Foremost, Transwest Promote Cold-Weather Hydroexcavator

Foremost, Transwest Promote Cold-Weather Hydroexcavator
Tim Dell, left, vacuum systems sales manager for Foremost, points out the heated and insulated doghouse and heated valves on the 1600 Hydrovac. The unit is designed to operate effectively in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees. (Photo by Craig Mandli)

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Canadian hydroexcavator manufacturer Foremost has partnered with Colorado-based heavy truck distributor Transwest to enhance U.S. marketing efforts.

The Foremost 1600 Hydrovac, with its distinctive doghouse, drew plenty of onlookers at the 2015 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show.

“The 1600 is designed to work effectively in temperatures down to minus 40 degrees,” says Tim Dell, vacuum systems sales manager for Foremost. “Not only is the doghouse insulated and heated, all external valves are, too. The heating options are a must in most Canadian climates, and we think this unit is going to be a good fit for the northern states in the U.S. as well.”

The 1600 Hydrovac has a water capacity of 1,600 gallons and a 13-yard debris body. Vacuum power is supplied by the Robuschi RB-DV125 blower. The model also uses a Cat 3560 wash pump and 740,000 Btu boiler. The boom is rear-mounted, 8 inches in diameter, fully rotational and controlled by an Omnex wireless controller, which also controls the vehicle rpm and wash and vacuum functions. All off-loading functions can also be performed via the remote.

“The remote functionality enables one person to operate this unit if needed,” says Dell. “That saves on manpower costs, making the unit more appealing to municipalities and private contractors.”

Off-loading is aided by a sloped debris floor design and washout system. The dump door is 48 by 58 inches, designed for easier cleaning. Optional 4-inch Hydratech off-loading pump systems are available to cleanly and effectively discharge liquid loads.

Dell recommends the 1600 for municipal and industrial settings, and says its smaller footprint makes it an ideal fit for remote mining and utility operations. While its smaller van body sacrifices some heated storage, it means a more maneuverable, versatile unit.

“It’s definitely going to appeal to the subcontractor who performs municipal work every day,” says Dell. “It is designed as a workhorse and can fit the industrial oil and gas and utility markets as well.”

The partnership with Transwest will make marketing more convenient for Foremost products, Dell says. He says the 1600 is the focus of the initial marketing campaign, with more to come in the future.

“Partnering with a company like Transwest that understands the U.S. market is big for us,” he says. “Canada has a more mature hydroexcavation market. We are already seeing increased interest, and that’s causing us to take a look at what we’re offering in the U.S.”

Next year, Dell says he hopes to bring several of Foremost’s hydrovac options to the WWETT Show, including a model with fewer heating options designed for the southern states and a miniature “urban” model offering even more maneuverability.

“Judging by the response I’ve seen at the 2015 show, we’re definitely coming back bigger and better,” says Dell. “Hydroexcavation is really starting to take off in the U.S., and we’re going to be involved.” 855/742-9990; www.foremost.ca/vactrucks.



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