Equipment Guide · Safety-Critical
Vacuum excavators use pressurized water or air plus powerful suction to dig safely around buried utilities ('potholing' or hydro-excavation). This is specialized equipment requiring training; this is an overview only.
Safety first: This equipment can be hazardous if operated incorrectly. This guide is a general overview — always follow the unit's manual, use proper PPE, and contact Allied Rental Company's team for hands-on guidance. It does not replace professional training.
Call 811 and confirm all buried utilities are marked before any excavation.
Position the excavator, and prepare the water or air supply and the spoil tank per the manual.
Use the pressurized water or air lance to loosen soil in the dig area, keeping clear of the nozzle stream.
Use the suction hose to remove loosened soil/slurry into the debris tank.
Excavate gradually and carefully as you approach marked utilities.
Dispose of spoil per regulations and shut down following the unit's procedure.
Allied Rental delivers, sets up and supports across the San Francisco Bay Area — and our team walks you through safe operation.