Any discussion of construction zone safety practices must emphasize the importance of operator training. Training requirements for operators of aerial work platforms are outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and equipment manufacturers. The aerial work platform category includes boom lifts, scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts and […]
Building a successful asphalt paving operation from the ground up requires more than hard work and determination. It demands smart equipment investments, a clear understanding of plant technology, and a willingness to serve customers at every level. Kirk Braun, president of API Construction Corp. in Fort Wayne, Indiana, took an independent path into the asphalt
Periods of economic slowdown are never easy for contractors, but they bring an overlooked opportunity: to step back, assess your team, and make personnel decisions that position your company for long-term success. When project schedules tighten and margins shrink, workforce quality becomes the factor separating thriving contractors from those who merely survive. This article outlines
Sealcoating remains one of the most accessible entry points for pavement maintenance contractors seeking to expand their operations. The market offers a wide range of specialized materials, additives, and equipment designed to improve application quality, accelerate project timelines, and increase profit margins. Understanding how these tools contribute to business growth requires familiarity with both the
The sealcoating industry finds itself at a critical juncture as environmental regulations increasingly target coal tar-based pavement sealers, a development that has prompted widespread discussion among manufacturers, contractors and material suppliers. The debate gained national attention after Austin, Texas, became one of the first major cities to ban coal tar sealers based on studies linking
Growing a pavement cracksealing operation requires more than finding new customers and bidding on larger projects. The equipment you use must scale with the work you take on, and few decisions impact daily productivity and profitability as much as selecting the right melter applicator size. Using a small pour pot setup on highway-scale jobs leaves
Pavement maintenance is one of the most cost-effective investments property owners and contractors can make to protect asphalt surfaces from premature deterioration. In regions where freeze-thaw cycles, heavy traffic, and seasonal weather take a toll on parking lots and roadways, a proactive maintenance approach can double or even triple the lifespan of pavement. Industry professionals
Cracks are inevitable in asphalt pavement, and when they appear the clock starts ticking on surface deterioration and pothole formation. Debris and moisture are the two biggest enemies of any crack filling or crack sealing operation. Proper preparation of a crack directly determines how long the repair will last. Understanding the tools, techniques, and material
Effective crack repair is one of the most important aspects of pavement preservation and maintenance. Without proper intervention, small cracks in asphalt and concrete surfaces quickly develop into larger structural failures, potholes, and expensive full-depth repairs. The right concrete crack repair equipment and materials make the difference between a repair that lasts for years and
Summer is the peak season for asphalt paving, sealcoating, striping, and crack repair operations. When temperatures rise and project deadlines tighten, equipment reliability becomes the single biggest factor separating a profitable season from a costly one. As Larry Spring, Northeast product support manager for Ingersoll-Rand, puts it: “Contractors need to see the value of preventive
