Asphalt Zipper: Is It a Good Investment or Not?

[MikePhua]

Asphalt Zipper is a tool that’s designed to help with the resurfacing, removal, and grinding of asphalt. It's commonly used in road repair, maintenance, and small construction projects where quick removal and minimal disruption are required. However, like any piece of heavy machinery, it has both its advocates and detractors. In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of the Asphalt Zipper, weigh its performance, and help you decide if it’s the right tool for your needs.
What Is the Asphalt Zipper?
The Asphalt Zipper is a unique attachment designed to fit onto a standard skid-steer or backhoe loader. It’s a machine used for grinding and milling asphalt surfaces, allowing for faster and more efficient surface removal compared to traditional methods such as manual scraping or using larger milling machines. The Zipper is highly regarded for its ability to perform deep milling, making it a versatile tool for small- to medium-scale projects where precision and speed are crucial.
The tool operates by using a rotating drum equipped with tungsten carbide teeth, which grind the asphalt surface. Its compact size allows for operation in tighter spaces, making it a popular choice for urban road maintenance and localized paving jobs.
Benefits of Using the Asphalt Zipper

1. Efficiency and Speed: The Asphalt Zipper significantly reduces the time required for surface milling. Compared to manual methods or traditional larger machines, it allows for quicker removal of asphalt. Operators often report that the job gets done in a fraction of the time it would take using a traditional asphalt milling machine, which can result in cost savings for the project.
   
2. Cost-Effective: When compared to larger milling machines, the Asphalt Zipper is relatively inexpensive, both in terms of upfront cost and operating expenses. The attachment allows operators to utilize existing equipment like skid-steers or backhoes, reducing the need for dedicated milling machines. This can be especially beneficial for small businesses or contractors working on tight budgets.
   
3. Versatility: The Asphalt Zipper is versatile enough to handle both small and medium-sized jobs. Whether it's removing small sections of a parking lot or resurfacing a local road, the Zipper can handle a variety of applications. It’s also capable of handling different depths, making it suitable for projects requiring precision.
   
4. Ease of Operation: Users appreciate how straightforward it is to operate the Asphalt Zipper. It’s less complicated than larger machines and can be controlled easily by operators with minimal training. The setup is also relatively quick, making it ideal for contractors looking to get jobs done efficiently.
   
5. Reduced Traffic Disruption: The small footprint of the Asphalt Zipper allows for milling in tight spaces, such as city streets or narrow lanes, with minimal disruption to traffic. This is especially valuable in densely populated areas where road closures or heavy machinery can cause significant delays.
   

Drawbacks of the Asphalt Zipper

1. Limited Depth Capacity: While the Asphalt Zipper is efficient, it may not be suitable for deeper milling projects. Larger milling machines are often needed for deep, wide-scale milling tasks, such as removing large sections of asphalt on highways or major roads. If the project requires removing asphalt beyond a certain depth, the Asphalt Zipper may not be the best choice.
   
2. Maintenance Concerns: Some users report that the Asphalt Zipper requires frequent maintenance, especially when used in tougher conditions. The rotating drum and carbide teeth can wear down over time, requiring replacements and repairs. Operators need to factor in these ongoing maintenance costs to keep the machine running optimally.
   
3. Limited Power for Tougher Jobs: The Asphalt Zipper’s smaller size and design make it less powerful than traditional milling machines. While it works well for light to medium milling tasks, it can struggle with harder or thicker asphalt, which might lead to slower work or reduced performance in tougher conditions.
   
4. Noise and Dust: Like any grinding or milling machine, the Asphalt Zipper can be noisy and produce a significant amount of dust. Operators may need to take additional precautions, such as using dust control methods, to meet local environmental regulations or reduce worker discomfort.
   

Real-World Example: A Case Study of Asphalt Zipper Usage
A local contractor in Florida shared a success story of using the Asphalt Zipper for resurfacing a small section of a residential street. The project involved removing 4 inches of old asphalt and replacing it with fresh material. The contractor found that the Asphalt Zipper worked perfectly for the task, efficiently grinding the surface with minimal disruption to traffic and neighborhood activity.
The contractor appreciated the fact that the Zipper could be used with existing equipment, saving them the high cost of renting a larger milling machine. The job, which would have taken several days with manual methods, was completed in just a few hours, allowing the contractor to move on to the next project without delay.
However, the contractor did mention that while the Zipper was efficient for this smaller job, they would have needed a more powerful milling machine for larger-scale projects, particularly those involving thicker asphalt.
Alternatives to the Asphalt Zipper
If you're considering the Asphalt Zipper but are unsure about its limitations, there are a few alternatives that you may want to consider:

1. Large-Scale Milling Machines: For deeper, wide-area milling projects, traditional milling machines are still the go-to equipment. These machines can handle much larger and more demanding jobs, though they come with a higher price tag and require more space to operate.
   
2. Scarifiers: If you’re looking for a machine that can handle surface profiling and light milling jobs, scarifiers (or surface planers) may be a suitable alternative. They are often more affordable than milling machines and can work well for surface preparation and light asphalt removal.
   
3. Cold Planers: Similar to the Asphalt Zipper, cold planers are designed to remove asphalt without heating. However, they tend to be more powerful and can handle deeper milling tasks. They are also typically larger and more expensive but may be necessary for more demanding jobs.
   

Conclusion: Is the Asphalt Zipper Worth It?
The Asphalt Zipper is a highly efficient and cost-effective tool for smaller to medium-sized milling and resurfacing projects. Its ability to quickly grind asphalt with minimal disruption to traffic and surrounding areas makes it a valuable asset for many contractors, especially in urban or residential settings.
However, it’s important to keep in mind its limitations. For larger-scale jobs that require deep milling or tougher conditions, a larger milling machine might be necessary. But for many smaller projects, the Asphalt Zipper is a fantastic tool that delivers speed, precision, and cost savings.
When considering whether the Asphalt Zipper is right for your business, take the time to evaluate your typical project size, budget, and the level of work required. In many cases, this small yet powerful tool can offer excellent value, streamlining your operations and helping you complete jobs more efficiently.