Must-Have Hydrovac Accessories for Optimized Performance

Introduction to Hydrovac Accessories

Hydrovac trucks have become an indispensable tool for many construction, utility and municipal jobs. Also known as vacuum excavation trucks, hydrovacs use pressurized water and powerful vacuums to safely expose buried pipes and cables without damage. Having the right accessories for your hydrovac can optimize performance and ensure worker safety.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most useful hydrovac accessories on the market. Whether you're outfitting a new hydrovac truck or looking to upgrade an existing rig, this overview of accessories will help you make informed decisions for your unique needs.

Hydrovac Hoses

The hydrovac hose is arguably the most important accessory. This heavy duty hose channels both the high pressure water for excavation and the powerful suction for debris removal. Hydrovac hoses come in different diameters and lengths to suit specific applications.

Standard diameters are 4", 6" and 8". 4" hoses are more maneuverable for navigating tight spaces and are suitable for potholing and exposing shallow utilities. 6" and 8" hoses handle higher water volumes for deeper excavation requirements.

Lengths typically range from 50' to 100'. Longer hoses allow you to hydrovac further away from the truck while shorter ones are more portable. Replaceable hoses with cam lock fittings make it easy to switch lengths on the go.

Hose accessories like swivels, breakaways and shutoffs give operators more control. Swivel joints reduce hose kinking for easy maneuvering. Breakaways separate the hose safely if pulled too hard. Shutoff valves allow instant control of water flow.

Hydrovac Nozzles

The hydrovac nozzle, also called a vacuum excavation head, is fitted on the end of the hose. This interchangeable accessory focuses the pressurized water for digging and vacuuming. Nozzles come in different designs optimized for various tasks.

Fan pattern nozzles spread water across a wider area for quick exposure of larger spaces. Pencil point nozzles concentrate the water in a narrow stream to penetrate densely packed soil. Some nozzles allow pivoting from pencil point to fan pattern.

Industrial strength sapphire and ruby crystal orifices withstand constant abrasion from soil and debris. Nozzles tips with rotating water jets reduce binding in sticky clay. Carbide turbine options provide extended service life across the most demanding jobsites.

Wand Extensions

Wand extensions connect to the end of the hydrovac hose/nozzle assembly. These accessories allow operators to direct the water jet and vacuum from a distance for improved control and safety.

Fixed and adjustable aluminum and carbon fiber wands extend up to 36". They provide enough reach to hydrovac around buried cables and pipes without needing to stand right on top of them. Interchangeable curved and articulating wands make access even easier in confined spaces.

Non-conductive fiberglass extensions are essential for safely potholing and excavating near live electrical. Durable polypropylene models withstand harsh conditions while insulating the operator.

Hydrovac Hand Lances

For precision hydrovac excavation, a hand lance gives ultimate control. These lightweight handheld accessories connect to the end of the hose for targeted water jetting and suction.

With a double shutoff valve, water and vacuum are controlled with separate triggers right from the operator's hand. Nozzles can pivot from pencil point to fan pattern. Insulated options maintain safety around live power sources.

Common hand lance lengths are 18", 24" and 36". The compact size allows cleaning and digging in extremely confined spaces. An optional shoulder stock adds comfort during extended use. Protected vacuum inlets prevent clogging.

Hydrovac Floor Cleaners

Hydrovac floor cleaner attachments transform your vacuum truck into a powerful industrial surface cleaner. These accessories are ideal for quickly removing sludge, dirt and debris from large floor areas.

Floor cleaners attach to the hydrovac hose/nozzle using a swivel adapter. Widths of 24", 36" and 48" cover more ground with every pass. Rotating spray jets scour the surface while the vacuum whisks away residue. Durable polyurethane blades protect the jets.

Optional floaters allow floor cleaners to ride over uneven surfaces and focus suction power. With productivity up to 10 times higher than mops and brooms, hydrovac floor cleaners save time and labor.

Additional Nozzle Attachments

Beyond the standard hydro excavation nozzles, additional attachments expand your vacuum truck's capabilities:

• Sewer jetter nozzles blast through tough drain clogs
• Rotary surface cleaners like the Whirlwind gently clean delicate surfaces
• Industrial strength drain vacuum attachments collect liquid spills
• Wet/dry vac adapters provide versatility across tasks

Even more specialty nozzle attachments for air moving, steam cleaning and tank purging are available. Quick disconnect fittings allow fast swaps to keep your hydrovac optimized for the job.

Remote Cameras

Remote cameras give hydrovac operators visual monitoring for improved safety and efficiency. Cameras withstand high pressure spray to provide live video feedback.

Pipe inspection cameras guide nozzle positioning to clear blockages or expose utilities. Surface viewing cameras prevent damage when working around buried hazards. Debris fill cameras ensure tanks are empty before transport.

Monitors in the truck cab provide real-time viewing without needing a spotter. Digital video recorders capture footage for reports or insurance claims. Explosion proof cameras are essential for hazardous locations.

Lighting Systems

Lighting attachments provide critical visibility for hydrovacuum excavation jobs, especially on night shifts or in dark underground spaces.

High lumen LED scene lights mount directly to the nozzle or wand using magnetic bases or clamp mounts. Headlamps worn by operators direct light wherever they are looking without tying up hands.

For large area illumination, tripod mounted LED towers can surround the job site in daylight intensity lighting. Flexible gooseneck options allow adjusting direction and spread.

Hydrovac Safety Equipment

Operator safety should be the top priority on any hydrovac job. Safety gear protects workers and prevents accidents around high pressure wash and powerful suction forces.

Thick rubber gloves and steel toe boots handle rugged conditions. Face shields, hard hats and hearing protection reduce risk of injury. High viz vests, and road signage and cones alert surrounding personnel.

Non-conductive accessories like fiberglass extensions must be used around live power. Optional proximity sensors alert operators if electrical lines are too close.

Key Takeaways on Hydrovac Accessories

The right accessories make all the difference when it comes to optimizing hydrovac performance, safety and productivity. Investing in quality accessories designed for demanding vacuum excavation work will pay dividends over the life of your hydrovac truck.

Match accessories like hoses, nozzles and extensions to your specific requirements. Take advantage of innovative options like hand lances, cameras and safety gear. Keep multiple accessories on hand so operators can rapidly adapt to changing job conditions.

With the proper hydrovac accessories, you'll be equipped to take on the toughest vacuum excavation challenges. Just remember - skimping on accessories can compromise outcomes and put workers at risk. Always insist on genuine OEM accessories engineered for hydrovac excellence.

FAQs

What are the most common hydrovac hose sizes?

The most common hydrovac hose sizes are 4", 6", and 8". 4" hoses are best for navigating tight spaces while 6" and 8" hoses handle higher volume excavation jobs.

How can nozzles optimize my hydrovac performance?

Nozzles focus the high pressure water jet for digging and vacuum suction. Different nozzles like pencil point, fan spray, and rotating jets are designed for specialized tasks.

Why use a hand lance for hydrovac excavation?

Hand lances give operators precision control for targeted digging and suction in tight spaces. The lightweight design and trigger operation facilitates detailed work.

What safety gear should hydrovac operators use?

Essential safety gear includes thick rubber gloves, steel toe boots, face shields, hard hats, hearing protection, high visibility vests, and non-conductive accessories.

How can lighting improve hydrovac work?

Scene lights, headlamps and light towers provide critical visibility for night work or dark spaces. This improves safety and precision.