Category: Product News

Vermeer Corporation Announces Acquisition of Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC

MCLAUGHLIN GROUP, INC. AND VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, LLC COME TOGETHER AS VERMEER MV SOLUTIONS.

Press Release / Pella, Iowa – (Nov. 12, 2018) – Vermeer Corporation announced its purchase of Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC, and its plans to bring the Florida-based company together with McLaughlin Group, Inc. which was purchased by Vermeer in 2017. This acquisition and integration of the two companies builds on the Vermeer strategy to provide a comprehensive suite of vacuum excavation technology, equipment, training and support to the growing underground utility and soft dig markets.

Founded in 1997, Vac-Tron has grown to become a respected brand known for innovative, high-quality vacuum excavation products sold and serviced across underground utility markets. Headquartered in Okahumpka, FL, Vac-Tron offices and production facilities employ more than 100 people. For the last 13 years, Vac-Tron products have been sold almost exclusively through the Vermeer dealer network.

McLaughlin, a drill tooling and vacuum excavation company founded in 1921 and located in Greenville, South Carolina with more than 100 team members, brought nearly a century of industry knowledge into the Vermeer fold last year.

“This acquisition allows us to leverage the innovation, market expertise and production capabilities across our McLaughlin, Vac-Tron and Vermeer brands to meet increasing customer demand while giving our dealers a more efficient, single-point connection to a full product lineup. Coming together solidifies the long-term strategy and commitment to support customers and dealers in a unified way,” said Jason Andringa, Vermeer Corporation president and CEO.

Operating under the combined group Vermeer MV Solutions, the organization will continue to provide Vermeer-branded vacuum excavation equipment and technology through dedicated Vac-Tron and McLaughlin series product lines as well as McLaughlin branded utility accessories and auger boring systems.

Vermeer MV Solutions will operate under one combined leadership and sales team led by General Manager Dave Van Wyk. Leadership at both Vac-Tron and McLaughlin will come together and serve as a unified team, bringing the strengths and best practices together in the areas of innovation, design, manufacturing, sales and customer support. The Florida and South Carolina locations will continue production as they work together to meet the growing demand within the soft dig markets.

“We’ve been proud to have the Vermeer name on our equipment for the past 13 years. Now, we are proud to formally be a part of the Vermeer family. We look forward to investing with McLaughlin and Vermeer to deliver the technology and equipment our customers need as we provide the highest quality product for the customer,” said Tim Fischer, Vac-Tron president.

“When my son, Donnie, and I started Vac-Tron Equipment in our garage, we could not have imagined the crazy and wonderful ride God had in store for us. We are very excited to have Vermeer as the new owners. Knowing that they are a faith-based and family-owned company assures me that the Vac-Tron team is in good hands. We are now ready for the next big adventure,” said Don Buckner, founder of Vac-Tron Equipment.

About Vermeer

Vermeer Corporation delivers a real impact in a progressing world through the manufacture of high-quality underground construction, surface mining, tree care, environmental and agricultural equipment. With a reputation for durability and reliability, that equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more about Vermeer Corporation, visit vermeer.com. To dig into the Vermeer story, visit vermeerimpact.com.

For more information, please contact:
Ryan Benbo – Sr. Marketing Director
Vermeer Corporation | O: (641) 621-8518
[email protected]

Underground Fire Protection Service In Texas Digs Vac-Tron


Hydro excavation and air vacuum excavation gives solutions to the most treacherous underground fire protection digging jobs. Here at Hughes Excavating, we love to have the latest equipment to provide the best service. As excavating and digging become increasingly difficult thanks to the never-ending lines of underground services, we see technological solutions coming to hand. The Vac Tron, an excavator like no other, saves Hughes and our customers time and money! Read Full Post

Luckily, we stumbled upon the versatile hydro excavator from Vac Tron, and it became the go-to-excavator for any tricky request or underground fire emergency.

