APE February 2024 | страница 24

BRIAN HALL
ASPHALT ANSWERS
Working with a distributor truck opens up a new set of challenges , the greatest of these is safety

Asphalt Distributor Trucks

Do ’ s and Don ’ ts or Do I Even Need One ?

BRIAN HALL

W e all know the importance of tack coating and most of us already own a small tack tank . But what is the best time to start thinking about moving up to a full function distributor truck ? Not only do you get more features and benefits from a distributor truck versus a smaller tack tank , but you have some new responsibilities as well , mostly associated with the liability of an on-road vehicle . The benefits may be there , but you need to be diligent in your decision .

First of all , you need to look at where 80 % of your jobs are located . If your jobs are driveways , small parking lots and patching , a 300 or 600 gallon tack tank will do just fine . You may even consider putting a spraybar on your unit to assist in product placement . ( Remember the important rule of 95 % coverage ). If 80 % of your workload consists of subdivisions , state roads , larger parking lots or even city streets , you may want to consider a distributor truck . Basically , if you work in more confined spaces where a truck will be more in the way than beneficial , use a tack tank . If you find yourself having to make more than one trip per day to the asphalt plant to refill , you may want to consider a distributor truck . Also remember that distributor trucks come with hand spray wands for tighter situations . Ok , you ’ ve decided that a distributor truck is a good investment for your company . Now the fun begins ! The first thing you should expect is a complete startup by a product expert . This training is not only essential to learning about proper operation of your new equipment , but is a time to learn about safe operation as well . I have heard many stories in my travel of accidents involving improper operation of asphalt distributors . Please take
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