FEATURE
BEST SIZE
SEALCOATING MACHINE
I n a perfect world , the sealcoating machine would automatically size and configure itself for the job at hand . Small driveway ... BOOM , no problem ! Giant residential or industrial complex ... POOF , easy peasy ! That would be nice and certainly would make pavement sealcoating an easy and welcome task , while matching the equipment perfectly to the need .
Unfortunately , magic does not appear that easily . But perhaps with hard work and the right tools , jobs can be more easily completed .
“ Sealcoating jobs come in many different sizes and types of applications , including driveways , small to large commercial lots , shopping malls , airports , and even light-trafficked roads ,” stated Chris Vacca , senior marketing manager with Crafco , Inc ., Chandler , Arizona . “ The size of the application determines the amount of sealer needed and , therefore to some extent , the size of the equipment needed .” There are the different sealcoating systems available . “ When looking at the options , there are a variety of machines to consider ,” said Brent Loutzenhiser , owner and president of Seal-Rite , Auxvasse , Missouri . “ There are hand crank , gravity feed , power agitated , hand crank spray , and hydraulically agitated spray . A spray system with hydraulic agitation gets every job done with ease . However , if you only take on a few sealcoating jobs a month , a hand crank system is a good place to start . “
The success of any job starts with selecting the proper machine to address the project ’ s needs .
“ Sealcoat contractors can apply product by spray or squeegee ,” stated Jason Mixell engineering and sales manager with Nealco Equipment LLC ,
Choosing what you need for each size job
By Jeff Winke
Shippensburg , Pennsylvania . “ Squeegee application gives a consistent finish , but will have an uneven thickness as it scrapes off the tops of the asphalt and fills in the pits . Squeegee application is best for newly paved asphalt .
“ Squeegee machines are usually driven machines that are specialized to squeegee application . Many are dual applicators that can spray as well . Spraying can give a quick , even coverage , but requires some skill to put a consistent coat down . Most machines use a spray wand , but many feature a spraybar , which can apply a wide path of up to 15-feet .”
Mixell continued : “ Spray machines come with two types of pumps , hydraulic and pneumatic . Pneumatic machines use a diaphragm pump driven by an air compressor . Hydraulic pumps are driven by hydraulic pressure . Each has an advantage . The air machine is generally less expensive and requires less skill to operate and maintain . The hydraulic pump can apply a wider variety of materials with greater pressure , which results in more jobs completed . Smaller air machines may come with hand-agitation , which may be best for the occasional user . If you plan to use the machine daily or on an industrial basis , you will probably want hydraulic agitation . You should also consider the material the machine is built with . For a long-lasting machine , you should choose one with a 3 / 16 ” thick or greater tank and a channel or box tube frame .”
In order to provide some range of the job sizes , the following classification is given .
Vacca detailed the following : “ Driveways to small commercial applications are < 1000 square yards and can require as much as 287 mixed gallons . Medium- to large-applications , such as schools , commercial properties , hospitals can range from 1000-
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January 2022