 

Vac Excavators Featured in the Carolina’s Vermeer Locations

Companies and municipalities utilizing a vacuum excavator for safer digging have a more efficient way to handle projects. Using hydro vacuum excavation is less invasive in nature when compared to other traditional methods of excavating, higher precision, leading to less disposal of materials and accordingly less restoration, and uses less manpower when compared to conventional digging. Dirt is stored in the debris tank keeping the area clean which leads to minimal disruption in traffic and less damage to power lines.

vermeermidatlantic.com

To learn more about the units below, visit or call one of the Vermeer Mid Atlantic locations located in North & South Carolina.

  • Colfax, NC
  • Garner, NC
  • Simpsonville, SC
  • Summerville, SC

Vac-Tron Equipment’s full fleet of Truck Mounted PTO Series Vacuum Excavators

 

The Hydro Truck Vac (HTV) PTO driven systems are available with 300 to 1200–gallon size debris tanks, 1,000 cfm blower, and 4” hose & tooling.

The Jetter Truck Vac (JTV) PTO combines vacuum excavation with high pressure jetter capabilities. 1,000 cfm @ 16 hg vacuum blower, 800 to 1200-gallon debris tanks, 15 gpm @ 3000 psi jetter pump, and 500′ x 1/2″ jetter hose.

These units are standard with a high-pressure water system, full hydraulic rear door, reverse pressure, and the patented “Big Red” filter housing that cleans the air down to 0.5 microns.

Micro Trenching is one of the installation methods being utilized by contractors to bring fiber networks to consumers


Micro Trenching is an installation method in which a narrow and relatively shallow trench is cut, usually on an asphalt roadway. Trench dimensions can range from .75 to 2.24 inches wide and 8 to 16 inches deep. While cutting, a vacuum system connected to the cutter wheel cleanly diverts and transports debris away from the worksite. Once the conduit is laid, the trench is backfilled with a grout compound.

Advantages of Micro Trenching include minimal cutting width that boosts installation production, reduce costs of backfill, shallow depth placement which helps avoid encounters with existing utilities and jobsite cleanliness thanks to the vacuum spoil that removes debris.

Vac-Tron Equipment has gone one step further in the cleanup process by developing a solution to micro trenching using a specialized in-tank filter (patent pending) inside the vacuum excavation unit’s debris tank. In most cases, the in-tank filter eliminates the need to add water to the micro trenching process and eliminates excessive material from reaching the cyclone separator. By using this filter, it will reduce the cleanup time during the trench run because there will be no need to stop and cleanout the cyclone or unclog the exit hose from debris tank due to caked material. Ultimately this will increase overall efficiency onsite.

David Donohue of Vermeer Mid Atlantic says “The Vac-Tron LP 573 SGT is the ideal vacuum for micro trenching, the high cfm’s and low noise output made communication and productivity simple.” David and Pfeiffer Enterprise Inc were demonstrating Vermeer’s micro trenching equipment and Vac-Tron’s LP SGT high cfm unit in Glen Bernie, MD in the photo above.

Global Machinery in Colorado showcasing VAC-TRON Vacuum Excavators

Vac-Tron Equipment would like to introduce their Colorado dealer Global Machinery. Vac-Tron partnered with Global 18 years ago because they share the same common belief in meeting their customers’ needs with valuable service and support just like Vac-Tron.

Global Machinery began in 1994 and has expanded multiple times since it began 20 years ago. Their Focus of Business is the rental, sale, service and support of utility construction equipment used in utilities installation and maintenance.
For more information on Global, please visit http://www.globalmachinery.com

Micro-trenching made easy with vacuum excavators

Micro-trenching is an installation method in which a narrow and relatively shallow trench is cut, usually on an asphalt roadway. Micro-trenching is one of the installation methods being utilized by contractors to bring fiber networks to consumers. Trench dimensions can range from .75 to 2.24 inches wide and 8 to 16 inches deep. While cutting, a vacuum system connected to the cutter wheel cleanly diverts and transports debris away from the worksite. Once the conduit is laid, the trench is backfilled with a grout compound.

