Gradall’s Vacall Vacuum Excavators Locate Fiber-Optic and Electric Lines
Gradall Industries recently introduced the company new Vacall ALLExcavate 35, designed for high-performance vacuum excavation work by municipalities and contractors.
In developing the AE 35, Vacall partnered with Daimler Truck, one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, resulting in a vacuum excavator that delivers a level of reliability and performance as well as convenient service and use requirements that do not require operators to have extensive training or Commercial Drivers Licenses. Specially priced to fit tight municipal and rental business budgets, AE 35 vacuum excavators are highly versatile, typically handling the following jobs:
- Locating fiber-optic lines
- Exposing and repairing water lines
- Identifying sewer and gas lines
- Locating electrical lines
- Valve box cleanouts
- Responding to water line breaks
- Preparing for utility pole setting
- Trenching, potholing, and daylighting
Beneath the textured exterior finish on the AE 35 lies one of the most important advantages of the new Vacall model — a fully galvanized 3.5 cubic-yard debris body. Rather than follow the economical industry trend of traditional coatings or less resilient materials, Vacall is the only vacuum excavator brand that benefits from a hot-dip galvanizing process. With this process, the zinc metallurgically bonds to the steel body, creating a layered defense that resists corrosion, abrasion, abuse and harsh year-after-year jobsite environments.
High-quality aluminum components are also engineered for high strength, less weight and the ability to withstand harsh conditions, meaning Vacall components won’t fade, crack, leak or warp, even under continuous exposure to sun, weather and demanding jobsite use.
Vacall 500-gallon water tanks are purpose‑designed specifically for the AE 35. According to the manufacturers, the tanks are superior to aftermarket add‑ons or generic components.
The water tank is strategically mounted behind the cab, maximizing capacity while maintaining an ideal center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. This design also enhances driver safety and ensures compliance with local weight and transport regulations, delivering an overall superior tank system with high durability, optimal performance and peace of mind on every job.
The AE 35 vacuum system is powered by the proven Howden Roots 6-inch × 16-inch blower, producing 2,200 CFM at 15 inches of vacuum and an impressive 2,446 CFM of free air. Driven by a Chelsea PTO with a fully hydrostatic system, the configuration ensures smooth, reliable and efficient power delivery.
To protect the blower and maintain peak performance, the system includes a 304 stainless steel filter housing and screen assembly, paired with a single drop‑out box for effective debris separation. A 4‑inch vacuum‑relief valve, operated directly from the control panel, allows the operator to manage vacuum levels with precision and confidence.
Engineered for durability, efficiency and ease of operation, this vacuum package consistently delivers the powerful results customers expect from the compact, versatile Vacall AE 35.
About the Author
Michael Roth
Editor
Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.
