COVER STORY | ADVERTORIAL
Able’ s state of the art equipment and parts showroom has everything a contractor will need.
Able Equipment is designed for simple operation and easy maintenance.
Allied Paving Equipment( APE): Mark, you have always been a proponent of common-sense buying decisions when it comes to equipment. What advice would you give someone wanting to buy a piece of sealcoating equipment?
Mark McLeod( MM): First and foremost, contractors need to set a budget for what they can afford and explore the options. Many contractors start out as we all did with a pail, barrel or tote sealing company. But some of the facts they overlook when making a major purchase can be blinded by the impulse to have an equipment upgrade.
APE: Interesting, can you share some examples of what they may overlook when buying a piece of sealcoating equipment? MM: Contractors who are small and have been in business for a short two to three years typically are the ones wanting an upgrade. But they need to look at all the facts— facts that will include a new monthly payment, increased fuel expense for the seal rig, insurance costs, labor, maintenance costs and most importantly, obtaining and
maintaining a good workload to make the payment necessary for a successful business. Make sure before you buy that you shop for quality, and don’ t overlook rentals of available equipment so you can try before you buy.
APE: How has Able Industries fit into the Maintenance Inc. brands? MM: Awesome! We purchased Able primarily for the parts and accessories business. But once we purchased Able, we were getting so many calls for Able parts and accessories that we quickly realized just how many Able units were out there nationwide. We also realized the demand for their equipment was there, so we continued to manufacture the Able brand units.
APE: Brad Eagle, how has the parts list for Able evolved since Maintenance Inc. acquired Able in 2015? Brad Eagle( BE): We started off making sure we carried all the parts needed to repair the units should the need arise. I wanted to make sure we had most of the parts in inventory while also having finished units on the showroom floor. Nothing is worse than a contractor having an issue with a unit and needing parts and for us to not have that in stock. We strive to ensure we have an adequate inventory.
APE: Brad, is there anything new in the Able industry line? BE: We took our Original Able edger to a tradeshow, and we sold about 30 from the show! The Original Able edger has become a lifesaver for fast clean edging on parking lots and roadway curb lines. You can see our Able edger videos online at www. maintinc. com or on our Maintenance Inc. Facebook page.
APE: Last we spoke, you mentioned a new product you are introducing in 2025. Can you elaborate? BE: Well, we brought back our original thickener additive for all pavement sealers, FSA-Plus blue label. It thickens pavement sealer while adding the curing qualities contractors have come to know in all our
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