Best Sealcoating Equipment for Asphalt Contractors in 2025
The sealcoating equipment you choose directly impacts your margin and your reputation.
Imagine watching your competitor finish three driveways while you're still refilling your tank for the second time on one job. The difference is they invested in equipment that matches their workflow.
Smart contractors know that the wrong setup slows you down, wastes material, and limits the jobs you can take.
In this guide, we break down the best asphalt sealing equipment by category, from sprayers and crack melters to trailer rigs and starter kits. You'll also learn how to choose gear based on your services and business size.
Sealcoat Spray Systems
The spray system is the backbone of your sealcoating equipment setup. It’s what actually gets the sealer from the tank to the pavement, and how well that happens affects your speed, coverage, and finished look.
How it works
A spray system stores your sealer in a tank, keeps it mixed (so it doesn’t settle or clump), and pumps it through a hose and wand for application. Some systems also support spray bars, which coat wider areas faster.
- Tank sizes range from small 55-gallon drum kits to 1,000+ gallon trailer tanks. Smaller setups are great for driveways. Larger tanks are built for nonstop commercial sealcoating work.
- Pump types vary by system size and output. Entry-level rigs often use centrifugal pumps. In contrast, mid-tier and pro systems rely on air-operated diaphragm pumps or hydraulic piston pumps for higher pressure and better performance with sand-filled sealers.
Pro tip: Whether you're sealing driveways or parking lots, choosing the right spray system means fewer refills, smoother coverage, and less wasted material.
Categories
Entry-level sprayers (manual, small-tank)
If you're just starting out or handling small asphalt sealcoating jobs, these are a smart way in. These systems usually run off a 55-gallon drum or a 130-gallon tank and include a low-pressure centrifugal pump.
Some use manual agitation or a recirculation loop to keep the sealer mixed. These are simple to run, budget-friendly, and easy to transport; good for one-person crews or part-time work.
Mid-range airless or diaphragm setups
For contractors handling both driveways and small commercial lots, this is the sweet spot. You’ll find tanks between 200 and 500 gallons, with better agitation (mechanical or engine-powered) and stronger pumps, often air-powered diaphragm models.
These systems can handle thicker sealers, including mixes with sand, and are fast enough to keep up with busy schedules. If you’re growing and need your asphalt sealing equipment to keep up, this is where most contractors upgrade.
Hydraulic systems for high-output jobs
These are the rigs built for serious volume. Think 500 to 1,000+ gallon tanks, hydraulic agitation, and heavy-duty pumps like the SandPumper or large diaphragm systems. Many include integrated air compressors, night lights, flush systems, and more.
If your work is mostly commercial sealcoating, this gear lets your crew tackle huge jobs with minimal downtime. It’s a bigger investment, but it pays off when you’re sealing tens of thousands of square feet a day.
Compare top brands
Here’s how some of the most popular manufacturers stack up for 2025:
Considerations
When you’re picking a spray system, keep these six factors in mind:
- Portability: Will you be mounting the unit in a truck or towing a trailer? Smaller tanks and skid units are easier to move and better for tight jobsites.
- Pressure control: If you're spraying sand-filled sealer, you'll need a higher-pressure system. Diaphragm and hydraulic pumps give you better control and consistency.
- Spray wand vs. boom: Wands are more precise, especially around edges. Booms or spray bars are great for large, open areas, but require experience and clean conditions.
- Tank size: Choose based on job size and how often you want to refill. Smaller tanks are easier to transport, but a 500+ gallon rig can finish a big parking lot in one shot.
- Pump maintenance: Some pumps (like diaphragm models) are easier to repair and can run dry without damage. However, centrifugal pumps need to stay primed and can clog more easily.
- Sealer type: Make sure the system can handle what you plan to spray, including sand mixes or latex additives. Check hose diameter, filter size, and agitation power.
Crack Fill Machines
Before you spray a drop of sealer, you need to fix the cracks. Ignoring this step means water keeps getting into the pavement, which leads to potholes, base damage, and repeat callbacks. Crack sealing is what protects your client’s investment and your reputation.
