Vacuum Trucks and Truck Builders

Choosing the right vacuum truck for the job, and the right components to outfit it with, is one of the most important decisions a liquid waste professional can make. Here are several vacuum truck options on the market, along with an assortment of products such as vacuum pumps, blowers, tanks and other truck-mounted components, that will help you get your rig ready for action.
Vacuum Trucks and Truck Builders
Septic/grease vacuum tank

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Vacuum/Septic Trucks

  Custom septic truck

Custom septic service trucks from Best Enterprises feature a 4,550-gallon stainless steel tank with overflow protection and sensor control, spring-mounted rear legs, a backup camera with LED display, a Masport 400WV vacuum pump, three stainless steel toolboxes, a remote-controlled 3,000-psi jetter system with electric hose reel and 275 feet of hose installed in an insulated and lighted stainless steel toolbox, nozzle kit, hydraulic drive system with warning light in the cab for PTO, and a backup switch on the dash for the jetter. The water compartment features a heater coil. The waste compartment features a jetter clean-out system and warning buzzer. 800/288-2378; www.bestenterprises.net.

  Positive-displacement vacuum truck

The HV55 HydroVax from GapVax is constructed from ASTM A572-Grade 50 steel, and has a 12.5-cubic-yard debris body and water tank options ranging from 400 to 1,400 gallons. Features include a positive displacement vacuum pump rated at 5,250 cfm with 28 inches Hg, prolonging the life of the filter bags and eliminating the threat of material entering the vacuum pump. The tailgate is fully opening with a field-adjustable hinge and dual cylinders and also has four fail-safe, individually adjustable locks that assure a complete seal. Options include a cold-weather recirculation package, sludge pump, auger unloading system, body pressurization system, remote pendants and wireless remotes, a high rail package and stainless steel body. 888/442-7829; www.gapvax.com.

  Long-body vacuum loader

The Guzzler Classic (CL) vacuum loader from Guzzler Manufacturing features enhanced operator ergonomics and improved air routing, filtration and maintenance. A longer body provides improved material separation. The standard ladder, catwalk and railing provide the operator with easier, safer access to the top of the truck. Enlarged bag house and cyclone cleanout access doors provide easier access. The transition to the dump tubes has been widened for more effective dumping. The linear wall connection from the cyclone to the bag house is bigger, providing more efficient airflow. The rounded transition from debris body to cyclone allows the future addition of valves to isolate the tank for adding pressure offload systems. 800/627-3171; www.guzzler.com.

  Blower/vacuum truck

The VAC3000 Series from Imperial Industries are ASME certified 407/412 steel DOT units with capacities of 3,200 and 3,600 gallons. Choose either a blower system (NVE 4310 or the Hibon 820) or a vacuum system (Fruitland, Moro or Wittig) to meet specific needs. The units feature three rollover bars, bolt-on aluminum hose trays, 4-inch riser intake, 6-inch discharge, full-opening rear door, three-stage hoist assembly and a complete hydraulically controlled system. 800/558-2945; www.imperialind.com.

  Vacuum truck with hydraulic components

The Dominator vacuum truck from Keith Huber features a 3,300-gallon-capacity carbon steel tank with 5/16-inch shell for long life, a 20-inch top manway, hydraulic tank lift, full-opening hydraulically operated rear door, a PTO-driven hydraulically operated vacuum/pressure system, a liquid-cooled high-performance pump, full-length body trays for hose storage, a 4-inch inlet with internal standpipe for easy decanting, a 6-inch discharge valve for direct pressurized or gravity unloading, rear work lights and LED running lights, and a back-up alarm and grounding reel. Options include multiple compartment tank volumes, ASME/DOT 412 certification, a stainless steel tank with wetted stainless parts, high-pressure jetting systems with integral water compartment, an auxiliary transfer pump, and a top-mounted hydraulically operated 4-inch boom. 800/334-8237; www.keithhuber.com.

  All-weather vacuum truck

The ArcticVac vacuum truck from Progress Vactruck is designed for all-weather operation. Features include enclosed, insulated and heated water house with 1,000 gallons of freshwater, 750,000 Btu Hotsy boiler and 10 gpm Cat 660 pressure pump. Operation at -40 degrees F is an option with the unit that features a Robuschi 65 Series 900 cfm blower, DOT 407 stainless steel tank with front hoist and full-opening rear door. 800/255-0008; www.progressvactruck.com.

Tanks

  Rectangular vacuum tank

The All-In-One Rectangular Vacuum Tank from Crescent Tank Mfg. has a low-profile design for a lower center of gravity with a bed for hauling portable restrooms, hand-wash stations and other equipment. Liquid waste is held inside the rectangular steel tank, with a separate freshwater poly tank. The vacuum tank can be configured for volumes of 100 to 1,000 gallons. 585/657-4104; www.crescent-tank.com.

