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The Evolution of Compact Pavers
Compact asphalt pavers have carved out a vital niche in road construction, especially in urban environments, parking lots, and trail systems. While large highway-class pavers dominate interstate and airport work, compact units offer maneuverability, lower operating costs, and faster setup. Two names that frequently surface in this segment are Weiler and Gehl—each with distinct histories and design philosophies.
Weiler, based in Knoxville, Iowa, began as a supplier of screeds and components for Caterpillar before launching its own line of commercial pavers. Gehl, founded in 1859 in Wisconsin, built its reputation in agricultural and compact construction equipment, including skid steers and small pavers. Though Gehl’s paver line was eventually phased out, its legacy remains in the machines still operating across North America.
Terminology Notes
Operators often compare Weiler and Gehl pavers based on:
Maintenance and Component Access
Ease of maintenance is a key factor in paver selection:
Parts Availability and Legacy Support
Gehl’s exit from the paver market has made parts sourcing more difficult. Many owners rely on:
Recommendations for Fleet Managers and Operators
Conclusion
Weiler and Gehl pavers represent two chapters in the story of compact asphalt equipment. While Gehl’s machines continue to serve in legacy roles, Weiler has pushed forward with innovation, support, and integration. In the rhythm of paving, every pass counts—and when the screed hums and the mat glows, the road ahead is built with precision.
Compact asphalt pavers have carved out a vital niche in road construction, especially in urban environments, parking lots, and trail systems. While large highway-class pavers dominate interstate and airport work, compact units offer maneuverability, lower operating costs, and faster setup. Two names that frequently surface in this segment are Weiler and Gehl—each with distinct histories and design philosophies.
Weiler, based in Knoxville, Iowa, began as a supplier of screeds and components for Caterpillar before launching its own line of commercial pavers. Gehl, founded in 1859 in Wisconsin, built its reputation in agricultural and compact construction equipment, including skid steers and small pavers. Though Gehl’s paver line was eventually phased out, its legacy remains in the machines still operating across North America.
Terminology Notes
- Screed: The rear component of a paver that levels and compacts the asphalt as it is laid.
- Auger System: A rotating shaft that distributes asphalt evenly across the width of the screed.
- Material Conveyor: A belt or chain system that moves asphalt from the hopper to the augers.
Operators often compare Weiler and Gehl pavers based on:
- Material Flow Control
- Weiler units typically feature dual independent augers and conveyors, allowing precise control over asphalt distribution.
- Gehl models often used a single conveyor system, which could lead to uneven flow in wide passes.
- Weiler units typically feature dual independent augers and conveyors, allowing precise control over asphalt distribution.
- Screed Heating and Adjustment
- Weiler pavers offer electric screed heat and hydraulic crown adjustment, improving mat quality.
- Gehl units relied on manual crown settings and propane heating, which required more operator attention.
- Weiler pavers offer electric screed heat and hydraulic crown adjustment, improving mat quality.
- Visibility and Controls
- Weiler’s operator stations are designed for full visibility of the hopper, augers, and screed.
- Gehl pavers had more compact control layouts, which could be limiting in tight conditions.
Maintenance and Component Access
Ease of maintenance is a key factor in paver selection:
- Weiler machines are known for wide engine bay access, modular hydraulic components, and centralized grease points.
- Gehl pavers, while mechanically simple, often required partial disassembly to access conveyor chains or auger bearings.
- Daily: Check auger flight wear, conveyor tension, and screed cleanliness
- Weekly: Inspect hydraulic fluid levels, burner operation, and track tension
- Monthly: Replace screed plates if worn, flush fuel system, and calibrate sensors
Parts Availability and Legacy Support
Gehl’s exit from the paver market has made parts sourcing more difficult. Many owners rely on:
- Salvage yards and used equipment dealers
- Custom fabrication of wear parts like screed plates and auger flights
- Cross-referencing hydraulic components with other Gehl machines
Recommendations for Fleet Managers and Operators
- For legacy Gehl units, maintain a parts inventory of high-wear components and establish relationships with fabrication shops
- For Weiler pavers, schedule annual dealer inspections to update software and calibrate sensors
- Train operators on screed adjustment and material flow techniques to reduce segregation
- Use infrared thermography to monitor mat temperature and identify cold spots
- Consider upgrading older Gehl units with aftermarket screed heaters or conveyor sensors
Conclusion
Weiler and Gehl pavers represent two chapters in the story of compact asphalt equipment. While Gehl’s machines continue to serve in legacy roles, Weiler has pushed forward with innovation, support, and integration. In the rhythm of paving, every pass counts—and when the screed hums and the mat glows, the road ahead is built with precision.