Push vs. kettle & propane-fired vs. direct heat
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of crack fill machines:
Push vs. kettle melters
- Push melters:
- Walk-behind units that melt and apply in one tool
- Ideal for parking lots, driveways, or one-person crews
- Faster application but smaller capacity (usually 10–12 gallons)
- Walk-behind units that melt and apply in one tool
- Kettle melters:
- Stationary or trailer-mounted units used for melting only
- Higher capacity (30–55+ gallons), great for feeding multiple pour pots or push melters
- Best for big jobs or crews running multiple applicators
- Stationary or trailer-mounted units used for melting only
Propane-fired vs. direct heat
- Propane-fired (torch or enclosed burner):
- Uses propane to heat the crack filler
- Enclosed burners (like the RY10 Pro) are safer and more fuel-efficient than open torch systems
- Faster melt times and better fuel economy
- Uses propane to heat the crack filler
- Direct heat (no buffer layer):
- Flame heats the kettle’s base directly
- Heats quickly but can create hot spots and burn material if left unattended
- Requires close monitoring to avoid overheating
- Flame heats the kettle’s base directly
Note: Sealing cracks is step one in preserving asphalt. For more tips on increasing pavement lifespan and protecting your bottom line, read our full guide on asphalt maintenance for contractors.
Compare common models
Pairing with spray systems
Crack filling and sealcoating go hand in hand. You’ll get the best results and save time when you plan for both from the start. Keep in mind:
- Most sealcoating equipment trailers have space for a melter or pour pot, so your crew can prep and seal cracks before spraying.
- Some setups even let you run a melter, blower, and sprayer all from the same trailer; perfect for all-in-one jobs.
- When you’re building out your sealcoating supplies, consider a bundled setup with a sprayer and melter. It saves on shipping and ensures everything fits together on the job.
Trailer vs. Skid-Mounted Rigs
When you're investing in sealcoating equipment, one of the biggest decisions is how it's mounted. You’ve got two main options:
- A skid-mounted rig is a spray system built on a steel frame, designed to sit in the bed of your truck or flatbed. It’s compact and gets the job done without needing a trailer. Most are bolted into place for the season and removed during winter or maintenance.
- A trailer-mounted rig is a full sealcoating system built onto a dedicated trailer. These trailers can hold larger tanks, offer more storage, and often include extras like toolboxes, hose reels, and even crack melters.
Pros and cons of skid-mounted rigs
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver in tight residential areas (no trailer to back up)
- Frees up your hitch to tow extra materials or gear
- Great for crews that work solo or in pairs
Cons:
- Takes over your truck bed, you lose cargo space
- Requires a forklift or crane to install or remove
Pros and cons of trailer-mounted rigs
Pros:
- Holds larger tanks and can hold more gear in one setup
- Can be unhitched at the job or yard, keeping your truck available
- Some models offer built-in space for extras like blowers, melters, and stripers
Cons:
- Requires a tow vehicle with the right hitch and brake setup
- Harder to back into small or crowded jobsites
- More moving parts to maintain (tires, bearings, lights)
Which one should you choose?
If you're running a single-crew operation, mainly doing driveways or smaller parking lots, a skid-mounted rig in your truck bed gives you everything you need without the hassle of towing.
If you’re managing larger jobs, running multiple crews, or want one rig to handle crack fill, sealer, tools, and maybe even a blower, a trailer setup is a better fit. It gives you more space and helps you keep all your sealcoating equipment in one place.
Example use cases
- Skid-mounted rig: A solo contractor with a 3/4-ton pickup doing 8–10 driveways per week. They use a 300-gallon skid sprayer and keep a blower in the cab. Easy in, easy out.
- Trailer-mounted rig: A growing crew handling parking lots and strip malls. Their trailer holds a 700-gallon tank, crack melter, blower, hose reel, and tool storage. One crew, one trailer, one job done fast.
Sealcoating Starter Kits
These kits bundle the core tools you need to get to work right away, often at a better price than piecing everything together. Most starter kits cover the basics for a complete sealcoating job:
- Spray rig: Tank, pump, and spray system (either drum-based or skid-mounted)
- Hose and wand: Usually 50 to 100 feet of hose and a standard spray wand
- Pump: Centrifugal or diaphragm pump, depending on kit level
- Tank: Anywhere from 55 to 300+ gallons, depending on the package
- Crack fill gear: Many kits include a 10-gal melter and some crack filler blocks
- Prep tools: Blower, crack cleaning tools, and occasionally line stripers
- Starter materials: Sealer drums, crack filler, tips, stencils, and brushes
Note: Want a clearer picture of what it takes to launch your own operation? Check out our guide on how much it really costs to start an asphalt business, including gear, labor, and setup expenses.
