Hearing-protection gear can be a nuisance for waterjetter operators, assuming they wear any at all. Earplugs and earmuffs also can put operators at risk because they can’t hear traffic noise or warnings from co-workers.
The Warrior high-pressure waterjetter from Spartan Tool LLC tackles those issues with an enclosed, soundproofed unit. “Our customers tell us that hearing protection is increasingly important,” says Tom Pranka, president. “Until now, operators of large jetters were required to wear hearing protection because all large jetters exceeded OSHA-mandated decibel levels.
“Rather than educate the industry about the need to wear hearing protection, which operators have historically resisted, we developed a quieter jetter that eliminates the need for hearing protection,” he says. Spartan engineers reduced noise by embedding the cover with sound-absorbing material and using two mufflers instead of one.
“The jetter produces below 70 decibels, and the OSHA standard is 76 or 80 decibels,” Pranka notes. In addition, the cover is lockable, which prevents vandalism.
Aimed at contractors who clean sewer laterals and small commercial lines from 3 to 24 inches, the jetter also has a low-emission engine designed to meet tougher emission standards now in place in California. It will meet all federal emission requirements through 2012.
Another benefit is a sleeker design that Pranka says adds value for customers.
“A jetter represents a large expenditure for our customers,” Pranka says. “In addition, customers are increasingly spending thousands of dollars on customized logo wraps to more effectively brand their companies. So we wanted a highly stylized look – something that’s really eye-catching as it goes down the road.
“A stylish-looking machine can help a contractor justify the high price associated with using a large jetter. It conveys to customers that they’re getting value for their dollar, as opposed to a guy who pulls up with a homemade trailer and a pressure washer.”
The Warrior jetter weighs 3,450 pounds empty and 5,940 pounds full, and delivers 4,000 psi at 18 gpm. Standard hoses are a 500-foot, 1/2-inch high-pressure cleaning hose; a 100-foot, 5/8-inch rubber supply hose; a 75-foot, 1/4-inch trap-cleaning hose; and a 15-foot, color-coded leader hose. The unit is available in skid or trailer mount. 800/435-3866; www.spartantool.com.
Expo booth 1170
