In-House Truck Maintenance Is a Game-Changer for This Maine Company

Nadeau Pelletier Sewer Services keeps its trucks in tip-top condition, and customers are taking notice

In-House Truck Maintenance Is a Game-Changer for This Maine Company

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Keeping their trucks shipshape is a priority for Nadeau Pelletier Sewer Services of Frenchville, Maine, and that’s why they choose to do it themselves.

And employee Travis Corriveau, nephew of owner Dave Pelletier, says that means everything from keeping their pumper trucks gleaming to building the tanks out themselves. Thanks to having a mechanic, Mike Guerrette, on staff, the company is able to save money by doing the work themselves and take advantage of their slower times in spring.

The latest example of his handiwork is a 2017 Peterbilt 330 with a 2,500-gallon all waste steel tank, which was purchased to replace a 1992 International in their fleet.

“The truck was purchased new, and the tank was refurbished,” Corriveau says. “It was probably 8 years old.”

“We do most of our maintenance ourselves. We removed the tank off a 1992 International, we sandblasted ourselves and painted it,” he says. They also had to remove some hinges on the 2017 to fit the tank properly.

To be noticeable in its 100-mile service area, Corriveau says, their design choice was intentional. “This was a new blue that we tried. We wanted something really flashy.” And that’s what they achieved — a gleaming metallic blue paint (Corriveau says it’s actually called “sobering blue”) with red-and-white lettering and a striking graphic of an old-timey outhouse with the half-moon window. The graphics were created by local artist Brian Cullins.

The color scheme was one Corriveau says they had seen on another truck and admired. “People are really amazed,” Corriveau says. “We like to keep it really clean and shiny.” Customers seem surprised, he says, that a pumper truck is that shiny.

Other amenities

The 2017 Peterbilt also features a Jurop/Chandler 260 pump built out by Transway Systems. The truck is powered by a 300 hp Cummins engine tied to a six-speed Fuller transmission (Eaton Vehicle Group). Features include top and rear manways, four rear sight glasses, aluminum wheels, 4-inch inlet and 6-inch dump, aluminum diamond plate-lined hose trays, chrome accents including visor and horns, rear work lights, and a locking rear differential. The interior features air-ride cab, leather seats, AC, power windows and locks, and stereo. 

Pelletier drives the truck, which is used mainly for residential septic and grease trap service.

“We choose to run smaller trucks like this for the septic pumping because they’re easy to maneuver around houses and don’t do much damage on lawns if we have to back up on them,” Corriveau says. “These single-axle trucks we find are easier to maintain versus a 10-wheeler. So far they’re proving out.”

Pelletier’s fleet also include a 2004 International 4300 series with a DT466 engine. The truck, purchased new, has a Transway 2,500-gallon all waste steel tank and Transway pump.

A 2014 Peterbilt service truck with 19.5-inch wheels and 16-foot insulated box mounted on the truck is used for portable restroom servicing. 

“In this truck, we have a Cam Spray jetter along with a RIDGID electric snake and all of our other tools needed,” Corriveau says. “We also have a 300-gallon tank for sewage.”

The remainder of the fleet includes a 2000 Vactor 2100 series truck used for industrial pumping and jetting. “We do a lot of work at paper mills, state work and sewer plants,” Corriveau says.

“Last is a 1996 GMC van that is used for our camera system. We are currently in the process of upgrading this truck and the [Aries Industries] camera system,” Corriveau says.

“In this truck, we also have an Aries push camera and a RIDGID mini cam for real small lines. We also use RIDGID when we have to locate certain areas where we find the need for repairs.”



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