Advantages of Micro Trenching include minimal cutting width that boosts installation production and reduces costs of backfill, shallow depth placement which helps avoid encounters with existing utilities and jobsite cleanliness thanks to the vacuum spoil that removes debris.

Vac-Tron has come up with a solution to micro trenching using a Vac-Tron vacuum excavation unit.  Check out the Case Study Overview below in the video.

David Donohue of Vermeer Mid Atlantic says “The Vac-Tron LP 573 SGT is the ideal vacuum for micro trenching, the high cfm’s and low noise output made communication and productivity simple.”

Recently, David was demonstrating Vermeer’s micro trenching equipment and Vac-Tron’s LP SGT high cfm unit in Glen Bernie, MD in this photo.

For more info visit www.vactron.com or call Vac-Tron at 1-352-728-2222.


Competitive Vacuum Trailer – CV Series Walk-Around (Video)

Vac-Tron Equipment is excited to introduce a whole new line to their vacuum excavation equipment. It’s the new CV (Competitive Vac) Series. This series offers the performance you have come to expect from Vac-Tron Equipment while keeping the cost of operation to a minimum.

PTO Vac Truck with Jetter System (Video)

Vac-Tron Equipment is on a roll. Only one year after releasing their very first HTV (Hydro Truck Vac) PTO, they are now introducing their NEW JTV (Jetter Truck Vac) PTO series. The JTV 873 PTO is a new series of PTO truck driven systems that combine vacuum excavation with high pressure jetter capabilities putting this truck in a league of its own.


The Power Take Off of the truck drives a positive displacement vacuum blower that produces 1,000 cfm @ 16 hg vacuum pump.

Additional standard equipment:

  • Reverse pressure
  • 800-gallon debris tank
  • 300-gallon water supply
  • 15 GPM @ 3000 psi water pump
  • Hydraulic rear claw door
  • Big red filter housing
  • 500′ x 1/2″ jetter hose reel.

A major benefit of the PTO Driven unit is that all components are controlled from the truck eliminating the extra weight, space, and cost of the pony motor. The available towing package is another benefit allowing you to tow other equipment to the job site to help with efficiency.

This is an exceptional vacuum excavator for many projects including sewer jetting, potholing, storm drain cleaning, lateral cleanout and many more.

373 PTO Vac Excavation Truck

373 in the bronx

Air Excavation is the process of using compressed air to disturb the soil so that it may be lifted with the vacuum. This process is used to safely uncover underground utilities as well as open up trenches allowing the dry soil to be reused in the original hole. Vac-Tron now has a new PTO unit available with an air compressor.

The HTV PTO is now available with 150 CFM @ 175 psi air compressor and our patent pending remote debris tank that allows the operator to easily put the dry soil back into the hole.  

The Power Take Off of the truck drives a positive displacement vacuum blower that produces 1,000 cfm. This unit is standard with a high pressure water system, full hydraulic rear claw door, reverse pressure, and the patented “Big Red” filter housing that cleans the air down to 00.5 microns (best in the industry). Hydraulic booms are also available on the PTO series units.  

A major benefit of the PTO unit is that all components are powered from the truck’s engine eliminating the extra weight, space, and cost of the pony motor.  The available towing package is another benefit allowing you to tow other equipment to the job site to help with efficiency.

This is an exceptional vacuum excavator for many projects as well as directional drill site cleanup, confident utility locates, job site safety, and productive job site management.

HTV 373 PTO w air 1 (1)

For more information about the HTV PTO, contact Vac-Tron Equipment at 888-822-8766 to request a free demo.

Arctic Unit – Vacuum Excavator

hydro vacuum excavator arctic package

Vac-Tron Equipment, the industry innovation leader in industrial vacuums, would like to introduce the Mini Combo Series with ARCTIC package. The Vac-Tron MC Series is one of the most versatile sewer jetter machines on the market today. Combining high CFM vacuum with jetter capabilities and the all new ARCTIC package puts the Vac-Tron Mini-Combo Hydro Excavation & Sewer Jetting System in a class of its own.

