Foremost 1600HD Hydrovac

As the name hints, hydrovac trucks are used to excavate using a vacuum (“vac”) and pressurized hot water (“hydro”). Hydrovacs are used to carefully remove earth, clay, soil, ice, gravel, or dirt from an area using a non-destructive process, meaning that all underground fixtures and infrastructure are left undamaged. Additionally, hydrovac trucks are safer and more efficient, environmentally-friendly, and precise than traditional digging methods such as a backhoe or large equipment.

Hydrovacs are used extensively by utility companies, construction companies, the oil and gas industry, and utility providers to accurately dig and tunnel into the ground. In the construction industry, hydrovacs are used for operations including potholing/daylighting, exposing utility crossings, utility locates, slot trenching, open trenching, pole casings, excavation and bore pits. In the oil and gas industry, hydrovacs are used for spill cleanups, facility work, frac and rig cleans, pipelines, and daylighting.

A hydrovac truck, also known as a hydro excavation truck or vacuum excavator, is a specialized vehicle used for non-destructive excavation and material removal. It combines high-pressure water and a powerful vacuum system to excavate and remove soil, debris, or other materials.

Here's how a typical hydrovac truck operates:

1. Water System: The truck is equipped with a water system that consists of a water tank, pump, and high-pressure water nozzle. Pressurized water is used to break up the soil or material being excavated. The water is typically heated to increase its effectiveness, especially when working with frozen ground or stubborn materials.

2. Excavation Wand or Nozzle: The high-pressure water is directed through an excavation wand or nozzle, which is inserted into the ground at the desired excavation location. The water jetting action loosens the soil or material, creating a slurry.

3. Vacuum System: The hydrovac truck is equipped with a powerful vacuum system, usually consisting of a vacuum tank, blower, and filtration system. The vacuum system draws the slurry created by the water into the tank, effectively excavating and removing the material from the ground.

4. Material Storage and Disposal: The excavated material is stored in the vacuum tank of the hydrovac truck. Depending on the specific requirements of the job, the material may be transported to a disposal site or stored for later use or analysis.

Whether you are looking to purchase one unit or multiple vehicles, spend less time negotiating and more time making your business money. We recommend financing your commercial truck or equipment through a specialized lender, like our partner company, Trans Lease. Trans Lease can offer programs that are specifically tailored to the needs of the transportation industry, and their experts are happy to discuss the variety of financing options available to best meet your needs.

Hydrovac trucks are commonly used in various industries and applications, including:

1. Construction: Hydrovac trucks are used for excavating around utility lines, foundations, and other sensitive areas where traditional digging methods can pose a risk of damage.

2. Utility Work: They are used for exposing and repairing underground utility lines, such as water pipes, gas lines, and telecommunication cables, without damaging them.

3. Trenching: Hydrovac trucks can quickly and precisely dig trenches for installing utilities, such as pipelines or electrical conduits.

4. Environmental Cleanup: They are used in environmental remediation projects to excavate contaminated soil or remove hazardous materials.

Hydrovac trucks offer several advantages, including reduced risk of utility damage, enhanced safety, precise excavation, and increased efficiency compared to traditional excavation methods.

When selecting a hydrovac truck, important factors to consider include the tank capacity, vacuum power, water pressure, boom reach, hose length, heating capabilities, available accessories, and the reputation of the manufacturer or dealer and post-sale service.

Yes. Transwest is factory certified for all warranty service and repairs on Western Star, Freightliner, Foremost and Rival Hydrovac Trucks.  Transwest is an Elite Support Certified Service Center through Freightliner, and also has a fleet of mobile service trucks that will come to you for PM, fleet maintenance, and on-site service.