About Septic Tank Trucks
International HV Septic Tank Truck
Septic tank trucks are essentially vacuum trucks that are used specifically for cleaning out septic tanks, sewer pump stations, portable toilets, and more. Most of these trucks were originally cab and chassis trucks that have been outfitted with septic pump systems and tanks, which means tank sizes and features will vary. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of tank trucks will also vary, from around 26,000 up to 33,000 pounds (11,800 to 15,000 kilograms), which puts them in the heavy-duty category, although some severe-duty models can have GVWRs as high as 66,000 lbs (30,000 kg) or more.
Operation & Characteristics
Septic tank trucks use suction hoses and vacuum systems to pump feces, sludge, and wastewater out of underground reservoirs into a tank on the truck for transport. Once collected, the tank’s contents are typically taken to a wastewater treatment facility where the water may be processed and used for other applications, such as crop irrigation and fertilization, for example. Unlike some other styles of tank trucks, septic tank trucks require the operator to leave the cab to access separate controls on the exterior of the truck body. For septic truck operators, this could be as simple as connecting a hose to a septic tank and turning on the vacuum pump.
The main tank of a septic tank truck will typically have a capacity of 1,000 to 5,500 gallons (3,785 to 20,800 liters) or more. The tanks are most commonly made out of stainless steel, aluminum, or carbon steel. Stainless-steel tanks may be more expensive, but are more corrosion-resistant than other materials. Carbon steel tanks are less expensive, but are more susceptible to rust, which can be a problem when working with waste and water.
Find Septic Tank Trucks
You’ll find a number of used septic tank trucks for sale at TruckPaper.com from manufacturers like Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, and Sterling.
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