Hydroexcavation is the gold standard for safe, non-destructive digging in the underground construction industry. Today’s hydroexcavation equipment continues to evolve, offering compact, maneuverable designs for tight urban footprints and winterized, high-capacity units built to slice through frozen ground. From onboard weight monitors to nozzles to hydroexcavation rigs themselves, we outline below some of the recent advances in the industry.
Air-Weigh On-Board Scales iWeigh
Measure weight accurately and prevent costly overweight fines with iWeigh from Air-Weigh On-Board Scales. It delivers real-time weight monitoring, network connectivity and over-the-air updates as a flexible solution for any fleet. It works with both air and mechanical suspensions, offering over 99% accuracy for air suspensions and over 97% accuracy for mechanical suspensions. It offers dual-point calibration, over-the-air updates, seamless connection with other iWeigh devices, an extended Bluetooth range of up to 100 feet, a mobile app for most Android devices and support of CAN Bus/SAE J1939 communications. The LoadMaxx Compatible option features backwards compatibility with all LoadMaxx and LoadMaxx Plus scales! 888-459-3444; www.air-weigh.com
Brandt Industries USA Hydrovacs
Hydrovacs from Brandt Industries USA are built with real-world insight from operators and contractors through a collaborative product design process. The HX090 and HX120 Hydrovac feature one-button operation, large boom reach and instant onboard troubleshooting systems to make short work of utility projects. Less wiring, no failure-prone transfer case and simpler pump control limit downtime and keep you digging deep. 877-533-3133; www.brandt.ca
Dynablast HV420F-12VRED
The Dynablast HV420F-12VRED hydrovac water heater produces 420,000 Btu with an output temperature of 175 degrees F at 5 gpm, making it suitable for colder climates and 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, a stainless steel target plate for increased coil life and a design with serviceability in mind utilizing momentary override control. A 19-by-19-inch footprint makes it suitable for compact installations. 905-867-4642; www.dynablast.ca
Easy-Kleen Mobile Heater
Easy-Kleen’s Mobile Heater delivers portability for contractors tackling remote or confined spaces. It features a 300,000 Btu diesel-fired heat exchanger mounted on a steel frame with forklift pockets, pneumatic tires and a telescoping handle, enabling hot-water cleaning even in subzero environments. Its stainless steel coil and adjustable thermostat ensure consistent temperatures up to 200 degrees F while integrated fuel and water tanks support eight hours of continuous operation. 800-315-5533; www.easykleen.com
GapVax VHE
The GapVax VHE hydrovac is built for strength and simplicity. The full-length 6-inch subframe reinforces the chassis frame and provides a stable dumping platform. It comes standard with a full-opening tailgate and 50-degree dump angle for fast, efficient unloading. Customizable options include water tanks from 300 to 2,000 gallons, debris bodies from 4 to 15 cubic yards and a standard 4,500 cfm, 18-inch Hg blower (a 4,000 cfm, 27-inch Hg option is available). Water systems range from 19 gpm and 2,900 psi up to 40 gpm and 5,800 psi. Its improved 8-inch telescoping boom rotates 180 degrees, uses heavy-duty dual lift cylinders for consistent positioning and dips down 8 feet lower than the previous model. The multistage filtration system features a stainless steel float ball shut-off, self-cleaning cyclone separators and an easy-clean cartridge filter. 888-442-7829; www.gapvax.com
Huber Baron HX
The Baron HX hydroexcavator from Huber is purpose-built for utility locating, potholing and precision excavation applications. The telescoping boom provides industry-leading reach with 330-degree rotation, 6-foot extension and 47-degree pivot range, enabling operators to access challenging dig sites while maintaining safe working distances from utilities and hazards.The dig-ready boom design excavates up to 48 inches below frost level without stinger tubes, reducing setup time and labor on utility locating projects. Twin tank vibrators oscillate intermittently to unload material up to twice as fast as standard models, while the full 12-yard debris tank minimizes dumpsite trips during extended excavation work. Smart Idle Air Flow technology automatically adjusts airflow to reduce fuel consumption and extend service intervals. The tube-in-tube boom hose eliminates rotating-hose maintenance for long-term reliability in demanding field conditions. Intuitive one-button controls and in-cab blower engagement simplify operation, keeping utility locating and excavation crews productive and safe. 800-334-8237; www.keithhuber.com
Hydra-Flex Ripsaw HD
The Ripsaw HD rotating turbo nozzle from Hydra-Flex packs serious digging power while adding built-in protection for your crew and job site. Its engineered 18-degree cone angle meets safety standards and delivers precise, controlled and powerful cutting performance. The continuously moving water stream helps reduce the risk of striking or damaging underground utilities, and the nonconductive cover provides an extra layer of protection for both operators and sensitive infrastructure. 952-808-3640; www.hydraflexinc.com
KAISER PREMIER CV Series
