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
Education/Training/Testing
Cherne Aqua-Loc Hydrostatic Test Pump
Aqua-Loc Hydrostatic Test Pumps from Cherne are designed to pressure test new potable waterlines. The test pressures can be set from 100 to 550 psi. The pumps have a Honda or Briggs engine with low oil shut-off, integral manifolds which eliminate leak points, pressure regulators for easy adjustment, brass inline strainer/filters for easy cleaning and clear hoses for flow verification. The pumps can be run dry and can handle up to 10 percent chlorine solutions. The test pumps are available in three variations.800-843-7584; www.oatey.com
Electronic Utility Locators
RIDGID SeekTech R-24LE
The RIDGID SeekTech SR-24LE is a precision utility locating receiver with integrated GPS and Bluetooth Low Energy technology for easy integration with smartphones, tablets and high-precision GPS instruments for real-time location coordination via the RIDGIDtrax App. Its omnidirectional antennae capture the complete signal field, making it easy to acquire the signal and trace its path. The receiver maps the utility’s position and direction on its display for an intuitive locating experience. Audio and visual warnings notify the operator if the shape of the signal field is being distorted so action can be taken to avoid mismarking the utility’s position. Equipped with the 18-volt battery adapter, it is ready to be powered with a RIDGID 18-volt battery (not included) for long-lasting power in the field. It also has a foldable mast for easy transport and storage.800-474-3443; www.ridgid.com
Subsite Electronics UtiliGuard 2 RTK
The UtiliGuard 2 RTK receiver from Subsite Electronics was designed as a simple, easy-to-operate utility locating tool for operators locating, mapping and capturing underground utilities. It utilizes survey-grade technology and features dual-band antennae to provide operators with reliable positioning data with centimeter-grade accuracy. Its precision helps when locating abandoned and untracked utilities that are difficult to pinpoint. By quickly verifying the utilities installed, operators efficiently tailor bids to match a job site needs, as well as gain insight into the underground infrastructure to avoid cross bores during future projects. The receiver provides locate crews with integrated data capture, GPS positioning and an intuitive user interface to improve work quality and maximize locate awareness. By downloading the MyUtiliGuard application, operators simplify and streamline how they capture, map and share data.800-846-2713; www.subsite.com
Vivax-Metrotech vLoc3-Pro
The vLoc3-Pro utility locator from Vivax-Metrotech includes omnidirectional antennae that detect distortion on the utility and show distortion level on the color display. Along with classic locate screens, it offers locate screens of Vector Locate for non-walkover locating, Transverse Graph showing peak and null simultaneously, Plan View showing the orientation of the cable at any angle, and a graphical sonde screen with guidance arrows leading to the sonde location. The user-configurable locator has eight passive modes, SD mode (showing the direction of outgoing current) and a range of configurable frequencies from 16 Hz to 200 kHz. Audio and mechanical vibration alerts can be configured by the user to provide warnings for shallow depth, overload, overhead cables and excessive swinging.800-446-3392; www.vxmt.com
Hydroexcavation Equipment
Ditch Witch Warlock W12
The Warlock W12 from Ditch Witch is a PTO-driven vacuum excavator that offers dual 600-gallon saddle tanks and a 12-cubic-yard debris tank, bringing increased capacity and performance to the job site. Available with a 5,000 cfm blower and 27 inches Hg of vacuum power, it helps operators take on bigger jobs and maximize job site uptime.580-336-4402; www.ditchwitch.com
Dynablast Pratissoli KTX Series
The Pratissoli KTX Series water pump, distributed by Dynablast, is designed for hydroexcavation. The KTX24A offers 13.5 gpm at 3,625 psi and 1,450 rpm and the KTX28A offers 18.4 gpm at 2,900 psi and 1,450 rpm. It has run dry seals with a Kevlar Graphite rope, a 420 stainless steel manifold for protection from cavitation, and a self-lubricating design so that no oiler kit or weekly oiling is required. Its symmetrical crankcase makes it easy to reverse shaft the pump. Internal fins on the aluminum crankcase provide cooling to lower oil temperature. A tapered roller bearing improves lateral loading. The two-bore ceramic plungers are thicker ceramic on the water end to prevent thermal shock.905-867-4642; www.dynablast.ca
GapVax HV33
Designed to safely transport water and debris in urban areas, the GapVax HV33 is shorter, smaller and more compact than its predecessor. It is 30 feet long overall on a medium-duty chassis and includes a 600-gallon water tank, 6-cubic-yard debris body, 6- or 8-inch top-mounted telescoping boom with a 14- to 17.5-foot reach, 4,000 cfm power and an inverted, full-opening tailgate.888-442-7829; www.gapvax.com
