Vactor Manufacturing Introduces Redesigned Vactor 2100 Sewer Cleaner

Vactor 2100 Plus features increased performance and operator control enhancements

LOUISVILLE (Feb. 25, 2009) – At the 2009 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in Louisville, Ky., Vactor Manufacturing – the industry leader in sewer and catch basin cleaners – today introduced a redesigned Vactor 2100 sewer cleaner for public utilities and professional contractors cleaning entire wastewater and sanitary systems. On display at the company's booth (#1092), the new Vactor 2100 Plus features increased vacuum performance and improvements to operator comfort and control, air routing and filtration efficiency and fuel efficiency.

"For 20 years, the Vactor 2100 Series sewer cleaners have been designed and manufactured to the exacting standards that have made Vactor the industry leader in sewer and catch basin cleaning," said Jared Dippel, product manager at Vactor Manufacturing. "While the Vactor 2100 sewer cleaner has become the industry standard, we felt the time was right to take a great product and updating the design to make it even better."

Dippel, along with Mike Rose, Vactor project manager, oversaw the Vactor 2100 Plus design project, working directly with customers, dealers and Vactor engineers on product development and testing. "We've taken our sewer cleaner to the next level in terms of improved productivity, operator comfort and control," Dippel said. "With input from our customers about their needs and expectations, we’ve raised the bar once again."

According to Rose, Vactor received very positive feedback from customers, primarily focused on the new sewer cleaner’s ease of operation, ergonomic design, and reduced noise levels.

Smart Truck concept features have also been integrated on the new sewer cleaner, including internal monitoring systems that enable the operator to monitor and troubleshoot flow and pressure, blower temperature and oil level, drive system idle and open vacuum relief.

Ease of operation and maintenance

The new design and ergonomic controls on the Vactor 2100 Plus make it easier to operate and maintain, and provides an all-around command of the work area. "Everything the operator needs to clean sewers is centrally located at the front of the sewer cleaner for maximum productivity and efficiency," Dippel said.

The new truck also features more wireless functions as standard, such as e-stop, hose reel pay-in and -out and reel speed control.

In terms of operator comfort and productivity, the noise level at the operator station on the 2100 Plus has been reduced by at least 10 percent – and in some configurations, more – over previous models. "The noise level on the new sewer cleaner is noticeably quieter than previous models and other manufacturer’s models," Dippel said. "A more comfortable, relaxed operator means greater productivity on the job."

The new 2100 Plus also features improvements that simplify maintenance, extend equipment life and increase machine utilization. The water fill location has been lowered on the new design for easier access and simplified daily maintenance. Access to the auxiliary engine and tanks has also been increased.

Increased vacuum performance

The new fan and air-routing system delivers significantly increased vacuum pressure in both the single-stage and dual-stage fan configurations. "Early performance tests are showing increases of double-digit percentage points over the performance of the current model, especially in the duel-stage fan system," Dippel said.

Improved fuel efficiency

According to Dippel, preliminary testing done by Vactor indicates that the fuel efficiency on the new Vactor 2100 Plus sewer cleaner has been significantly increased. "Our preliminary tests show a 20- to 30-percent decrease in fuel consumption on the 2100 Plus compared to previous models," Dippel said. "Improved fuel efficiency can mean huge savings for the owner of a 2100 Plus."

Other improvements

The new sewer cleaner includes a number of other improvements, including a 10-percent reduction in water consumption as a result of improved pump controls and nozzle technology, increased hose reel capacities to accommodate new rodder hoses, increased tool/pipe storage area and a standard 60-inch dump height to allow for easier dumping of debris into waste receptacles.

Vactor's exclusive multi-flow system, which allows the operator to set application-based flow at a lower RPM than competitive models, is now standard on the 2100 Plus. Multi-flow increases fuel efficiency while providing more efficient sewer cleaning.

The 2100 Plus includes many of the same design features customers have come to expect from the Vactor 2100 Series sewer cleaners, including the easy-load, fast-dump debris body, Modul-Flex design system, multi-stage blower filtration system, and positive displacement vacuum and fan platforms.

Customer support

Customers rely on Vactor and their Vactor dealer for productive equipment, expert advice, training, flexible financing and fast service. The company's extensive dealer network includes more than 70 dealers and service centers worldwide, staffed with factory-trained, highly experienced service technicians and stocked with the necessary parts to assist customers quickly and efficiently.

"Our customers know that Vactor and their Vactor dealer are there for them – not only when they buy their machine, but even after they've put thousands of hours on it," said Dan Schueller, vice president and general manager at Vactor Manufacturing.

"Vactor's factory-trained service experts are ready to conduct maintenance and repair and make certain the machine is ready the moment it's needed," Schueller said. "We also provide in-depth training on the operation and maintenance of the sewer cleaner at our dedicated training facility. This service is available to our customers at any time during the life of the product."

For additional information on the Vactor 2100 Plus sewer cleaner or to schedule a demonstration, please see your local Vactor dealer, call 800/627-3171, or visit www.vactor.com.

The industry leader in sewer and catch basin cleaners for more than 45 years, Vactor Manufacturing produces a wide range of combination sewer cleaners and jetters for sewer line maintenance, as well as specialty products including vacuum excavators and the Glycol Recovery Vehicle. For more information, visit www.vactor.com.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) is a leader in advancing security and well-being for communities and workplaces around the world. The company designs and manufactures a suite of products and integrated solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial and airport customers. Federal Signal's portfolio of trusted, high-priority products include Bronto aerial devices, Elgin and Ravo street sweepers, Federal Signal safety and security systems, Guzzler industrial vacuums, Jetstream waterblasters and Vactor sewer cleaners and vacuum excavators. Federal Signal was founded in 1901 and is based in Oak Brook, Ill. For more information, visit www.federalsignal.com.