Just as important as understanding which jobs will benefit from an infrared repair is choosing the right equipment and understanding its capabilities as well as its limitations. An infrared repair is only as good as the equipment, materials and its operator, so it’ s important to do your research, according to Jarrod Filion, Owner and President of North American Infrared.“ Talk to someone that’ s familiar with the brand of equipment you are looking at not related to the manufacturer,” he says.“ They are not all created equal, and some are definitely more efficient than others. If you are just starting out and you don’ t want to take the leap into a truck-mounted system, then a trailer mount could be a good option.” He says that trailer mounted units have their maneuverability limitations, however, so a truck-mounted system may be the way to go, especially since they have room to carry the needed equipment and tools that include size options for the hotbox. And it’ s not just the equipment you should evaluate – the equipment you invest in is only as good as its operators. Barry McFadyen, Manager of Paving Products at Heat Design Equipment, Inc., believes that while finding the right equipment is key, just as critical is the training your crew receives to operate the equipment properly and at its maximum efficiency.“ You can’ t get enough training,” Mc- Fadyen says.“ Send your crews to factory training every year, or as often as possible. Constant reminders and learning should be taking place daily, regarding both the equipment capabilities and service intervals, but also about the pavements you are repairing and the hot mix asphalt you are using.... A tool is only as good as the person trained to use it.”“ When you are looking for an infrared( equipment) manufacturer, make sure you do your research,” says Filion.“ This is a great industry, and you can make very good money. You need to be set up right – if not, you will struggle or potentially fail.”
FEATURE
Photo courtesy of North American Infrared
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[ 23 ] October 2025