Sealcoating Equipment: Tanks, Spray Rigs, Squeegee Machines and What to Buy First

Sealcoating equipment ranges from hand tools (squeegees, brushes, a pail and a blower) to truck-mounted tanks with agitators, pumps and spray wands, and ride-on or self-propelled squeegee machines for big lots. For driveways, many contractors use a skid-mounted tank of a few hundred gallons with a pump for spraying or dispensing sealer onto the pavement for squeegeeing. For commercial work, larger tanks, stronger pumps and faster application tools save labor. The right setup depends on job size, method and budget.

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Main Types of Setups

Setup	Typical use	Notes
Hand tools and pails	DIY and very small jobs	Low cost, slow, lots of lifting
Skid unit (tank, agitator, pump)	Residential driveways, small lots	Mounts in a truck bed or on a trailer
Trailer-mounted unit	Mixed residential and commercial	Bigger tanks, frees up the truck bed
Truck-mounted large tanks	High-volume commercial	High production, higher investment
Self-propelled or ride-on squeegee/spray machines	Large lots, roads	Fast, consistent application

Tanks and Agitation

Sealer contains solids and sand that settle. Tanks have agitators to keep the mix uniform:

• Mechanical (paddle) agitators are common and handle sand well.
• Hydraulic or recirculating systems use the pump to circulate material.

Size the tank to your typical job and to what your truck or trailer can legally and safely carry. Sealer is heavy, and a full tank adds significant weight. Check your vehicle's payload and your trailer's rating, and remember local weight rules.

Pumps and Spray Systems

• Diaphragm pumps are common on smaller units.
• Gear or piston pumps handle higher pressure and sand-filled mixes on larger rigs.
• Spray wands and tips should be sized for sanded sealer, and clogs are the main headache.
• Hose reels keep long hoses manageable.

Spraying is fast and reaches edges easily, while squeegeeing works material into the surface. Many contractors squeegee the first coat and spray the second. Our comparison of spray, squeegee and brush sealcoating explains the trade-offs.

Squeegee Tools and Machines

Hand squeegees remain the base tool for residential work. Look for durable rubber blades and replaceable handles. Pull-behind or ride-on squeegee machines speed up large parking lots. A rubber driveway sealer squeegee and a sealer brush applicator are good backups even on a spray rig.

Crack Filling Equipment

• Pour pots for cold-pour or small amounts of hot material
• Melter-applicators for hot-pour rubberized sealant, from small push units to large trailer kettles
• Heat lances to dry and warm cracks
• Routers to widen cracks before sealing on commercial jobs

Our guide to crack sealing machines covers melter types in more depth.

Cleaning and Prep Gear

• Backpack or walk-behind blowers
• Stiff push brooms and wire brushes
• Power edgers to cut back grass along edges
• Oil spot primer and scrapers
• A power broom for heavy debris on larger lots

Safety and Traffic Control

Cones, barricades, caution tape, signs and personal protective equipment are part of the equipment list. Commercial clients often require traffic control plans.

Power Source and Engines

Most skid and trailer units run the pump and agitator from a small gas engine, while larger rigs may use hydraulic drives. Electric-start engines are convenient on long days. Look for engines from brands with local service dealers, because a breakdown in peak season costs jobs. Carry spare pull cords, spark plugs, filters and a few extra spray tips.

Matching Equipment to Your Work

• Mostly driveways: a moderate skid tank, squeegees and a wand is often enough. Maneuverability matters more than capacity.
• Small commercial lots: a trailer unit with a larger tank, longer hose and a reliable pump increases daily production.
• Large lots and HOAs: truck-mounted tanks, spray bars, ride-on squeegees and a hot-pour melter keep crews productive.
• Crack sealing specialists: the melter and router are the core investment; sealer tanks come later.

Rent or borrow before buying when possible. A season working with a particular setup shows what slows you down.

New vs Used

Used sealcoating equipment can save money, but check it carefully:

• Inspect tanks for cracks and leaks.
• Run the engine and pump; ask for maintenance records.
• Check the agitator, seals and hoses for wear.
• Confirm the trailer's title, lights, brakes and tires.
• Look for hardened sealer inside, which signals poor cleaning.

Maintenance

Sealer dries hard in hoses, pumps and tips. Flush the system with water at the end of each day, clean filters, and follow manufacturer winterizing instructions so water doesn't freeze in the pump. Well-maintained equipment lasts longer and saves downtime during the busy season. Keep a simple log of engine hours, oil changes and parts replaced; it also helps when you sell or trade the unit later.

What to Buy First

1. Good hand tools: squeegees, brushes, edger, blower
2. A skid tank with agitator sized for your truck
3. Crack filling tools that match your customers' needs
4. Safety gear and traffic control
5. Spray system upgrades as volume grows

If you're starting out, our guide to starting a sealcoating business covers pricing, insurance and customers.

Estimating Material Loads

Knowing how much sealer each job needs helps you size tanks and plan refills. Coverage depends on product, mix design, surface texture and method; manufacturers list coverage per gallon. Our sealer calculator is a fast starting point for driveways.

Bottom Line on Sealcoating Equipment

For most small contractors, a skid-mounted tank with agitator, a pump, good squeegees and brushes, crack-filling tools and blowers cover driveway work. Larger tanks, spray systems and ride-on machines make sense as commercial volume grows. Buy for your typical job, and keep everything clean.