Vacuum Excavation

Vacuum excavation – also known as suction excavation - is a non-destructive method of excavation that uses high-powered suction to remove soil and other materials from a site.

The suction is generated by a vacuum excavation truck, which is equipped with a large tank and a powerful pump. It uses high-pressure air to loosen the soil, which is then sucked into the tank by the vacuum pump. Read more on our blog.

Our excavators, supplied by RSP UK, have 8㎥ containers, providing excellent loading volume.

Or, in the words of Liam Crowe: "They're proper massive."

The hydraulic articulated hose carrier allows excavation at distances of up to six metres and has a swivel range of 180° - specifically designed for a range of different site conditions. Extension hoses can also be used to increase the workable radius around the truck itself.

The suction hose is controlled via a remote control handset ensuring maximum safety where space is limited.

Our vacuum excavators can reach a depth of up to 20m, depending on their proximity to the excavation site.

One of the main advantages of vacuum excavation over more traditional excavation methods is its non-destructive nature. It allows for excavation in sensitive areas without causing damage to underground utilities, like gas mains, electrical cables and water pipes.

This method of excavation minimises utility strikes and the delays and costs typically associated with that. It also minimises injury to operatives, who can control the intake nozzle via remote control from a safe distance. Read more on our blog.

• Test holing/potholing to confirm the location of known utilities on construction sites

• Trenching to expose utilities or lay new pipes and cables

• Construction excavation, waste removal, transfer and disposal

• Railway track repairs

• Safe exposure of tree roots

• Installation of signs, streetlights and traffic light poles, ensuring precise placement

• Manhole cleaning

• Drainage system maintenance

3C Services Ltd is ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (health and safety) certified for the supply of concrete, materials, haulage, plant and machinery hire to commercial and non-commercial customers. We are also a Constructionline Gold member and hold an SSIP certificate.

All our operatives are fully trained in using our vacuum excavators, which can be operated remotely from a safe distance on-site. They also have the relevant tickets needed for operating all our equipment safely, including:

• Highways Passport

• Streetworks training/certs

• Working at heights training/certs

• Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and concrete sustainability training/certs

Our vac ex machines can tip on-site, or we can offer a grab service to collect and dispose of the material at our waste transfer station (WTS).