How to Move Up from Walk-behind Stripers

How single-operator, self-propelled stripers can help contractors move from walk-behind jobs to higher-production projects


Rose notes that a contractor could do between 25 to 30 miles of a single color in a day with this machine.  For contractors wanting to step up into larger capacity single-operator, self-propelled units, M-B companies has two options – the Models 245 and 260RS.  Powered by a 60-hp liquid-cooled gasoline engine, the Model 245 features two 60-gallon paint tanks along with two front and one right paint and glass guns.  Its larger counterpart, the Model 260RS, features a full view enclosed cab with heater and air conditioning, a top road speed of 30 mph, and a floating carriage for constant pavement alignment.

The Kelly-Creswell WV-50C-AL Miniliner Striper is another single-operator, self-propelled unit that fits an affordable niche for contractors who want the performance of larger truck-mounted units without the commensurate price tag. The WV-50C-AL comes standard with a 300 pound bead tank, two paint and two bead guns, a programmable electronic skipline controller and a flashing safety light. The unit is set up to accommodate a 55-gallon drum of paint.

“This machine is ideal for center and edge line highway striping,” reports company sales manager Don Hollon. “A contractor should consider adding this unit to his lineup for striping smaller cities, villages or even long distances of roadways.” A striping speed of 10 mph and over-the-road speed of 25 mph gives it productivity at an affordable price, he adds, noting that it is available with either a conventional air atomized or high-pressure airless system. An edgeline carriage, hand paint and bead guns, loading pump assembly, and canopy top with or without a windshield are among options.

Hollon emphasizes that Kelly-Creswell has a complete line of stripers starting with its base portable model, the Heavy Duty Model C, all the way up to three sizes of truck-mounted stripers.  

Contractors less interested in striping city streets and roads and more interested in speeding up completion time for their smaller projects can consider converting their walk-behind stripers to ride-on machines. 

“These units are ideal for striping larger parking lots, airports, and bike paths,” says Graco’s,Tim Wehner, worldwide business development manager, contractor equipment division, referring to the company’s LineDriver HD.  He says that the unit, powered by a 200 cc Honda engine and with a top speed of 10 mph, connects to the company’s LineLazerIV striper.

“Using the LineDriver HD is twice as productive as using a walk-behind striper alone, and a patented dual pedal forward and reverse system allows the operator to change directions quickly and effortlessly for consistent lines, he adds.  Fine Line Industries also offers a powered unit that attaches its walk-behind striper.

Again, conversion riders add productivity in a very cost-effective way.  These units, as well as the dedicated single-operator riders above, give contractors added flexibility to take on bigger jobs without having to make an investment in a truck- or skid-mounted unit. That day may very come, and if and when it does, these smaller stripers will likely have provided the means to that end.

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The power pack on EZ-Liner Industries S-Pro AL50 striper is located at the rear of the machine to keep exhaust and noise far from the operator. Convenient controls include automatic line pattern programming and footage counters, with gallon counters as an option.

With a striping speed of 10 mph and over-the-road speed of 25 mph, the Kelly-Creswell WV-50C-AL has plenty of productivity capacity for striping roadways. Available with either a conventional air-atomized or high-pressure airless system, options include an edgelinle carriage, hand paint and bead guns, loading pump assembly and canopy top with or without a windshield.

M-B Companies model 260ACL Airless Striper is set on a Toro Workman 3200 chassis and comes with three Graco pumps and airless guns mounted on the side of the carriage.

When attached to the LineDriver, Graco’s LineLazerIV 3900 is twice as productive as using a walk-behind striper alone.