EXPERT ADVICE
start of the season. Proper maintenance
of equipment is key to limit downtime
during the season, which is costly in in
terms of labor and profit.” Inspect calibration of meter if applicable.
Rebuild sealcoating pumps
Replace sealer hose and wand
Inspect strainer and basket
Here is a checklist Collins used for bulk
tanks/sealcoating tanks:
Check tanks annually
Flush tanks and water before filling
with sealer to remove any lose debris from
chipping.
Grease bearings
Change hydraulic filter
Change hydraulic fluid
Inspect Love-joys
Inspect gears and chains on hydraulic
motors/pumps.
Inspect any belts if applicable.
Inspect chain that drives agitation to
make sure it’s not too lose or too tight.
Inspect welds on tanks for any cracks
Inspect inside shaft and paddles for any
damage or wear. Replace rubbers if not
getting a full sweep. Equipment with small engines require
attention in order to be prepared for the
season. Collins recommends changing the
oil in any small equipment like blowers,
air compressors, rotary brooms, etc. “This
should be done throughout the season as
well. As a supplier of equipment, we see
where many times new equipment needs
to be purchased because of a lack of main-
tenance, not because the engines had worn
out.”
It is also very important to ensure that
equipment is clean from the previous season.
“Every year I have to help customers be-
cause they forgot to thoroughly clean out
their sealcoat tank, which ends up costing
them valuable time,” Wellman said. “Con-
tactors should also take an inventory of
their tools, such as checking their squee-
gees all the way down to their spray tips to
ensure they have everything they need to
start out the season.”
With respect to the equipment required
for sealcoating, Robert Archie with US
Seal International, Reno, Nev. stated:
“You will need an applicator machine ca-
pable of squeegeeing viscous material, as
well as being a sprayer. That means a large
enough opening for gravity flow into the
squeegee box, usually a two-inch diameter
pipe. Which is typical on most machines.
As far as the spray portion an individual
would need a machine with a double di-
aphragm pump, two-inch openings, with
a compressor capable of generating at least
23cfms. Along with these machines, you
will need the typical sealcoat brushes,
squeegees, blowers, and other tools.”
Also, as part of preparing for the sealcoat
season, it is imperative to check all sealcoat
materials.
“Pay particular attention to the sealer in
your holding tanks and application rigs,”
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