The AIR KING air and hydroexcavation trailer from Pacific Tek is available with a 500- or 800- gallon-capacity debris tank made of carbon steel and sandblasted then powder coated inside and out. It employs a 185 cfm compressor with 100 psi output connected to an air wand allowing the operators to return the spoils collected in the debris tank to the ground. The system also has a pressure washer system (4 gpm at 3,500 psi) in case the operators want to hydroexcavate for faster or deeper digs. A simple three-way valve selector switch is situated on the curbside of the trailer for easy toggling from vac to air to hydroexcavator functions. The trailer itself is made of carbon steel and is sandblasted then powder coated like the debris tank. Options include a telescoping vacuum hose boom, reverse flow feature, LED work lamps, spare tire and mount and a tool storage box.800-884-5551; www.pacific-tek.com
Booms and Boom Accessories
Vactor dig tube with measuring rule
Vactor offers an easy-to-read dig tube with integrated measuring rule for all 6- or 8-inch-diameter dig tubes. This hi-visibility ruler was developed with input from customers. The extended wear provided by this design can save time and keep the crew digging to maximize productivity. Laser-cut from lightweight aluminum, the dig tube with measuring rule features numbers that will stand out under all conditions, never wear off, and come clean with a quick rinse to remove job mud.800-508-3381; www.vactor.com
TRUVAC Abrasion Resistant Elbow
The Abrasion Resistant Elbow from TRUVAC is a 70-degree boom elbow developed for the most demanding vacuum excavation jobs. The extended wear provided can add service life and maximize productivity. Embedded with non-corroding carbide steel, the interior of the elbow is engineered to provide maximum wear resistance. It is retrofittable to all full sized TRUVAC HXX vacuum excavator models with an 8-inch telescopic boom.815-672-3171; www.truvac.com
Hose
Kuriyama of America Alfagomma T704HA Series THE BOOMER
Corrugated Alfagomma T704HA Series THE BOOMER industrial sewer vacuum hose from Kuriyama of America is made with a 1/4-inch-thick red gum rubber tube designed for wet or dry applications where severe abrasion is a factor. The corrugated black conductive styrene-butadiene/natural rubber blend cover provides abrasion and ozone resistance. The rugged hose is suitable for dry or wet abrasive materials and can be grounded. All sizes are rated to full vacuum and a psi safety factor of 3-1 for 2-to-8-inch hose and 2.5-1 for 10-inch hose. The hose remains flexible in temperatures from 40 degrees below zero to 212 degrees F. It is available with soft-cuffed ends for easy installation and clamping.847-755-0360; www.kuriyama.com
Hot Water Boiler
Easy-Kleen Pressure SystemsWildcat Heaters
Wildcat Heaters high-pressure, oil-fired hot-water/steam heaters and hydraulic pump systems from Easy-Kleen Pressure Systems are designed for reliability and efficiency, and are installation-ready for vacuum trucks and hydroexcavators. A full range of heater options includes dry steam, redundancy packages, schedule 80 and 160 stainless steel or A53 boiler pipe, and fine-tuned temperature and flow-control systems. All coils are manufactured in-house, with CRN boiler-approved coils now available. Heaters can be designed for mounting in a cabinet or supplied as a completed cabinet unit. They are CSA and ETL approved. Hydraulic pumping systems are available.800-315-5533; www.easykleen.com
Hydroexcavation Equipment
FS Solutions TRUVAC Shield
The Shield, manufactured by TRUVAC and distributed by FS Solutions, can help extend the life of equipment with removal protection for tooling connectors. Connector couplings, used to connect nozzles and lances during hydroexcavation, can become inoperable when wet sand, clay, gravel and other debris become lodged in the joint. The Shield is a solution that enables operators to make quick changes without additional wear and tear on nozzles by protecting couplings from abrasive mud and material, keeping connections clear and saving valuable time when swapping nozzles on the job. It is in-field retrofittable and suitable for all connector couplings, including extensions.800-822-8785; www.fssolutionsgroup.com
