With the increasing demand for hydroexcavation services, contractors are looking for machines that can help them get the job done more efficiently and effectively. The latest hydroexcavation trucks and trailers on the market offer a number of features that can help contractors improve their bottom line. Take a look at some options below.
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
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
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 cleanout. 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
