Hydrovac Trucks: The Pros and Cons of Advanced Excavation Technology

Hydrovac trucks are specialized vehicles commonly used in excavation and utility installation projects. They use a combination of high-pressure water and vacuum suction to dig and remove soil and debris from the ground. They have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional excavation methods.

However, like any technology, they come with their own set of pros and cons. And here, we’ll explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of using hydrovac trucks for a variety of different applications.

Advantages of Hydrovac Trucks

Non-Destructive Excavation

Using hydrovac trucks to dig through the earth is a gentler, less destructive means. This is because they use pressurized water to loosen soil as opposed to forceful removal methods, such as backhoes and excavators. The technology of applying water makes it a less harsh excavation technique, which is favored to minimize the chances of further damage.

Given this, hydro excavation is ideal for projects where minimizing destruction to existing infrastructure is essential, such as around gas lines, power lines, and other underground utilities.

Precise and Accurate Digging

The use of hydrovac trucks is highly precise. This means that the smallest, most precise scale of work can be accurately carried out. Traditional excavation methods pose a higher risk of accidental strikes to crucial lines, resulting in expensive repairs. In contrast, hydrovac technology employs high-pressure water and vacuum suction to safely displace soil and debris, without causing any harm. As such, they are very ideal for projects like potholing and daylighting.

Furthermore, because of the precision of hydro excavation, filling back the site that needed digging after repairs and maintenance for underground utilities is easier. This is because only the area which needed to be excavated is disturbed, and as such, they are easier to restore again.

Eco-Friendly

Hydrovac trucks are recognized for their eco-friendly nature, making them a sustainable choice for excavation and construction projects. Here are a few reasons:

• Reduced Soil Erosion: Hydrovac trucks employ the use of high-pressure water to excavate soil, which significantly reduces soil erosion compared to traditional excavation methods. By minimizing the disturbance of the surrounding soil and vegetation, hydrovac trucks help preserve the natural ecosystem and prevent sediment runoff into nearby water bodies.
• Containment: Hydrovac trucks are equipped with advanced filtration systems that capture and contain the extracted material, preventing potential pollutants from being released into the environment. This is especially crucial when excavating contaminated sites, as the trucks can safely handle and dispose of hazardous materials without risking further contamination of soil or groundwater. By effectively managing waste materials, hydrovac trucks contribute to maintaining cleaner and healthier surroundings.
• Efficient Resource Utilization: Hydrovac trucks are known for their efficient resource utilization, which contributes to their eco-friendliness. By using high-pressure water and a vacuum system, they require less energy compared to traditional excavation methods that rely on heavy machinery. This reduced energy consumption leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, the precise nature of hydrovac excavation helps minimize the amount of material removed, further reducing waste generation and preserving natural resources. By optimizing resource utilization, hydrovac trucks promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Increased Efficiency and Speed

Hydrovac trucks are designed for speed and efficiency, due in part to their accuracy, and also because it’s a faster way to dig without relying heavily on manual labor. For the right type of jobs, hydrovac offers the advantage of requiring a smaller workforce and significantly shorter project timelines, resulting in faster and more cost-effective completion of projects.

Additionally, hydrovac excavation means that disposal problems are minimized, which further reduces processes and additional effort. It serves as an all-in-one solution which provides both the equipment for digging and getting rid of unwanted debris, not to mention that it provides the transportation that is needed to relocate debris to legal dumpsites.

Reduced Safety Risks

Hydrovac trucks provide significant safety benefits, which is one of their most substantial advantages as they work without harming underground utilities or nearby buildings’ structural integrity. This reduces the chances of workers sustaining injuries or damaging the property.

Contrarily, when using traditional excavation tools such as backhoes, shovels, and diggers, the crew working on the project faces significant dangers. Even experienced operators can be at risk due to unpredictable machinery or physical strain while manually excavating the land. In contrast, hydro excavation involves the use of only water and an air vacuum, which are considerably safer. The chances of injuries or safety concerns on a hydro excavation project are significantly lower than those of a traditional excavation project.

Disadvantages of Hydrovac Trucks

Limited Water Supply

One drawback of hydro excavation is that it requires a steady supply of water to operate, which may be limited or unavailable in some areas. And once the supply in its tank is exhausted, the tank needs to be refilled in order for excavation to continue.

Additionally, the use of water may be restricted in some areas due to drought or water conservation measures. It can be a problem to find a suitable water supply, particularly in these locations which limits production capacity.

Additional Expenses for Backfilling and Disposal

It’s important to consider cost-related drawbacks when it comes to using hydrovac trucks especially when it concerns expenditure on filling back the dig site and disposing of the waste materials from the project.

As for backfilling, one concern is that the wet soil extracted by hydrovac methods may not be appropriate for backfilling once a utility has been exposed. This is because hydro excavation turns the earth into a slurry which is not usable for this purpose after. This then requires the excavator to purchase dry fill, leading to additional expenses.

For disposal issues, transporting the heavy materials vacuumed by the truck to a disposal site can be costly, and there may be high fees associated with dumping. Besides, state and local weight restrictions need to be considered based on transportation needs, leading to additional costs. It’s crucial to account for these expenses when evaluating the overall cost-effectiveness of hydrovac trucks.

Hydrovac Trucks Might Be Just What You Need for Your Next Project

If you’re searching for safe, efficient, and less harsh excavation services for your project, Fuzion’s hydrovac services can provide the solution you need. Our state-of-the-art hydrovac trucks are equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure the job is done accurately, quickly, and safely. Our experienced and highly-skilled team can tackle any excavation project, big or small, with precision and care, leaving minimal environmental impact.

Do you have questions about our hydrovac services and how Fuzion can help you get your prfoject done right? Contact us today by calling 970-539-4201 or requesting service online.