Features:
Cat jetter pump rated at 2000 psi (140 bar) at 15GPM (137.9 bar at 57 L/min) recommended for cleaning lateral lines up to 12″ (30 cm) in diameter. 300′ (91m) of 00.5″ (1.3 cm) jetter hose with electric hose reel. The ARCTIC package allows for full operations in below freezing temperatures.

Options include:
The hydraulic boom or strong arm to maximize job performance by helping to reduce work fatigue that sometimes can occur from using a manually-controlled vacuum hose. The Mini-Combo is available either trailer-mounted or truck mounted for mobility on the job site.

Arctic unit for ad 1 (1)

Arctic unit 2 (1)
Arctic unit in Canada (1)
Arctic unit 1 (1)

Request a demo by calling 1-888- 822-8766 or go to vactron.com/request-a-demo

Micro Trenching

micro trenching vacuum excavation
“The Vac-Tron LP 533 SGT is the ideal vacuum for micro trenching, the high cfm’s and low noise output made communication and productivity simple.” – David Donohue of Vermeer Mid Atlantic

Micro Trenching is one of the installation methods being utilized by contractors to bring fiber networks to consumers. Micro Trenching is an installation method in which a narrow and relatively shallow trench is cut, usually on an asphalt roadway. Trench dimensions can range from .75 to 2.24 inches wide and 8 to 16 inches deep.

micro trenching vacuum excavation 3
Once the conduit is laid, the trench is backfilled with a grout compound.
While cutting, a vacuum system connected to the cutter wheel cleanly diverts and transports debris away from the worksite. Once the conduit is laid, the trench is backfilled with a grout compound.

Advantages of Micro Trenching include minimal cutting width that boosts installation production and reduces costs of backfill, shallow depth placement which helps avoid encounters with existing utilities and jobsite cleanliness thanks to the vacuum spoil that removes debris.

David Donohue of Vermeer Mid Atlantic says “The Vac-Tron LP 533 SGT is the ideal vacuum for micro trenching, the high cfm’s and low noise output made communication and productivity simple.” David and Pfeiffer Enterprise Inc were demonstrating Vermeer’s micro trenching equipment and Vac-Tron’s LP SGT high cfm unit in Glen Bernie, MD in this photo.

micro trenching vacuum excavation 2

New PTO Vac Truck Walk-Around (Video)

Vac-Tron HTV PTO Vacuum Truck:
A NEW series of PTO truck driven systems available on Ford or Freightliner chassis. The full line of the HTV (Hydro Truck Vac) series has debris tanks ranging from 300 gallon to 1500 gallon in size.  These units are standard with a high pressure water system, full hydraulic rear door, reverse pressure, and the patented “Big Red” filter housing that cleans the air down to 00.5 microns (best in the industry) before it passes back through the vacuum pump. Air compressors and Hydraulic booms are also available on most of the HTV series units. Patent Pending.

The Power Take Off of the truck drives positive displacement vacuum blowers that produce 1,000 to 3,000 CFM.

 Request a Demo for your area today.  1-888-Vac-Tron or submit your information on the Demo link and a team member will get back with you.

 

1000 CFM Gas Powered Vacuum Excavator – SAVE $15,000 over diesel

Low-Profile, Gasoline-Powered, High CFM Hydro vacuum excavator

The low-profile LP 573/873 SGT (super gas trailer) hydro vacuum excavator is powered by a 37 hp Kohler gasoline engine with 1,000 cfm vacuum pump.

Similar to the pre-Tier 4 Final SDT diesel model with 1,000 cfm vacuum pump, the gasoline version features the Series 7 Claw door over center locking mechanism for a simple no fuss positive lock and unlock rear door.

The trailers are built on a heavy I-beam frame with Dexter torsion axles and Goodyear tires. Overbuilt for safety, the trailers are equipped with a 500-or 800-gallon debris tank, up to 400 gallons of water and a high- pressure pump capable of 3,000 psi at 4 GPM. They are available with a GVWR less than 10,000 pounds to 24,000 pounds.