  Portable sanitation unit

A portable sanitation truck with a 2,500-gallon, two-compartment aluminum tank mounted on a 2013 International chassis is an offering from Mid-State Tank. The 33,000-pound GVWR unit has an NVE 607 water-cooled pump and heated valves. Other aluminum and stainless steel tanks and options are available. 800/722-8384; www.midstatetank.com.

  Septic/grease vacuum tank

The 4,000-gallon aluminum Matador septic/grease vacuum tank from Amthor International comes standard with a 5/16-inch-thick side shell and floor, full head baffles and no external rings. It is available as a dumping tank with or without full-opening rear doors, as well as with off-road construction options for various applications. Various pump models are available. 800/328-6633; www.amthorinternational.com.

Vacuum Pumps

  Continuous-duty vacuum pump

The LC580 vacuum pump, known as “The Boss”, was developed by CEI Chandler Equipment Inc. and Jurop for continuous heavy-duty applications. It is designed for 4-inch components, and has a recommended input speed of 1,000 rpm with an output of 577 cfm at free air, and 512 cfm at 18 inches of vacuum. The liquid-cooled design allows for it to operate at higher efficiency for a longer period of time. 800/342-0887; www.chandlerequipment.com.

  Compact vacuum pump

The Eliminator MK250 vacuum pump package from Fruitland Manufacturing is engineered with heavy-duty and integral secondary shut-off, oil-catch muffler, drive coupling, vacuum/pressure gauge and all relief and drain valves. Hydraulic or gearbox drive adapters make the vacuum system easy to hook up, durable and professional. The package measures 26 inches wide by 23 inches high, making installation convenient for trucks with limited frame space. The pump offers low oil consumption, including an automated oiling system with steel oil lines, pump oil level sight gauge, vane gauging ports, anti-shock design, three primary cooling phases and a two-year parts and service warranty. 800/663-9003; www.fruitland-mfg.com.

  Inline-drive vacuum pump

The RFL100DV(L)I inline-drive vacuum pump from Gardner Denver Wittig provides an alternate arrangement to standard right angle gear drive or hydraulically driven vacuum pumps. It is driven by the PTO, and doesn’t require a right angle gearbox, reducing installation costs and preventing pump damage due to shaft misalignment. The mounting bracket included allows mounting between the frame rails to save space. The discharge flange can be rotated to provide discharge in any direction, allowing for proper fit for various applications. 217/222-5400; www.gardnerdenverproducts.com.

  Fan-cooled vacuum/pressure pump

The VK650 fan-cooled vacuum/pressure pump from Masport features an integrated inlet filter that includes washable stainless steel filter for long filter life. It features a Posi-Lock handle for secure positioning. The pump offers 23 inches Hg continuous and 27 inches Hg intermittent vacuum and features heavy-duty bearings, Viton oil seals, a fan-cooled system for higher continuous operation, a flushing port, automatic oil pump and a vane inspection port. Its cushioned spring washer design prevents rotor-to-end cover contact created by direct PTO drive or misaligned belt-drive systems. 800/228-4510; www.masportpump.com.

  Liquid-cooled vacuum pump

The PM2600 heavy-duty, liquid-cooled vacuum pump from Moro USA is capable of pumping nonvolatile liquids and sludge from long distances. Features include an integrated check valve, changeover valve and automatic oiling system allowing for easy operation and installation. It features industrial-duty bearings, seals and low operating speed, a 4-inch flange connection, and is capable of flows up to 824 cfm. It produces 29 psi and a continuous vacuum of 24 inches Hg, and is available in a pre-assembled package complete with stand, secondary, oil catch and drive, gearbox, hydraulic, pulley or engine drive. 800/383-6304; www.morousa.com.

  High-pressure reciprocating pump

The Myers HPL Series high-pressure reciprocating pump from Pentair-Myers was designed with new cartridge valves, an open cradle for packing and plunger maintenance, and an external lube filter to minimize maintenance time. It provides true 120 gpm at 3,000 psi and true continuous-duty operation. For significant noise reduction, it has heavy castings, urethane valve inserts, and internal gear reduction. The gear end is pressure lubricated instead of relying on splash lubrication, important when running at lower speeds for applications like cold weather recirculation. It is designed for multiple installation options: right-hand or left-hand drive, horizontal, angled, or inverted. It has flow capacities from 36 to 170 gpm over a speed range of 530 to 1,770 rpm. 888/416-9513; www.femyers.com.

Blowers

  Truck blower

The KAIV-320 positive displacement vacuum blower from BRUDON Air Vac / Kay International offers a robust housing design and impeller profile that reduces pulsation, noise and slippage. It is rated at 1,400 cfm at 28-inches maximum vacuum, and features a low-pulsation tri-lobe impeller design and large oil sumps for increased bearing lubrication. It is designed with footprint interchange capability for ease of installation without major retrofit or modification to the existing airflow system. 780/440-1634; www.brudonairvac.ca.

