Asphalt plants come in two standard varieties: mobile and stationary. Depending on your needs, each one has its own design requirements. They both offer benefits, design, and often, a unique customer base. Let’s look into the difference between the two plants:

What is a Stationary Mixing Plant?

Stationary drum mixers are often bigger than their mobile counterparts. They require more space to set up and are usually stationed at a single location for a long duration. The purpose of a stationary plant is to produce large quantities of hot mix in one location.

Stationary plants are usually more complex than their mobile version. These plants require more permanent foundations and preparation, as the weight of the components can be much greater. Additionally, transportation costs are often higher due to stationary plant components needing to be trailered. This typically results in an oversized/overweight load.

The Advantages of Stationary Plant

A properly operating stationary plant is more efficient than a mobile plant.  This is the result of the output being greater, and generally located near a reliable and cheaper fuel supply. Stationary plants tend to have a heavier build/robustness to them, as they are designed to remain in place for a long period of time without the need to be transported every few weeks or months.

What is a Mobile Mixing Plant? 

A mobile or portable mixing plant is also capable of producing quality hotmix, but on a smaller scale. The major factor separating a stationary and portable plant is the maximum physical size. Mobile plants are much more compact and need to be transported down the road several times a season. They are often the best choice for temporary projects or remote locations.

The Advantages of a Mobile Asphalt Plant

• Mobility. They are typically smaller and use fewer components that are easier and cheaper to transport with integral highway axel design.
• Use Less Space. Mobile plants have smaller components that are tightly packed and require less space.
• Less Installation time. The overall size is smaller, weight is less, and minimal foundation prep is required to operate a portable plant. It can be installed in a shorter timeframe, making it ideal for shifting locations and limited space. Most portable mixing plants are prewired, facilitating a faster installation time. 
• Lower costs. When facilitating temporary projects, mobile plants use smaller components, less space, and require less installation time. This adds up to lower setup and operating costs than a stationary unit.

In general, if you need a plant that can be quickly installed and shipped from site to site, you’ll want a portable version. A stationary version, on the other hand, is the better choice for customers with a high volume of hotmix production at a single location. Learn more about CWMF’s available options, or contact one of our helpful team members here.