by Marvin Joles
We sold our Crack Sealing unit just before winter last year. Knowing I would need to replace it before our summer season kicked off, I started to go through the motions of making it happen. I knew exactly which one I was looking for, but because of my involvement in the Asphalt Conference scene and relationships developed with manufacturers, it felt wrong to not do my homework, ask questions and demo other units.
With this being my second decade as an asphalt business owner, I have made some awesome mistakes that set me back on both days of time and thousands of dollars. I don’t want you to have that same experience if I can help it. I have put together some things to remember and will walk through them with you below.
When gearing up for the summer season in the asphalt maintenance world, timing and efficiency are everything. Before purchasing equipment, here are the top things I have found to focus on to make your equipment decisions match up with:
Suitability & Versatility for Your Services
Ask yourself: Will this equipment directly support the services I offer or plan to expand into this season?
• Evaluate your core services: Sealcoating, crack filling, patching, line striping, infrared repair, etc.
• Choose multipurpose tools when possible (e.g., a melter that works for both crack sealant and mastic).
• Consider “future-proofing”: Investing in slightly more capable equipment now might save you from having to upgrade mid-season if you land that LARGE project or get busier than expected.
Example: A trailer-mounted sealcoating unit with spray and squeegee application may serve more jobs than a tote system.
Durability, Maintenance and Downtime
This season is your revenue window. Equipment failure = lost jobs.
• Buy proven brands/models with good reputations for reliability in the field.
• Ask about warranty, serviceability and replacement parts availability.
• Prefer equipment with quick maintenance cycles and minimal specialized tools needed for repairs, especially if you are in a rural area and it is going to need to be looked at by a service professional.
Pro tip: Check if the manufacturer or distributor offers mobile repair service or quick-ship parts for peak season.
ROI and Cash Flow Fit
You’re spending now to make money soon, so the math has to work.
• Calculate break-even jobs per piece of equipment.
• Consider leasing vs. buying — especially if you’re scaling or testing a new service.
• Look into seasonal financing options tailored for construction/asphalt businesses (many vendors offer delayed payments or interest-free seasonal plans).
Example: If a crack fill machine costs $5,000 and nets you $500 per day in profit, it pays for itself in 10 days — a solid investment with years of usage to come.
Bonus Tip:
Order early if you need to … ask if you need to. Many contractors get caught in shipping delays or backorders just as the season heats up. Buying in April-May is often ideal.
These are some vital tips I have taken heed of over the years. Buying equipment is always a large investment and causes feelings of caution and excitement. Being sure to check your emotions with solid strategy will treat you well. Hopefully you find the above information as useful as I have throughout my recent buying experiences.
As always, if you have any questions, insight or criticisms about this article or anything in it, please feel free to email me at marvinjoles@gmail.com and of course, reach out to me using any form of social media (@marvinjoles).
Stay In The Mix. -Marvin
Marvin Joles is the owner of Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance. Visit his website at https://marvinjoles.com
