Need a vacuum excavator? Should you rent or buy one?

Vacuum excavators have gained significant popularity, and they are now the preferred tool over traditional alternatives.

Vacuum excavators have gained significant popularity, and they are now the preferred tool over traditional alternatives. Why does this happen? Primarily because they are more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendlier. They have become essential in the construction industry, as they are more precise and accurate. 

The primary purpose of these vacuum excavators is to remove the soil and other materials from the ground while causing minimal disruption. This machine is particularly important in areas with gas mains, electrical cables, and water pipes, as it reduces the risk of damaging them. Thanks to this, construction businesses won't need to deal with costly mistakes. 

So far, you have probably figured out why vacuum excavators have become quite imperative, but the next question is whether you should hire or buy one. Keep reading to discover which option is the best for you. 

Should you hire a vacuum excavator? 

A vacuum excavator hire is the best idea if you need this machine only for a limited period. With this approach, you can save money and still finalize your construction project successfully. There are instances when it is more efficient and budget-friendly to rent machines rather than purchase brand-new ones, and here are the most common scenarios. 

Risky tasks

If you only need to use a vacuum excavator once for a project, then renting one is a much better solution. This is a more cost-effective alternative, and a must-have tool if you need to remove the soil near pipes and gas mains. In this way, you reduce the chances of mistakes that can impact the timely completion of your project. 

Projects that only need a vacuum excavator a few times per year

When you don't use your vacuum excavator regularly, it can be a much better idea to rent one, as buying one might not be a good investment in this scenario. Businesses should always prioritize what is most important to them and seek efficient solutions that bring value to their business. Unfortunately, buying a vacuum excavator when you don't really need to use it that much is not a good investment. But renting one is. 

Won't need to take care of the periodic maintenance

Another great bonus of renting a vacuum excavator instead of buying one is that you won't be responsible for conducting the periodic maintenance on this machine. Unfortunately, if the vacuum excavator breaks, you will need to invest a significant amount of money in repairing it, which is not ideal, especially if you are not using it regularly. Instead, when you hire a vacuum excavator, the company from which you have rented it will conduct the periodic maintenance. 

Should you buy a vacuum excavator?

If you need this machine on a regular basis, it's a great idea to consider purchasing a vacuum excavator for sale. In this condition, a vacuum excavator can prove to be a great investment, as the price you would pay will be lower in the long run than renting this machine whenever you need it. When looking for one to buy, you have more criteria to consider to ensure you make the best decision and purchase the one that suits your needs and desires. Here are some key details to consider before buying a vacuum excavator. 

The tank capacity

The tank capacity is a crucial factor to consider when selecting the best vacuum excavator for your needs. Take a look at the size of the tank and assess your needs accordingly. The larger the tank capacity, the greater its capability will be for both vacuuming and transporting the material. However, a large tank capacity means that the vacuum excavator will require more power, and the machine will be heavier. So, consider your needs to ensure you make the right decision. 

What do you need to use your vacuum excavator for? 

Then, you should take a look at the tasks and applications of the vacuum truck. For instance, do you want your machine to have a blowing feature? Or suction? Or both of them? By discovering the answer to your question, you can make more informed decisions for yourself and opt for a vacuum excavator with a suction arm if you need this feature. 

Features to integrate for your vacuum excavator

You need to consider certain features for your vacuum excavator that can make using it easier. Here are some of them:

• Hi-lift functionality, which allows the tank to lift the materials and unload them into containers and storage devices. 
• A remote control to allow for flexibility
• Air compressor
• Roots blower
• High-pressure water pump

Legal considerations

When purchasing a vacuum excavator, it is essential to ensure that it complies with legal requirements, is safe, and meets environmental standards. Regarding the safety features your vacuum excavator should have, look for features such as emergency stop switches, alarm systems, and overload protection. Respecting the law is essential to avoid paying fees. 

Whether hiring or buying, a vacuum excavator can bring you a long list of advantages

A vacuum excavator will bring a long list of advantages, and among the most essential ones is that it is associated with minimal damage. This is not something that regular excavators have been associated with. Still, because the vacuum excavator uses high-pressure water or air, it is advisable to use it with caution near sewer lines, electric cables, and pipes. Additionally, the Earth won't be disrupted in the same way as it would be with regular tanks. 

Plus, a vacuum excavator enhances safety on construction sites, as it reduces the risk of hitting something important that could even burst into flames. For example, hitting a petroleum or gas pipeline can have severe consequences. A vacuum excavator is also more efficient, which helps people complete their construction projects much faster.