As the civil and construction sector takes on more complex and technically challenging work, Australian contractors are demanding equipment that can deliver on the needs of their increasingly intricate projects. Sequentia Services has heard the industry’s calls for excavation equipment that can perform in tight spaces and hazardous conditions, and — with the help of several new acquisitions — are ready to meet them.
Eamon Doyle has worked in the construction and mining sectors long enough to know quality equipment when he sees it. As Managing Director of specialist hire company Sequentia Services, he’s particularly excited about two recent acquisitions that are opening doors for customers with complex excavation needs: the VX30-250 and VSK100DP-1600 vacuum excavator units from Vermeer.
Multi-sized solutions
On the compact end of the spectrum is the VX30-250 vacuum excavation unit. The unit is mounted on a trailer for towing behind a 4×4 vehicle or small truck. As Sequentia has small Isuzu tipper trucks available in its fleet, the VX30-250 can be hired by customers without the need for a truck license.
The VX30-250’s high pressure water jet and 15 inches of mercury (inHg) vacuum, along with its nearly 1000 litres of spoil capacity, makes it perfect for cleaning and excavating in hard-to-reach places. It also excels in narrow work sites. It is ideal for potholing, valve box clean out and a range of non-destructive digging tasks in applications including water, gas and fibre installation.
On the other end of the spectrum is the VSK100DP-1600, with advanced safety features and an industry-leading 23inHg vacuum capacity meaning its high-level vacuum can lift material at a depth of 7m, at full water volume, which is measured from the middle of the spoil tank. This is significantly further than what the standard large-volume vacuum excavation machine is capable of, which has a 15inHg (4.6m) vacuum.
It also has a powerful 100HP engine and massive 6000 litre spoil tank, making it ideal for larger projects.
Crucial considerations
When deciding which vacuum excavator to purchase, Sequentia considered employee safety, the risk of damage to assets and overall effectiveness. In each of these categories, the VSK100DP-1600
stood out.
“What the Vermeer VSK100DP-1600 brings is the ability to protect people and assets from harm, while also achieving greater production than other models,” Mr Doyle said.
“We can run Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) vacuum heads in and around machinery such as conveyors, hoppers and inside tanks, without subjecting people to the hazards of moving equipment, falls or confined spaces.
“The high vacuum force means longer hoses are possible and work can be carried out on several different levels without any loss of performance.”
The massive 23inHg vacuum capacity of the VSK100DP-1600 means less time is wasted on repositioning equipment and more time can be spent getting the job done. Its substantial 127mm suction inlet also helps prevent tedious blockages in the hoses.
Meeting new demand
Customers have shown significant interest in both the VX30-250 and VSK100DP-1600 since Sequentia acquired them. In particular, contractors with projects that feature difficult excavation conditions, such as pits or in areas with limited access, have requested to use the Vermeer units for tasks such as completely removing debris and slurry, while avoiding damage to nearby assets, and working around moving equipment.
“They have barely stopped working since we took delivery,” Mr Doyle said.
Mr Doyle also commented on the exceptional service Sequentia has received from Vermeer at each stage of the sales process.
“I’ve worked in mining and construction around the world, and my dealings with Vermeer have been what I’d expect from a reputable, successful equipment dealer,” Mr Doyle said.
“I’ve never had an issue, at any time of the day or night, that we cannot work on with Vermeer to resolve.
“We now have eight Vermeer machines and, based on past dealings and equipment performance, will continue to buy their product.”
