If you’re just starting in hydroexcavation or only need equipment for smaller jobs, skid-mount systems are a great place to start in the industry. Not only do their compact size lead to greater maneuverability, skid-mounted systems can be transported on a smaller truck or trailer, allowing for greater flexibility when moving between job sites or when navigating areas with weight restrictions. They also typically have a lower initial purchase price compared to a large, specialized hydrovac truck. They can also be mounted onto existing trucks, allowing you to utilize your current fleet and avoid the expense of purchasing a dedicated hydrovac truck.
Hydro-Spade’s 1200 Skid provides a customizable, entry-level solution for getting into hydrovac work without committing to a new truck chassis. These systems are available in different tank sizes of 200-plus gallons, and can be easily mounted to any existing vehicle or roll-off deck. On-board water pump options offer 5.5 to 20 gpm at 2,900-plus psi to serve a variety of applications.
“All of our skid units are custom built,” says Jesse Bouwman, president of Hazeland Manufacturing, the manufacturer of Hydro-Spade. “Competitors usually wont build units that can’t be fit into their production line, but we build every unit to the customer’s specs and needs.”
According to Bouwman, the difference is in the details. Hydro-Spade skid mounts feature a specialized balanced weight distribution design that allows balance-sensitive trucks to maximize payload. In addition, an enclosed blower compartment helps minimize blower noise, and conveniently located hydraulic operating controls and a wireless handheld controller for boom functions allow for easy operations in every job. Positive shut-off protection and a filter with spun bonded filter cartridges provides great protection for the blower unit. A convenient rear access door, 6-inch drain valve and blower filtration can be cleaned quickly with a water pressure wand. Units also come cold-weather ready, with a heated wash cabinet, heated waterlines and antifreeze kits to prevent the water system from freezing.
“Customers really appreciate the versatility of these units,” Bouwman says. “Contractors and municipalities can use a roll-off truck for multiple jobs, such as plowing in the winter and hydrovac work in the summer. We are willing to adapt skid units in various sizes and mounting systems.”
519-448-1190; www.hydrospade.com