Gorman-Rupp Diaphragm Priming System
Gorman-Rupp offers an integrally mounted diaphragm priming assembly as an option on select 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-inch Prime Aire and Prime Aire Plus pump models. An alternative to the venturi/compressor priming system on priming-assisted pump models, the diaphragm primer delivers up to 60 cfm, a vacuum to 30 feet and is rated for temperatures as low as 15 degrees F. With fewer components, the primer offers reliability and increased efficiency, as well as higher lifts. Reversed air flow and thinner valves help any liquids entering the primer to escape easily compared to similar systems in the marketplace. The primer’s single bearing housing has fewer leak paths and alignment issues compared to dual bearing housing alternatives.419-755-1011; www.grpumps.com
Soil Surgeon hydroexcavating tool
The Soil Surgeon hydroexcavating tool fits any sewer combination truck equipped with a telescoping 6- or 8-inch boom. The tool has a 1-inch water connection. The operator controls water pressure and power through truck controls. It has a 6-foot Tuff-Tube with handles to guide the unit down for potholing or side to side for trenching. Six jets boring inward cut the soil while six boring outward bring the tube down.949-363-1401; www.soilsurgeoninc.com
Hydroexcavation Trucks and Trailers
Brandt HX120
In response to the increasing need for hydrovacs that combine full-size capacity with maneuverability in tight urban spaces, Brandt offers the HX120. This high-pressure performer helps contractors work more efficiently with maximized legal load weights, quicker debris loading and unloading time and the capacity to take on larger jobs without load weight concerns. The real-time measurement of water and overall truck weight enables operators to make quick, informed decisions, which reduces the risk of damage or overweight penalties. The unit has a 1,150-gallon water tank capacity and 11.6 cubic yards of debris tank capacity, as well as a 28-foot boom reach with 340-degree rotation. It also operates quietly, which is a benefit in urban settings.866-427-2638; www.brandt.ca
Ditch Witch W12
Contractors looking to maximize efficiency on the job site can now lean on the PTO-driven W12 vacuum excavator from Ditch Witch. With dual 600-gallon saddle tanks and a 12-cubic-yard debris tank, it brings increased capacity and performance to the job site. Dual hose reels, as well as the ability to both hydro and air excavate with the same truck, add to its versatility. Available with a 5,000 cfm blower, it has the power to complete any vacuum excavation job. The W12 is the first truck vac in the new Warlock series to be released.580-336-4402; www.ditchwitch.com
GapVax VHX Series
The GapVax VHX Series hydrovac is designed to deliver optimal weight distribution, improved safety features and increased performance. The debris body is 7.5 cubic yards, offering a 15,000-pound payload. The low profile (12 feet, 2 inches) makes it suitable for all-around hydroexcavation projects. The vacuum system with single mode wet/dry filtration is quiet, reliable and simple, according to the maker. It includes a 4,000 cfm positive displacement blower, 600 hp transfer case with air-shift engagement and ultra-quiet air injection, and discharge silencers. This filtration design includes a top-loading debris tank, 14-inch stainless steel float-ball shut-off, efficient centrifugal cyclone separators and long-lasting filter bags. It is equipped with a 12 gpm, 3,000 psi water system with optional 200 cfm air compressor system. A full-tilting debris body, over 45-degree dump angle and full-opening tailgate allow for fast unloading and easy clean out. The 8-inch telescoping VHX boom offers a 22-foot reach with 15-degree downward pivot.888-442-7829; www.gapvax.com
Hi-Vac X-13
