Vacuum Truck for Municipalities

Vacuum Truck for Municipalities: Key Considerations When Investing

When a municipality in South Africa faces the challenge of managing blocked drains and sewer systems, investing in the right vacuum truck for municipalities becomes essential. This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of how to make an appropriate choice for a vacuum truck tailored to municipal tasks.

Budgetary Constraints and Allocation for Vacuum Trucks

Recognizing the prevalent budgetary constraints, financial factors play a crucial role in equipment acquisition. While there may be a collective desire for the most robust and sizable truck, budgetary limitations may not always allow for this. This guide offers insights into where your budget should be allocated, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure that the chosen vacuum truck for municipalities performs its designated task effectively.

The Right Chassis for Municipal Vacuum Trucks

When considering the choice of chassis, the renowned Scania chassis is an excellent option, known for its reliability and performance. However, these remarkable chassis come at a premium cost, which might not always align with budget constraints. A practical alternative is selecting a UD chassis, which offers user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, making it a good choice within tighter budgetary bounds.

The distinction lies in the fact that Scania and UD chassis come equipped with a sophisticated ‘power take-off’ (PTO) gearbox, which serves as the primary power source for the crucial functions that drive the vacuum truck’s operations. While certain other chassis brands offer PTO-ready gearboxes, their systems often lack the refinement found in Scania or UD models.

For the PTO to effectively drive all the equipment without straining the engine, a minimum torque rating of 950Nm is recommended. Anything lower will compromise the efficiency of the equipment and strain the engine. Another decision to make is whether to opt for a manual or automatic gearbox. Manual gearboxes often undergo unnecessary strain and suffer damage, particularly to the gearbox and clutch components. To prevent long-term expenses and minimize breakdowns, opting for an automatic gearbox is highly recommended.

Optimal Tank Construction for Municipal Vacuum Trucks

For municipal undertakings, a versatile tank design is critical, allowing for both sludge suction and drain jetting using clean or non-potable water. The optimal ratio for municipal requirements is a 4,000L water and 5,000L vacuum configuration.

To ensure tank durability and robustness, the tank should be constructed from stainless steel (preferably grade 304L or 316L), with toro-spherical dished-ends to enhance stability. The minimum recommended stainless-steel thickness is 4.5mm, which significantly enhances tank longevity. Additionally, verifying the manufacturer’s ISO registration is essential to ensure product quality and the integrity of welds, mitigating potential issues down the line.

Selecting the Best Vacuum Pump

Thorough research has established a minimum standard for effective South African drain and sewer clearing. A minimum suction rating of 1850 m3/h @ 0% Vacuum is essential for ensuring smooth pipe clearance without obstructions.

Choosing the Right Jetting Pump

Considering the debris and sediment that often clog South African drains, robust suction alone won’t suffice. Including a water jetting line is necessary to dislodge sludge and guide it toward the vacuum hose. While the baseline in South Africa stipulates 120 bars of pressure, substantial accumulations warrant a recommended 150 bars of jetting pressure. This level of pressure dislodges obstinate sludge and expedites the clearing process.

Importance of Hydraulic Door Locking Clamps

Some manufacturers opt for manual locking clamps on tanks to save costs, an approach that may suffice for drain water. However, for municipal use, hydraulic locking clamps on the rear door are recommended. This ensures proper sealing, preventing spillage during transit and enhancing operator safety by eliminating the need for close proximity during the dumping process.

Adding a Suction Boom for Efficiency

The inclusion of a suction boom significantly enhances the functionality of a vacuum truck. It allows for intricate maneuvering around stationary vehicles and minimizes the obstruction of large suction hoses. The ease of operation reduces spillage and potential damage to surroundings.

Upgrading to Pneumatic Systems for Reliability

Over time, electronic switches and components on vacuum trucks have shown vulnerability to corrosion. To fortify operator safety, replacing electronic systems with pneumatic counterparts is advisable. This reduces system failures and boosts overall reliability, particularly in environments where electricity-water interactions pose a challenge.

Summary of Minimum Requirements:

• Chassis: UD Croner PKE 250 (H37) Automatic
• Tank Size: 4000L water and 5000L Vacuum
• Tank Construction: Stainless Steel (Grade 304L or 316L)
• Tank Thickness: 4.5mm
• Tank Door: Toro-spherical dished-ends
• Tank Quality: ISO-registered manufacturer
• Vacuum Pump: 1850 m3/h @ 0% vacuum or more
• Jetting Pump: 150 Bar pressure
• Door Clamps: Hydraulically sealed door
• Suction Boom: Recommended to prevent spillage and negligent damage
• Operators Boards: Pneumatically controlled system

In the ever-evolving landscape of infrastructure maintenance, investing in the right vacuum truck for municipalities is a testament to a municipality’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens and the environment. As technology and best practices continue to evolve, the knowledge gained from this guide can serve as a foundation for adapting to future challenges and advancements in vacuum truck operations.