The HX-12 hydroexcavator with hydrostatic blower drive and directional discharge system by Ramvac can load and off-load debris in the same location, eliminating the need to transport spoils.

“Because it’s hydrostatically driven, we can reverse the hydrostatic motor and turn the blower backward and build pressure in the debris tank,” says Brandon Shelton, western region industrial sales representative at Ramvac/Sewer Equipment Company of America. “It’s more reliable [than other drive systems], more efficient and it saves fuel.”

The 12-cubic-yard (2,500-gallon) debris tank has a debris level indicator with hydraulic dump, 50-degree dump angle and fold-down pipe rack.

Designed from the ground up as a hydroexcavator, the HX-12 eliminates unneeded space, resulting in a unit that is 3 to 4 feet shorter than comparable models for greater maneuverability. “That’s a big plus on the municipal side,” he says. “You can get this truck into locations you can’t get a lot of hydroexcavators.” Extending the truck’s versatility is the powered boom with 330-degree working radius and 17- to 22-foot extendable reach.

Applications include sensitive utility location, remote digging, frozen ground excavation, pipeline crossing, potholing or daylighting, trenching, manhole and vault cleaning as well as debris removal.

Equipped with a 4,400 cfm blower, 8-inch vacuum hose and 18-inch vacuum rating (5,400 cfm 27-inch blower available), the HX-12 has a digital vacuum display, cyclone separator and vacuum enhancer for efficient debris removal.

“In hydroexcavation, it really depends on the guy using the wand how fast he can move material,” Shelton says. “You don’t necessarily need the biggest blower. In that respect you’re really not losing much if you have a smaller blower because it’s still very easy to move the same amount of material. The 4,400 blower can reach up to 200 feet.”

A key feature of the HX-12 is its temperature-controlled environmental chamber with 80,000 Btu heater and rollup doors (18 by 18 by 30 inches and 18- by 18- by 36-inch driver-side and 18- by 18- by 72-inch passenger-side).

“Basically, it’s an insulated, heated shroud that covers the entire water system,” he says. “It keeps all the heat inside, which is huge when you’re out working in North Dakota, Wyoming or even the northern parts of Alberta. It also keeps all of your water system components protected. A lot of times these trucks are parked outside overnight and it’s good to keep all those expensive components out of the environment.”

The HX-12 has a 400,000 Btu boiler, 1,300-gallon Duraprolene water tank, hydraulic-powered water pump via transmission PTO drive, digital water pressure display, 2.5-inch hydrant fill with 25-foot hose, air purge valve, recirculation system, hand-wash station and 75 feet of 3/8-inch hose with retractable reel.

Other features include wireless remote, climatically-sealed NEMA 4 control panel and hour meter. Accessories include four 8-inch by 6-foot extension tubes, five quick clamps, 1/4-inch pipe coupling and an 8-inch by 6-foot digging tube. A digging wand kit includes two 7-foot digging wands with three 5-foot extensions, wash-down gun, fan nozzle, hydrant wrench and 25-foot fill hose. 800/323-1604; www.ram-vac.com.