The connection on each side of the paver tractor where the long screed tow arm attaches, mounted on hydraulic cylinders. Raising the tow point tilts the screed's leading edge up, increasing its angle of attack so it climbs and thickens the mat; lowering it does the reverse. Grade and slope sensors, often riding a ski or string line, move the tow points automatically so the screed ignores bumps the tractor drives over.
Tow point's maxed out on the right side, the sensor's fighting the grade, reset it before the next pull.
Also heard as
- tow arm pivot
Related terms
Screed
The heated, floating plate assembly at the back of a paver that levels and pre-compacts the mat.
Ski
Crew name for the long averaging beam on a paver that gives the grade sensor a smoothed reference.
Screwman
Crew slang for the screed operator, who sets mat thickness, slope and width at the back of the paver.
Head of material
The amount of mix carried in front of the screed by the augers, which must stay level and constant.