When would it make sense to get these kits?
Starter kits make sense if:
- You’re a solo operator launching your own sealcoating side business
- You’re a new business looking for a full setup with minimal planning
- You’re expanding to a second crew and need a complete second rig
Compare kits
Tips for choosing based on project volume or revenue goals
If you’re aiming for occasional driveway work on weekends, a small drum sprayer kit with a push melter might be all you need to start. But if your goal is to generate steady weekly income or push past $100K in annual sealcoating revenue, you’ll want a kit with:
- A tank size of 230 gallons or more
- A diaphragm or higher-pressure pump
- A blower and crack melter for faster prep
Pro tip: You should also look for kits that leave room to grow. This means investing in gear that won’t hold you back when bigger jobs start rolling in.
How We Chose the Best Sealcoating Equipment
Here’s what we looked at when reviewing sealcoating equipment for 2025:
- Spray performance and pressure control: Does the system maintain pressure during long sprays? Can it handle sand-filled sealer? We prioritized pumps that hold steady output without constant adjustment, especially diaphragm and piston setups.
- Tank size and agitation: We looked for tanks that match real-world projects. If it can’t cover a parking lot without multiple refills, it’s not a good fit for commercial sealcoating. We also checked for mechanical agitation, mainly on tanks over 200 gallons.
- Ease of maintenance: We chose models that are easy to clean, simple to repair, and use parts that are easy to find, like Honda engines, standard hose fittings, and rebuildable pumps.
- Portability and jobsite fit: We gave extra points to rigs that offer simple loading, smart storage, and real-world maneuverability. Whether you're backing into a tight driveway or showing up on a large commercial lot, how you move and store your gear matters.
Note: Choosing the right equipment is one piece, but bidding accurately is another. If your business also handles concrete, don’t miss our list of the best concrete estimating tools for contractors.
You Bought the Rig, Now Run It Like a Pro with OneCrew
OneCrew helps sealcoating contractors stay organized and keep equipment working, It’s a field ops platform that works with any brand of equipment. Whether you're using a trailer rig, a skid sprayer, or a full starter kit, OneCrew keeps everything on track. Here’s how it helps:
- Assign crews and equipment to the right job: Drag-and-drop scheduling makes it easy to plan out your week; no more guessing who has what or when a rig is available.
- Track every piece of equipment: Know where your machines are, what jobs they’re booked for, and how often they're used. That means less double-booking and less downtime.
- Use job templates and checklists: Build repeatable workflows for residential driveways, commercial lots, or striping jobs. Crews in the field can follow step-by-step tasks right from their phone.
- Estimate faster, quote smarter: OneCrew connects job history, production rates, and equipment capacity to help you build accurate quotes faster.
- Keep job records in one place: Notes, invoices, before-and-after photos; it all stays linked to the job so nothing gets lost or forgotten.
The truth is, your sealcoating equipment only makes money when it’s booked and moving. OneCrew helps you make that happen. We give you the tools to grow without burning out. Want to learn more? Book a free demo and see OneCrew in action.
FAQs
1. What type of sealcoating equipment do I need to get started?
The sealcoating equipment you need to get started includes a spray system (tank, pump, hose, wand) and a 10-gallon crack fill melter. You’ll also want a blower and a few basic hand tools for prep.
2. Should I buy or rent sealcoating equipment?
You should buy sealcoating equipment if you plan to work regularly, since it gives you full control over your schedule. Renting works for occasional jobs, but costs and availability can become a hassle.
3. What's the difference between spray and squeegee application equipment?
The difference between spray and squeegee equipment is how they apply sealer. Sprayers use pressure to coat surfaces quickly, while squeegees apply a thicker layer manually, better for rough or porous pavement.
4. What are the different types of pumps available for sealcoating equipment?
The main pump types for sealcoating equipment are centrifugal, diaphragm, and hydraulic piston. Diaphragm pumps are most popular because they spray thick mix and handle dry runs without damage.
5. What maintenance is required for sealcoating equipment?
The maintenance required for sealcoating equipment includes daily flushing, greasing, and regular checks on hoses, filters, and pump seals. You should also winterize the system before storing it long-term.
