As you choose the correct Asphalt Sealing Equipment for your specific needs and budget, the first rule of order is to familiarize yourself with the different pumping systems and configurations that are available, how they perform in different situations and which is right for you.
We offer two different kinds of sealcoat pumps and will explain both to you here in detail
One thing is for certain, you will need a pump on your new sealcoat sprayer, and knowing the differences in these pumps will help you not only now, but in the future as well as your business grows and you begin to invest in additional asphalt sealing equipment.
Transfer Pumps
The pump can perform more than one task depending on the system style, an example of this would be the basic sealcoat sprayer system which uses a very common transfer pump, usually 2", which draws sealcoat liquid from the bottom of the tank and recirculates it back to the top of the tank.
These can be known as "Trash Pumps" and they are most commonly used to pump sludge and trash liquids.
Transfer pumps have been used on sealcoat spray systems for many years and mostly with good success because of their durability (If you purchase a high quality one).
Higher quality transfer pumps use all metal housings, cast iron impellers, Stainless Steel Components and Viton-Mechanical seals that can be replaced easily and quickly. An excellent example of this pump is our Banjo Cast Iron Pump System.
The real key design with this style of asphalt sealing equipment is that the pump not only serves as your sprayer system, it also "Agitates" and recirculates the sealcoat liquid keeping it stirred while you spray. These pumps are capable of developing up to 65 PSI at the spray tip which is ample spray pressure in most applications.
Because "Strainers" are not always used on these systems, clogging can, and most likely will occur if you don't allow the liquid to mix long enough, (Remember that the pump impeller has to mix the liquid much like a blender) or if your tip is too small.
An important point to remember when using this pump system: If the pump pressure becomes Restricted the pump can run very hot and become damaged. This is why strainers are not installed on the "Discharge" side of the system, and ALWAYS installed on the "Suction" side.
These pumps all have a "Wear Plate" inside the pump located under the impeller and it is very important to try and purchase a pump with a Stainless Steel Plate" which will add many years to the pumps life. These plates wear quickly if made from plastic and even aluminum.
Transfer Pumps are capable of pumping finer sand and abrasive liquids but you should remember that if you need to spray larger amounts of sand (more that 2LB per gallon) that you should consider a Diaphragm Pump as they are designed for this purpose.
These are great systems once you learn your limitations and we have many customers that only use this pump style. They are very affordable and many new sealcoat professionals use them to get their start in the business.
Diaphragm Pumps
Diaphragm Pumps are considered by many to be the very best choice when purchasing Asphalt Sealing Equipment, mostly because of their dependability and reliability, and their overall performance.
Diaphragm Pumps come in several sizes and brands, we use "Yamada" pumps simply because we feel they are the very best on the market and they are "Oil-Less" meaning you do not have to lubricate them.
Because these are pneumatic operated systems, diaphragm Pumps rely on compressed air so it will be necessary to have an air compressor built into your asphalt sealing equipment spray system or at least have one available.
The basic design is two rubber or neoprene diaphragms moving back and fourth by compressed air at a constant flow, very few moving parts and very dependable.
Diaphragm Pumps are capable of passing large pieces (up to 5/16" for a 2" pump) through them without risk of damage, and this style of pump will deliver between 125 and 300 PSI depending on the pump.
Strainers are used on these system, usually 1 or 2 gallon capacity, along with an air compressor.
These systems are capable of constant daily use, and can have additional options built into them such as Hydraulic Agitation.
Ease of repair, and easy access to repair parts will be an important question to ask your sales person. Repair kits for most Yamada pumps will cost between $200.00 and $300.00 depending on the size and model.
This design of asphalt sealing equipment will cost considerably more to purchase but will last many years of hard service, and you likely will not need to up-grade your system for a long time.