The Vermeer VXT600 vacuum truck has undergone a complete redesign to enhance its performance and provide a lightweight machine that allows for a high spoil tank capacity.
The load capacity has been increased for road use and the component and technology reliability and serviceability have been optimized. Furthermore, the machine has incorporated performance-enhancing features to boost productivity for vacuum crews.
With a 9.2 cubic metre elongated spoil tank design and 4,542.5 litre freshwater tank capacity, the second generation VXT600 vacuum truck weighs in at 18,143 kg. This new design allows for even weight distribution when travelling while maximizing the volume of material hauled.
“We made this truck as light as possible,” said Jake Jeffords, Vermeer’s Director of Sales, Marketing & Global Accounts.
“The weight distribution gives you the ability to put more payload in the spoil tank, so you’re on the job longer and being more efficient.”
The vac truck also features a low profile with a height (with boom) of 3.7 metres, so it can maneuver under trees, power lines and bridges.
It features a vacuum system that is powered by a 6,400-cfm Helical tri-lobe Jurop blower. With a 7-metre boom, a 20.3-cm diameter dig hose, a vacuum level of 27 inHg and a water pump that produces 37.9 litres per minute of flow at 3,000 psi, the VXT600 can dig quickly and deeply.
Vermeer reduces noise during operation
The VXT600 is also designed to operate quietly while on the job.
“When we dig, the machines right around that mid 80 decibel level, so you’re still able to operate and talk and communicate on the job,” Jeffords said.
Additionally, the boom dig hose can be stowed with the dig tube attached to minimize setup time between digs.
When it’s time to empty the spoil tank, crews will appreciate the labour-saving functionality of the VXT600 vac truck. They don’t need to unstow the boom before dumping, and the tank’s cam-over door is easy to operate. The spoil tank can be lifted to a 50-degree angle for quick offloading.
For even more efficient cleanouts, an optional tank vibrator is available. A handwashing station is included for operator convenience.
“We have incorporated many features that contractors appreciate about the popular Vermeer VXT300 vacuum excavator to create the larger and more powerful VXT600,” said T.J. Steele, Product Manager for Vermeer MV Solutions.
“We believe this second-generation VXT600 is exactly what the industry is looking for in a high-production vacuum excavator. It is an excellent choice for utility contractors who want to increase their potholing productivity. We designed the new VXT600 from the ground up with the goal of making the lightest 9.2-metre truck on the market.”
The VXT600 has a 17.8-cm LCD electronic display and a full-function wireless remote with the option of a belly pack or handheld unit. There are two chassis options available: a Kenworth T880 truck with a 510-hp Paccar MX-13 engine and a 6-speed Allison 4500RDS transmission; and a Mack Granite truck with a 505-hp Mack MP8 engine with a 6-speed Allison 4500RDS engine. Both chassis have an 39,009 kg) GVWR and two pusher axles.
Other customization accessories available for the VXT600 include a 180-cfm, 110-psi air compressor for dry digging and powering pneumatic tools, a 75.7 litre per minute water pump to allow crews to dig with two wands, a 420,000 BTU Dynablast hot water heater, and a cold weather kit to heat cabinets, water lines and valves.