  High-vacuum blower

The Challenger 5314 high-vacuum blower from National Vacuum Equipment is a 1,500-cfm high-vacuum blower designed for continuous duty at maximum vacuum. It is available in a ready-to-install hydraulic or belt-drive package using corrosion-resistant stainless steel internal components. Available packages include silencers, check valves, moisture trap, cyclone, four-way vacuum/pressure changeover valve and a rugged powder coat painted skid. 800/253-5500; www.natvac.com.

Parts/Components

  Cam-lever coupling

Locking cam-lever couplings from Banjo Corp. feature an easy-action locking lever. Features include an extended male thread, three-arm coupler and an EPDM gasket. They have a maximum capacity of 75 psi. The 303C coupling has 3-inch female coupler by 3-inch extended male thread. 765/362-7367; www.banjocorp.com.

  Material handling hose

Tigerflex Amphibian AMPH Series heavy-duty polyurethane-lined wet or dry material handling hose from Kuriyama of America resists internal wear, especially in the hose bends. It is extremely flexible, with a convoluted cover and “Cold-Flex” materials that resist kinking and promote flexibility in sub-zero temperatures. It is oil and UV resistant, and can be used for fly ash collection, hydroexcavation, industrial vacuum equipment, rock, gravel, sand and crushed concrete vacuuming, sewer truck boom hose, and slurry handling. 847/755-0360; www.kuriyama.com.

  Truck-mounted spray system

The truck-mounted Pathfinders spray system from Satellite Industries reduces mold and bacteria by 86 percent over traditional cleaning methods. Using the system to apply a hospital-grade disinfectant manufactured by ECOLAB kills mold and bacteria, especially in hard-to-reach places such as between the tank and walls. In addition, the disinfectant removes rust and calcium deposits, and leaves a shiny residue that brightens the surface and resists graffiti and dust. 800/328-3332; www.satelliteindustries.com.

  Hydraulic oil cooler system

Severe-duty hydraulic oil cooler systems from Ledwell are available in two sizes ­– 35 and 60 gpm. Designed to operate with an 8-gallon reservoir, the assembly weighs less than 100 pounds dry. The units are capable of removing damaging heat in circuits more than 50 hp. They are equipped with IP68, 12-VDC fans for cooling, temperature switches and bypass valves to protect the cooler core. Also included are 10-micron-rated return-line filtration and a return-line diffuser to de-aerate the oil. All hose/port connections are leak-proof O-ring threaded. Options include a low-oil shutdown float. 888/533-9355; www.ledwell.com.

  Heated valve collar

Heated collars from L. T. & E. are designed to keep valves from freezing. Made of 304 stainless steel, collars are available in 3-, 4- and 6-inch sizes. Connected to the cooling system, the collars circulate antifreeze and are bolted between two flanges (ANSI or TTMA bolt pattern). They include extra pipe couplings for installing the optional 110-volt heater and thermostat for freeze control when the truck is parked overnight. 800/296-8035; www.ltetanks.net.

  DC truck vibrator

The Cougar DC truck vibrator from Martin Engineering improves speed and efficiency when unloading trucks and other mobile equipment and off-loading of industrial waste, including difficult materials such as dry bulk powders, slurries and even thick sludge. The heavy-duty electric unit is suited to dump trucks with a 10- to 15-yard capacity, live-bottom tandem dump trucks carrying 15 to 30 yards, large spreaders and vacuum trucks. It delivers 4,000 vibration cycles per minute, with 3,200 pounds of force, while drawing just 85 amps from the 12V model and 62 amps from the 24V version. 800/544-2947; www.martin-eng.com.

  Telescopic cylinders

Single-acting telescopic cylinders from Muncie Power Products have been engineered with machined hard stops for reliable stopping at the end of every stroke. The bore size of the final stage is larger but the average displacement of the stages has been reduced, which requires less oil and leads to faster cycle times and more lift using the same pressure. Features include 5- through 8-inch bores, 84- to 285-inch strokes, three to five stages, and 1-inch NPT porting standard. They have a self-bleeding design, increased stage overlap for added stability and support, a chrome-plated final stage, and a double lip polyurethane wiper. 800/367-7867; www.munciepower.com.

  Pressure washer hose

Kobrajet I 4,000-psi pressure washer hose from Water Cannon is a wire non-marking gray hose ideal for cleaning surfaces likely to show hose marks, including pool patios, roof tops and indoor surfaces such as kitchen floors and countertops. It features high-tensile steel wire braid components, with free bend restrictors and a free swivel included in the package. It comes in a variety of lengths and works well with industrial and consumer pressure washers. It can endure temperatures from -40 up to 275 degrees F. 800/333-9274; www.watercannon.com.

  Filter accessory kit

Conde Accessory Kits from Westmoor Ltd. include the primary, secondary, pre-filter, and oil catch muffler. They can be fitted with 1- or 1 1/2-inch NPT connections. The weld-in primary trap comes in a choice of CR steel, stainless steel or aluminum, with the secondary trap with drain and pre-filter constructed of stainless steel and the oil catch muffler with drain constructed of aluminum diamond plate. The kit is designed to protect the pump/vacuum system for several years. 800/367-0972; www.westmoorltd.com.



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