reach bolts on each side.

• Faster and easier service: Wide access to engine and electronics, centralized lubrication, all checks done standing up, not crouching.

Energy Savings and ECO Mode

• Adaptive ECO mode: Engine RPM increases only as needed according to load, not held at a fixed speed like competitors.
• Result—up to 11% lower fuel consumption and even less noise.

Specific Features for Higher Productivity and Quality

• Electric/gas screed heating system (e+ screed heat): Screed can be automatically preheated before arriving at site—saves time and ensures a perfect start even in cold weather.

• Diagnostics, lubrication, and maintenance: Simplified to just a few button presses.

Competitor Comparison (as presented):

• Vögele: Often noisier, more track pad wear, harder maintenance, no double tamper, less spacious workspace.

• Dynapac: High productivity, but less comfort and sound insulation, longer screed extension installation time, lacks ABG-like automatic service solutions..

ABG Tracked Pavers – The Optimal Choice for Large, High-Quality, and Efficient Construction Projects:

• Models: ABG 4820, ABG 6820, ABG 7820, ABG 8820 (up to 13 m width, up to 1100 t/h output, Duotamp® and all features above).
• Models can be selected for highways, industrial yards, or airports—according to real working width and layer thickness.

Typical Selection Criteria

When choosing an asphalt paver, it’s important to consider:

• Project size and shape

• Required paving width and layer thickness

• Base properties

• Required productivity (tons/hour)

• Additional features (Duotamp®, automatic track tensioning, e+ screed heat, soft dock, sound insulation)

• Ease of service and maintenance

Pros and Cons by Application

Application Areas and Model Examples

• Sidewalks, bike paths, small parking lots:
  Ammann ABG 1570 (mini paver)
  (Alternatives: Vögele SUPER 700i, Super 800i, Dynapac F80W)

• City streets, residential areas, industrial yards:
  Ammann ABG 4820, 6820 (tracked “multi-class” with Duotamp®), ABG 6870 (wheeled paver)
  (Alternatives: Bomag BF300C-3, BF600C-3, BF700C-3, Vögele SUPER 1300-3i, SUPER 1600-3i, Super 1800-5X)

• Highways, airport runways, high-capacity projects:
  Ammann ABG 7820, 8820 (highway-class tracked with Duotamp®)
  (Alternatives: Bomag BF800C-3, Vögele SUPER 1900-5i, Super 2100-5X, Dynapac SD2550C/CS)

Conclusions and Tips

Kaip pasirinkti asfalto klotuvą?

How to choose an asphalt paver?
If productivity, smoothness, and pavement quality are your top priorities, choose an Ammann ABG tracked paver with Duotamp®, automatic track tensioning, advanced sound insulation, and operator comfort.
For small or narrow jobs, a mini paver is sufficient; for urban mobility, a wheeled paver is best.
It’s important not only to choose the right paver but also to ensure a properly prepared base and use professional compaction equipment.
Read more about base compaction, rollers, and their benefits in our guide: How to Choose the Right Roller?
Still have questions about choosing an asphalt paver?
Contact Erco Technologies—we’ll help you find the optimal solution for your project!