Abstract: A screed assembly for a paving machine includes a main screed portion and an extension screed portion longitudinally extendable from the main screed portion. The extension screed portion includes a variable length coupling portion arranged in a manner sufficient to permit modifying the overall length of the extension screed portion such that the screed assembly may be extended to a maximum overall width that is twice that of the minimum retracted width.

Abstract: A height control arrangement for a strike-off plate of an asphalt paver screed assembly is disclosed. The screed assembly has at least one main screed unit and at least one screed extension unit mounted in front of the main screed unit. The height control arrangement includes an actuator connected with the strike-off plate mounted in front of the main screed unit at a position ahead of the screed extension unit. A sensor measures the amount of material built up behind the strike off plate and sends an input signal to a controller responsive to the amount of material. The controller sends a control signal to the actuator to adjust the height of the strike off plate responsive to the magnitude of the input signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a screed plate to a frame member of a screed assembly is disclosed. A leading edge portion of the screed plate is secured to the frame member by a number of fastening assemblies each of which includes an upper fastening block, a lower fastening block, and a bolt. The upper fastening block is welded to the frame member, whereas the lower fastening block is welded to the screed plate. Rotation of the bolt causes the fastening blocks, and hence the frame member and the screed plate, to be secured to one another. The bolt is disposed at an angle relative the screed plate thereby allowing access thereto from a rear portion of the screed assembly. Such a configuration allows the screed plate to be exchanged without the need to remove the screed assembly from the tractor associated with the paver. Such a configuration further allows the screed plate to be exchanged without the need to remove a number of deflector plates associated with the screed assembly.