15 Paving Equipment Names Contractors Need to Know

Learning paving equipment names helps contractors choose the right tools for each job phase and avoid costly delays. 

Every paving contractor remembers their first day watching a full crew transform cracked pavement into smooth blacktop. Each piece plays a key role in creating smooth, durable asphalt surfaces that meet industry standards. 

Most paving projects require 15 different machine types, but forgetting to schedule the milling machine before your paver arrives causes expensive problems. OneCrew can help you track your equipment, communicate clearly with crews, and decide whether to buy, rent, or subcontract specific equipment needs.

The 15 Must-Have Gear Paving Contractors Should Know

Modern paving operations demand phase-specific equipment to transform raw materials into finished pavement surfaces. 

Knowing these asphalt equipment names (even if you only actually use a few) helps contractors plan jobs more effectively and avoid delays caused by missing tools.

1. Asphalt paver machine

The asphalt paver machine forms the heart of any paving operation. This self-propelled machine (often just called a paver) loads hot mix asphalt at the front, transfers it to the back via conveyor belts. The paver then spreads the mix with augers and levels and compacts it with a screed.

• Function: Lays asphalt evenly at the correct depth and width across the surface
• Variants: Wheeled pavers work best on smooth, paved surfaces, while tracked pavers handle uneven or grooved surfaces better
• Key brands: Caterpillar, Vögele, Dynapac, Volvo, and Wirtgen lead the market with machines ranging from compact units to highway-class pavers

2. Asphalt roller or compactor

Rollers compact freshly laid asphalt to remove air voids and create a smooth, dense surface. Three essential pieces handle hot mix asphalt (HMA) compaction: the paver screed, steel-wheeled roller, and pneumatic tire roller.

• Function: Rollers compact and smooth asphalt after it's laid, achieving proper density specifications
• Types: Double drum rollers provide maximized power and efficiency, handling twice the work in the same time; pneumatic rollers offer better static penetration for improved base density
• Key brands: BOMAG, Caterpillar, HAMM, Sakai, Dynapac, and Volvo manufacture rollers from 1.5 tons to 28 tons operating weight
• Usage: Crews use rollers multiple times during jobs; for base preparation, binder course, and final surface compaction

3. Milling machine or cold planer

Milling machines remove the top layer of existing pavement before laying new asphalt. This machine attacks old pavement with spinning drums that can chew through 12 inches of asphalt per pass. Its carbide teeth create the distinctive grooved pattern you've driven over countless times – that rough surface that grips fresh asphalt like velcro.

They can remove only the surface or perform full-depth removal, depending on project needs.

• Function: Removes existing pavement to prep for resurfacing and creates a rough, grooved surface for better adhesion
• Common nicknames: Cold planer, pavement profiler, or simply “the mill”
• Key features: Modern milling machines feature 4- to 8-foot milling drums powered by 355+ horsepower engines, with conveyor systems that discharge at 16 feet
• Typical use: Road rehabilitation projects and full-depth reclamation work

4. Tack distributor or tack truck

Asphalt distributors apply bond coat to pavements before new asphalt placement. They consist of material holding tanks, heating devices, distributor bars with nozzles, and computer systems to maintain constant application rates.

• Function: Sprays bonding agent (emulsified asphalt) between pavement layers to ensure proper adhesion
• Common nicknames: Tack wagon, tar buggy, tack buggy, tack trailer, tar sprayer, chip sprayer
• Why it matters: Proper tack application prevents layer separation and extends pavement life significantly
• Tank sizes: Available in 400, 600, 1000, 1500 non-CDL, and 2000-gallon capacities for different project scales

5. Dump truck

Dump trucks transport hot mix asphalt from the plant to the paving site. Temperature is everything in paving. HMA arrives at 300°F and starts losing workability the moment it leaves the plant. Smart contractors track travel time down to the minute because asphalt that cools below 250°F becomes nearly impossible to compact properly.

Some trucks feature conveyor systems that discharge HMA without raising the bed, reducing segregation problems and eliminating potential paver contact issues.

• Function: Delivers HMA to the jobsite while maintaining proper temperature
• Key variants: End dump trucks, live bottom trucks, and trucks with conveyor systems for continuous material flow
• Operation: Trucks may back directly into the paver hopper or dump material into shuttle buggies for transfer

6. Material transfer vehicle (MTV) or shuttle buggy

Material transfer vehicles assist pavers in accepting HMA. This mobile shuttle buggy acts as a buffer between trucks and pavers. They provide additional surge volume, allow continuous paver operation, minimize truck waiting time, and reduce aggregate segregation and temperature differentials.

