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Once you've made the decision to upgrade to a big sealcoating rig, say 1,500 gal. or more, you've made only the first of many decisions. Manufacturers such as Able Industries, Nealco Equipment, Neal Mfg., and SealMaster all produce a variety of large skid- or truck-mounted sealcoating systems, and Seal-Rite produces a 1,500-gal. skid-mounted unit. So options are plentiful. In the May issue of Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction sealcoating equipment manufacturers offer insights into how to buy the right rig for your business - and your truck. Here's a look at other considerations contractors should take into account when moving up to larger truck- mounted sealcoating equipment.

Additional space. When systems are custom mounted on a chassis, manufacturers will consult with the contractor to provide as much usable space around the system as possible for blowers, stripers, baskets, tools, and anything else the contractor might want to carry on the truck.

Agitation. Tanks this large require agitation. Able Industry's agitation system, for example, relies on steel sand grates (basically wire mesh paddles), attached to the shaft to break up the sand in case it clumps inside the tank. "They also help keep the sand in suspension," says Brian Dye, Able president.

Hydraulics. Nealco Equipment's Jason Mixell recommends a large hydraulic fluid reservoir for larger sealcoating systems. "You need a large reservoir, especially if you have an hydraulic pump, because the less fluid you have the hotter the fluid gets -- the fluid has less chance to cool down," Mixell says. "The hotter the fluid the more the agitator and the generator are going to have to work." He says hotter hydraulic fluid also means the equipment wears out quicker and the truck uses more fuel.

Pumping systems.Pumping systems are either hydraulic or air, and each manufacturer (and most contractors) have their own preference. While some large tanks don't have pumps and are designed instead to gravity dump material to the pavement for hand work or a buggy to follow, most large systems do include pumps so the system can spray. "A reliable pumping system is essential because if the pumping system goes down the whole truck goes down," Dye says. Pumps should be capable of handling up to 8 lbs. per gal., though most sealer is applied at 3-4 lbs. per gallon.