Remote Dig

Remote digging is necessary when site conditions prevent the hydrovac truck from positioning directly adjacent to the excavation point. Common scenarios include excavations behind buildings, in fenced utility easements, on steep slopes, in wetland areas, or in locations where the truck's weight could damage underground structures. The truck parks at the nearest accessible point and extends hoses to the work area.

The primary challenge of remote digging is reduced vacuum efficiency over long hose runs. Friction loss in the vacuum hose increases with distance and with each bend or connection in the hose path. A hydrovac truck that performs efficiently at 50 feet of hose may experience significant suction loss at 200 or 300 feet. Larger-diameter hoses, higher CFM blowers, and fewer bends help mitigate this loss.

Remote dig capabilities vary significantly between hydrovac trucks. Some units are designed with remote dig in mind, featuring high-CFM blowers, large-diameter hose reels, and powerful water pump systems. The maximum effective remote dig distance for most trucks is 300 to 600 feet, though some specialized units can operate effectively at greater distances.