The CV Series line of hydrovacs from KAISER PREMIER are purpose-built to handle the toughest applications in the harshest of climates, according to the maker. The heart and soul of the unit is the powerful Robuschi DV145 blower, a 27-inch Hg, 6,250 cfm positive displacement blower. The unit comes ready to dig with its Top Gun boom that allows 342-degree rotation and a 26-foot reach or 20-foot depth without clamping on extension pipes. It carries 1,800 to 2,200 gallons of water depending on the model. Material evacuation is simple with the wide mouth door. There is no need to raise the truck bed as its sloped floor uses gravity, a high-flow washout system and optional dozer plate to quickly and easily offload material. All critical components are centralized and housed in a protected, insulated and heated van body. 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
Rival Hydrovac T7 Tandem and T10
The T7 Tandem from Rival Hydrovac was designed primarily to be loaded with debris and driven 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
Schellvac SVHX12
The Schellvac SVHX12 is a truck‑mounted hydroexcavation unit configured on a tri-drive chassis with a starting empty weight of 41,226 pounds. It is equipped with a 12-cubic-yard hoist‑style debris tank featuring a tank vibrator and a half‑opening rear door for controlled unloading. Vacuum performance is provided by a direct‑drive positive displacement blower rated at up to 6,400 cfm. The water system includes a 1,100-gallon aluminum water tank supplying the pressure pump rated at 12 gpm and 3,000 psi. Heating is handled by a boiler with an output of 420,000 Btu. Construction incorporates transportation‑grade aluminum components to reduce overall weight. Cold‑weather equipment includes heated and insulated cabinets, a heated water tank, glycol and air‑purge systems, and a boiler. 204-332-0134; www.schellvacequipment.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
Transway Systems Terra-Vex
Transway Systems’ Terra-Vex hydroexcavation units are designed for daily use in demanding conditions. An enclosed blower assembly helps keep operating noise to a minimum, allowing crews to work in residential and urban areas without unnecessary disruption. That same design philosophy extends to the water system, which is fully contained and insulated to eliminate the need for winterizing, keeping units operational in cold conditions without added preparation or downtime. They are engineered with heavy-duty components and an all-weather design that stands up to rough terrain, extreme temperatures and continuous operation. This durability results in fewer breakdowns, reduced downtime and reliable performance. 800-263-4508; www.transwaysystems.com
TRUVAC Paradigm
The Paradigm subcompact vacuum excavator from TRUVAC revolutionizes safe and efficient digging around utilities. Its compact, low-profile and tough non-CDL design allows for easy maneuverability. 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
Vactor iMPACT
Built for tight streets, alleys and quick-response calls, the Vactor iMPACT delivers combination-cleaner capability in a compact, economical package. IntuiTouch one-touch in-cab controls and an adjustable, rotating control panel keep all functions simple, fast and consistent for operators. A low-maintenance Jet Rodder water pump provides smooth, continuous flow, with optional “jackhammer” action to help clear stubborn debris. The Multi-Flow system enables operation at lower rpm for better fuel economy, less component wear and longer service life without sacrificing performance. An optional H.A.L.O. hands-free accessory light option boosts job site safety and efficiency, while a quieter engine design, high ground clearance and a lower water fill point improve day-to-day usability. The high-strength aluminum water tanks maximize capacity. Optional wireless remotes with two-way data transmission add control flexibility, and a positive displacement vacuum blower supports long-distance material pulls. It can also be configured as a non-CDL unit. 800-508-3381; www.vactor.com
Vermeer VX75
The Vermeer VX75 vacuum excavator is a powerful trailer-mounted unit designed for demanding utility work including potholing, HDD slurry management and microtrenching dust containment. It is equipped with a 1,500 cfm vacuum blower generating 15 inches Hg of suction force and powered by a 74.3 hp Kubota diesel engine. The unit features an 8 gpm, 3,000 psi water system, dual cyclone filtration system and full open cam over the spoil tank door for easy cleanout. A CANbus control system simplifies wiring and improves reliability while the full-function remote control allows operators to manage all functions from a distance, eliminating the need to manually restart the unit during operations. This remote capability is especially valuable for slurry management applications, saving time and fuel. 352-728-2222; www.vermeer.com
X-Vac X-12 1450 Hydro Excavator
The X-Vac X-12 1450 Hydro Excavator safely and efficiently trenches, potholes and daylights with a combination of power, capacity and operator protection. The top-mounted, 360-degree rotation boom and simple intuitive controls make setups quick, even in tight spaces. The high-volume hydroexcavating power of a 20 gpm at 3,000 psi pump and debris removal of a 5,775 cfm 27-inch Hg high-performance blower get jobs done faster. An air excavation system is also available. A 12-cubic yard debris tank, 1,450-gallon freshwater capacity and cold weather protection systems keep the unit working longer at the job site. It also includes important job site, transit and maintenance safety features such as integrated wired and wireless E-stops, audible-visual boom out-of-stow alarms and standard debris tank and door prop rods. 800-752-2400; www.x-vac.com
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