The construction sector always deals with challenging processes, and to ensure success, it requires reliable solutions. To this end, a vacuum excavator can be of great help, as it is incredibly efficient and versatile and, throughout the years, has gained massive popularity for what it can do for a construction project. Compared to traditional options, a vacuum excavator is much more sustainable as well as safer, as it sucks up all the soil from an area without causing significant damage.
Vacuum excavation isn’t a new solution – in fact, it has existed for a long time, and its popularity dates back to the 1980s. However, it emerged as a solution during the 1800s, when the mining sector required a cleaner and safer alternative for the operations. Fast forward to today, vacuum excavators are used by many companies worldwide, and notably, these vehicles have evolved considerably, with an improved design and better capabilities that can deliver superior performance. In this blog, we will explore vacuum excavators in more detail, so keep reading to learn more about their potential in your construction business.
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Understanding vacuum excavators
Vacuum excavators, also known as suction excavators, are construction vehicles that eliminate heavy debris, rocks, soil, and other materials from a hole on land through vacuuming. They stand out because they can do all the work without causing the same disruption as a regular excavator, which can translate into tremendous benefits for the construction industry.
Vacuum excavators are available in different sizes and shapes, meaning that companies have different options to choose from. Most of these vehicles use hydro excavation, a process through which high-pressure water is used to break the soil to ensure that the vacuum suction technology sucks up the waste to then move it to a disposal tank. However, some excavators rely on air instead for soil removal.
What makes a vacuum excavator a reliable solution for construction businesses is its precision. Compared to digging, for instance, it offers significantly better results.
Exploring the uses of a vacuum excavator
A vacuum excavator has plenty of uses, as it is an accurate and safe alternative. For instance, it can expose underground utilities, as it gently pulls away the material from around them, which can provide more safety compared to traditional methods. The no-dig approach reduces the risk of tools cutting local utilities by striking the lines, which further helps prevent unintentional damage associated with extensive repairs. This is especially beneficial when conducting construction work in urban areas, where there can be plenty of utilities underneath the ground.
Another notable use of a vacuum excavator is site preparation, which is essential for completing any construction project. It can be challenging to determine what is below ground level, and that is where a vacuum excavator comes to the rescue, reducing the risks that can occur while preparing the site.
A vacuum excavator can also be of great use in landscape projects, which require moving large earth quantities. Vacuum excavation makes it easy to move earth from one area to another easily and rapidly, whether the work requires building up in one area or taking away in another. With such a precise vehicle, creating the initial landscape structure can be done effectively, helping construction businesses to keep the project on track and manage the budget adequately.
Considering all these great uses of vacuum excavators, it’s no surprise that many construction companies are increasingly investing in them to improve their operational processes. However, the quality of the product will determine its efficiency in a construction project, so it’s essential to choose a reliable company that specializes in the rental and sale of these vehicles, such as Saugbaggersales UK.
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Benefits of using a vacuum excavator for construction projects
There are lots of advantages to using a vacuum excavator, no matter the size of the construction project:
Safer and cleaner work site
In traditional extraction processes, the dust from the ground is sent straight into the atmosphere, which can cause health risks for the workforce. However, a vacuum excavator sucks up the dust, which ensures that the air remains safer and cleaner. This, alongside the lowered risk of cable strikes, helps maintain a clean and safe construction site.
Non-destructive
When using a vacuum excavator, the delicate topsoil doesn’t get damaged, which helps preserve fauna and flora. Furthermore, the vehicle can also be utilized to excavate around tree routes with care, which keeps the tree healthy and extends its lifespan. When working on sites that have tree preservation orders in place or when the goal is to move the trees to another area, it’s of the utmost importance to extract them with no damage, which is something that a vacuum excavator can help with.
Cost-effective
Vacuum excavators also stand out for their cost-saving benefits. Since they are very fast and efficient, fewer workers are needed on-site, helping decrease labor costs. Two trained technicians are enough to operate the truck, and time is also no longer wasted transporting debris into dumpsites. Furthermore, a vacuum excavator is more precise, which helps reduce service interruptions and many errors that can happen during the excavation process.
Eco-friendly
Vacuum excavators are also better for the environment, which can be an added benefit for construction companies that want to reduce their carbon footprint in a time of pressing environmental concerns. Traditional excavation methods destroy the natural environment around the construction site, but thanks to its accuracy, a vacuum excavator helps tackle this challenge, keeping the site green on every level.
Faster
Construction projects involve complex schedules and tight deadlines, which is why fast solutions are needed to ensure the work is carried out successfully. With vacuum excavation, this goal is achievable, as the process is much quicker. This is because the excavator’s suction arm can excavate up to 2m3 per hour, making it a better alternative than traditional methods. Vacuum excavation requires just one operator, and there’s no need for a mechanical digger to be nearby and intervene, which allows the work to be delivered on time.
The bottom line
It is easy to see why vacuum excavators have become the go-to option for many construction companies. They are safe, quick, cost-efficient, and sustainable, and they can be used for a variety of purposes and projects of all scales and sizes. So, if you want to optimize your construction operations, look no further than a vacuum excavator.
