APE APE April 2020 | Page 24

INDUSTRY NEWS It utilizes the AR55’s patented venting features and, best of all, David claims the sturdy and simple design is a perfect match for the “Cookie Box”. “The advantages of the AR55’s burner system were so obvious that I had to de- velop a line of crack sealant melters and applicators,” said the elder Price. “This has been desperately needed for a long time.” Many companies, like Ted’s, have opt- ed to convert their current equipment with Soft Heat’s retrofit kits, which David said is a great way to make the less-efficient older equipment more profitable. He also said the SH-MA10 melter outperforms torch-fired units by melting material in half the time -- while using a fraction of the propane. The new design takes care of the age- old problem of torch blow-outs while creating levels of reliability and in-field serviceability that are unmatched. “Most melters are burning some per- centage of the material they melt when a flame directly contacts the steel,” explained David. “The infrared heat source produces an even temperature across the entire burner face while no flame ever contacts steel. This is why we named the company Soft Heat Manu- facturing.” The biggest benefit Since his early days in this business David has continually obsessed with finding ways to supplement hard work with better tools and equipment. His path has ultimately led him to 23 years of supplying materials, tools and advice to contractors in the Midwest. In that time, however, the pavement maintenance business has become a competitive market where promises of hard work and a willingness to do a dirty job are no longer enough to secure a contract. “Today, customers want a one-stop-shop, and the contractors who are able to adapt and efficiently provide complete service within their own abil- ities are winning the day”, explained Ted. “The larger 30 and 55 gallon melters are posting far superior performance numbers than our conventional burner units,” said Ted. “We are competitive on commercial work now and have cut man hours in half. As for asphalt repairs, “We don’t have to become a paving company to ser- vice our customers properly and winter patching with permanent hot asphalt is now possible. It is a whole new revenue stream for this business”. Their insightful sales representative Ben Cotten puts it like this “a successful business is not measured in its ability to just keep up – it must be allowed to expand its marketplace through inno- vative solutions– in such a competitive environment, real solutions are rare. Soft Heat is providing its customers a clear competitive advantage”. For More Information please visit www.softheatmfg.com or email [email protected]. Over 40 years of experience manufacturing hydraulic spray equipment. 888-925-7029 Sarasota, Florida For More Information On This Advertiser Please Visit www.CallAPE.com/e-inquiry www.callape.com [24] 1.800.210.5923