Asphalt cracks are the first sign that a driveway or a parking lot is deteriorating. But that doesn't mean it's time to have the pavement replaced entirely.
Luckily, property owners don't have to spend thousands of dollars on an asphalt parking lot or driveway replacement, they can now choose the more affordable option: fix cracks using asphalt crack-filling equipment along with some hot-pour rubberized crack filler.
Learn more about this amazing machine and how it can benefit your business in this post.
Image: An asphalt crack before and after it is repaired with crack-filling equipment
What is Asphalt Crack-Filling Equipment?
Simply put, a piece of asphalt crack-filling equipment (also known as an asphalt crack-filler machine or a crack sealing machine) is a device used to melt crack filler.
This machine can be a crack fill melter alone (e.g. RY10MK Melter Kettle), but it can also come with an applicator, just like the RY10 PRO Crack Seal Melter & Applicator Machine.
Two types of asphalt crack-filling machines are:
1. Oil-jacketed crack fill machine
One of the most popular crack seal machines in the market! This machine has two walls separated by a bit of space; this space is where thermal oil is stored.
The crack filler inside is not melted through the direct application of heat. Instead, it heats the thermal oil, and this then melts the crack filler inside.
2. Direct-fire crack fill machine
Another way to heat, melt, and apply crack fillers is by using a direct-fire crack fill machine. This type of crack fill melter/applicator has a torch burner that is attached to the bottom of the machine.
As the torch burner heats the air underneath the machine, the hot air produced rises between the machine's double walls to begin heating and melting the crack fill inside.
Many contractors like this crack-filling machine as it is one of the most affordable options in the market.
What are the Benefits of Using an Asphalt Crack-Filling Machine?
1. Asphalt crack-filling equipment makes your job more efficient
Before the invention of the modern crack-filling melter and applicator, contractors needed to melt a cube of crack fill in a small, old-fashioned melter kettle. With this machine, the crack fill melting and application process was tedious making the contractor's work quite inefficient.
This old system might work for contractors who only need to tackle a few crack-filling jobs every day. But if you're trying to scale, and you’re working on multiple projects in one day, then this is not an ideal setup.
With a modern asphalt crack-filling machine, you can simply place a crack-filler cube inside, and turn the machine on to start melting it. Once melted, you can now apply the crack filler.
Another great thing about using a crack fill machine is how easy it is to operate; just push the machine at a walking-speed pace across a parking lot or driveway as you fill the cracks -- making hundreds of dollars in a matter of minutes.
Related: Asphalt Crack Cleaning Tools and Equipment For Surface Prep
2. Your asphalt maintenance business will look more professional with the right crack-filling equipment
As a new asphalt maintenance contractor, it's perfectly understandable for you to use whatever equipment you can afford to get your business off the ground.
But if you want to boost your company's reputation and acquire more customers, it's wise to invest in the best crack-filling equipment you can afford.
Don't have enough startup capital to invest in an advanced crack filler machine?
Then check out the RY10 Asphalt Crack Fill Machine. This is the best asphalt crack-filling equipment for new contractors thanks to its reliable performance, ease of use, and affordability.
Want to scale your business later on? Then consider the RY10 PRO Crack Seal Melter & Applicator or the RY10 Elite Crackfill Melter Applicator. You can also check out the RY30MK PRO Gallon Crack Sealer Melter Oven if you want a larger crack fill melter.
Watch the video below to learn how to use your crack seal melter applicator properly and learn some tips for making the most out of it.
Video: How to use a crack sealer melter applicator
3. Crack-filling equipment reduces your labor cost
Saving on labor costs for your company is another benefit of using a hot asphalt crack-filler machine.
When using a crack pour pot and a conventional melter kettle, you will need one or two assistants to help you melt and apply the crack filler. Typically, one assistant will melt the crack filler and monitor its temperature, while another assistant can apply crack filler with a crack pour pot. An additional assistanc can be used to ensure that the crack is neat and level by using a squeegee.
But with the RY10 Crack Fill Machine or RY10 PRO Crack Seal Melter & Applicator Machine, you can do everything on your own. This is important if you're new to the business and don't have enough money for payroll.
Working alone? Here's how you can pull it off:
To use the crack-filling machine, gently drop the crack fill inside the kettle, turn it on, and wait for the crack filler to melt.
With this machine, there's no need to transfer the melted crack filler into a pour pot. All you need is to pull the trigger and push the machine to start filling cracks. The crack-sealer machine is already equipped with a shoe to ensure that the area is neat and level.
Crack fill machines also keep the whole crack repair process pretty straightforward. Should you add an assistant one day, you'll find that you don't need to spend an entire day training them on how to use the machine due to its foolproof design.
Related: Crack Fill Comparison: Which Crack Filler is the Best?
4. Buying new crack-filling equipment comes with tax incentives
Did you know that under IRS Tax Code Section 179, you can write off the entire purchase price of asphalt maintenance equipment in its first year of operation instead of over the years?
This deduction is also applicable to the purchase of any machinery or property as long as it is used for your sealcoating and crack-filling business. (The purchase price of company vehicles can also be considered a deductible, but the rules are a little bit more complicated for this expense. Check out Section179.org for more information on purchasing company vehicles).
How much is the maximum amount that you can deduct under Section 179? You can write off up to $1,150,000 of business expenses for your asphalt maintenance company.
5. Well-built asphalt crack-filling equipment can boost workplace safety
Business owners don't invest in the latest crack-filling equipment just because they boost workplace productivity. Newer crack-filling equipment also has the latest safety features to improve workplace safety.
The RY10 PRO Crack Seal Machine, for example, features heavy-duty ratchet straps that prevent the propane tank from coming loose during operation.
The kettle also features a forward tilt in case of overload, as well as an enclosed push-button starter so you don't need to manually ignite the starter.
All Asphalt Kingdom crack fill machines were designed with the operator's safety in mind. But keep in mind that you are still handling a piece of equipment that is powered by propane and emits heat. Make sure that you still use personal protective equipment properly while at work and that you don't leave the machine unattended while it is running.
Related: The Best Crack Repair Equipment for Contractors
Conclusion:
Are you planning to invest in crack-filling equipment? Do you want to scale your asphalt maintenance business and purchase a crack sealer melter oven? Then shop the Asphalt Kingdom Crack Filling Equipment Store!
From affordable crack fill machines made for new contractors to large crack sealer melter ovens designed to meet the needs of established ones, we have a wide selection of crack-filling equipment you can choose from.
Shop now or contact us today if you have any questions about our crack-filling machines and other asphalt maintenance equipment.
