FAQs

If you’ve got a question, we’ve got an answer. Browse our FAQs to learn more about our range of hydro excavation, vacuum, non-destructive digging and street sweeper trucks. Still not sure? Contact our team for help or further information.

Jump to: Hydro excavation trucks  |  Vacuum excavation trucks  |  Non-destructive digging trucks  |  Sewer vacuum trucks  |  Industrial vacuum trucks  |  Liquid vacuum trucks  |  Regenerative air street sweepers  |  Street sweeper trucks

Hydro excavation trucks

A hydro excavation truck primarily employs two key elements: high-pressure water and a potent quality vacuum system. The water jet loosens the soil, and the vacuum system promptly removes it, leaving a clean, well-defined excavation area. This meticulous process ensures that underground assets like conduits, pipes and cables remain unharmed.

Main Components:

  • High-Pressure Water Jet: Used to break up the soil.
  • Vacuum System: Sucks up the loose soil and stores it in a debris tank.
  • Debris Tank: Where the vacuumed soil is stored for later disposal or reuse.
  • Control System: Allows the operator to manage the pressure and flow of water and vacuum.

The benefits of hydro excavation are numerous and primarily revolve around precision, efficiency, and safety.

  • Non-Destructive Method: Traditional excavation methods can be quite invasive, posing a risk to underground utilities and the workforce. Hydro excavation is gentle yet effective whilst exposing the underground assets
  • One Truck, Multiple Solutions: Say goodbye to the need for separate excavators and dump trucks. A single hydro excavation truck does it all, saving space and reducing equipment costs.
  • Clean Operation: With hydro excavation, the mess is minimal. The vacuumed soil goes straight into the debris tank, eliminating the need for extra cleanup.

Explore our range of hydro excavation trucks to find the one that best fits your project.

We understand the costs and headaches associated with time-wasting. Our hydro excavation trucks offer:

  • Quick Setup and Operation: Since it’s a single truck operation, the setup and breakdown time are significantly reduced.
  • No Final Cleanup: The soil is vacuumed cleanly into the debris tank, leaving the surrounding area free from spillage.

To ensure the well-being of operators and the site, the use of our hydro excavation trucks requires:

  • Certified Training: All operators must undergo rigorous training in adherence to industry standards.
  • High-Pressure Rated Safety Clothing: Mandatory for operators.
  • Exclusion Zones and Traffic Management: Implemented as needed.
  • And Site-Specific Protection Measures as Needed

For more information on this feel free to contact us with any questions you have.

The scope of your project will dictate the size and type of hydro excavation truck required. Whether you’re working on a cramped urban site or an expansive industrial zone, we have a solution that’s just right for you. Our experts can guide you through the selection process, ensuring that you invest in a truck that maximises your operational efficiency. View our range or contact us to find the perfect fit for your excavation needs.

Owning a hydro excavation truck can be a wise financial move for several reasons:

  • Single Equipment Cost: Hydro Excavation trucks are a single piece of equipment compared to a package of truck and excavator and trailer the total cost of ownership can favour Hydro excavation as only a single piece of equipment needs to be registered, maintained and financed.
  • Higher Operational Revenue: Operational revenue for a Hydro excavation truck can also surpass a traditional excavator as it is a safer method and often more productive, so a total return on invested capital is often higher with a Hydro Excavation Truck.

A well-maintained hydro excavation truck is a long-lasting one. Regular servicing is crucial, including daily, weekly, and monthly checks and servicing: (depending on hours of work)

  • 3-Month Body Interval: To maintain the body in optimal condition.
  • 6-Month Chassis Interval: For oil drainage and overall chassis health.

For a more accurate maintenance schedule for your business, talk to one of our experts.

We understand each business faces unique problems and operational requirements. This is why, depending on the application the equipment can be customised or modified to ensure it is most efficient for the work required.

KOR’s hydrovac excavation trucks represent the pinnacle of excavation technology, combining efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our extensive range caters to diverse needs, ensuring that for every project, there’s a solution to keep your operations running at maximum efficiency.

