After finding success in the oil spill response with their trailer-mounted compact vacuum system, Elastec has entered the municipal pumping and hydroexcavation arena with their new municipal PACS systems.
The trailer-mounted, 1,000-gallon vacuum system was originally built for removing oil, liquids, solids, and sludge from reclaim pits, catch basins, wastewater lagoons, tank cars, and oil sites. However, its compact size and light weight have led contractors to employ it in hard-to-reach areas, and now in difficult-to-access urban areas.
“We were getting customers who saw the power we could provide with our septic PACS units and asked us to design something for municipal use,” says Brian Cook, creative services manager for Elastec. “The municipal PACS units have a little more power than our first PACS units and have a boom on top to enable hydroexcavation.”
The PACS 920 is powered by a 74 hp Hatz 4H50 engine that provides 2,850 rpm and Tuthill 5009 blower offering 920 cfm at 15 inches Hg, while the larger PACS 2000 comes equipped with a 115.8 hp Kubota V3800 engine and Tuthill 6016 blower offering 2,035 cfm at 16 inches Hg. Both have a power washer designed for heavy-duty use at 5 gpm and 3,000 psi, with a 50-foot hose reel.
The trailer has wide tires to keep landscaping damage minimal and is equipped with safety equipment including surge brakes for highway or off-road towing. The unit is fitted with heavy-duty axles and suspension. Most models have integral hydraulics that allow the unit to run an oil skimmer, a transfer pump, and hydraulic tools and to lift the spoils tank to dump contents through the rear door. It is fitted with vacuum relief valves and cyclonic separator. A vacuum filter can also be added, as well as company branding.
“It can be reconfigured in many ways to a customer’s exact specifications,” Cook says. “With all the options, we call it the ‘Swiss army knife’ of vacuum systems.”
Cook says that the ideal use of the municipal PACS is as an alternative in spaces too small for the large vacuum and hydroexcavation trucks many municipalities operate.
“Sometimes you have a job in an area where your combination truck just won’t fit,” Cook says. “That’s what the MUNI PACS is designed for — solving those problems.” 618-382-2525; www.elastec.com.
