The Challenge: Excavation, Debris Removal, and Compliance Often Require Too Many Machines
Underground utility and municipal infrastructure projects rarely involve excavation alone. Crews must safely remove heavy debris, manage water, clean structures, and often perform jetting or secondary cleanup—all while minimizing downtime, jobsite congestion, and operating costs.
Traditionally, this means deploying multiple machines: vacuum trucks, excavators, dump trucks, and jetters. The result is increased labor, higher fuel consumption, more maintenance exposure, and complex logistics.
For contractors and municipalities under pressure to do more with less, the challenge is finding one piece of equipment that can handle multiple underground tasks efficiently and reliably.

The Solution: The Stetco 950 Clamshell Bucket Combination Unit
The Stetco 950 Combination Unit is purpose-built to consolidate excavation, debris removal, and jetting into a single, highly efficient machine. Designed for underground utility and stormwater applications, it delivers powerful hydraulic digging, waterless debris handling, and optional high-pressure jetting—all on one truck-mounted platform.
This combination approach reduces fleet complexity while increasing uptime and operational control.
What Is a Clamshell Bucket Truck—and Why It Matters
A clamshell bucket truck uses a hydraulically operated bucket with hinged jaws to dig vertically, lift material, and remove debris with precision. Unlike traditional excavation methods, clamshell systems excel in:
-
Confined or congested spaces
-
Vertical structures such as manholes and catch basins
-
Controlled removal of heavy, abrasive debris
-
Jobs where minimizing surface disruption is critical
Mounted on the Stetco 950 Series chassis, this technology becomes a reliable, high-capacity solution for underground and municipal work.
Waterless Excavation: Lower Costs, Less Complexity
One of the most important differentiators of the Stetco 950 is its waterless debris removal capability.
Stetco’s hydraulic buckets:
-
Remove solid debris—not slurry
-
Squeeze out water as the bucket closes
-
Eliminate the need to add water for material handling
-
Reduce disposal and discharge requirements
This results in significantly lower operating costs compared to vacuum-based systems and simplifies compliance for stormwater and utility maintenance operations. For many municipalities, this waterless functionality is a game changer
Combination Unit Advantage: Excavation + Jetting in One Truck
The Stetco 950 Combination Unit integrates optional JetPac high-pressure, low-volume jetting, expanding its capabilities beyond excavation alone.
Key jetting features include:
-
Up to 4,000 PSI at 12 GPM
-
Capability to jet lateral lines up to 18 inches in diameter
-
300 feet of ½-inch jetting hose
-
Recirculation option for cold-weather operation
-
Pump designed to run dry without damage
This allows crews to perform excavation, debris removal, and jetting without mobilizing a separate jet/vac truck—improving efficiency and reducing fleet costs
Designed for Deep, Demanding Underground Applications
The Stetco 950 Series supports:
-
Standard digging depths of 35 feet
-
Optional deep-dig configurations up to 50, 75, or 100 feet below grade
-
Hydraulic outreach up to 15 feet
-
Rotation up to 370 degrees for maximum reach and flexibility
These capabilities make the Stetco 950 ideal for deep structures, vaults, and complex underground access points that challenge conventional equipment
Built for Productivity, Safety, and High Uptime
Stetco equipment is known for its simple, pragmatic design, resulting in:
-
High uptime
-
Low maintenance requirements
-
Reduced wear compared to vacuum trucks
-
Reliable performance in abrasive conditions
Additionally, the Stetco 950 develops cleaning power at low engine RPM, delivering:
-
Reduced fuel consumption
-
Quieter operation
-
Improved on-site communication
-
Enhanced safety in residential and urban areas
Year-Round Versatility That Maximizes ROI
The Stetco 950 is not a single-purpose machine. It is designed as a four-season asset that can:
-
Operate as a dump truck
-
Accept plow and spreader equipment
-
Power hydraulic tools such as breakers and sump pumps
-
Perform secondary debris removal year-round
For municipalities and contractors focused on asset utilization, this versatility ensures the machine continues earning its keep throughout the year.
How the Stetco 950 Fits in a Modern Fleet
The Stetco 950 serves multiple roles depending on fleet size and needs:
-
Stand-alone solution for smaller municipalities
-
Complementary unit that handles heavy debris and reduces wear on vacuum trucks
-
Lower-cost alternative for jobs where vac trucks are inefficient or overkill
This flexibility allows organizations to deploy the right tool for the job—without overspending on unnecessary equipment
Ownership Value: Built for Long-Term Performance
From stainless steel debris bodies (5–8 cubic yards) to heavy-duty hydraulic systems and simplified maintenance access, the Stetco 950 is engineered for longevity. Its lower total cost of ownership, high uptime, and broad application range make it a smart investment for long-term fleet planning.
Why Choose Haaker Underground for Stetco Equipment
Haaker Underground doesn’t just supply equipment—we help customers deploy the right solution for real-world underground work. Our team works with municipalities and contractors to:
-
Match equipment to application requirements
-
Support long-term ownership and service needs
-
Optimize fleet performance and ROI
When you choose the Stetco 950 Combination Unit through Haaker Underground, you gain a trusted partner committed to your success.
Ready to explore how the Stetco 950 fits into your operation?
Contact Haaker Underground to discuss your application needs and schedule a consultation.