Vacuum excavation trucks

Unlike traditional methods that use mechanical digging, vacuum excavation trucks use high-end vacuum technology to remove soil and debris through suction, leaving a clear, defined excavation space without damaging underground assets.

As well as this method being non-destructive to underground assets such as optic fibre wiring or pipes, vacuum excavation trucks eliminate the need for a separate excavator and dump truck, resulting in smaller space requirements, less servicing, and long-term savings overall.

From sand and clay to hazardous substances, vacuum excavation trucks handle all types of ground comfortably. In Australia and New Zealand, our high-productivity Cappellotto units-available with up to an 8″ hose size-are a game-changer.

Note: If hazardous or dangerous goods material are involved, specialised trucks equipped to safely handle such substances may be needed, consult with one of the specialists at KOR to ensure you choose a truck that meets your operational requirements.

Whilst they may require an initial investment, long-term vacuum excavation trucks can generate massive savings in time and money due to their efficiency. Because they’re a single truck operation the speed of set-up, operation and removal is often faster than traditional excavation. Plus they require no final clean-up as the material is removed as it’s excavated.

The general objectives of the various Workplace / Occupational Health & Safety Laws across Australian States and Territories is to protect the health and safety of those in a workplace, manage risk and prevent risk to health.

Each jurisdiction has also a wide range duty placed on various parties to, as far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

This also includes providing such information, instruction, training, or supervision necessary to enable the performance of work that is safe & without risk to health.

It is recommended all involved in these activities are fully aware of their duties and responsibilities in each jurisdiction and avail themselves of the information readily available through their employers, associations, regulators, and suppliers.

Additional guidance can be found at:

  • Safe Work Australia Guide for managing risks from high pressure water jetting.
  • Section 3 General Safety Recommendations.
  • Australian Standard 4233.1:3013 High-pressure water jetting systems Part 1 Safe operation and maintenance
  • According to Pressure/ Flow diagram in AS 4233.1:2013 High-pressure water jetting systems Part 1 Safe operation and maintenance NDD (Hydro Excavation pumps) fall into a Class B system.
  • Section 7.3 Training Class B
  • 7.3.2 Training Organizations

All operators shall be appropriately trained and assessed as competent.

Training shall be delivered through a Registered Training Organization (RTO) based on high-pressure water jetting units.

In urban settings, certain rules must be observed to ensure smooth operation. Typically, the asset owner will provide guidelines on what’s required to proceed. Always consult the asset owner or local authorities before starting any excavation work.

Our fleet of vacuum excavation trucks spans a wide range, from 1,000 to 26,000 litres. The ideal size varies depending on the application. For personalised advice on what suits your project best, feel free to speak with a KOR representative.

While these trucks can reach astounding depths of up to 60 metres below ground, specific methodologies are required for deep vacuum excavations. If you intend to excavate this deep it’s important you consult an expert at KOR to ensure your chosen truck meets the requirements.

To keep your vacuum excavation truck running like a dream, Regular servicing at six-month intervals for the chassis and three-month intervals for the body is recommended. Essential daily, weekly, and monthly checks are also necessary to ensure safety and performance.

Whether you’re excavating in urban landscapes or dealing with complex ground materials, our versatile range of trucks and custom solutions are at your service. Backed by our commitment to sustainability, exceptional customer service, and ongoing support, we ensure that your projects not only meet but exceed expectations.

Non-destructive digging trucks

Also known as hydro excavation trucks, NDD trucks combine high-pressure water and vacuum technology to excavate with surgical precision. This leaves a clean, defined excavation area and is superior to traditional excavation in that it prevents accidental hits to gas lines or water pipes underground, makes excavation a one-truck job, and vacuums as you go, saving time and money on cleaning up later.

Non-destructive Digging (NDD) trucks eliminate the need for conventional excavators and dump trucks. These trucks combine a high-pressure water system with a potent vacuum. Water jets break up the soil, while the vacuum sucks it away, leaving a neat hole or trench in its wake. The streamlined operation requires less equipment and occupies a smaller footprint, whilst not damaging underground assets.