HotJet USA Vac’n Jet Series
The HotJet USA Vac’n Jet Series of vacuum trailer jetters are compact and specially engineered to haul equipment and the spoils load, perform hydroexcavation and clean valve boxes, storm drains and drain/sewer lines. They feature hot and/or cold water operation with a choice of engine options ranging from 23 to 70 hp and gas or diesel operation. They are equipped with premium triplex pumps, a 500-gallon spoils tank, up to 440-gallon water tanks, Gardner Denver vac/blowers, a 4-ton hydraulic dump and a dual filter centri-clean filter system. They can also be custom engineered and designed to meet specifications.800-624-8186; www.hotjetusa.com
Rival Hydrovac T7 Tandem and T10
The T7 Tandem from Rival Hydrovac was designed primarily to 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 in the cab and on the wireless remote. The T10 is built with the same features and operating system, but with larger capacities and components. It is for both utility and industrial work and 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 to meet the challenges of compact, urban projects as well as large-scale excavation projects. They offer a compact footprint for excavation in urban environments while maximizing payload and maintaining the power and precision that larger units offer. 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. Additionally, 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, which minimizes job site restoration and eliminates traffic congestion near roads.800-837-9711; www.superproducts.com
TRUVAC Paradigm
The Paradigm subcompact vacuum excavator from TRUVAC is designed for safe and efficient digging around utilities. Its compact, low-profile and tough non-CDL design allows for easy maneuverability, making it a suitable choice for any excavation job. With its quick setup design, operators can begin operations with just a flip of a switch using the Park-N-Dig feature.815-672-3171; www.truvac.com
Vac-Con X-Cavator
The X-Cavator hydrovac from Vac-Con includes a cold-weather enclosure for the water systems and control panel as well as an interior area for operator seating and workspace. Unit filtration is based on the Titan combination machine, with a single-cyclone design and final cartridge-style filter. The redesigned boom is lightweight and flexible, rotating 310 degrees around the unit and moving plus 45 degrees and minus 22 degrees vertically. The durable rubber hose material can withstand harsh environments, according to the maker, and has a reach of 26 feet.904-284-4200; www.vac-con.com
Safety/Personal Protection Equipment
CrewPlex
CrewPlex is a hands-free communication solution to help crews overcome the challenges of continuous communication in environments where noise, distance and task complexity can affect safety and productivity. It enables connectivity with crew, supervisors and support personnel using one system. Users can speak and listen in real-time without delay, voice triggering or pushing a button. Clear audio quality provides better communication in all environments, especially on sites where noise levels can exceed 100 dB. Available connectivity to two-way radio systems keeps work groups in touch with a supervisor and extends communication.334-321-1400; www.crewplex.com
Eartec Lazer Pro
The Lazer Pro wireless communication system from Eartec is a breakthrough alternative to traditional full earcup headsets. Boasting Bluetooth connectivity, this lightweight accessory features a slimline back band that can be worn comfortably for an entire work shift, even with a hard hat. It receives incoming signals via vibration through the user’s temple. This bone conduction capability leaves users’ ears free. It connects wirelessly to Eartec’s E-Pak radio, linking up to 32 users in full duplex, providing simultaneous talk operation within a half-mile range. This system enables hands-free communication for an entire crew, enhancing on-site logistics, operations, as well as training and safety protocols.800-399-5994; www.eartec.com
Mr. Manhole Cookie Cutter System
Mr. Manhole Cookie Cutter System involves drilling a small hole above the utility, using the cutter to remove a 74-inch round asphalt or concrete piece of pavement. This keeps workers 56% below OSHA limits. The removed “cookie” is then lifted out, and a protective cage is placed for vacuum excavating. This method exposes the utility for repair while preserving the road base. The result is a smooth, clean repair aligning with the road’s original design. This approach revolutionizes road and utility repairs, making the process quicker and more efficient.833-242-2221; www.mrmanhole.com
