As the paving season wraps up, it’s time to take care of the gear that’s worked hard for you all year. Cleaning your asphalt equipment isn’t just about making it look good—it’s about making sure it’s ready to hit the ground running next season. At SoySolv, we’ve got your back with tools and tips to get the job done right.
Why Bother Cleaning Your Equipment?
Let’s be honest—skipping the cleanup might save you time now, but it’ll cost you big later. Hardened asphalt and grease can gum up your equipment, slow you down, and lead to expensive repairs. A good cleaning at the end of the season:
- Keeps your machines running like they should.
- Stops rust and wear in their tracks.
- Saves you downtime and money when you’re back at it.
How to Clean Different Types of Asphalt Equipment
1. Pavers
Your paver is the backbone of your crew. Show it some love to keep it running smooth.
- Scrape the Big Stuff: Grab a scraper and knock off the chunks from the hopper and conveyors.
- For Light to Medium Buildup: Spray SoySolv AR on the screed, augers, and conveyors. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to soften the residue. The longer it sits, the better it works.
- For Heavy or Extreme Buildup: Use SoySolv AR Pro or SoySolv AR Plus for those stubborn, baked-on spots. These heavy-duty cleaners are tough on asphalt but safe for your equipment.
- Scrub and Spray: Hit it with a stiff brush or paint scraper, then rinse it all off with a pressure washer.
- Protect It: Once it’s clean, coat the screed and moving parts with a release agent to stop buildup next season.
2. Tack Trucks
If your tack truck’s clogged or gummed up, it’s useless. Get it cleaned out now so it’s ready to roll later.
- Drain It: Empty any leftover tack material from the tank.
- Flush It: Run SoySolv AR Plus through the tank and spray bar. Let it circulate for a few minutes before draining.
- Clean the Bar: Spray SoySolv AR Plus on the spray bar, nozzles, and fittings.
- Check Everything: Inspect the nozzles, hoses, and fittings for clogs or damage.
3. Tar Kettles
Tar kettles can get crusty fast. A little effort now means less headache next time.
- Heat and Scrape: Fire it up just enough to soften the tar, then scrape out the big chunks.
- Degrease and Scrub: Coat the inside and outside with SoySolv AR Plus. Let it soak in, then scrub it down with a scraper or pressure washer.
- Rinse It Down: Blast it with a pressure washer to finish the job.
- Inspect and Maintain: Check seals, valves, and burners while you’re at it.
4. Shuttle Buggies
Your shuttle buggy takes a beating all season. A little TLC goes a long way.
- Clear It Out: Scrape and brush out any leftover asphalt from the hopper and conveyors.
- Degrease the Works: For light buildup, use SoySolv AR on the conveyor system, rollers, and hopper walls. For heavy-duty grime, go with SoySolv AR Plus. Let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes to break down the asphalt.
- Pressure Wash: Rinse it clean, paying extra attention to moving parts.
- Lube It Up: Apply grease or lubricant to chains and other moving parts to keep them rust-free.
Why Use SoySolv Cleaners?
Forget the harsh chemicals that stink up your shop and hurt the environment. SoySolv’s cleaners get the job done without the downsides:
- Safe for You: No toxic fumes or nasty burns.
- Easy on Equipment: Tough on grime, gentle on your machines.
- Good for the Planet: Made from renewable, eco-friendly materials.
Store It Right for the Off-Season
Once your equipment’s clean, take these steps to store it properly:
- Keep it dry and covered to protect against rust.
- Grease all moving parts and replace anything worn out.
- Fix any issues now so you’re not scrambling next season.
Get Ready for Next Year
Taking a little extra time now means fewer headaches when the paving season fires up again. At SoySolv, we’re here to help you keep your equipment clean, protected, and ready to work.
Check out SoySolv AR, AR Pro, and AR Plus on our website at www.soysolv.com, or give us a call to see how we can help.
