McLaughlin has extended its Vermeer MEGA VAC vacuum excavator product line with new PTO-driven options. The Vermeer VXT truck series was developed in response to industry requests for a productive vacuum excavator that meets weight regulations and that is backed by the support of the Vermeer dealer network.
Ideal for utility and distribution contractors, the VXT Series is a reliable, cost-effective solution for high-production potholing crews. The new MEGA VAC PTO-driven vacuum excavators come in three standard spoil capacity options: the VXT6 (6-yard), the VXT8 (8-yard), and the VXT10 (10-yard).
"The new VXT truck series is designed for the production-minded utility contractor who is focused on maximizing uptime and maintaining a safe and productive jobsite," said Jeff Wage, vice president at McLaughlin. "These machines fit that niche of being able to do the work that's required at a price point high-production contractors can justify."
The VXT series is a 6-inch (15.2 cm) system featuring spoil tank capacities ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 gallons (4542.5 to 7570.8 L) and a standard option of 800 gallons (3028.3 L) of fresh water. For off-road applications, larger spoil tank capacities are available from 2,200, 2,600 and 3,000 gallons (8327.9, 9842.1 and 11,356.2 L).
"Contractors asked for a 6-inch vacuum excavator for potholing performance and the ability to work in certain rocky and granular ground conditions," said Wage.
The VXT Series is powered by the industry-proven OMSI Gearbox and a ROOTS 3200 CFM (91 m3/min) blower. When the truck is put into PTO mode, the rear axle is disengaged and the OMSI gearbox becomes live to drive the ROOTS blower at 18 inches of mercury and 3200 cfm. The OMSI gearbox hydraulically provides the power to drive the 10 gpm/3,000 psi water pump as well.
The new CAN Control system allows for two-way communication between the remote control and the vacuum excavator. With the CAN Control system operators can start the MEGA VAC, control the idle speed, dump spoils, open the rear door and control full boom operation, which helps contractors increase jobsite productivity. The controls also give a full readout on performance of the engine, the blower and the water pump.
The new Vacuum Neutral feature adds to operator safety and productivity on the jobsite. In Vacuum Neutral mode, the blower breathes free air and stops suction without the need to close the hydraulic gate valve in the boom. This allows an operator to work safely near the boom without having to shut the vacuum off.
Utility contractors, gas distribution contractors and the large contractors building fiber optic networks must balance the need for maximum spoil tank capacity with increasingly stringent weight regulations and restrictions. The VXT6 and the VXT8 MEGA VACs were designed with scalability as a top priority. Built on a 10-wheel Peterbilt chassis, the VXT6 has a 1,200-gallon (4542.4 L) spoil tank capacity and can carry up to 410 gallons (1552 L) of water and still meet weight regulations. The VXT8 has a 1,600-gallon (6056.7 L) tank capacity and can carry up to 800 gallons (3028.3 L) of fresh water. With a standard drop axle, the VXT8 weighs only 33,000 pounds (14,968.5 kg) empty on the Peterbilt 348 chassis.
"Time and time again, we hear concerns from contractors regarding overweight vehicles on the highway. Allowing units to run overweight puts both their employees and their company at risk for financial and legal repercussions," said Wage. "By selecting the VXT6 or the VXT8, a contractor can reduce the risks and improve working conditions for their employees."
