Starting a business in asphalt maintenance can be exciting and profitable because there’s a steady demand for quality work in this industry. Before you can begin, you need to invest in equipment. Choosing the best tools for your business can be tricky, but with the right approach, you’ll make good investments for your business. Here are our top tips for purchasing asphalt maintenance equipment.
Set a Budget
Sealcoating machines, crack-filling tools, and asphalt cutters can vary in price depending on their quality and features. For instance, a decent sealcoating machine can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000. Decide how much you’re willing to spend, and evaluate financing options. Ideally, you’ll strike a balance between affordability and quality.
Determine Your Needs
You don’t need to go all in on equipment at the very beginning of your business. If residential projects are your launching point, a basic sealcoating machine and crack-filling tool should suffice. On the other hand, you might need specialized gear, such as ride-on sealcoating systems and line stripers, for large commercial jobs.
While it’s tempting to splurge on advanced tools, thoughtful purchases tailored to your needs save you money and simplify operations when you’re just getting started.
Evaluate Each Piece of Equipment
When shopping for asphalt maintenance equipment, evaluate every piece of equipment based on its own unique criteria. Some factors to consider when buying a sealcoating machine include its tank size, spraying capabilities, and ease of maintenance. You should judge crack-filling equipment by its melting speed, portability, and precision of application.
Carefully research the features of each tool, compare brands, and weigh the pros and cons against your business needs.
Focus on Quality
Cutting corners on the quality of your equipment may save money initially, but it could cost you in the long run. Low-quality tools might need frequent repairs and produce subpar results.
Invest in durable, well-reviewed equipment to get reliable performance and keep your workflow smooth. Also, check if the brand you’re buying from is trustworthy and if it comes with a good warranty.
Make Sure Your Team Knows How To Use It
No matter how top-notch your asphalt maintenance equipment is, it’s useless if your team doesn’t know how to operate it. Each tool has a learning curve. Host hands-on training sessions to educate your team about how to use, maintain, and troubleshoot the equipment safely.
Build Your Business With the Right Tools
With these tips for purchasing asphalt maintenance equipment, you can make smart decisions for your business’s long-term success. Investing in this equipment saves you time and money while helping you do high-quality work that keeps your clients satisfied.