Contact us to learn more at 888-822-8766 or go here to schedule a live demo.

vacuum excavation low profile series
The low-profile LP 573/873 SGT (super gas trailer) hydro vacuum excavator is powered by a 37 hp Kohler gasoline engine with 1,000 cfm vacuum pump.

The ‘Big Red’ Patented Filtration System for Vacuum Excavation (w/ video)

Introducing the patented filtration system for vacuum excavation or what we call the “Big Red”.

Filtration is a key component that protects the heart of the unit, which is the vacuum pump.

The Vac-Tron filtration system incorporates 4 important components into one assembly:

  1. Cyclone
  2. Silencer
  3. Four-Way Valve
  4. 0.5 Micron Filter

The upright cylinder is the cyclone and is the first line of defense to prevent large particles of debris from passing through the vacuum excavation pump.

cyclone-vacuum-excavation-air-filtration

The silencer for the vacuum is inside the cylinder as well and reduces the noise level of the high speed air leaving the unit. This oversized silencer makes the Vac-Tron one of the quietest units on the market today. silencer-filter-vacuum-excavation-air-filtration

Also enclosed in the filtration assembly is the four-way valve. This valve enables the operator to go from Vacuum to Pressure by simply raising or lowering this lever and you do not have to lower the engine RPMs first.  The reverse pressure works to offload liquid materials and dislodge material from a clogged vacuum hose.
four-way-valve-vacuum-excavation-air-filtration

Finally the polyethylene filter provides the final defense for the vacuum pump. This filter cleans the air down to ½ a micron to ensure a long blower life. The filter can be cleaned and used over and over with proper maintenance and care.micro-filter-vacuum-excavation-air-filtration
So don’t settle for less than a filter system that provides ½ micron protection and remember “If it’s not Red it’s not real” so be sure to ask for Vac-Tron by name.

Check out this video walk-thru of the patented filtration system for vacuum excavation.

Grain Journal Review

Vac-Tron Equipment is the industry leader in industrial vacuums. Now, you can bring its unmatched power and dependability to your grain elevator and silo cleanup jobs.

Vac-Tron’s LP 533SDT lets you easily remove grain residue from grain elevators, silos, and from around conveyors belts – no shoveling required. With attachments that can easily reach behind machinery, there’s no need to shut down for cleaning. You handle the grain residue once, which means it stays cleaner. And with an optional food-grade polyurethane- coated tank, your grain can go further.Our Low Profile 33 series was recently reviewed in Grain Journal. Read the article here.VacTron_grain ad cropped

Come see Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC at the UCT show

Booth # 2017

CEO and founder Don Buckner
CEO and founder Don Buckner
UCT will be held in exhibit Hall E of the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX. Make plans now to stop by and see us!Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC, offers a full line of industrial vacuums, potholing, daylighting, hydro-excavation, and air excavation equipment. Vac-Tron can also be used for directional drill slurry removal, Power Pole setting, manhole clean-out, culvert clean-out, lateral and storm drain clean-out, industrial cleanup, waste cleanup, lift-station cleanup, oil spill cleanup, as well as other natural disaster cleanup applications.Vac-Tron’s industrial vacuum systems come in trailer-mounted or skid-mounted models.  Check them out here, then come see us in TX!

