Understanding Regulation and Safety Standards Helps Keep Truck Vac Fleets Profitable, Drivers Safe

Contributed by: Chapman Hancock, Ditch Witch Product Manager, Vacuum Excavation

Featured in: dp-PRO

Today’s vacuum excavation manufacturers are designing smarter and safer truck vacuum excavators to help owners and operators meet evolving federal, state and local regulations. These regulations are in place to keep everyone safe, maintain the structural integrity of our roads and bridges, and protect the surrounding environment and water supply.

Meeting regulations is becoming easier as truck technology advances with offerings like the addition of onboard computers, improved suspension, baffles and remote boom operation.

Managing Truck Vac Challenges

Managing weight is one of the greatest challenges truck vac owners and drivers face. Without mindful consideration, it’s possible to leave drilling jobsites overloaded, due to heavy tanks and contents, which can result in consequences relating to safety, truck health, our environment and infrastructure.

Other truck vac challenges include responsibly handling spoils as they’re transported from jobsites to certified dumping areas. It’s essential to understand transportation and dumping rules and regulations, along with safety standards, to avoid pricy penalties and do your part in leaving roadways and the environment how you found them.

Department of Transportation Regulations

When it comes to federal regulations that impact truck vac drivers and owners, the Department of Transportation (DOT) sets guidelines for maintaining road, bridge and driver safety. The DOT enforces these regulations with trained officers who identify overweight or otherwise illegal trucks.

All truck vac drivers are expected to know federal, state and local laws. Keep in mind, sometimes state regulations are different than federal, so it’s important to be aware of which laws impact you and your crew. By familiarizing yourself with the rules, you will stay safe and avoid paying potentially costly fines and getting shut down.

If you are pulled over and violating any mandates, it’s likely you’ll face hefty fines and, in some regions, an additional base fine plus a dollar amount for every pound overweight.

Federal Bridge Law

The DOT’s federal bridge law stands out as one drivers frequently deal with, so it’s definitely worth knowing. The law includes several steps to ensure you aren’t driving a truck heavier than a bridge or road can withstand and is based on an equation that measures truck, trailer and truck plus trailer weight.

W = 500 [LN/L-1 + 12N + 36]

Here, W equals the overall gross weight on two or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds. L equals the distance in feet between the outer axles of a group of two or more consecutive axles. And N equals the number of axles in a group. Memorizing this formula will help ensure you’re safe and operating within the law.

For additional information and increased knowledge of the formula and the calculations needed for accurately measuring weight, refer to the DOT’s Permissible Gross Loads for Vehicles in Regular Operation chart.

To help meet more specific regulations like the federal bridge law, newer trucks offer improved suspension technology with real-time pressure monitors. This technology allows axles to read and adjust for the weight transfer when a truck vac has liquid moving from the front to the back in the tank. With an automatic air system, pressure is applied in real time to even out the load, increasing safety and truck efficiency.

Simplifying the weight calculation process helps make life easier on drivers so they can stay within regulation. That’s why truck vac technology offers an alternative to manual weight calculation with the inclusion of onboard weight systems. These systems calculate overall vehicle weight and axle weight breakdowns by automatically translating pounds per square inch (PSI) to truck weight in pounds. They also include pressure gauges that correspond with easy-to-read charts.

Dumping and Environmental Regulations

Federal DOT regulations sometimes differ from state and local mandates; similarly, environmental concerns may also vary. Federal and state requirements are monitored and enforced to maintain the natural state of the environment.

Laws and regulations on the dumping of spoils are in place due to the situations in which the spoils may become contaminated. To keep surrounding ecosystems and local water supplies clean, and avoid penalties, it’s important to understand where and how to properly dispose of drilling spoils.

First, vac spoil classifications need to be understood. Vac spoils are differentiated as dry or wet, which is determined by the paint filter test. If spoils fail the test, they’re considered wet spoils, which are typically more difficult and costlier to discard, because they have liquid runoff that doesn’t stay put when dumped. The three most common types of wet spoils are excavation spoils, horizontal directional drilling mud and oilfield mud.

It’s your responsibility to determine if you’re handling contaminated spoils. Whenever liquids are introduced to mud or drilling fluid, the mixture is considered contaminated until proven otherwise through testing. Meanwhile, dry spoils are deemed contaminated as soon as they leave the jobsite and must also be tested.

After leaving a jobsite, the above spoils are transported by a truck vac and dumped in certified sites. These sites typically accept walk-ins and charge dumping fees that vary regionally. In highly populated areas, dumping costs tend to be higher, depending on volume and type of waste. Dumping in these areas is more challenging because drivers may have to travel long distances dump waste, which increases the time and costs associated with excavations.

Potholing Regulations

Cities and states have different regulations for potholing and dumping, so it’s in your best interest to have a clear understanding of what these are and how they impact your teams. You can locate these regulations by searching your city and state websites.

