Hydro excavator on the job

Friday, May 13, 2016
Water Department foreman Pat Fawver, left, tends to a 4-inch wide vacuum hose attached to the hydroexcavator, as Seth Province operates the unit's power sprayer. City crews indicated they were excited to have the new hydroexcavator, while acknowledging it wouldn't entirely eliminate the need for a good old-fashioned shovel. (Bruce Baker/McCook Gazette)

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook Water Department crews fixed a water line leak and replaced a residential meter on West 13th Street earlier this week. The task provided an opportunity to utilize the city's recently purchased hydro excavator trailer, a welcome addition for city crews historically limited to hand-digging similar projects.

The trailer enlists a 4 inch vacuum system combined with a high-pressure water hose to remove soil from around water lines and residential hookups.

City crews touted the equipment's ability to cut into smaller areas, compared to other equipment, which reduces the need to disturb fencing and driveways on many job sites. The hydro excavator also produces enough pressure to easily cut through soil, while almost entirely eliminating concerns related to damaging other service lines, according to city staff.

Fawver prepares a backhoe for operation while Tyrel Riggs and Ted Jones, not pictured, finish shoveling around a water main. (Bruce Baker/McCook Gazette)

City crews plan to replace concrete at the West 13th Street site Friday.

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