The price of an asphalt plant is now a very important factory in choosing the right machine. There are various types of asphalt mixing plants available in the market today. All of them cater to different price brackets and different quality standards. Different manufacturers from different countries have their own set of price structure depending on their company standards and manufacturing cost. Anyone looking to buy the asphalt mixing plant should first consider the capacity and style (mobile or stationary) of asphalt plant. It is important to note that in some cases choosing between a drum and batch type will be required.
The duration and size of the project will also play an important role in selection process. If the duration as well as size of the project are big then they can select a better machine. But if the size or duration of project is small then one can choose a low-cost machine. This is not always true because a cheaper machine may or may not be suitable for other projects, it may be difficult to relocate it. Even the quality standards may not be suitable for long term usage. Cost of hot mix plant will be an important factor but choosing the machine entirely on the basis of price is not a good idea.
Atlas manufactures different types and categories of asphalt hot mix plants – the basic price or cost will depend on the capacity of the machine selected. It also depends on the type. The capacities that we manufacture start from as low as 20 tph, 40-60 tph, 60-90 tph, 80-100 tph, 120 tph, 160 tph, 200 tph and 260 tph. We also have different types like: batch and drum, we also have mobile as well as stationary type.
Because of growing competition even small to medium-sized jobs demand precision. Customers buying a hot mix plant should be well aware of this fact that quality of the material is of the most priority. If the machine is good it will immensely help you boost your road construction business.
Asphalt Plant Type And Specifications Decide The price
If an asphalt mix plant starts from as low price as $45,000. It can easily go up to $ 2-3 million. How do we justify the same? How does the price increase exponentially if both the set of machines produce hot mix asphalt? The answer depends on the number of factors that play an important role in deciding the price of an asphalt mixing plant. We can call these factors as specifications. Asphalt plant specifications and its type will decide the price of an asphalt plant.
Let’s cover some major points affecting the cost of asphalt mixer as below:
Capacity of Hot Mix Plant
The smaller capacity of the asphalt plant will cost less when compared to the bigger models. Usually price of bigger models increase in higher proportions. If your project is big you can choose a bigger machine. For small projects you can choose a small or a medium sized equipment. If you are not sure which size to go for you can contact Atlas Industries so that we can help you with the same.
Type of Asphalt Plants
There are two basic types of asphalt plants – continuous type and batch type. The batch type plant has more functions. It is complicated than a drum plant and hence costlier to own and operate. Batch plants are more accurate and feature better weighing. They produce better quality of hot mix asphalt compared to the continuous (drum) type. Drum types are also good and preferred where 2-3% of variation in the weight is allowed. They are an excellent alternative to the already expensive batch plants. Atlas is manufacturer and exporter of both the types of hot mix plants.
Detailed Configuration Asphalt Mix Plant
Detailed configuration of the asphalt mix plant is very important factor. The more the number of components and features the more will be the price. For example, if the number of bitumen tanks are 5 it will be costlier than having 2 or 3 bitumen tanks. But it comes with its advantage. If you are going for more bitumen storage then it will help in the long run. Another example is that of a hot storage silo. It may not be a compulsory accessory but if the job demands storage of hot mix asphalt for some time then your asphalt plant configured with a hot storage silo will be a boon for your business. Even the size of burner, addition of RAP material, size of dust collector, number of aggregate bins, filler storage, additive determine the price of your selected asphalt mix plant.
Mobility Hot Mixing Plant Affects The Price
Mobility is one of the major factors affecting the cost of the hot mixing plant. If the plant is mobile the price will be more. Mobility for any machine offers the independence to move around places easily. If you opt for a mobile hot asphalt plant it is easy to move around places and take the plant almost everywhere. All this comes at a price point. Usually the portable versions come with heavier chassis, axles and all the options to make things easy for you.
Asphalt Plant Accessories
When a customer buys, he can go on adding many accessories. It is a simple rule that more the accessories, heavier the price customer pays. For example the increase in the number of bins will raise the price, a RAP addition feature will also increase the price. Any additional item or accessory like an extra bitumen tank will make sure the asphalt plant price increases.
Minimise the cost of operating and ownership of asphalt mixing plant
Buying an asphalt plant is one side of the coin. Operating and maintaining (ownership) is another side of the coin. While buying many companies will show you only one side of the coin. The other side is often overlooked by customers because the buying process is made tedious. If the maintenance or ownership is not considered it will harm you in the long run. In any scenario the experience and willingness of an asphalt plant operator is very helpful.
The operating and maintaining cost will depend on the type of the asphalt plant that you own. Usually batch plant will be costlier to own and maintain. Continuous drum mixers are less expensive on the pocket. The cost will vary from model to model, will vary from capacity to capacity.
Before selecting an asphalt plant one should consider all the necessary points. One should discuss in details with the manufacturer about the quality parameters. It is also important to check the price of service offered after the warranty period. Also getting few handy spares will be important. Make sure everything is explained in details and satisfactorily.
Fuel efficiency should be considered seriously. If an asphalt mixing plant is costing less but consuming more fuel then the entire process of saving money is a waste. Price is an important factor but it should not be the only factor in choosing an asphalt mixing plant. The cost should be considered but not heavily influence the buying decision.
Return On Investment Cost For Hot Mix Plant
What is return on investment for hot mix plant? How should it affect the buying process?
A balanced decision is very important while selecting the hot mix plant. Asphalt plant is a long-term investment. If invested carefully the return can be fast or it can lead to loss. If you are new to this the terms and specifications will be daunting. The buying process will be very difficult. Note that all this should not take away the right decision away from you. First and foremost you should give yourself a lot of time to plan for this purchase. Understand that most manufacturers may not have ready made machine.
You have to plan well in advance. If you are looking at some customizations make sure you have everything ready when you sit with the manufacturer. Also note that these customizations are going to take up a lot of time and hence you need to give additional time for the same.
Once you have your own perfect equipment – half of your job is done. Now the focus should be on the regular flow of materials (aggregate, bitumen, fuel, etc.) and the efficient operation of the machine. If you can manage to have a skilled operator understand that you are already on the path of success. A well-trained operator and his supportive staff will ensure the success of your project. Sometimes operators will ensure that the day’s work is done even if he will need to go out of his way. If you have already achieved these simple steps you are well on the verge of becoming a success. Now there is no need to worry about waiting trucks or pavers – since you have your own machine. An asphalt mixing plant that is easy and cheaper to maintain will give profits not only immediately but also in the longer run.
If you are looking for long term solutions, do not hesitate to contact us. We are ready to serve you with customized solutions.
