The cheapest asphalt plant quote is often the one with the most missing. To compare fairly, put every quote on one sheet with the same rows, and only look at price once scope and specifications match.
Step 1 — Send everyone the same request
Give every supplier the same project data, or they will each quote what suits them:
- Output per hour and per day, and the mixes
- Wet-season aggregate moisture and site altitude
- Fuel and power available (voltage and frequency)
- Storage needs (hot mix silo, bitumen tanks)
- Emission limit and specification
- Delivery port, and whether the plant will move
Our 12-question checklist turns this into a ready-made request.
Step 2 — The comparison sheet
| Row | Supplier A | Supplier B | Supplier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | |||
| Model and rated output | |||
| Plant type (stationary / containerized / mobile / drum) | |||
| Cold feed bins (number × m³) | |||
| Drying drum (length × diameter) | |||
| Burner rating and fuel | |||
| Mixer (kg per batch) | |||
| Hot bins (m³) | |||
| Baghouse filter area (m²) and fan | |||
| Filler silo | |||
| Bitumen tanks (number × m³) and heating | |||
| Hot mix silo | |||
| Control room and system | |||
| Installed power (kW), voltage, frequency | |||
| Components | |||
| Burner brand | |||
| Motors and reducers brands | |||
| Load cells and PLC brands | |||
| Logistics | |||
| Packing list (containers, flat racks, heaviest piece) | |||
| Foundation or pad requirements | |||
| Commercial | |||
| Price basis (FOB / CFR / CIF) | |||
| Delivery time | |||
| Payment terms | |||
| Installation and training (engineers × days) | |||
| Warranty (period, inclusions) | |||
| Spare parts included | |||
| Price |
Step 3 — Read the specifications, not the label
Two plants both called “120 t/h” can differ in:
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Drum size and burner rating | Decide output on wet days |
| Mixer kg per batch | Sets output at a given cycle time — see cycle time |
| Baghouse filter area | Emission compliance and bag life |
| Installed power | Generator size and power cost |
| Steel thickness and liners | Plant life |
Step 4 — Find the missing items
The usual suspects left out of a low quote: bitumen tanks, tank heating, filler silo, control room, cables between units, spare parts pack, painting system for coastal sites, installation supervision and training. Ask every supplier to mark each row included / optional / not offered.
Step 5 — Compare delivered and installed cost
| Cost | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quoted price (on the same basis) | |||
| Missing items, priced as options | |||
| Freight and insurance (from packing list) | |||
| Duties and clearance | |||
| Foundations or pad | |||
| Installation and training | |||
| Generator (if needed, from installed kW) | |||
| Delivered and installed total |
Our project cost guide explains each line, and our price guide shows indicative ranges.
Step 6 — Then judge the supplier
References in your region, factory verification and contract terms matter as much as the sheet. See how to choose a manufacturer and how to verify a Chinese supplier.
Send us your request — our quotation fills every row of this sheet.
