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Choosing the Right Hydrovac: Truck, Trailer, or Mount?

Versatile, simple, and cost-effective. Find out which Hydrovac suits your needs.

Choosing the right Hydrovac excavation equipment is crucial for ensuring efficient, precise, and safe work. Whether you’re handling potholing, trenching, or industrial cleaning, selecting the right size of equipment will help streamline operations and keep your project on track. At Hydro-Spade, we specialize in providing versatile and reliable Hydrovac systems that come in a range of sizes, including skid mounts, trailers, and trucks. 

In this guide, we’ll help you determine which piece of equipment is the best fit for your needs by considering factors like project size, mobility, and operational capacity.

1. Skid Mount Systems (Entry-Level & Customizable)

Best For: Small projects, entry-level users, and those with existing chassis.

If you're just starting in Hydrovac excavation or only need equipment for smaller jobs, skid mount systems are an excellent choice. Hydro-Spade’s skid mounts provide a customizable, entry-level solution for getting into Hydrovac work without committing to a new truck chassis. These systems are available in different tank sizes and can be easily mounted to any existing vehicle or roll-off deck.

  • Advantages:
    • Customizable: Skid mounts can be tailored to suit any truck chassis, reducing the need for new equipment.
    • Cost-Effective: Ideal for smaller budgets, offering a simple and affordable way to add hydro-vac capabilities to your existing fleet.
    • Simple to Operate: With straightforward systems and trusted parts, Hydro-Spade skid mounts are built for ease of use and low maintenance.
  • When to Choose a Skid Mount:
    • You need an entry-level solution or are just getting started with Hydrovac excavation.
    • You have an existing truck or roll-off deck and prefer a system that mounts easily to it.
    • The project is small-scale or only requires occasional use of a hydro-vac unit.

2. Hydro-Spade Trailers (400/600/800 Series)

Best For: Tight access jobs, urban projects, and projects requiring mobility.

Hydro-Spade trailers are the way to go if you need mobility and the ability to work in confined spaces. These trailers (400, 600, and 800 series) are ideal for tight spots where maneuverability is key. Whether you’re working in an urban environment, navigating narrow streets, or dealing with limited turnaround areas, these trailers' smaller, compact design gives you the flexibility to get the job done efficiently.

  • Advantages:
    • Enhanced Mobility: Compact design allows easy maneuvering in tight spaces and difficult access areas.
    • Versatile and Durable: Built to handle tough conditions, including cold weather, while maintaining reliable power and performance.
    • Efficient Operation: Despite their smaller size, these trailers pack the power needed for serious excavation work, including potholing, trenching, and debris removal.
  • When to Choose a Trailer:
    • Your project is located in an area with tight access or limited maneuvering space (e.g., urban areas, narrow streets, or sites with tight corners).
    • You need a mobile solution that doesn’t compromise on performance.
    • You want the flexibility to move the unit between various job sites easily.

3. Hydro-Spade Trucks (600/800/1200 Series)

Best For: Larger-scale excavation work, extended operational capacity, and heavy-duty tasks.

The Hydro-Spade trucks (600, 800, and 1200 series) are ideal for large-scale projects that demand higher capacity, increased operational time, and more power. These trucks are designed to handle more significant excavation tasks, such as industrial cleaning, precise soil trenching, and directional drilling. With their powerful vacuum systems and ample tank capacity, these trucks can tackle large material removal volumes without constant downtime.

  • Advantages:
    • High Capacity: These trucks feature larger tanks and greater operational capacity, enabling extended working hours without frequent tank-emptying.
    • Reliable Performance: Built with simple systems and quality parts to minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs compared to larger, more complex models.
    • Heavy-Duty Power: Capable of handling various tasks, from potholing to industrial cleaning, with high precision and efficiency.
  • When to Choose a Truck:
    • Your project involves heavy-duty excavation tasks that require significant capacity and power.
    • You need extended operation times without frequent downtime for emptying or refuelling.
    • You’re dealing with larger, more complex projects requiring industrial excavation capabilities.

Selecting the right hydro-vac equipment requires evaluating your project’s size, mobility needs, and operational capacity. Hydro-Spade offers a range of equipment designed to meet the demands of any excavation job, from entry-level skid mount systems for smaller tasks to powerful Hydrovac trucks for large-scale projects.

Need help choosing the right equipment for your next project? Contact Hydro-Spade today to learn more about our reliable and durable Hydrovac solutions. 

Simply built. Simply better.