This Multitasking Owner Builds His Own Trucks

We get behind the wheel of one of Pumper magazine's Classy Trucks by having a Classy Conversation with Todd Boomhower of Boomhower Excavation and Septic in Valley Falls, New York
This Multitasking Owner Builds His Own Trucks

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When you don’t get what you want, what do you do? You make it yourself. That’s what Todd Boomhower, president of Boomhower Excavation and Septic in Valley Falls, New York, realized years ago.

For more than 35 years, he’s built out his own trucks — that’s how long he’s been in business.

“I learned out of necessity. We had some issues getting what we wanted,” says Boomhower, whose business is a part of the Boomhower Construction group.
In 2015, Boomhower added a red, white, and blue 2003 International 8600 with a new 3,300-gallon steel tank and National Vacuum Equipment 400 cfm pump; this truck was built out by Hull’s Truck Bodies. But usually it’s something Boomhower is willing to do, given his company’s history in fabricating.

The rig is powered by an M11 Cummins Power Products engine linked to a 10-speed Fuller transmission (Eaton Vehicle Group). The exterior features include 24-inch top and 36-inch rear manways, aluminum wheels, diamond plate hose trays and LED lighting. The interior features AC, power windows and stereo with CD. Graphics were added by One Day Signs.

Boomhower uses the truck to pump septic tanks, grease traps, portable sanitation waste and catch basins.

The red, white and blue theme is no accident. He also has a 2005 Ford Sterling with 2,500-gallon tank decked out in the same patriotic colors, and every one of Boomhower’s trucks has an American flag painted on the front fenders.

Boomhower’s additional fleet includes a 2006 Peterbilt, a 2005 International 4900 dump truck, a Ford F-550 dump truck, a Ford F-350 utility service truck and two Ford E-350 box vans for service trucks. 

With a dozen trucks in his fleet, Boomhower isn’t loyal to any particular manufacturer — he just wants what works and what lasts. Same thing for tanks.
“I like the steel tanks because they come with a longer warranty,” he says. “It’s worked out pretty well.”



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