Verified model comparison
Compare undercarriage, screed and site movement as one paving package.
The AP500 reference is wheeled; the AP555 uses a tracked arrangement. Consider maneuvering, surface conditions, relocation and how the machine interacts with delivery trucks. Neither architecture is a universal winner, and the purchase decision should use the proposed work sequence rather than a general preference for tires or tracks.
Record screed model, heating, extensions and compaction equipment before comparing width or transport length. The AP500 record follows an SE47 FM package and retains a conflict with a differently stated current web maximum width. Confirm the serial-matched screed documentation before using that maximum in a bid or equipment order.
Inspect material conveyors, augers, screed plates and heating zones on both machines. Add tire and bogie condition for the AP500, and track-system condition for the AP555. Verify grade-control equipment included in each price and cost any missing extensions or sensors needed for the same paving task.
Generation/configuration-aware: measurement basis and reference configuration travel with each value. A difference in basis is not treated as a performance difference.
| Specification | Caterpillar AP500 Asphalt Paver | Caterpillar AP555 Asphalt Paver |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping length — SE47 FM | 18 ft 6 in5,630 mmNorth American Build 07A AP500, C4.4 Tier 4 Final, 17.5R25 tires and SE47 FM screed; shipping configuration. Height is to the steering wheel, not an upright canopy or beacon. | 18 ft 6.4 in5,648 mmSE47 V screed; transport dimensions with end gates fitted and equipment stowed. Working width is measured with hoppers lowered; screed extensions are separately identified. |
| Transport width (with end gates) | 8 ft 6 in2,590 mmNorth American Build 07A AP500, C4.4 Tier 4 Final, 17.5R25 tires and SE47 FM screed; shipping configuration. Height is to the steering wheel, not an upright canopy or beacon. | 8 ft 6 in2,590 mmSE47 V screed; transport dimensions with end gates fitted and equipment stowed. Working width is measured with hoppers lowered; screed extensions are separately identified. |
| Transport height (steering wheel) | 9 ft 6 in2,890 mmNorth American Build 07A AP500, C4.4 Tier 4 Final, 17.5R25 tires and SE47 FM screed; shipping configuration. Height is to the steering wheel, not an upright canopy or beacon. | 9 ft 2.8 in2,814 mmSE47 V screed; transport dimensions with end gates fitted and equipment stowed. Working width is measured with hoppers lowered; screed extensions are separately identified. |
| Operating length — SE47 FM | 19 ft 3 in5,865 mmSE47 FM in operating arrangement. | 19 ft 4.6 in5,909 mmSE47 V screed; transport dimensions with end gates fitted and equipment stowed. Working width is measured with hoppers lowered; screed extensions are separately identified. |
| Operating width (hoppers lowered) | 10 ft 9 in3,281 mmHoppers lowered in operating position. | 10 ft 9.2 in3,281 mmSE47 V screed; transport dimensions with end gates fitted and equipment stowed. Working width is measured with hoppers lowered; screed extensions are separately identified. |
| Operating height (beacon) | 11 ft3,352 mmOperating beacon position. | Not published in this research record |
| Ground clearance | 7.8 in197 mmNorth American Build 07A AP500, C4.4 Tier 4 Final, 17.5R25 tires and SE47 FM screed; shipping configuration. Height is to the steering wheel, not an upright canopy or beacon. | Not published in this research record |
| Truck entry height (hopper) | 1 ft 9 in537 mmNorth American Build 07A AP500, C4.4 Tier 4 Final, 17.5R25 tires and SE47 FM screed; shipping configuration. Height is to the steering wheel, not an upright canopy or beacon. | 1 ft 10 in567 mmSE47 V screed; transport dimensions with end gates fitted and equipment stowed. Working width is measured with hoppers lowered; screed extensions are separately identified. |
| Drive axle center to front idler | 7 ft 8 in2,338 mmNorth American Build 07A AP500, C4.4 Tier 4 Final, 17.5R25 tires and SE47 FM screed; shipping configuration. Height is to the steering wheel, not an upright canopy or beacon. | Not published in this research record |
| Maximum paving width — SE47 FM | 20 ft 6 in6.2 mSE47 FM with extensions, QEHQ2895-02 technical sheet; confirm fitted extension package. | 20 ft 4.1 in6.2 mSE47 V screed; transport dimensions with end gates fitted and equipment stowed. Working width is measured with hoppers lowered; screed extensions are separately identified. |
| Engine power @ 2200 rpm (ISO 14396-2002) | Not published in this research record | 148 hp110 kWSE47 V screed; transport dimensions with end gates fitted and equipment stowed. Working width is measured with hoppers lowered; screed extensions are separately identified. |
A wheeled paver whose usefulness depends on the screed and paving setup as much as the tractor. The dimensions here follow the North American SE47 FM package.
ExploreTracked asphalt paver with an SE47 V screed. Shipping dimensions, hopper-open width and paving width are separate measurements.
ExploreCarry utilization, fuel, wear, attachments and transport into an editable planning model.
ExploreNo winner is declared. Job fit depends on configuration, condition, dealer support, attachments, transport and cost assumptions beyond these published figures.