NDD trucks offer a range of techniques to suit different excavation needs. Potholing is recommended for small holes or when pinpointing the location of underground assets. Conversely, for larger open areas, excavations can be infinitely large as long as the operator has safe access and the site is deemed safe, with trenching being a popular method of locating large sections of underground assets. These different techniques and use cases may necessitate or benefit from different-sized NDD trucks, for the best fit for your operational requirements speak to our experts.

Yes, one of the key benefits and use cases for NDD trucks is their ability to locate and expose the underground assets while removing all soil and material around them and without any damage to the assets.

Conventional digging methods use a mechanical steel bucket that rips and tears at the soil and do any asset it comes in contact with. This often causes disturbances or unsafe activities that can shut down existing infrastructure. NDD trucks using water and vacuum power to excavate means existing infrastructure usually remains operational, greatly reducing the risk of damaged pipes or other underground assets and saving both time and money that would otherwise be spent on repairs.

The process is also faster overall without the need for separate dump trucks and also inherently cleaner, leading to quicker project completion times. Moreover, the reduced noise levels and minimal ground vibration make it a preferable choice for sensitive environments such as urban development projects with stricter noise regulations.

The precision of NDD Trucks can significantly minimise the environmental impact of excavation. As well as general environmental damage being reduced when compared to traditional excavation methods, dust pollution is also reduced, particularly important in residential areas.

From civil construction and mining to oil and gas sectors, the application of NDD is broad and varied. Whilst the technology is particularly impactful in these instances where damage to underground assets would be especially costly, the other benefits of hydro excavation such as one-truck operation, simultaneous cleaning, reduced pollution, and more make them an attractive choice in myriad industries and applications.

Sewer vacuum trucks

These vehicles are specifically designed to keep our sewers and stormwater drains functioning optimally by removing debris, blockages, and build-up, they play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of sewer and stormwater systems, integral to the health and efficiency of our urban infrastructure.

Sewer vacuum trucks serve two main purposes: clearing blockages and conducting regular cleaning in sewers and stormwater drain networks. These two main functions are great at preventing potential backups and overflows and preserving the functionality and longevity of these systems.

Outside of the arduous and unpleasant task of cleaning by hand, sewer vacuum trucks are the only method for cleaning sewers and wastewater management in developed Western countries. They’re a more effective, efficient and pleasant solution for wastewater management.

Regular maintenance using sewer vacuum trucks is crucial in preventing blockages and backups. These trucks efficiently remove build-ups of various materials like silt, grease, and fat that can lead to blockages. Particularly challenging are calcified deposits that harden like concrete within the pipes, sewer vacuum trucks with hydrodynamic washing capabilities and high-pressure water or cutting nozzles can effectively tackle these tough blockages.

Councils typically operate 2 and 3-axle sewer cleaning units though efficiency and manoeuvrability requirements can differ from council to council. For specific needs, speak to one of the experts at KOR to determine the most suitable equipment size for your applications.

Sewer vacuum trucks come in a range of sizes, tailored to diverse requirements. Their water tanks can vary from 3,100 to 6,000 litres, while vacuum tanks range from 4,000 to 8,000 litres. The capacity of both water and vacuum pumps also varies, accommodating specific cleaning needs.

Larger trucks can hold more water for cleaning and wastewater and require fewer trips to disposal sites, this means less downtime and more continuous cleaning for an overall increase in operational efficiency.

One size does not fit all in sewer maintenance and many different types of sewer vacuum trucks can significantly alter the productivity depending on the application. To find the best sewer vacuum truck for your operational requirements we recommend contacting one of our experts.

When investing in a sewer vacuum truck, it’s essential to consider features that ensure the highest efficiency for your needs, though some features are universally beneficial. The highest efficiency pumps and drive systems can lower the cost of cleaning by up to 50% and the vacuum hose reel with combined boom found on Cappellotto equipment provides a significantly larger operational area compared to other market options.

