There has been plenty of buzz this week at the Utility Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, about what’s new and upcoming in the world of underground construction and vacuum excavation.
Among the announcements was the debut of the Baron HX1512 hydroexcavator from Huber. The Baron HX1512 boasts a 12-yard debris tank, 5,300 cfm airflow, and a 27-inch Hg vacuum system.
The unit also features Huber’s patented nine-stage cyclone separation system, which improves debris management and filtration efficiency. Its 1,500-gallon freshwater capacity supports longer runs between refills, while the boom offers a 24-foot reach with a 6-foot extension and 330 degrees of rotation for enhanced maneuverability on the job site.
The Baron HX1512 drew strong interest at the show, where Huber representatives walked visitors through the machine’s design features and technology.
Another highlight came from Vacmasters, which previewed its upcoming System 4500 vacuum excavator — a model not yet on the market.
According to Charles Bell of Vacmasters, the truck is entering the testing phase and is expected to evolve over the coming year as the company gathers user feedback.
“We’re excited to see how the the truck tests and performs in the field,” Bell says.
In the area of cable and conduit work, Yale Cordage unveiled an innovation of its own with the introduction of GlideLine, a new double-braid HMPE (high-modulus polyethylene) rope designed specifically for underground pulling operations.
GlideLine is built to endure the harsh and abrasive environments of underground pulling operations without sawing into conduit, according to literature on the equipment.
The rope features a HMPE core and jacket, paired with an anti-sawing, anti-abrasion, high-performance coating that incorporates Yale’s RedLight technology. The coating visually signals the end of the run, providing an added layer of safety and efficiency for operators.
GlideLine will be offered in standard 4,000-foot lengths, with custom sizes available upon request, giving contractors flexibility to meet specific job site needs.