Once you’re finished working on a jobsite, state and local regulations require you to refill potholes created during this process, which means you must come prepared to jobsites with a plan and materials to fill the holes. Most teams bring additional materials like sand or dirt to jobsites to fill holes, but if the hole is on a roadway, you must ensure your repairs comply with DOT standards.

Truck Vac Innovations Are Evolving

As safety trends evolve, truck vac manufacturers are doing what they can to build trucks that meet the configurations and safety needs of today’s workers. Inside the trucks, baffles in high-volume water tanks are designed to reduce sloshing, which occurs as liquid moves during transport. On the outside, trucks are equipped with remote power booms, which reduce operator strain and make work more accurate and safe.

Whether it’s on-board weight systems or new suspension technology, trucks are advancing to keep up with jobsite demands and improve driver safety. Although these trucks come with higher price tags, their capabilities often save drivers thousands in efficiencies, performance and uptime. With these savings, it can become easy to justify the expense of a new truck.

Get more information about Ditch Witch truck vacuum excavators.

HYDRAULIC BREAKER
Used for construction and demolition, our breakers can be used to break up asphalt, concrete or even clay. The hydraulic hammer is perfect for any small or medium job you might have. More up-time in the field is always the goal, and with only two moving parts and a few seals, there’s no reason for down-time.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

ROCK SAW

Best suited for irrigation and fiber installation, the Rock Saw attachment can effortlessly cut through rock, concrete, and other tough materials with unmatched precision. 

Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BACKHOE
Easily move materials for rebuilds, new construction, footings, utility repairs and more with this compact and versatile attachment.
Compatible Models

SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

STUMP GRINDERS
Featuring a heavy-duty boom design, powerful stump grinding attachments quickly shred stumps down to nothing. Easy maneuvering from stump to stump and increased visibility turns more ground stumps into more profit.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MULTITASK TOOL
Your multipurpose tool for the ultimate multi-tasker is here. Engineered to grab tight to heavy materials and move them with ease and precision, the multi-task tool is your go-to for heavy applications. Easy to operate with convenient, functional levers.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CORE DRILL
With the MC-450 coring attachment, utility maintenance is simple and less disruptive. Featuring intuitive controls and an integrated water tank, the MC-450 is the perfect choice for quick cuts and a more productive coring process. A fully adjustable 0 to 280 rpm speed allows for enhanced control and greater productivity.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

SOIL CULTIVATOR
Prepare food plots, gardens, and landscaping projects with a soil cultivator. It gets land ready by stirring organic material back in the soil for a healthier, more stable lawn. Buries the biggest of rocks for a looser topsoil.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BLADES
Whether you’re looking to increase dump height or digging depth, attaching a backfill blade is an easy way to save manpower on your jobsite while working with precision and timeliness. Available in various widths.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

AUGER DRIVER
Ideal for landscaping and tree care, an auger attachment will expedite hole creation and allow operators to quickly plant trees or install fence posts than if they were hand-digging or relying on a hand-held auger. Available in 6" to 30" diameters.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

TILLER
Tough and effective tillers prepare your garden by breaking up tough soil and removing unwanted weeds. Available in 4' width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

GRAPPLES
Tree grapples come with 48" or 57" openings to efficiently remove logs and debris from the jobsite. It has an excavator style boom design with a powder coat finish and a cylinder lock for increased safety. Brush grapples available with a gap opening of 29" and widths of 42" or 54".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CARRY ALL LEVELER
One of our most simple yet versatile attachments, the Carry-All Leveler is perfect for carrying bulky material, leveling soil and adding a flat, smooth finish to your project. Available in 49" width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BUCKETS
Turn one machine into a multi-functional workhorse with versatile Ditch Witch® SK attachments. From landscaping and hardscapes to tree care and construction-grade tasks, your stand-on skid steer can take on more than you think. We've got you covered with a variety buckets from 4-in-1 to heavy and light material buckets. Widths range from 34" to 66".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

PALLET FORKS
Take on your heaviest loads with precision and dependability with Ditch Witch pallet forks. They easily attach to any of our skid steers and can easily accessorize with hay spikes, brick guards, and much more to add even more ROI. Available in widths ranging from 36-48.75" and lengths from 36-48".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MICROTRENCHER
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOW
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

POWER RAKE
Clean, level and prep jobsites or smooth and loosen soil for sodding with a rake attachment. Most rake attachments require 10 to 14 gpm, but the higher horsepower creates even more drum torque to tear through the most demanding soil types. Width measures 4'.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

MICROTRENCHERS
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOWS
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

TRENCHER

Stay efficient on large jobsites with a trencher attachment for your skid steer. It’s a smart alternative to large, specialized equipment for utility installation and landscaping jobs. Available in standard 6”, 8” and 12” maximum widths with maximum depths of 36", 38", 48” and 55.5”.

Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000