In the evolving world of hydroexcavation, advancements in equipment are enhancing operational efficiency and safety across job sites. From trucks with high-capacity tanks and dual hydro-air excavation capabilities to compact water heaters for colder climates, the industry is replete with innovations. Add in specialized nozzles designed for precision digging, advanced vacuum systems and state-of-the-art control systems, and it becomes clear that today's hydroexcavation tools are tailored to meet the diverse demands of modern projects.
Ditch Witch Warlock W12
Contractors looking to maximize efficiency on the job site can now lean on the PTO-driven Warlock 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
Dynablast CAB420FLS-12V
The Dynablast CAB420FLS-12V water heater produces 420,000 Btu with an output temperature of 175 degrees F at 5 gpm to work in colder climates and for improved digging in clay-filled areas. All models come with ETL certification for safety, which also includes certification on the coil for higher efficiency and heat transfer, stainless steel target plate for increased coil life and designed with serviceability in mind with momentary override control. Its full cabinet design and a small 24-by-24-inch footprint make it ideal for compact installations. 905-867-4642; www.dynablast.ca
Enz USA Hydro X
The Hydro X from Enz USA is available in 3/8- or 1/2-inch NPT connecting threads and can function up to 5,000 psi with flows as low at 8 gpm. It combines a powerful, oscillating water jet with the high removal rate of debris. The Tungsten carbide front jet ensures a long life. For quick and easy maintenance, a repair kit is available. Due to the simplicity of the nozzle, a repair can be made quickly and efficiently in the field with little downtime. A plastic cover provides protection against harsh and sensitive environments. 877-369-8721; www.enz.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 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 is designed to maximize productivity and minimize downtime. Simple, intuitive controls and quick access to all critical systems mean jobs get done faster. The maximum legal payload is ideal for projects that require on-site dumping and off-highway applications. A 13-cubic yard debris tank, up to 24,500-pound payload capacity and 1,140-gallon freshwater capacity help reduce the number of costly job site returns. Power is provided by a 5,800 cfm 27-inch Hg high-performance blower and a run-dry water pump delivers 20 gpm at 2,500 psi. The 360-degree, top-mounted boom provides full accessibility in every direction. A severe-duty, on-board boiler heats water for job sites with frozen ground. It only requires a short learning curve and is supported by an extensive training program.
800-752-2400; www.x-vac.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 the equipment, spoils load and to clean valve boxes, storm drains, perform hydroexcavation and/or clean 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
Hydra-Flex Switchblade
The Switchblade from Hydra-Flex was designed specifically for trenching and precision digging applications with its long, linear flow pattern. Choose from one, two or four solid (0-degree) streams that provide greater impingement and allow the technician to cut through soil faster – at different widths – while using less water. Use the single stream for extremely accurate and precise digging and the four-stream option to optimize efficiency. Each nozzle can be customized with individual and replaceable pills to change the flow rate on the fly. These heavy-duty, high-impact nozzles are constructed with stainless steel housings and tungsten carbide wear surfaces to withstand harsh environments and live longer. The non-conductive Hytrel coating on the nozzle body protects both the operator and sensitive underground utilities. 952-808-3640; www.hydraflexinc.com
Imperial Industries Hydro 3600 Hybrid Excavator
The Hydro 3600 Hybrid Excavator from Imperial Industries is short and compact for maneuverability in tight spaces. It is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. A single person can operate the excavator easily. It includes a 3,600-gallon hauling capacity (customizable sizes available), optional water capacity, code and non-code availability, a three-stage lift hoist with built-in vibrator and full opening rear door for easy dumping, 20 gpm jetter up to 4,000 psi (adjustable), a National Vacuum Equipment 1600 blower and a moisture trap and grit ridder. Options include a 16-function remote control for easy operation of the boom, jetter, blower and vacuum. 800-558-2945; www.imperialind.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
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. Standard is a scale that reads real-time weights both in the cab and on the wireless remote to confirm weights prior to travel. The operating system is engaged through one PTO switch. The remainder of the operation occurs from the rear panel or the wireless remote. The truck uses high-performance components and will dig at levels competitive to large units, according to the maker.
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 to 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 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 noncorroding 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
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. 815-672-3171; www.vactor.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
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