• Function: Keeps asphalt at a consistent temperature and feeds the paver continuously
• Usage: Common on highway or DOT jobs where windrow elevators are needed, or when projects require additional surge capacity
• Common nicknames: Shuttle buggy, material transfer unit, or MTV

7. Grader or motor grader

Motor graders create flat soil surfaces ready for asphalt using an adjustable blade called a moldboard between the front and back wheels. They're among the most useful tools on paving sites.

• Function: Prepares the subgrade before paving by creating level, properly graded surfaces
• Common nicknames: Road grader, blade grader, or simply “the blade”
• Usage timing: Graders work before paving begins and sometimes return mid-project for touch-up work

8. Skid steer or wheel loader

Wheel loaders use front-loading buckets and durable wheels to transport asphalt piles across work sites. They can be used with many attachments, like asphalt cutters and stump grinders.

• Function: Moves materials, supports cleanup operations, and sometimes grades edges where larger equipment can't reach
• Versatility: Not paving-specific, but appears on nearly every jobsite for material handling and site preparation
• Additional uses: Snow plowing, debris pickup, and general construction support tasks

9. Sweeper or broom truck

Sweepers clean the surface after milling or grading. This cleaning is necessary because excessive dust and debris prevent proper bonding between the asphalt and the base course.

• Function: Cleans dust, millings, and debris before paving to guarantee proper adhesion
• Usage timing: Crews typically sweep between milling and paving steps, and sometimes before tack application
• Common nicknames: Street sweeper, broom truck, or pavement sweeper

10. Sealcoat machine

Sealcoat machines apply protective sealers after paving cures completely. Modern units can handle asphalt emulsion tack coat, cutbacks, rejuvenators, and primers with capacities from 300 to 575 gallons.

• Function: Applies protective sealer after paving to extend surface life and improve appearance
• Usage: Common for driveways and small parking lots, typically applied weeks or months after initial paving
• Equipment range: From small trailer-mounted units to truck-mounted systems for larger commercial projects

11. Plate compactor

Small plate compactors handle areas where large rollers can't operate effectively. They're vital finishing tools for detail work.

• Function: Compacts asphalt along curbs, tight corners, and small patches where large rollers can't reach
• Usage: Complements large rollers during finishing work, providing complete compaction across the entire surface
• Power range: From hand-guided units to larger walk-behind models with different plate sizes

12. Asphalt distributor truck (large tack distributor)

Larger-capacity asphalt distributors feature 6,000-gallon tanks. They often use asphalt transport trailers with baffle plates to minimize splashing during transport.

• Function: Provides higher-volume tack coat application for large municipal or DOT projects
• Capacity advantage: Handles extensive projects without frequent refilling, improving productivity on highway jobs
• Features: Integrated heating systems, precision spray controls, and computer-managed application rates

13. Paver screed (attachment)

The screed is the paver's most critical feature, determining the profile of HMA placement. It strikes off material at the correct thickness and provides initial mat compaction.

• Function: Paver component that smooths and levels asphalt as it's laid down
• Control types: Manual adjustment or automatic grade control systems that maintain consistent thickness
• Importance: The screed controls material extrusion onto the base course and assists in creating level surfaces regardless of base condition

14. Infrared asphalt heater

Infrared heaters warm existing asphalt for patch repairs without removing old material.

• Function: Reheats existing asphalt for patch repairs by softening the surface for better integration
• Applications: Maintenance and repair jobs where full removal isn't necessary or practical
• Advantage: Creates seamless repairs that blend with existing pavement rather than obvious patches

15. Slurry seal or micro surfacing machine

These specialized machines apply thin surface treatments over existing asphalt as preventive maintenance, different from traditional sealcoating.

• Function: Applies thin surface treatment over existing asphalt to restore surface texture and seal minor cracks
• Purpose: Preventive maintenance that extends pavement life without full resurfacing
• Applications: Parking lots, residential streets, and low-traffic areas needing surface renewal

A Note on Attachments and Configurations

Equipment flexibility varies greatly across different contractors and project types. Some contractors use attachments instead of dedicated machines. For example, skid steer paver boxes can handle small paving jobs without requiring a full-size paver.

Smaller crews often run combo equipment rather than full specialized setups. A single machine might handle multiple functions, especially on residential projects where space and budget constraints matter.

