High-value equipment like a vacuum truck must perform when you need it, without fail, so the responsibility of upkeep is ever-present. With good information and proper planning, vacuum truck maintenance can be easily integrated into your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly schedule. Missing maintenance on your vacuum truck carries a high risk of mechanical failure, downtime and added expense, so, follow our comprehensive guide to keep your vacuum truck in great working order and operations running smoothly.
What do you need it to do?
The Vacuum pump is the heart of the vacuum system responsible for the suction that collects and transports debris and regular maintenance is critical.
There are many moving parts that each need to be checked for wear and tear. Carry out a visual inspection regularly and replace components as necessary, while remembering to keep it clean and well-lubricated. Neglecting vacuum pump maintenance causes reduced performance and even pump failure over time. In particular, pay careful attention to the following:
Secondary shut-off moisture trap
The pump on your vacuum truck has three points of protection to keep waste from entering the vacuum pump. The secondary moisture trap collects any liquid that manages to pass through the primary shut-off, acting as backup protection to stop foreign materials. A ball floats on the carry-over liquid and shuts off the airflow. This prevents liquid from entering the vacuum pump. This is what the secondary shut-off moisture trap looks like on your Vorstrom vacuum truck.
The secondary shut-off moisture trap requires attention and must receive regular vacuum truck maintenance at least every three months. Disassemble and clean your moisture trap thoroughly to remove any foreign objects. Inspect the float ball for any damage and clean it to remove build-up. Check the seals for damage and apply anti-seize to all threads to protect against galling, seizing and corrosion. Reassemble and ensure that all lids are sealed and vacuumed down and retighten wing nuts.
Final filter
The final filter is the last line of defence to stop foreign material from entering and damaging your vacuum pump. If your final filter gets heavily built up with waste and debris, it will limit airflow in your pump. This affects the performance of your vacuum and will cause your unit to run at higher temperatures. This is what the final filter looks like on your Vorstrom vacuum truck.
Because it is the last element to prevent small material from entering your pump system, the final filter requires some of the most frequent maintenance of all your truck components. Remove, clean and rinse your final filter in a diesel solution at least once weekly. Check all seals and O-rings while cleaning to ensure they’re attached properly and airtight. Apply anti-seize to all threads to keep them in good working condition and improve performance by minimising air leaks.
Hydraulics
Hydraulic systems are the drive source of your vacuum unit. This system must be serviced every 12 months by a hydraulic technician. This is what the hydraulics system looks like on your Vorstrom vacuum truck.
Tank
Prevent buildup and corrosion in your tank with regular cleaning. Wash it with the water handgun while the body is in the raised position while being sure to pay special attention that the primary shut-off ball is clear of waste. Also, wash out all inlets, outlets and seals before closing the washout ports again.
Valves
Valves, including intake and discharge valves, need inspection, lubrication and occasional replacement to ensure smooth operation. Properly functioning valves are critical for the safe and efficient operation of your vacuum truck.
Safety Features
Vacuum trucks are equipped with safety features such as emergency shutoffs, pressure relief valves and safety interlocks. These safety features need regular inspection, testing and maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly and comply with all regulations. Not only that, properly functioning safety features are crucial for the safety of your operators and the environment during waste handling.
Speak with Vorstrom today
Proper vacuum truck maintenance is essential to protect your people, investment and the environment you work in. For additional tips on your Vorstrom vacuum truck maintenance, to book a service or to enquire about whether you need replacement parts, speak with our professional team.
Never choose sub-standard parts for your vacuum pump. To ensure our clients use vacuum pumps that are made to last, we only partner with five of the world’s leading pump manufacturers.
