FEATURE
to 10,000-square yards and require up to 2,870 gallons of mixed material . Large- to super-sized-applications , including shopping malls , airports , industrial complexes and roads , will be categorized as 10000-square-yards and above , and require in excess of 2870 gallons of mixed material .
“ In order to achieve the highest efficiency , equipment of varying sizes and capabilities are needed . Typical sizes for tanks are 300- , 550- , 750- , 1000- , 1500- , and 2000-gallon capacity . Every size of tank can complete a job , it is just how efficient can the application be in order to be competitively priced . For example , a 300-gallon tank can complete a 10000-gallon application , but will require 33-34 tank loads . Each tank load requires downtime while traveling to supply site , subsequently filling up with sealer , and then driving back to the job site . In contrast , if one had a 2000-gallon tank , then only five trips are needed to the supply site , filling , and returning . So , the typical job size determines the tank capacity needed in order to achieve the most efficiency of time and labor .”
Vacca continued , “ Sealcoat machine capabilities include spraying with a spray wand , spraying with a spray bar , squeegeeing with a self-propelled squeegee , making and squeegeeing using a drag box behind a tank truck . Preferably one will have capability to squeegee and spray as this is a favored for two coat applications . Normally driveways and small commercial lots as defined above will be sueequeed by hand and sprayed with a spray wand . As one moves in to the medium- to large-sized category , self-propelled squeegee machines with dual application ( squeegee / spray ) are efficient in labor cost and energy required by labor . A spray bar or spray wand can be used for spray application in this mid-range category . For the large-size applications and above , efficiency comes with larger tanks with spray bars and drag assemblies . Sealer can be applied at a very high rate with these types of equipment .” Certainly , there are advantages in both manual application of sealcoating and using a sealcoating machine .
“ With a spray machine you have the option to pump your material down and then brush or squeegee it or you would have the ability to spray ,” Loutzenhiser said . “ When you spray jobs , you can hit the application rate no matter the condition of the asphalt . So , the amount of material you leave is determined by how you mix your material , your spray tip , your air pressure , and the speed you walk . If you are manually applying your material , the amount of sealer you leave is determined by the asphalt , how much you cut your material , and the brush or squeegee you use . So , if you have a very rough lot , it could take an excess of material . If you have a lot in good condition , you might not be able to get as much material on as needed .”
Like all equipment , when choosing a sealcoating machine , uptime , speed , efficiency and durable , high-quality results are on the line . To be successful the unit must deliver on all fronts . But not every sealcoat machine is right for every contractor . Clearly , it makes sense to thoroughly research the options to find the best match for the need .
The magic of selecting the best size sealcoat equipment for the need can happen , if the time and research is invested .
For More Information On This Advertiser Please Visit www . CallAPE . com / e-inquiry
1.800.210.5923 [ 13 ]
January 2022