Suction excavator hire
VAC-EX is the machine range we work with. From a 1 metre wide compact tracked unit to a trailer unit reaching 8 metres deep. All of them available to hire by the week from Tornado Rent.
- Five machine types, one rate per package
- Compact, all-round, electric or trailer-mounted
- Non-conductive and non-sparking tooling
- Advice on the right machine for your site
What VAC-EX means
VAC-EX is the name of the suction excavators we hire out. It is not a different technique from what the industry calls vacuum excavation: compressed air breaks up the ground, a turbine lifts it out. The difference is in the build, the tooling and the safety features. For the full explanation, see what VAC-EX is.
As a hirer, one question matters most: which machine gets onto your site and copes with your ground. Hence the range below, with the figures that actually decide it, namely width, weight, tank capacity and drive.
The machines
Within a package the rate is the same, whichever of these machines you choose.
AIR-VAC 2
Manoeuvrable tracked machine just 1 metre wide, with a 360 degree slew and fully proportional radio remote control. For precise work in awkward locations.
- Width 1,000 mm
- Weight 1,750 kg
- Tank 0.2 m³
- Single turbine
AIR-VAC 2 Electric
The same machine, fully electric. No exhaust emissions and considerably quieter, which suits city centres, underground car parks, tunnels and night work in residential areas.
- Zero emissions
- Width 1,000 mm
- Low noise
- Usable in enclosed spaces
AIR-VAC 4
Combines the powerful engine of the T-VAC 2 with a narrow 1,200 mm profile. Twin turbine and a 0.5 m³ tipping skip for heavier work, while still fitting on a footpath.
- Width 1,200 mm
- Weight 2,750 kg
- Tank 0.5 m³
- Twin turbine, 10 bar
T-VAC 2
Hydraulic support arm with a 180 degree working range that takes the weight of the suction hose. Reduces operator fatigue on long shifts and heavy work.
- Tank 1.0 m³
- Weight 2,850 kg
- Hydraulic support arm
- 5 kVA generator
T-VAC 2 Trailer
Trailer version with a 1 m³ tank, towable by most vans. For wet and dry work down to 8 metres, widely used in industry and infrastructure.
- Tank 1.0 m³
- Weight 2,682 kg
- Depth up to 8 metres
- Hydraulic stabilisers
AIR-EX air lance
The lance that breaks up the ground. Non-conductive, non-sparking and vibration-free, so it is safe around electricity and in gas-enriched environments. Part of the complete set.
- 0 m/s² vibration
- Non-sparking brass nozzles
- PEHD insulated shaft
- 4 to 12 bar
Unsure which machine fits? Tell us the ground conditions, the access and the depth you need and we will recommend a type. To hire directly, see vacuum excavation hire.
What decides your choice
Four things determine in practice which machine works on your site.
Available width
Will the machine get through the gate, along the pavement or down the alley? From 1,000 mm almost any access works.
Ground conditions
Clay and heavy ground need more suction. Twin turbine machines are the better choice there.
Depth and volume
For deep shafts and larger volumes the trailer unit offers the biggest tank and the longest reach.
Surroundings
City centre, tunnel or night work? Choose the electric version: zero emissions and low noise.
Packages and rates
The rate follows the package, not the machine. So you choose the machine that suits your site without the price changing.
Machine only
The suction excavator, operated by you.
- Clean, ready-to-work machine
- Hire by the full week
- Hand-over briefing by phone
Complete set
The machine plus all tools and accessories to start straight away.
- Machine with air lance and accessories
- Hire by the full week
- Damage-free work around cables and pipes
Operated complete set
The complete set including an experienced operator who does the digging for you.
- Complete set with operator
- We run the machine
- No in-house expertise or staff needed
All rates are per week and exclude VAT. Arrange transport yourself or let us handle it.
Safe around power, gas and fibre
All VAC-EX machines use non-conductive tooling in aluminium and PE. The air lance has non-sparking brass nozzles and is tested to 75 kV per foot. That is what allows work around live cables and in gas-enriched environments.
It is precisely why the technique is used for damage-free excavation and for exposing cables and pipes.
Frequently asked questions
Is VAC-EX the same as a suction excavator?
Yes. VAC-EX is the name of the machine range we hire out. The technique is what the industry calls suction excavation or vacuum excavation.
Does a bigger machine cost more to hire?
No. The rate follows the package, not the machine. Within a package you pay the same weekly rate whether you take the compact AIR-VAC 2 or the T-VAC 2 Trailer.
Which machine is the narrowest?
The AIR-VAC 2 and AIR-VAC 2 Electric are 1,000 mm wide. That gets them through most gates and along pavements, including in city centres.
How deep can I excavate?
With the T-VAC 2 Trailer you can reach around 8 metres depending on ground conditions. The compact machines are intended for shallower work such as trial holes, service connections and root zones.
Is there a zero-emission machine?
Yes, the AIR-VAC 2 Electric is fully electric. It produces no exhaust emissions and is considerably quieter than a diesel machine, so it can be used in car parks, tunnels and for night work in residential areas.
Are tools and accessories included?
With the complete set and the operated complete set, yes, including the air lance and accessories. With the single machine you hire the machine itself.
Read more
Vacuum excavation hire
Hire a VAC-EX suction excavator by the week, with or without an operator.
ViewDamage-free excavation
Digging around cables and pipes without damaging what is buried.
ViewVacuum excavation services
What vacuum excavation is, how it works and when to use it.
ViewTree root excavation
Expose roots without damaging the root ball.
ViewRequest a booking
Choose your package and dates. We confirm availability within one working day.
Choose a package and period for a price indication
Contact details
Tornado Rent B.V.
Dienstenstraat 1-5
3161 GN Rhoon
Marcel Haring
We deliver throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. Arrange transport yourself or let Tornado Rent handle it.
Choose a package and period for a price indication