The Hi-Vac X-13 hydroexcavator was created to maximize productivity and return on investment and minimize downtime by eliminating high-maintenance components. A modular design provides clean and intuitive controls and simple, planned maintenance accessibility for all critical systems. It is ideal when on-site dumping is required and for off-highway applications that require the maximum legal payload. A 13-cubic yard debris tank, up to 24,500-pound payload capacity and 1,140-gallon freshwater capacity result in fewer costly job site trips. Power is provided by a 5,800 cfm 27-inch Hg high-performance blower and a run-dry water pump that delivers 20 gpm at 2,500 psi. The top-mounted, 360-degree boom ensures accessibility in all directions and a heavy-duty, hydraulic vibrator facilitates fast and efficient unloading of the debris body. A severe-duty boiler safely heats water for frozen ground applications.800-752-2400; www.hi-vac.com
HotJet USA Vac ‘n Jet Series
The HotJet USA Vac ‘n Jet Series of vacuum trailer jetters are rugged, compact, engineered to haul equipment and spoils loads, able to clean valve boxes and storm drains, and able to hydroexcavate and/or clean drainlines and sewer lines. They offer hot- and/or cold-water operation with a choice of engines ranging from 13 to 66 hp and gas or diesel. They are equipped with premium triplex pumps, a 500-gallon spoils tank, 200-gallon water tank, Gardner Denver vac/blowers, 4-ton hydraulic dump and CentriClean filter system. They can also be designed to meet specifications.800-624-8186; www.hotjetusa.com
KAISER PREMIER Urban X
The Urban X vacuum excavator from KAISER PREMIER has been precision engineered for weight distribution, while maximizing debris and water capacities to stay within bridge law guidelines. It is fully customizable based on customer requirements, offering several options for cold weather protection or adding an on-board air compressor for dry digging. It comes standard with a Robuschi DV105 blower, can create a positive pressure in the tank to efficiently offload liquids, and comes standard with a cyclone cleanout system. The dig-ready, 20-foot extendable boom delivers superior reach and mobility for a mid-size unit.970-542-1975; www.kaiserpremier.com
Presvac Systems Hydrovac
The Presvac Systems Hydrovac is designed for versatility and cold-weather operation with optional full compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation specifications for collection or transportation of hazardous materials. The high-vacuum blower allows extraction of all types of soils, gravel, rock, clay, water and silt material, with knockout features in the debris tank to minimize carryover. Modular filtration configured to blower size provides blower protection and minimal maintenance. It comes with a heavy-duty, 8-inch boom that extends up to 25 feet with six-way hydraulic power and wireless controls for all boom functions, a soft-start water pump, vacuum breaker and truck engine speed.800-387-7763; www.presvac.com
RAMVAC by Sewer Equipment HX-12
The HX-12 hydroexcavator from RAMVAC by Sewer Equipment has a 12-yard debris tank and a heated, secured equipment locker that contains the entire water system, including water tanks, for cold-weather application and tool security. This machine touts a directional discharge system with the ability to offload debris back into the excavation site when done, without the mess of dumping the tank. This system also allows operators to blow any obstructions out of the dig hose and get back to work. It includes a long-range wireless remote, NEMA 4 electrical system, an 800,000 Btu water heater and a three-stage cyclonic filtration system. The standard 4,400 cfm blower will match the performance of larger blower machines while delivering fuel economy with the ability to go up to 5,400 cfm. The series offers debris capacities from 3 to 15 cubic yards while maintaining a short overall footprint.888-477-7638; www.ram-vac.com
Rival Hydrovac T7 Tandem and T10
The T7 Tandem from Rival Hydrovac was designed primarily to be a unit that could be loaded with debris and drive within legislated road limits with most types of debris on board. The unit comes standard with a scale that reads real-time weights both in the cab and on the wireless remote to confirm weight prior to travel. The T10 is built with the same features and operating system, but with larger capacities and components. It is popular with clients who do both utility and industrial work. It is available in three chassis layouts to meet weight restrictions in a given area. An air compressor option allows for excavating with air when required, while a truck-mounted coring system allows for removal of hard surfaces prior to nondestructive excavating.403-550-7997; www.rivalhydrovac.com
