CAT CLASS: HQ-10248

500-1,200 gal Vacuum Excavator

The 500-1,200 gallon vacuum excavator represents the standard hydrovac trailer or skid configuration, designed for a full day of daylighting work before requiring a dump run. This size class combines spoil tank capacities of 500 to 1,200 gallons with water tanks holding 200 to 1,550 gallons, delivering airflow between 580 and 1,740 CFM. Operating weights range from 1,860 to 6,370 kg, making these units suitable for trailer-mounted or skid-mounted deployment on job sites requiring sustained hydro excavation.

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Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Spoil tank capacity	500–1,200 gal	Determines hours of continuous excavation before dump runs are required
Water tank capacity	200–1,550 gal	Supports sustained soil cutting and loosening throughout the work day
Airflow	580–1,740 CFM	Vacuum suction power to lift slurry and debris from excavation depth
Engine power	20–49 hp	Drives vacuum blower, high-pressure water pump, and auxiliary systems
Operating weight	4,101–14,043 lb (1,860–6,370 kg)	Defines trailer class, towing requirements, and road transport limits

How to choose

The 500-1,200 gallon class is the appropriate choice for full-day utility locating, potholing, and daylighting operations where productivity depends on minimizing dump runs. Crews working on extended linear projects or multiple locate sites benefit from the balance of tank capacity and mobility. For smaller jobs with limited excavation volume—such as single-pole installations or short utility exposures—the Up to 500 gal Vacuum Excavator class offers easier transport and faster mobilization. This size class currently represents the top rung of the vacuum excavator ladder and is well-suited to contractors needing maximum on-site capacity without stepping up to truck-mounted hydrovac units.

What this size handles

Daylighting buried utilities along municipal street improvement corridors
Potholing fiber optic and telecommunications lines across campus or subdivision developments
Exposing gas, water, and sewer mains for connection or repair work
Excavating around sensitive electrical conduit and signal cables at substations
Clearing soil around bridge abutments and foundation piles for inspection
Removing soil from around tree roots for air-spading and root-pruning operations

Safety & operation

Vacuum hose lengths of 9 to 30 feet establish safe standoff distance from overhead lines and congested work zones
High-pressure water jets (up to 3,000 PSI) require operator training and protective equipment to prevent injection injuries
Vacuum systems generating up to 15 inches of mercury must be monitored to avoid hose collapse and ensure safe material conveyance
Tank weight increases significantly as spoil accumulates; operators must account for load distribution and towing stability during transport to dump sites

Transport & logistics

Trailer-mounted units typically require a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup with appropriate hitch rating for weights up to 6,370 kg
Skid-mounted configurations can be loaded onto flatbed trailers or transported in service truck beds, depending on weight distribution
Road transport requires compliance with local weight and width regulations; larger units may approach or exceed gross vehicle weight limits on standard single-axle trailers

Power & supply

Self-contained diesel or gasoline engines (20–49 hp) power vacuum blower and high-pressure water pump independently of external sources
Fuel tank capacities of 14 to 83 gallons support full-day operation without refueling on most jobs
High-pressure water pumps deliver up to 3,000 PSI for soil cutting; water temperature may be ambient or heated depending on model and optional equipment

Frequently asked

How many utility locates can this size typically complete before requiring a dump run?

A 500–1,200 gallon spoil tank generally accommodates 6 to 12 standard pothole excavations, depending on soil density, depth, and diameter. Compact clay or wet soil reduces capacity compared to loose sand or gravel.

What towing vehicle is required for trailer-mounted units in this class?

Units weighing 1,860 to 6,370 kg typically require a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup with a tow rating matching the combined weight of trailer, water, spoil, and equipment. Heavier models may approach or exceed 14,000 lbs gross trailer weight.

Can this size class operate in residential neighborhoods with restricted access?

Trailer-mounted units in this class navigate standard streets and driveways but require adequate space for setup and hose deployment. Skid-mounted configurations offer greater maneuverability in tight or gated residential areas where trailer articulation is limited.

Compare popular models

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Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Operating weight	Max dig depth	Max reach	Engine power
Vermeer LP SDT Vacuum Excavator	6,400 lb (2,903 kg)	-	-	49 hp
Vermeer LP XDT Vacuum Excavator	7,500 lb (3,402 kg)	-	-	24 hp
Vermeer CS GT Vacuum Excavator	4,101 lb (1,860 kg)	-	-	27 hp
Vermeer CV GT Vacuum Excavator	4,799 lb (2,177 kg)	-	-	27 hp
Vermeer CV SGT Vacuum Excavator	5,351 lb (2,427 kg)	-	-	38 hp
Vermeer ECO50 Vacuum Excavator	6,085 lb (2,760 kg)	-	-	50 hp