Vac-Tron Equipment wins two Manufacturing Leadership Awards

OKAHUMPKA, Fla., May 1, 2014 –

CEO and founder Don Buckner
CEO and founder Don Buckner
The prestigious awards program has honored Vac-Tron for excellence in two categories: “Product Leadership” for its work on the 2010 BP oil spill cleanup, which included the design and manufacture of industrial vacuums that collected oil from impacted beaches and waterways, and “Individual Project – Growth, Innovation, Leadership” in recognition of CEO and founder Don Buckner’s commitment to furthering the manufacturing industry.“It’s an incredible honor to be included among world-class leaders and companies that are taking innovation in manufacturing to the next level,” Buckner said. “Above all else, we consider it a testament to our team’s dedication to producing quality products that get the job done—while saving our customers time and money.”Since founding Vac-Tron in 1997, Buckner has grown the company to multimillion-dollar organization that has created more than 200 jobs (employees and subcontractors). He has been recognized with several honors, including being named Florida’s Entrepreneur of the Year and one of three finalists for the National Entrepreneur of the Year award by Ernst and Young (in conjunction with NASDAQ, CNN and USA Today). On July 4, 2013, Buckner unveiled his latest initiative: MadeInTheUSA.com, a website that features the country’s largest selection of American-made products.Buckner will accept the two awards at this year’s Manufacturing Leadership Summit, which will take place June 3-5 at The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Fla.About the Manufacturing Leadership AwardsThe Manufacturing Leadership Awards honor companies and individuals that are shaping the future of global manufacturing. Nominations are entered into 11 separate categories, and then evaluated and scored by a panel of expert judges. For more information and a complete list of 2014 winners, visit http://mlawards.gilcommunity.com.About Vac-Tron EquipmentVac-Tron Equipment, LLC, a division of American Manufacturing, offers a full line of industrial vacuums, potholing, daylighting, hydro-excavation, and air excavation equipment. Vac-Tron can also be used for directional drilling slurry removal, industrial cleanup, waste cleanup, lift-station cleanup, manhole clean-out, culvert clean-out, lateral and storm drain clean-out, oil spill cleanup and other natural disaster cleanup applications, power pole installation, signs and headstone setting.Vac-Tron’s industrial vacuum systems come in trailer-mounted or skid-mounted models. Vac-Tron’s industrial hydro excavators also come in gas, diesel, and super diesel models for use by public and private sectors.For more information, visit www.vactron.com.

Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC, announces the availability of two new truck mounted Vacuum Excavators: the ATV 1830 (air) and HTV 1830 (hydro)

OKAHUMPKA, Fla., Month Day, 2014Action RearThese chassis-mounted excavation systems come fully equipped with an 1800-gallon debris tank, 6″ vacuum hose with full hydraulic boom, wireless remote controls and a 200-horsepower John Deere diesel engine. Other key features include a 2,400 cfm positive displacement vacuum pump, CAT water pump, and a fully hydraulic rear door. The ATV is also standard with a 300 cfm @ 230 psi Vanair air compressor for dry vacuum excavation.

Both the ATV and HTV are completely self-contained skid mounted units that can be mounted on a customer’s chassis or Vac-Tron will provide the completed truck and unit from their factory.For more information: 1-888-VAC-TRON or www.vactron.com.

Our LP 33 Series: Safer, User-Friendly and Quiet

Vac-Tron is pleased to roll out its new Low Profile 33 Series, a unit that features reduced noise levels, an all-hydraulic exterior rear door, and an overall operator experience that is safer and more user-friendly.The rear door features hydraulics that eliminate the need for external manual safety locks. It opens fully so the operator can completely empty the contents and clean out easier. For operator safety, the door is controlled by push buttons located on the side of the unit.Other available features:

  • Quick connect camlock fittings
  • Two sections of 120.5’ suction hoses
  • Underwater tank hose and wand storage
  • Horizontal wand storage
  • Spring-loaded locking handles

Similar to previous generations of our LP Series, the 33 Series has all the power to remove a variety of wet and dry materials. Some applications include; storm drain clean-out, underground utility locating, treatment plant cleanup, retention pond clean-out, lateral line clean-out, excavation of small rocks and dry sand, mud removal, manhole clean-out, water meter box clean-out, water valve clean-out, car wash cleanup, and emergency road spills, grain silo clean-out.“The quieter operation of the LP 33 is notable,” said Brian Showley, Vice President of Sales at Vac-Tron. “We occasionally hear of contractors getting shut down prematurely at job sites due to noise in densely populated areas. This adds to project delays and overall costs simply because their equipment was too noisy. The LP 33 Series solves that challenge.”Available with the optional hydraulic boom and/or air compressor, the LP is available either trailer-mounted or truck mounted for mobility on the jobsite. Other standard features include a reverse pressure system, 0.5 micron filtration and a heavy duty trailer with torsion axels.