EXPERT ADVICE
sealcoating, the happier the customer. Of-
tentimes contractors will even receive in-
creased pay for efficiency. A storage tank
contributes to all of that.
5. Make Bank on Built-In Attachments
Having equipment that’s efficient means
contractors can serve customers quickly,
and that translates to greater profits.
Choosing a drivable machine with a
built-in blower and cutting-in attachment
is one of the easiest ways to boost produc-
tivity. It eliminates the need for addition-
al equipment and labor. In fact, it allows
contractors to do the sealcoat prep work
as much as seven times faster than with
traditional methods.
6. Boost Efficiency With a Distributor Bar
In addition, using a distributor bar is
more efficient than a hand wand and re-
duces labor costs. It takes 20 minutes to
empty a 750-gallon tank, compared to a
hand wand that takes about an hour and
25 minutes.
7. Set Yourself Apart With Versatility
Versatility is key when it comes to gain-
ing a larger customer base. For the greatest
flexibility and opportunity to complete a
wide range of jobs with a single piece of
equipment, look for a pump that pushes
as much as 15 pounds of sand per gallon.
You’ll be able to cover large jobs, such
as airports and parking lots, yet take on
smaller projects, such as driveways.
Also, consider a machine that offers
both squeegee and spray methods. The
squeegee method works well for rough
surfaces that require packing material
into the cracks and crevices, and the spray
method works best on smooth surfaces.
Only about 5 percent of contractors own
dual applicator machines, so competition
for jobs is greatly reduced. Not only that,
but the results last 40 percent longer than
with the two-coat industry-standard spray
method.
8. A Solid Support System
Having a quality sealcoat machine is
half the battle when looking to maximize
ROI. For taking profit potential further,
work with a reliable, customer-focused
manufacturer. That type of commitment
will help keep equipment on the job. This
means having personal diagnostic assis-
tance available by phone to troubleshoot
any problems as well as readily accessible
parts for fast replacements. It’s also benefi-
cial when manufacturers offer services for
aging equipment, such as upgrades, parts
replacements or pump rebuilds, since
it helps contractors get even more value
from their existing equipment.
For a fast ROI, remember to look at all
angles of the machine’s cost, from the ini-
tial investment to added labor and main-
tenance costs over time. With these tips in
mind, raising ROI is a problem solved.
Maury Bagwell is the lead engineer at the
Neal Manufacturing division of Blastcrete
Equipment LLC, which is based in Annis-
ton, Alabama. He has more than 25 years of
experience in manufacturing, sales, product
design and engineering. His primary respon-
sibilities include product development, engi-
neering and quality control.
It’s More than Measurements
It’s Property
Intelligence
™
BOOTH 638
Start a chain
reaction of
growth in your
business.
Get Your Free
Trial Today.
www.GoiPave.com
1.800.210.5923
[15]
December 2019