The vacuum pump is the heart of every suction tanker. Choose one that is too small and every job takes longer; choose one that is too large and you pay for power, weight and fuel you never use. A few simple questions make the decision much easier.
Start with the job, not the pump
Write down what the truck will do on a normal day: sewer and septic cleaning, industrial sludge, liquid waste transfer or dry material. Each job needs a different balance of air flow and vacuum level.
- Air flow decides how quickly the tank fills.
- Maximum vacuum decides how far and how high you can lift the material.
- Duty cycle decides how long the pump can run without a break.
Match air flow to tank size
As a rule of thumb, larger tanks and longer hose runs need higher air flow. A municipal sewer truck working in narrow lanes needs a different pump from a large industrial tanker that works one site all day.
Tip: ask your supplier for the air flow at your actual working speed, not only at maximum RPM.
Combivac Service Team
Think about cooling and Indian conditions
High ambient temperatures and long working hours put extra load on any pump. Air cooled designs and features such as temperature indicators help the operator protect the pump on hot days.
Get expert advice
Our team can help you compare models side by side and recommend the right pump for your truck. Share your tank size, application and working hours with us, and we will suggest the best fit.