Hydro-excavation trucks

Hydro-excavation trucks use pressurised water to loosen soil and a powerful vacuum system to lift the resulting slurry into a debris tank. They are used for non-destructive digging around buried utilities, potholing to locate lines, slot trenching, and cleaning out pits and catch basins. They are usually built on a commercial truck chassis.

When comparing hydro-excavation trucks, the chassis gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and axle configuration describe the truck itself. Debris body capacity and water tank capacity determine how long it can work before dumping or refilling. Vacuum blower airflow and vacuum level, water pump pressure and flow, and boom reach drive digging performance. Overall length, width and height matter for road travel and site access.

Across the 44 models listed here, gvwr (gross vehicle weight rating) ranges from about 8,845 to 45,132 kg (19,500 to 99,500 lb). Brands covered: Foremost, GapVax, Guzzler, Hi-Vac (X-Vac), Keith Huber, RAMVAC, Super Products, TRUVAC, Tornado, Vac-Con, Vacall, Vacmasters, Vermeer.