How much does it cost to hire a vacuum truck in Australia?

The cost to hire a vacuum truck in Australia can vary significantly based on the truck's size, capacity, and location. Typically, prices range from $100 to $200 per hour, but it's always recommended to get specific quotes based on your project's needs.

What's the difference between a vacuum truck and a sucker truck?

A vacuum truck uses a vacuum system to suck up liquids, sludges and slurries. Alternatively, a sucker truck, often known as a hydro excavator, combines high-pressure water and a vacuum system to excavate soil, making it ideal for safe digging around utilities.

Are vacuum trucks suitable for wet and dry materials?

Yes, vacuum trucks are versatile and designed to handle wet and dry materials. Their powerful suction capability can remove many substances, from liquids and sludges to dry debris.

What is the capacity of a typical vacuum truck?

The capacity of a typical vacuum truck can range significantly based on its design and purpose. Commonly, these trucks have capacities ranging from 3,785 to 11,355 litres. However, larger trucks can store even more.

Do I need any specific licences or permits to operate a vacuum truck?

Operating a vacuum truck typically requires a Heavy Rigid (HR) or Heavy Combination (HC) licence in Australia. Additionally, specific permits or certifications might be necessary depending on the nature of the work and the waste materials involved.

How do vacuum trucks dispose of the waste they collect?

Vacuum trucks dispose of the waste they collect by transporting it to approved disposal facilities, where the waste undergoes proper treatment. The disposal method depends on the type of waste. Some materials are ideal for recycling, while others may require specialised treatment and disposal in landfills or other suitable sites.

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789 Vacuum Trucks Available for Hire on iseekplant

Whether you're in construction, municipal services, or industrial sectors, vacuum excavation trucks are vital for waste management and clearing underground services. With iseekplant, you’ll find 789 vac trucks available to hire across Australia, ensuring the perfect solution for your next project. Our platform offers an extensive range of equipment, from compact vac truck models for tight areas to larger units with larger spoil capacity for demanding industrial tasks. Whether you're managing sewer lines, clearing blocked pipes, or performing non destructive digging, we connect you with trusted suppliers to match your needs.

This guide covers vacuum excavators, hire rates, common truck sizes, and alternative equipment to help you plan your excavation area requirements with ease.

Vacuum Truck Hire Rates Guide

Hiring sucker trucks is a cost-effective solution for removing large volumes of waste materials or fluids to clear blocked pipes and more. Rates depend on the truck’s capacity, hire duration, and any additional services, such as high pressure water blasting:

Size/Capacity	Wet Hire Rates (per hour)	Dry Hire Rates (per hour)
1,000 - 2,000 litres	$130 - $160	$110 - $140
2,001 - 5,000 litres	$160 - $190	$140 - $170
5,001 - 10,000 litres	$190 - $220	$170 - $200
10,001 - 20,000 litres	$230 - $260	$210 - $240
20,001+ litres	$270 - $300	$250 - $280

Note: All prices listed on this page are estimates, exclude GST and are in AUD.

Additional Costs to Consider When Hiring a Vacuum Truck

When planning to hire vac trucks, consider these potential additional costs:

Potential Cost	Description	Standard Rate
Operator Fees	Trained operator to manage the vacuum excavator.	$30 - $40 per hour
Disposal Charges	Costs for disposing of waste at approved sites.	$60 - $90 per ton
Transportation Costs	Moving the truck delivers unsurpassed performance to your site.	$120 - $180 per trip
Specialised Equipment	Attachments for tasks like air vacuum or hydro excavation.	$30 - $60 per hour
Overtime Rates	For operations beyond standard hours.	1.5x the standard rate

Connect with our suppliers with the Get a Quote tool for a customised and accurate quote based on your project today!

Common Vacuum Truck Sizes and Capacities

The right vacuum truck size ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness for tasks like non destructive digging, clearing blocked pipes, or managing underground utilities. Here’s a breakdown of typical sizes:

Size	Capacity	Common Uses
Small	2,000L	Residential tasks, easy access to tight areas.
Medium	5,000L	Commercial cleanups, industrial sites.
Large	10,000L	Major municipal projects, large industrial tasks.

Leading Brands in Vacuum Truck Manufacturing

Choosing the right brand impacts operational efficiency, especially for specialised tasks like sewer lines or underground utilities. Here’s a quick comparison of top brands:

Brands	Notable Models	Sizes	Quick Specs	Pros	Cons
International	DuraStar 4300	11,000L - 15,000L	High suction rate	Durable build, long service life	Costly for smaller tasks.
Kenworth	T880	17,000L - 22,700L	Advanced tech features	Reliable, integrates technology	Higher upfront cost.
Freightliner	M2 106	9,500L - 15,000L	Versatile build	Adaptable for different tasks	Maintenance-intensive.
Peterbilt	Model 348	15,000L - 24,600L	Powerful engine	Ideal for heavy-duty tasks	Higher fuel consumption.

These brands offer exceptional manoeuvrability and reliability, with models suited for various project scales.

Alternative Excavation Equipment to Vacuum Trucks

While vacuum excavation trucks excel in liquid and slurry removal, other machines may suit different needs:

Alternative Equipment	Practical Applications	Pros	Cons	Vs. Vacuum Trucks
Backhoes	Digging, trenching, material handling	Versatile for solid tasks	Ineffective for liquid removal	Ideal for solid excavation only.
Excavators	Deep digging, material removal	Powerful for large projects	Requires space, not liquid-specific	Best for large projects, not slurry.
Trenchers	Digging trenches for pipes and cables	Precise for trenching tasks	Limited to trenches	Good for trenching, not diverse.
Skid-Steer Loaders	Compact digging in small spaces	Great for tight areas	Limited capacity	Best for small sites, no liquids.
Bulldozers	Clearing areas, moving dirt	Handles high volumes of dirt	Lacks precision for detailed tasks	Surface work only, no liquid removal.

Set Your Project in Motion with iseekplant!

For vac trucks, non destructive digging, or vacuum excavation trucks, iseekplant is your go-to platform. Our great range of suppliers offers options from compact vac truck models to vacuum excavators with larger spoil capacity, ideal for high pressure water blasting or air vacuum tasks. Need help? Email projects@iseekplant.com.au or call 1300 691 912. Ready to find the right solution for your excavation area? Click 'Get a Quote' today!

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