Do you have an excavation project coming up that requires you to work with little space? If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional excavators, a vacuum truck is your best option.
But why should you choose hydrovac truck rentals for your next project? Continue reading to learn everything you need to know.
What Is Hydro Excavation?
Hydro excavation is a process also commonly known as vacuum excavation. This method of excavation uses a truck that combines high-pressure water with an air vacuum.
Instead of using a backhoe or other excavation equipment to dig, hydrovac trucks use high-pressure water to cut into the soil and break it up.
After the water breaks up the soil, an air vacuum removes the slurry produced. The vacuum sucks the slurry into a debris tank where it’s stored until it’s taken to a special dumping yard. Either a fan system or a positive displacement blower sources the air air vacuum.
When Are Hydrovac Trucks Used?
Hydrovac trucks are commonly used as an alternative to traditional excavation methods. In some circumstances, hydrovac vehicles offer the ability to excavate where other machinery may not be able to. Examples include where there are utility lines or other things in the ground that shouldn’t be disturbed.
While the trucks can be used for almost any excavation project, a few of the most common uses for hydrovac trucks include:
- Sign or pole installation
- Sewer rehabilitation
- Pipe rehabilitation
- Excavation projects with limited room to work
What Are the Benefits of Hydro Excavation?
Hydro excavation delivers many benefits when compared to traditional methods. It’s a safer method, leading to fewer accidents and injuries. It also disturbs surrounding soil to a significantly lesser degree.
Hydro excavation also leads to less traffic near worksites. Since the truck can be used from a moderate distance away from the digging area, it can be parked off the road. This reduces the congestion that often comes with additional or slow traffic when roads are blocked by equipment.
The Benefits of Hydrovac Truck Rentals vs Buying
Which is better: buying or renting a hydrovac truck?
Here are some of the primary benefits of hydrovac truck rentals:
Reduced Costs
Unless you’ll be using a hydrovac truck regularly (as is the case with construction companies), renting is much better for your bottom line. There are several ways renting a hydrovac truck can save you money.
The most substantial cost saver is a reduction in maintenance costs. If something goes wrong with the equipment, the repairs fall to the rental company. Trucks also require ongoing maintenance, but when you rent, the rental company is responsible for these costs.
Reduced Storage Space
Any equipment you own has to be stored on your company lot. If you have a small lot, this can pose significant issues. Renting is a better choice for those who don’t have room to store large pieces of equipment.
Reduced Downtime and Lost Opportunities
Hydrovac truck rentals reduce downtime and lost opportunities from equipment issues. If a rental truck needs repair, it will be replaced or fixed right away by the renting company. If you purchase a truck and it needs repairs, you could lose days of work while waiting for it to be fixed.
Questions to Ask Before Renting a Hydrovac Truck
When renting a hydrovac truck, choose a reputable, experienced company. Choosing the best rental company ensures any issues will be taken care of right away and you’ll be given access to reliable equipment.
A few questions you should ask before renting a hydrovac truck include:
- What’s included in the hourly or daily rate?
- Is the vacuum truck up-to-date on all safety inspections?
- Has the vacuum truck been serviced recently?
- If the truck needs a repair, will you replace the vacuum truck? (If not, what happens?)
- How old is the hydrovac truck we’ll be renting?
- Is the hydrovac insured through you, or will I be required to insure it?
If the truck rental comes with a crew or equipment operator, you’ll also want to ask the following questions:
- What safety training does the operator have?
- How many years of experience does the operator have?
- Does your company carry workman’s comp or general liability insurance for your operator?
- If there is a crew, will there be a single point of contact?
Asking these questions will help ensure you work with only the best hydrovac truck rental company.
Learn More About Our Hydrovac Truck Rentals
Renting a vacuum truck is the best option for most companies who only occasionally need excavation equipment.
Do you have more questions about our hydrovac truck rentals? Are you interested in renting a truck for your next project?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be more than happy to answer any questions you still have and we can begin the rental process today!