Deploying high-efficiency nozzles suited to the specific task can lead to up to 80% improvement in productivity, reducing time, water, and fuel requirements.

Industrial vacuum trucks

Industrial vacuum trucks can be used in a broad range of applications including:

  • Conveyor spills
  • General site clean-up
  • Settling pond cleaning
  • Manufacturing waste spills
  • Shutdown cleaning
  • Tank sludge removal
  • Rail ballast removal
  • Furnace cleaning
  • Dust separator cleaning
  • Rail line spill clean-up

Unlike conventional equipment, industrial vacuum trucks target the precise location of waste removal. This accuracy, compared to the broader sweep of traditional bucket equipment, not only enhances efficiency but also significantly reduces the environmental impact. In challenging removal areas, the precision of these trucks means a smaller carbon footprint per tonne of material moved.

Beyond the initial purchase or finance costs, owning and operating an industrial vacuum truck can include operational expenses like fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and labour.

Features to look for can vary depending on your planned application, for a perfect match to your needs we recommend chatting to one of our experts. Examples of standout features that can add significant benefit over alternatives are:

  • Stainless steel construction
  • High efficiency/high productivity Hibon blower type vacuum system
  • Baghouse dust filtration systems
  • Udor or Uraca high-pressure water blasting systems
  • An efficient drive system without hydraulics to drive large pumps
  • Or a long-reach boom with a 6-8″ diameter hose.

This system facilitates continuous dry vacuuming, removing the need for additional water which in turn reduces the total weight of the waste and increases productivity. Additionally, this feature enables the potential reuse of waste on-site, enhancing both environmental and economic efficiency.

A Hydrovac refers to a vacuum truck that uses water in its processes, either for excavation or waste management whereas a standard vacuum truck is a more general term for any truck equipped with a vacuum pump and tank, suitable for a variety of tasks.

Liquid vacuum trucks

These trucks usually have a big vacuum tank (about 8 to10m³) with a vacuum pump ranging from 500-2,000 m³/hr. Older models have noisier and less efficient vane pumps, but newer equipment use more efficient liquid ring pumps or high-performance blowers for better results. The Cappellotto (CAP VAC 2600 6×4), utilises an even higher productivity vacuum blower that produces 1,901m3/.hr which has higher productivity than the majority of other liquid waste trucks in the market today.

Each liquid vacuum truck is designed for specific tasks. Simple waste trucks have large tanks and smaller pumps whereas industrial service trucks typically have bigger pumps for more power (up to 10 times the performance), but have similar tank sizes. Hydro Excavation trucks mix medium-sized tanks and pumps with added high-pressure water systems and an overhead boom, and trucks for cleaning sewers have large flow high-pressure water pumps and hose reels. For dry waste vacuuming, trucks with baghouse filters for fine materials are recommended.

These trucks should come with emergency stops, temperature sensors, vacuum filters, hydraulic safety valves, and vacuum breaker valves to ensure safe operations. Vacuum relief valves are also needed if the vacuum pump is not capable of working at 93-95% vacuum capacity.

The performance of these trucks depends on their vacuum level and pump size. Cappellotto liquid vacuum trucks, for example, lead the market with a 95% vacuum and 1,901m³/hr airspeed. A smaller pump for either airspeed or vacuum level will dramatically reduce the productivity or speed at which liquid can be recovered by vacuum to the tank.

These trucks are vital in various industrial and commercial settings, including but not limited to:

  • Household septicsPortable toilets
  • Grease traps
  • Industrial liquid waste
  • Emergency spills
  • Industrial cleaning
  • Water Authority asset cleaning
  • Other applications where bulk liquid cannot easily be moved

Keeping these trucks in top shape is crucial. Regular maintenance, including daily, weekly, and monthly check-ups, and regular servicing of both the vacuum and chassis help to maintain their performance and longevity.

Depending on where and how you use these trucks, you might need specific permits. Always check with local authorities to ensure you’re compliant with regulations before commencing any work.

