EXPERT ADVICE
“ Pothole repair can be done with smaller machines , such as any of our portable line of infrared heaters ,” said Matt Kieswetter , technical sales manager with Heat Design Equipment , Inc ., Kitchener , Ontario , Canada . “ Larger repair areas that show alligator cracking and long cracks would require what we refer to as a large production asphalt heater , such as our trailer or skid-steer mounted machines . If a contractor is planning on performing preheating work for cold weather paving , they will need a larger infrared heater that is capable of heating in motion .” Fillion cautioned : “ You don ’ t want to take on a bigger infrared job with a smaller machine , as time is money . Doing very large repairs with a smaller machine can be done and done well , BUT it is very time consuming and will probably not turn out to be a profitable project in the end . “ The project will also require a very experienced operator to achieve the quality repair you ’ re seeking . So , having a smaller machine as part of your equipment fleet is a great idea to handle the smaller jobs and keep your bigger machine exclusively working on the bigger projects . Again , time is money , so keep that in mind , when you are getting into the infrared business . Also , you always want to handle your infrared projects as a separate business , from say your paving , striping , or crack filling projects .”
There are also specialty projects that could be challenging and worth pursuing , so be alert .
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“ A cold seam running down the middle of a newly paved road or parking lot would require a more lineal / longitudinal infrared system ,” Blake said . “ Most thermoplastic markings such as crosswalks are 6ft tall so those too would require a machine that has at least a 6ft reach . A majority of airports have also started switching to thermoplastic material for runway markings . These airport markings vary in size and application methods , so they require a very specific type of infrared machine to apply correctly and meet airport specifications .” Van Velsor added : “ The more ‘ specialized ’ repairs usually require full-lane heating or small area heating . In other words , the extremes of sizes available . For small areas , like sidewalks or very small driveways , a 4 ’ x 4 ’ or 4 ’ x 6 ’ heater may be easier to maneuver and might fit better in the space . On full-lane type repairs , a 13 ’ wide chamber is often the way to go in order to avoid having to do two heats side by side with any smaller-sized chamber . Longitudinal joint heating could also be considered another specialty job , since most general heaters are too large . A narrow , but long joint heater is the best option .” When looking at the infrared heating market , the notion of big does come to mind ... big opportunities for those who are prepared . “ You need to decide on how you want to move forward in the market ,” said Filion . “ It is my opinion you either commit wholeheartedly to offering infrared as a core service or you may only want a machine for the occasional repair . The ideal set up would be to buy the bigger machine to get your business going and then add other infrared machines that can help grow your business--such as a seam heater or the small walk behind machine . Keep in mind that the larger machine can handle any of the small repairs , so you will not lose out on those jobs as they come up while your business grows !”
Blake concluded : “ Prior to investing in an infrared machine , a contractor should always plan for the future . Too often we see contractors opt for a smaller-sized infrared because it fits the immediate job they have , but they do not consider the future and quickly outgrow the smaller unit and end up ordering a larger size the following year . “ If you are not sure what size is best for you and your business don ’ t be afraid to contact a manufacturer and ask questions . The manufacturers do this every single day and have helped thousands of contractors invest in the right-sized infrared machine . Ask questions and use the resources that are out there to make sure your big decision is the right one .”
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