Super Products Mud Dog 700
Mud Dog 700 vacuum excavators from Super Products are designed for operator convenience and consistent performance to meet the challenges of compact, urban projects to large-scale excavation. Regardless of the task, the vacuum excavators offer versatility as well as safety and productivity on the job site, according to the maker. They offer a compact footprint for excavation in urban environments while maximizing payload and are designed to maintain the power and precision of larger units. The unit features a 7-yard debris body and 600-gallon water tank. This model comes standard as a dump body with an electric vibrator offering a 50-degree dump angle with the capability of dumping into a 48-inch container. It is equipped with a rear-mounted, extendable, 8-inch-diameter boom that reaches 18 feet, has 270-degree rotation and pivots 10 degrees downward to minimize job site restoration and traffic congestion near roads.800-837-9711; www.superproducts.com
Tornado Global Hydrovacs F3 ECO-LITE
Tornado Global Hydrovacs engineered the F3 ECO-LITE to have big functionality in a mid-sized platform. It was made specifically to legally haul large payloads in urban environments with a debris capacity of 10 cubic yards and a water capacity of 1,250 gallons. A float-style indicator is positioned on the outside of the debris tank for easy monitoring of volume. It comes with a boom capable of reaching to 26 feet with 342 degrees of rotation and an 8-inch boom hose. The truck uses a 3,800 cfm Robuschi 125 blower, a Pratissoli KT28 water pump and a Dynablast 740,000 Btu burner. A hydraulic dump door measuring 48 by 52 inches is mounted on the back of the tank and sits 42 inches high for easy use over bins.877-340-8141; www.tornadotrucks.com
Vac-Con Mudslinger MS800
The Mudslinger MS800 trailer-mounted hydrovac from Vac-Con is designed to provide the same power, suction and capacity of a truck hydroexcavator on a portable, pull-behind trailer. It includes the choice of Tier 4 diesel or gas engine options providing up to 1,190 cfm and 16 inches Hg with a PD blower and 325 gallons of water. It has an 845-gallon debris tank and a 9-foot boom with 24 inches of hydraulic extension provides a full range of motion. It is designed to be a standalone unit, but can also provide support to construction, HDD and public utility fleets. A variety of applications includes daylighting, potholing, culvert and manhole cleaning and utility locating.904-284-4200; www.vac-con.com
Vacall AllExcavate and AllExcavate2
Standard intelligent controls, easy startup and operation set Vacall AllExcavate and AllExcavate2 machines apart. Both models efficiently remove dirt around utility lines and foundations. Water pumps generate 24.5 to 120 gpm and pressures to 3,000 psi. The AE2 model adds air excavation at 185 cfm and dual psi of 110 and 150. Water system, wand, control panel, tools and worker apparel are protected in a heated compartment. An AllSmartFlow CAN bus intelligent control system features a programmable LCD display that monitors engine, water flow, air pressure and vacuum performance for precise boom and reel adjustments. Aluminum water tanks with lifetime warranty carry 1,000 to 1,300 gallons. Galvanized debris tanks have a supreme finish, and are available with 8-, 10- and 13-cubic-yard capacities. They use one engine to power the chassis and excavation functions, reducing service and operation costs.800-382-8302; www.vacall.com
Nozzles
Hydra-Flex Machete
The Machete from Hydra-Flex is built for taking on tough hydroexcavation challenges in compact soils. Its power is built to reach greater depths in bell holing, sloping, trenching and finishing applications. It blasts a 0-degree stream of water that oscillates at an optimal speed to create a 15-degree wedge of powerful flow. This wedge is created by the water flowing through the stator, which forces the rotor to spin. The rotor then moves the rocker assembly back and forth creating the oscillation. The powerful impingement force allows the user to get by with a smaller nozzle with the same impact as nozzles with higher gpms. The oscillating stream also means less movement, better ergonomics, and less wear and tear on the operator.952-808-3640; www.hydraflexinc.com
