Ever wonder what an “asphalt mat” is? Or how to achieve the smooth installation of one? Look to the manufacturers of paving machines, who depend on our CJ bearings for their high-load capacity, shock absorption and self-lubrication to build some of the finest asphalt super pavers in the industry.

Our clients lead the industry in the production of paving products, everything from small and large pavers, to rollers, water tankers, and graders. But it is on their compact super pavers used in driveway and small parking lot construction where our CJ bearings shine.

Blacktop Basics

An asphalt mat is the fresh asphalt surface left behind the paving machine before it is compacted and cured. The asphalt is an aggregate of stone and sand that is mixed with liquid cement to form a “hot mix.” When installed and maintained properly, an asphalt surface can last up to 30 years and remain strong and flexible enough to withstand hot temperatures as well as the freezing and thawing cycles of a cold environment. However, the durability of the asphalt surface is only as good as the quality of the installation.

Cemented with CJ

CJ bearings are located on the inboard shafts that extend from the main body of the paver to the guide plates. As the guide plates move in and out to lay down the asphalt, CJ bearings carry the full load of the plate in a heavily-cantilevered fashion. The bearings excel because they offer low friction to give freer movement to the hydraulically-driven guide plates, and they remain thermally stable even with the excessive temperature of the asphalt mix. Plus, they do not require expensive greasing, and can easily withstand the impact and vibration of a moving construction vehicle over uneven terrain.

And because they offer extended wear and a flexible design, you could even say that CJ bearings are firmly “cemented” in paving production.

Read how our CJ bearings outperform metal in mass transit, snow groomers, and marine lifts, or reach out to our experts for answers to your application challenge. And be sure to check out our Tech Talk Bearing Blog for the latest industry trends and tips.