Hydro Excavation: Working from a Distance
Not every dig site is wide open. In fact, many of today’s utility, infrastructure and municipal projects are happening in tight, crowded urban environments: alleys, narrow easements and locations where even maneuvering a truck can be a challenge. In these situations, the ability to hydro excavate from a distance is more than a convenience — it’s often the only way to get the job done.
Here’s how TRUVAC equipment is engineered to support long-distance excavation safely, efficiently and effectively.
1) Boom Reach Matters. Choose the Right Tool.
When the job site is blocked by obstacles like fences, walls, parked vehicles or buildings, you need a boom that can extend and maneuver with precision. Whether reaching over a barrier or down into a vault, TRUVAC’s range of trucks, like the HXX and APXX, offer powerful, multidirectional booms designed for complex access needs.
“In tight urban spaces, reach and boom control can make or break a job,” said Jason Boer, Midwest regional sales manager, TRUVAC. “You need to be able to stay parked and still get the work done without compromising safety or performance.”
2) Big Debris Bodies Keep Crews Working
Working from a distance often means longer setup times and more complex access. The last thing a crew wants to do is stop mid-project to dump debris. That’s where a larger debris tank, like those found on the HXX or APXX, becomes essential.
“When you’re in an alley or behind a structure, moving in and out just to empty the tank isn’t practical,” Boer explained. “Larger capacity lets you dig longer without leaving the site. It’s a huge time and cost saver.”
3) Air Conveyance and Power Are Critical
When digging from afar, high airflow is critical as it is what determines how fast the material moves. The vacuum system’s power aids in pulling the heavy stuff through the hose, so together airflow and power help suction heavy, wet and sticky materials efficiently.
The ability to cut through tough soil and vacuum debris without moving the truck not only speeds up excavation but also keeps workers out of risky positions and minimizes surface disruption.
4) Precision with DigRight® Technology
Controlling water pressure is at the heart of safe and efficient hydro excavation, especially in dense utility corridors. That’s why some TRUVAC units feature DigRight® Technology, a patented system that lets operators set the correct water pressure for each task and ensures that it never exceeds that setting.
“When you’re excavating near gas, electric or fiber lines, water pressure control is absolutely critical,” said Andy Hearrell, Southeast regional dealer manager. “DigRight makes it simple to stay within jobsite requirements, avoid utility damage and protect both the infrastructure and your crew.”
5) Safer Work, Smaller Footprint
Long-distance excavation isn’t just about reach — it’s about keeping crews safe and reducing disruption. With hydro excavation, workers can operate the system from a safe distance, avoiding exposure to cave-ins, debris and utilities. Combined with the reduced footprint of a parked hydrovac truck, it’s a safer, smarter alternative to traditional methods like backhoes or manual digging.
And in areas where space is at a premium, hydro excavation often provides the only workable solution.
“Whether you’re exposing a water main in an alley or trenching along a crowded sidewalk, the ability to dig safely from 30, 40 or even 50 feet away is a game-changer,” said Boer.
6) TRUVAC Is Built for Distance — and Built to Last
From high-capacity debris tanks and boom versatility to a powerful vacuum and higher CFM coupled with well-designed air flow equates to superior performance in TRUVAC’s family of hydrovac trucks, including the HXX, APXX and FLXX, which are built to handle tough jobs in hard-to-reach places.
When space is limited and accuracy is critical, TRUVAC delivers the distance, durability and safety that today’s crews demand.