Vermeer QuickDig
The Vermeer QuickDig nozzle helps vacuum excavation crews maximize their efficiency while potholing and daylighting utilities, hydro/slot trenching and digging pile holes. The nozzle is efficient because of its 18-degree cone rotation and laminar flow design. All water molecules flow in the same direction at the same speed to slice through the ground minimizing water use and delivering a high aperture of coverage. The nozzle is also durable, with a stainless-steel body and tungsten carbide nozzle tip. It can also be rebuilt in the field quickly using a repair kit. Six sizes are available for contractors to choose from. Each comes with a 0.5-inch inlet connection (common on truck vacs) and a 0.25-inch adapter (common for trailer vacs).352-728-2222; www.vermeer.com
Vacuum Pumps
Fruitland 870 Series
Fruitland’s 870 Series pump allows vacuum levels of 28.5 inches Hg and continuous vacuum of 27 inches Hg. It is capable of providing 30 psi pressure for offloading. Oil consumption is 1 gallon for 18 hours of operation to reduce environmental impact. Locally sourced, non-proprietary oil may be used. The pump delivers 510 cfm (free air) through 4-inch porting.905-662-6552; www.fruitlandmanufacturing.com
National Vacuum EquipmentChallenger 1600
The Challenger 1600 from National Vacuum Equipment is a 1,600 cfm tri-lobe blower designed for continuous duty at maximum vacuum. Rotors are designed to improve vacuum efficiency and reduce mechanical noise. The blower has a ballast air-cooling design and typical maximum vacuum of 27 inches Hg.800-253-5500; www.natvac.com
Water Pumps
Cat Pumps Models2560 and 2565
Cat Pumps Models 2560 (16 gpm at 3,000 psi) and 2565 (20 gpm at 2,500 psi) hydroexcavating pumps are constructed for continuous-duty applications. BH versions have a machined-bearing cover to mate with Cat Pumps’ 76SAEC.25FR hydraulic bell housing, allowing the 2560BH and 2565BH to be directly driven by an SAE C hydraulic motor. The compact direct drive allows for a space-saving footprint, and is simple to install and maintain, according to the maker.763-780-5440; www.catpumps.com
Comet Pumps ET 55 Series
From small trailers to large truck-mounted units, Comet Pumps’ ET 55 Series pump was designed for hydroexcavating and industrial jet/vac services in mind. Its high-performance features, compact design, and symmetrical crankcase allows for easy right to left shaft conversion — making installation simple and easy to accomplish. It contains high-reliability high-pressure seals with low-pressure lubrication and recirculation chambers proven to withstand corrosion. It can withstand extreme temperatures with its stainless-steel suction valves and guiding pistons, nickel-plated brass and an aluminum alloy pump body. It can operate at 1,450 rpm and 3,626 psi. Its shaft support system and tapered roller bearings will enable this pump to run for extended periods of time.800-864-1649; www.cometpump.com
Dynablast Pratissoli HY-PACK KTX24A
Pratissoli HY-PACK KTX24A direct-drive water pump packages, distributed by Dynablast, are compact and lightweight. They offer 13.5 gpm at 3,625 psi at 1,450 rpm, or are available in the KTX28A that offers 18.4 gpm at 2,900 psi at 1,450 rpm. They have a direct drive T13 female spline shaft input and SAE B 2/4 bolt flange, and come mounted from the factory with an IPH FOX Interpump 47 or 64CC hydraulic motor. Their 420 stainless steel nickel-coated manifolds make them harder for cavitation protection. They come with a Kevlar/graphite rope run dry seal for longer life and can handle higher temperatures. They are self-lubricating so no oiler kit or weekly oiling is required. Internal fins on the aluminum crank case provide cooling to lower oil temperature. Two-bore ceramic plungers have thicker ceramic on the water end to prevent from thermal shock.905-867-4642; www.dynablast.ca
