How to Build Smarter and Dig Simpler with Hydrovacs Designed by Operators
The volume of underground infrastructure continues to expand, which is driving the need for safe digging practices like hydro excavation. The equipment needs to be simple to use to increase operator safety and reduce downtime. Enter Brandt Hydrovacs, designed alongside contractors to ensure the machines meet their needs.
Through a collaborative design process, Brandt heard from contractors who emphasized that they need a hydrovac that’s easy to use. In response, Brandt has built their hydrovacs around that benefit, creating high-pressure performers optimized for urban streets.
“Our customers expressed a need for equipment that is simple to operate and provides constant diagnostic feedback,” says Director of Truck Products—Brandt Industries, Dan Coley. “We built our hydrovacs to reflect that, ensuring they stay on the job and making money for our customers instead of in the shop.”
To make their hydrovacs easier to operate, Brandt added a quick-start feature. After parking the truck and putting it in neutral, operators can start excavating at the push of a button—using a wireless remote to activate and control the hydraulics, vacuum system, and water pump. And with the 28’ boom length and industry-leading below-grade movement, Brandt hydrovacs can reach farther and dig deeper.
“The boom reach is phenomenal,” says Jason Taylor, Shop Supervisor at Basin Environmental. “Plus, not having a PTO to shift into a gear, and to just push a button to get your hydraulics and your blower going—that’s pretty big deal for us.”
The hydrovacs are designed to reduce operator errors that can lead to costly equipment failure. Brandt engineers simplified the drive system by eliminating the traditional transfer case. The blower is driven hydraulically to make the vehicle easier to operate and minimize failure points. The drive system enables the hydrovac to operate while driving for continuous trenching and quick setup for potholing and daylighting operations. With this design, operators can cover more ground each day, increasing revenue and profitability. The system disengages when driven above the designated speed for safe operation.
Brandt hydrovacs are also built without an unloader valve on the water pump, so the pump automatically shuts off when releasing the trigger, minimizing wear. And with 70% less wire than analog “power and ground” electrical systems, Brandt hydrovacs eliminate the most common electrical problems.
Real-time measurement of water capacity, debris level, and overall truck weight enables operators to make quick, informed decisions, reducing the risk of damage or overweight penalties. The four-point resettable load-cell system delivers the most accurate weight measurement in the industry.
The trucks also feature an integrated CANBUS network and HMI controller that inform operators when any part of the system malfunctions or when a critical level is reached.
Brandt Hydrovac models include:
HX085 & HX090: Designed for tight, urban job sites with excellent maneuverability.
HX120: Hydraulic drive operation delivers increased daily production and more revenue.
Brandt Hydrovacs are built to deliver unrivalled dependability and durability with accessible maintenance points and components designed for harsh conditions.
By listening to contractors’ needs, Brandt has developed hydrovacs that are powerful, compact, user-friendly and safe, setting a new standard for urban infrastructure projects.
For more information on Brandt Hydrovacs, visit brandt.ca, or see them at CONEXPO, Booth S26557 in the South Hall 1st Level from March 3 – 7, 2026 or visit: www.brandt.ca/hydrovacs.