Regional variations affect naming conventions; the same piece of heavy paving equipment might have different nicknames in different areas. Always confirm terminology with your crew to avoid confusion during job coordination.

Project scale determines equipment selection. Highway jobs demand different road construction machines than parking lot work, and successful contractors match their equipment lineup to their typical project portfolio.

Summing Up

Paving contractors rely on an array of specialized equipment to deliver high-quality, efficient asphalt jobs. Equipment like milling machines, tack distributors, and infrared heaters are especially necessary for surface prep and repair, while tools like plate compactors and screeds handle precision finishing. Contractors need to select the right equipment for each paving phase to ensure quality jobs, smooth execution, and long-term pavement durability.

Smaller crews often use combo equipment or attachments (e.g., skid steer paver boxes) instead of full-sized machines. This is especially useful for residential jobs with budget or space limitations. Finally, effective planning (including whether to rent, buy, or subcontract equipment) paired with clear crew communication can significantly enhance project outcomes and cost efficiency.

How OneCrew Helps You Manage Crews, Jobs, and Equipment

Knowing all these paving equipment names is just the first step. The real challenge is coordinating crews, materials, and equipment across multiple active projects. 

You need more than spreadsheets and whiteboards to track which roller is at which job site, when the milling machine arrives, or if your crew has the right attachments for tomorrow's work.

That's where OneCrew comes in.

Paving contractors like you need an operational command center built specifically for the way paving projects actually work, and that's exactly what OneCrew delivers.

Our platform handles your entire workflow, from initial lead capture to final invoicing, with features designed around real paving operations. Here's why the best paving teams choose OneCrew:

• Schedule crews and equipment assignments across multiple projects with mobile access for field teams
• Create accurate estimates fast using takeoffs, templates, and aerial imagery for any paving work
• Replace 4–7 disconnected tools with one platform that handles estimating through invoicing
• Get job costing insights and analytics that show where you make and lose money

Ready to run your paving operation with confidence? See how we handle everything from equipment scheduling to final billing. Book a free demo to see it in action and find out why paving contractors are making the switch.

FAQs

1. What machines are used in asphalt paving?

The machines used in asphalt paving include pavers, rollers, milling machines, tack trucks, dump trucks, and graders as the core equipment. Support equipment like sweepers, skid steers, and plate compactors handle cleanup and detail work. 

2. What’s the difference between a paver and a roller?

The difference between a paver and a roller is that pavers lay down fresh asphalt, whereas rollers compact it afterward. Pavers spread hot mix asphalt at the correct thickness and width across the surface. Rollers then compress the laid asphalt to remove air voids and create the final smooth, dense surface.

3. What does a tack truck do?

A tack truck sprays bonding agent between pavement layers to ensure proper adhesion. The heated emulsified asphalt creates a sticky surface that prevents new asphalt from separating from the base layer.

4. What is a shuttle buggy in paving?

A shuttle buggy in paving is a material transfer vehicle that keeps asphalt hot and feeds it continuously to the paver. Using a shuttle buggy means you don’t need to reverse dump trucks directly into pavers. This reduces wait times and temperature loss.

5. How do I organize paving equipment by job?

You can organize paving equipment by job phase. Milling and prep equipment first, then paving machines, followed by compaction equipment. Create equipment schedules that match your project timeline and crew assignments. 

6. What’s the most important piece of asphalt equipment?

The most important piece of asphalt equipment is the paver machine because it determines the quality and consistency of the finished surface. Without a properly functioning paver, you can't lay asphalt at the correct thickness or achieve uniform coverage. All other equipment supports the paver's primary function of placing asphalt.

7. How do I train new crew members on machine names?

Training new crew members on machine names works best with hands-on identification during actual jobs rather than classroom learning. Create simple reference cards with photos and nicknames that crews actually use on your jobsites. Most contractors find that new workers learn equipment names fastest when working alongside experienced operators.

8. What is the name of the machine that removes old asphalt?

The machine that removes old asphalt is a milling machine or cold planer. These machines use rotating drums with cutting teeth to grind up existing pavement to the desired depth. The milled material gets loaded onto trucks through a conveyor system for disposal or recycling.

9. Do small paving companies need all of this equipment?

Small paving companies don't need to own all of this equipment since most pieces can be rented for specific jobs. Many smaller contractors focus on owning a paver, roller, and basic support equipment while renting specialized machines like milling equipment. Equipment rental allows smaller companies to take on larger projects without massive capital investments.