Landscape Construction

By Chris Thompson

Vacuum excavators have become a popular option for landscaping jobs thanks to their ease of use , compact size , and their ability to take on a wide range of jobs .

These machines are a practical solution when you need to excavate near sensitive areas or in tight spaces , such as when opening a trench near a house , fence or shed . They can also help with specialized tasks , such as working in a flower garden or mulch bed . Using the machine ’ s suction tool , you can clear out mulch and debris without worrying about damaging flowers , grass or vegetation on a customer ’ s property .

Vacuum excavators are also often used for potholing or daylighting existing utilities . Underground environments have become so congested , there ’ s always a risk of hitting a utility if it ’ s not exposed . Some landscapers rely on hand-digging to expose utilities , but many utility strikes in residential jobs happen with a shovel . Vacuum excavators can provide a safer , more efficient option for exposing utilities .

Still , although vacuum excavators are designed for simple and safe excavation , every job is different . Factors such as job type and soil conditions will shape key decisions , such as if you should use a hydro or air vacuum excavator , what pressure settings to use , if you ’ ll need heated water , and more . That is why it ’ s important to understand and follow best practices .

Get the most out of your machines Knowing how to choose , configure and use vacuum excavators for different jobs – and how to maintain them for maximum reliability – can help you realize the full benefits of the machines on every job , make you more productive , and reduce the risk of unplanned downtime over the life of the machines .

The best practices can be broken down into three categories : job preparation , machine operation and maintenance .

1 . Job preparation Whether you ’ re planting shrubs at a shallow depth or digging deeper to remove a tree , you must always call 811 before any digging job to confirm the location of existing utilities . Even after markings are down on a jobsite , err on the cautious side and verify the markings with your own locators .

Another crucial step before any job is to identify the ground conditions of where you ’ re working . Keep in mind that ground conditions can change not only from one jobsite to the next , but also within a single jobsite . Often , a vacuum excavator operator can begin a job in topsoil and then soon find themselves hitting clay .

Local dealers can help you understand what conditions you ’ ll encounter on a job . You can also look for visual cues , such as changes in soil patterns , to help identify ground conditions . Getting a glimpse of the natural landscape – even if it ’ s on Google Maps – can also provide clues . For example , valleys often contain clay , while hills typically have harder formations .

Knowing a jobsite ’ s ground conditions will help you decide if you need air or hydro excavation – or both – and the size of your water tank . Some tips for working in common ground conditions include :

Topsoil and sand : Hydro excavation is more efficient in these conditions , making it the go-to choice when you want to do a job as quickly as possible . However , air excavation provides greater accuracy and doesn ’ t generate slurry , making it an ideal choice when you want to keep a hole clean or are working on a sensitive jobsite .

30 OPE Business May 2023 www . OPEBusiness . com