Foremost has long been known in Canada for durable, cold-weather-ready hydroexcavation systems. Now, thanks to a partnership with Colorado-based heavy truck distributor Transwest, the units are easier to find in the U.S. 

The Foremost 1600 Hydrovac, with its distinctive doghouse, drew plenty of onlookers at the 2015 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show. 

“The 1600 is designed to work effectively in temperatures down to -40 degrees,” says Tim Dell, vacuum systems sales manager for Foremost. “Not only is the doghouse insulated and heated, all external valves are, too. The heating options are a must in most Canadian climates, and we think this unit is going to be a good fit for the northern states in the U.S. as well.” 

The 1600 allows for water capacities of 1,600 gallons and a 13-yard debris body. Vacuum power is supplied by the Robuschi RBDV125 blower. The Cat 3560 wash pump and 740,000 Btu boiler are also used on this model. The boom is rear-mounted, 8 inches in diameter, fully rotational and controlled by an Omnex wireless controller, which also controls the vehicle rpm, wash and vacuum functions. All off-loading functions can also be performed via remote. 

“The remote functionality enables one person to operate this unit if needed,” Dell says. “That saves on manpower costs, making the unit more appealing to municipalities and private contractors.” 

Off-loading is performed via a sloped debris floor design and washout system. The dump door is 48 by 58 inches, providing easy access for tank cleaning. Optional 4-inch Hydratech off-loading pump systems are available, which allow for pumping off in a contained manner when discharging liquid loads. 

Dell recommends the 1600 for municipal and industrial settings. While its smaller van body sacrifices some heated storage, its smaller footprint means a more maneuverable, versatile unit. 

“It’s definitely going to appeal to the subcontractor who performs municipal work every day,” Dell says. “It is designed as a workhorse, and can fit the industrial oil and gas and utility markets as well.” 

Foremost’s partnership with Transwest allows the heavy truck distributor to leverage its marketing and sales expertise to sell Foremost hydrovacs to U.S. customers. According to Dell, the 1600 is the focus of the initial marketing campaign, with more to come in the future.

“Partnering with a company like Transwest that understands the U.S. market is big for us,” he says. “Canada has a more mature hydroexcavation market than what you see in the states. We are already seeing increased interest, and that’s causing us to take a look at what we’re offering in the U.S.” 

Next year, Dell says he hopes to bring several of Foremost’s hydrovac options to the WWETT Show, including a model with fewer heating options designed for the southern states, and a miniature “urban” model offering even more maneuverability. 

“Judging by the response I’ve seen at the 2015 show, we’re definitely coming back bigger and better,” Dell says. “Hydroexcavation is really starting to take off in the U.S., and we’re going to be involved.” 855/742-9990; www.foremost.ca/vactrucks/.