The FXT60 vacuum excavator from Ditch Witch, designed for a variety of applications including difficult-to-access areas, is available on a Class 6 or 7 single-axle or Class 8 tandem-axle truck. The excavator mounts directly to the frame rails, enabling system components to flex independently of the vehicle.

“The Class 6 comes with a 500-gallon spoils tank that keeps it below 26,000 pounds, if CDL requirements are important,” says Jason Proctor, product manager at Ditch Witch. “The single-axle Class 7 truck has an 800-gallon spoils tank with 400 gallons of water and a 33,000-pound GVWR. The tandem-axle configuration also is available with an 800-gallon spoils tank, if you need more payload to haul heavier muds, and can be configured with a hitch so you can tow other pieces of equipment.”

Applications include all sizes of soft excavation, directional drill support and cleanup of non-hazardous, nonflammable fluids.

“With potholing there’s the thought of opening up a small hole to visually verify a utility underground, but with the performance of the FXT60 it can be a very large excavation,” Proctor says. “For instance, I was on a job site in California where they had about half of an intersection that they had excavated with an FXT60 because of the maze of utilities underground.”

Equipped with a 74 hp Tier 4 Final Deutz diesel engine, the FXT60 delivers 1,027 cfm and has a high-pressure water system with a 5.5 gpm, 3,000 psi water pump. The spoils tank has a 45-degree dump angle, full-opening, 52-inch rear door, 6-inch outlet valve and 4-inch inlet valve.

“Basically, there are two different types of filtration systems,” Proctor says. “One option is a containment chamber for overflow past the spoils tank that feeds into a 2-micron-rated polyester mesh filter. For drier applications or if you want that next level of filtration, there is a cyclone option.”

An autoclutch feature disengages the water pump when not in use, providing full power for suction. The fully enclosed, insulated and lockable power pack reduces sound levels to 82 dBA.

The 25-gallon fuel tank enables the excavator to perform several hours of continuous operation before refueling.

“This is a true truck-mounted application in that it flexes independently to maximize the integrity of the truck,” Proctor says. “Because it’s truck-mounted, the FXT60 is more maneuverable than a truck and a trailer. It’s easy to move in urban environments.”

An optional hydraulic boom extends to 14 feet and includes a wireless control. 800/654-6481; www.ditchwitch.com.