When evaluating asphalt patch trucks, municipalities need equipment that delivers reliable performance with minimal maintenance. One of the most important—and often overlooked—factors in patch truck performance is how it delivers asphalt to the crew: gravity-feed systems vs. auger-based systems.
This blog uncovers the differences between these two delivery methods, highlighting how Falcon’s gravity-feed system stands apart as a practical, low-maintenance alternative designed specifically for the realities of municipal road repair.
What Is a Gravity-Feed System?
In a gravity-feed patch truck, asphalt flows out of the hopper and into the work area using gravity alone—no mechanical augers or conveyors required. Operators control the material flow by adjusting the size of the delivery opening, giving them precise control without relying on moving components.
By contrast, other systems use motorized augers or conveyor belts to push asphalt through the truck and feed it into the hole. While these systems are common in traditional patch trucks, they introduce added mechanical complexity and with it, a higher risk of downtime and repair.
Comparing Gravity-Feed Systems in Patch Trucks
Let’s break down the key differences between gravity-feed and auger-based systems in everyday municipal patching operations.
| Feature | Gravity-Feed System | Auger-Based System |
| Material Delivery | Flow controlled by gravity | Motorized auger or conveyor |
| Moving Parts | Minimal | Multiple moving parts (auger, motor) |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low | High (more components = more upkeep) |
| Downtime Risk | Low (fewer failure points) | High (mechanical breakdowns common) |
| User-Friendliness | Easy to operate, less training needed | Requires more operator familiarity |
| Fuel Usage | Lower (no hydraulic motor for auger) | Higher fuel consumption |
| Repair Costs | Minimal | Can be significant |
Why Simpler Is Smarter: The Benefits of Gravity-Feed Systems
Municipalities have tight budgets and tight schedules. A breakdown mid-shift doesn’t just slow down the crew—it can lead to missed repair windows, project delays, and frustrated taxpayers. That’s why a gravity-feed system like Falcon’s offers major advantages:
Fewer Moving Parts = Fewer Breakdowns
Falcon Patch Trucks are engineered with a unique design that prioritizes simplicity and reliability. By eliminating augers and conveyors, two of the most common failure points in patch trucks, our gravity-feed system reduces the number of parts that can fail. This dramatically lowers the risk of mechanical downtime and the costly repairs that follow.
Lower Maintenance and Operating Costs
Auger-based systems often require frequent maintenance to keep running properly. Crews must inspect, clean, and service moving parts regularly, adding time and cost to every shift. Falcon’s gravity-feed design is built for low maintenance, giving crews more time to patch and less time fixing equipment.
Increased Uptime and Crew Efficiency
When equipment goes down, the whole crew stands still. Generally equipment such as auguers, break when in use. Meaning you have hardening asphalt now stuck in auger, requiring a race to get that material out before it hardens all while not damaging the equipment. Falcon’s reliable gravity-feed system helps crews stay on the road, not in the shop. With faster asphalt delivery and fewer interruptions, your team can complete more repairs per day without worrying about equipment failures.
Simple, Safe, and Easy to Operate
For municipalities relying on a rotating cast of seasonal or part-time workers, ease of use is essential. Falcon Patch Trucks are user-friendly, with straightforward controls that reduce training time, a key advantage in non-CDL patch truck operation where flexibility and ease of use matter most. Crews spend less time figuring out the machine and more time focused on productive asphalt patching.
Falcon’s Gravity-Feed System: Built for Municipal Realities
At Falcon, we understand that road maintenance teams need dependable, low-maintenance solutions that get the job done day in and day out. That’s why we engineered our gravity-feed system to prioritize:
- Simplicity – No complex hydraulic systems, just smart design that works
- Speed – Faster asphalt unloading with the industry’s largest delivery door
- Versatility – Adjustable flow control for a range of repair applications
- Durability – Fewer moving parts means longer life and better ROI
And because every Falcon Patch Truck is designed to hold hot mix asphalt at the optimal temperature for up to 72 hours, your crews can tackle more jobs with less wasted asphalt material and better results.
Choosing the Right System for Your Operation
If your municipality is still operating auger-based patch trucks, it may be time to consider the long-term savings and reliability of a gravity-feed system. Falcon’s design isn’t just simpler—it’s smarter. We help public works departments improve uptime, reduce maintenance headaches, and stay within budget.
Whether you’re upgrading a fleet or replacing a single unit, choosing the right delivery system can have a lasting impact on your bottom line. And with Falcon’s support, warranties, and training, you’re never left to figure it out alone.
Reliable Equipment Backed by Real-World Understanding
Municipal patching crews can’t afford to waste time—or budget—on complex, failure-prone equipment. That’s why Falcon’s gravity-feed systems in patch trucks are built to minimize downtime, reduce maintenance, and deliver asphalt when and where you need it.
As a manufacturer that understands the challenges of municipal road work, Falcon builds patch trucks that balance performance, durability, and simplicity. Let us help you make the switch to a smarter, more reliable solution for asphalt repair.
Recent Comments