This story first appeared in the June issue of AutoTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
Alliance Services is putting a special excavation truck to work using vacuum technology.
Alliance’s core business model is centred around traffic management, but through the use of the new Scania Air Vac truck, the company is able to branch out to provide a range of other full package services.
The air vacuum excavation truck is one of the company’s specialities, and given it’s not commonly seen in New Zealand, it’s drawing a lot of interest from the public, Alliance Services’ Scott Bainbridge says.
“Air vacuum excavation is relatively new in New Zealand, although it is widespread in Europe and through the USA.
“Air excavation is becoming popular as it is safer for excavating around services, particularly electrical services, tree roots, and sensitive areas.
With a focus on cleaner and safer excavation, there is likely to be a shift towards air excavation as the preferred method of excavation,” Bainbridge says.
Air excavation involves using a large tube that enters the ground using compressed air to break up the earth’s soil and vacuuming it up.
It’s a non-destructive digging process that works on the same principal as the hydro units but with air pressure rather than water.
The process has major advantages over traditional diggers based on its accuracy and the manoeuvrability of the air vac.
The air vac is a specialist Scania truck built by excavation manufacturer RSP in Germany.
“RSP actually sent out a guy to train our drivers and operators on the Air Vac as it uses a new methodology and combines skill sets to handle it correctly,” he says.
However, the Scania truck and Air Vac don’t come cheap and growth in this area can come at a high cost.
“Alliance are a rapidly growing business and the investment in the Air Vac has been significant.
ORIX NZ were instrumental in helping us bring the Air Vac into the fleet, and we will be partnering with them again to bring in our next unit later in 2019.
“ORIX have financed the growth of our fleet.
They have offered a range of solutions to accommodate the changing needs of our business and they continue to provide options that allow for continued growth and investment.
“Alliance are focused on sustainable business practice, with a drive towards being carbon neutral.
This aligns well with a company like ORIX NZ that is committed to a holistic approach to sustainability,” Bainbridge says.