Most waste trucks can hold around 10m³, but sizes can vary from 1m³ to 25m³, offering options for different business needs.

Regenerative air street sweepers

Regenerative air sweepers are a game-changer in street cleaning. They use a closed-loop air system, which recycles air in a continuous cycle, unlike traditional vacuum sweepers that use air once before expelling it (along with contaminants and air pollutants). This means they’re better for the environment and more fuel-efficient. They get more done with less energy, which is good for the planet and your wallet.

These sweepers have a few big pluses. They’re built with fewer parts, so there’s less that can break which means they’re cheaper to run and last longer. Plus, they clean by blowing debris away, which is more efficient than vacuuming. You’ll save on fuel and get a cleaner sweep with a regenerative air sweeper.

Yes, in most applications but especially in areas like kerbs and gutters regenerative air sweepers are more effective.

Regenerative air sweepers are versatile and can be employed on a wide range of surfaces, including porous ones like asphalt and concrete found on streets, airport runways, and big car parks. Their flexibility makes them an ideal choice for a variety of sweeping tasks, although they may be less effective on very uneven or heavily debris-laden surfaces.

Definitely! They save money in both cost of ownership and operational expenses in the long run through their fuel-efficient design, reduced maintenance needs due to fewer mechanical parts, and overall durability.

Maintenance and Service requirements are reduced compared to a vacuum suction sweeper because there are fewer moving parts and labour to service and conducting maintenance is easier. Cab Chassis servicing is 6-monthly and the sweeper body is serviced every 3 months. This is conducted in either a 4 or 8-hour service depending on requirements and both minor and major body services can be completed in 1 day on-site by KOR’s mobile service unit.

The Schwarze Regenerative GS6 and A4 sweeper can handle larger debris than vacuum suction sweepers for several reasons. The pickup head, intake tube and opening into the hopper are around twice the open area compared with all other sweepers on the market. This coupled with an airspeed that is typically 40% more than all other sweepers on the market allows for moving more product with less chance of blockages in the path through to the hopper.

Street sweeper trucks

When selecting a street sweeper truck, operators should consider features that align with their specific tasks. The geographical location, for instance, can significantly alter requirements. Commonly sought-after features include:

  • HP Water System: For thorough cleaning.
  • Magnet Bar: To remove steel debris.
  • Rear Boom Hose: Great for pit cleaning.
  • Emulsion Spraying Systems
  • Sweeping Brooms: Steel, poly, or mixed – Choose what suits your debris.

Street sweeper trucks stand out as the most efficient and environmentally friendly option for bulk street and gutter cleaning. They’re also more cost-effective due to their increased effectiveness and time-saving.

Mechanical sweepers excel in situations requiring the removal of large amounts of heavy debris, like in road construction. They are highly efficient in quickly collecting and disposing of materials in applications where you might collect a hopper full of material in a couple of minutes and empty it into an on-site dump truck. On the other hand, for lighter tasks like leaf and general kerb cleaning, suction or regenerative sweepers are far more efficient.

All types of sweepers have different performance and effectiveness depending on the application. What may be a perfect application for a regenerative sweeper may be not efficient for a mechanical or vacuum sweeper and vice versa, view our range to compare capabilities or speak to one of our experts if you’re unsure of what street sweeper you need.

The primary operational costs of street sweeper trucks include driver labour, fuel, and broom replacement, which constitute up to 95% of ongoing expenses. Using a Schwarze regenerative sweeper can significantly reduce fuel and broom replacement costs.

Absolutely! Especially the Schwarze GS6 and A4 models. They use less fuel and cut down on air pollution thanks to their continuous air recirculation system.

The maintenance and servicing requirements for a street sweeper truck vary based on the sweeper and cab chassis type. Schwarze regenerative GS6 and A4 sweepers offer easier and less frequent maintenance needs. Regular servicing includes 6-monthly cab chassis servicing and quarterly sweeper body servicing, which can be conveniently done on-site by KOR’s mobile service unit.

Still have a question?

Our team is here to help. Get in touch and we will point you to the right answer.

Get in touch