APE APE December 2019 | Page 15

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