PATCHBOX LOW COST ASPHALT HOT BOX
LOW COST ASPHALT HOT BOX THAT'S RELIABLE, SIMPLE!
PatchBox uses reliable truck exhaust as the heat source, thus eliminating the need for burners, thermostats, electronic controls, and ongoing fuel expense. This results in a low cost asphalt hot box (typically costing less than half a fuel fired trailer), high reliability with virtually nothing to fail, and an easy-to-use tool for new crew members.
So our simple, affordable solution fits small towns, rural counties, and contractors purchasing their first patching equipment. But it’s also attractive for large cities, urban counties, and DOTs topping off their fleet with a right-sized hot box or for those days when it’s “all hands on deck” attacking potholes.
our affordable asphalt hot box
works great with hot mix or cold mix
We designed our low cost asphalt hot box for cold weather patching but multiple, innovative customers report that it also works great with hot mix, extending material working time during warm weather patching.
Steve (PW Director) from the Village of Black Creek, WI purchased PatchBox with the intent of bringing subcontracted summer patching in-house. Steve reports $50+/ton savings versus subcontract (incl. labor and other in-house costs).
Terry (Superintendent) from the Village of Bartonville, IL says his team is “using the crap out of our PatchBox.” Per Terry, “The guys absolutely love it!” citing the increased working time for HMA and improved ergonomics and patches with cold mix.
NOTE: Some large asphalt plants are not especially willing, or even able, to dispense small batches of hot mix based on the plant’s material handling design. Therefore, check with your plant before if you intend to use PatchBox with HMA.
our best salespeople ... happy customers!
The Village of Peoria Heights, IL recently became our fourth customer in the Peoria metro, joining Limestone Township, Cincinnati Township, and the Village of Bartonville.
Referrals resulted in sales in four suburbs of Albany, NY.
LOW COST ASPHALT HOT BOX IN COLD WEATHER
A low cost asphalt hot box is only a good value if it performs when the temperature plummets. Here’s a 1-minute video of patching in the City of DeWitt, IA on Feb. 17, 2015. The temperature is 13 degrees F with a windchill of -1 degrees F.
Note the material “crawling” out of the PatchBox.
ASPHALT HOT BOX SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 7′
Width: 4′ (6′ w/in & out elbows)
Height: 2′ (2.5′ w/Fork Guide Kit)
Capacity: 1 cu. yd.
Weight Empty: 1000 lbs. (w/PatchCatch Tray)
Weight Full: 3000-4000 lbs. (Depends on mat’l density)
ADVICE ON MATERIAL FOR PATCHING POTHOLES
There are hundreds of cold mix asphalt options across the U.S. Some are national brands held to rigid quality standards while many are local “recipes.” Some are excellent, others … not so much (we refer to these as “painted rock,” that won’t flow or produce enduring patches regardless of the temperature of the asphalt hotbox).
We are fans of Unique Paving Materials UPM® Cold Mix (UPM’s website). Asphalt plants that sell UPM®-branded material must follow rigid ingredient specifications and meet specific material tests with a company rep on-site to approve the batch. UPM® costs more, but we think it’s worth it. Patching potholes is no place to be penny wise and dollar foolish.
UPM® designs various seasonal grades (i.e., spring/fall versus winter). Make sure to select winter grade when patching in cold weather. Matching great material with PatchBox results in a situation where the asphalt “crawls” out of the hotbox and onto the PatchCatch Tray. This results in ergonomic shoveling and long-lasting patches.
Talk to us
Need a quote? Have any technical questions? Curious about customers in your region? Wondering about lead times? We are always interested in learning about your patching challenges and eager to share information about PatchBox.