for A New Piece of Equipment?

By Brian Thornton

2024 has certainly been a great year to be in the asphalt business. According to many operators we hear from, backlogs remain strong, and new business continues to pour in. As a manufacturer, we continue to juggle workforce issues, raw material volatility, and parts shortages, all while demand remains high. What should be a time of deciding what machines you may need to invest in for tax purposes has turned into a juggling act of forecasting work and finding a machine. What used to be an easy job of heading to your local dealer’s showroom floor and kicking tires, could rely on the next shipment.

So, what is a smart business owner to do? While the answer is not an easy one, the solution doesn’t have to keep you up at night. Now more than ever you must rely on relationships. Relationships with your colleagues in the industry, relationships with the factories, and most importantly relationships with the local dealerships. This month let’s discuss the thought process that goes into looking at asphalt equipment and the pitfalls that come with that process. Like every other business decision, there is not one clear cut answer for every contractor. Every situation is different, and every solution is different.

Do you rebuild your current equipment?
While the newest models might seem appealing, your current machine might just need a makeover. Asphalt paving equipment, especially the paver, is different than any other piece of construction equipment. The continuous heating and cooling of components, not to mention working with hot materials in the middle of summer, takes its toll on the steel and rubber hose components that make up the machine. The winter months are a perfect time to consult with your local equipment dealer to do you’re rebuild. The shops are less busy and under less of a time crunch so it’s the prime time. Many times, just a tune-up of the components is all you will need to stretch the life of your machine. A qualified, factory trained technician can look at your equipment and quickly tell how deep they will need to go.

Is a used machine the way to go?
The used equipment market is hot right now. While there are many great machines on the market, there are quite a few out there that just have a “new paint overhaul.” But how are you to know the difference? Many dealers keep a good number of used machines in stock when they can, and often offer a “certified pre-owned” type of guarantee with these machines. But many times, the machine you are looking at is at a 3rd party or perhaps, a private seller. In this case, you must know what you are looking at or know someone who does. Never be afraid to take a qualified set of eyes with you when you inspect a machine. And just like with anything else, be ready to walk away if something doesn’t seem right. An experienced technician can often visually inspect a machine and know what should be done before putting your investment to work. Remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

When is a new machine the right decision?
In many cases, you may decide that you will need a new piece of asphalt equipment. This is where your relationships pay dividends. Dealers are selling new machines as fast as they come in and with your relationship, they know what you’ll need when you need it and can work with the factory to make sure they know your needs. Many dealers have forecasted properly and have a stock of machines on order and will put your name on the right machine for you. The trap you don’t want to get caught in is buying a machine that’s not just right for you, just to buy something. That will never pay off and will cause more problems than solutions. Hopefully your dealer has what you are looking for in stock, but if not, work with your salesperson to attend the right show, or make a visit to the manufacturer so a great decision can be made.

Demonstrating the machine you are considering, is by far, the best and can help you make sure that what you think you need is, in fact, the machine for your business today and three years down the road.

There’s no magic wand or catch all solution. The best business solution in this marketplace is to plan smart by planning for the future. Talk to dealers, talk to colleagues and do your research so that when the 2025 season starts, you are ready to hit the asphalt running.

Brian Thornton is a Governmental Sales Manager with LeeBoy. He can be reached at brian.thornton@LeeBoy.com