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The U.S. generated over 292 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018 alone, according to the EPA. Add to that the waste from industrial sites, sewers, oilfields, and construction zones—and the cleanup challenge becomes massive. That’s where vacuum trucks come in. However, new units can put serious pressure on budgets.

That’s why more companies and municipalities are looking at pre-owned vacuum trucks to meet demand without overspending. The catch? Not every used unit is worth the savings. If you don’t know what to look for, you could end up with a truck that underperforms, breaks down, or costs a fortune in repairs.

Let’s break down the top features you should be evaluating before buying a used vacuum truck—so your team can handle heavy jobs without setbacks.

1. Suction Power (CFM and Inches of Mercury)

Suction is the heart of every vacuum truck. Look at the two main metrics:

• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)– How much air the unit moves. A higher CFM means faster material recovery.
• Vacuum Rating (inHg)– Measured in inches of mercury. Industrial-grade trucks should produce around 27 inHg for tough jobs.

If you’re cleaning catch basins, sewers, or storm drains, go for high CFM and vacuum pressure. A weak pump wastes time and fuel—especially on wet or compacted debris.

2. Tank Capacity and Material

The tank’s size determines how long your team can work before offloading. Typical sizes range from:

• 500 gallons (for small projects or septic use)
• Up to 3,000 gallons (for industrial, municipal, or oilfield cleanup)

Also, check what the tank is made of. Stainless steel resists corrosion and handles caustic waste better than mild steel. If the tank will handle chemicals or saltwater, stainless is the safer bet—even in pre-owned vacuum trucks.

3. Blower or Vacuum Pump Type

Most used vacuum trucks rely on either:

• Roots-type blowers (positive displacement)
• Liquid ring pumps (great for hazardous materials and high-moisture content)
• Rotary vane pumps (common in septic applications)

The pump type should match your work. For hydro excavation or industrial sludge, a Roots blower with strong CFM and high-pressure water is ideal.

Before purchase, request a vacuum test or performance record to see if the pump still operates near its original specs.

4. Chassis Condition & Engine Hours

Even the best tank and pump won’t matter if the pre-owned vacuum truck itself is on its last leg.

• Check engine hours, not just mileage. Vacuum trucks often idle for long periods, so low mileage can be misleading.
• Inspect for rust, frame damage, or suspension wear, especially around the tank mount.
• Make sure the PTO (Power Take-Off) system runs smoothly, since it powers the vacuum system directly from the engine.

A unit with low engine hours, regular maintenance records, and a rust-free underbody is a solid find.

5. Hose Reel, Boom Arm, and Reach

Your team’s productivity depends on how far the vacuum hose can reach—and how easy it is to use.

• Look for hydraulic boom arms with good mobility.
• Some trucks have telescoping booms that reach up to 25 feet.
• Ensure the hose reel and guide system are intact, with no major kinks, wear, or damage.

These components are expensive to replace, so inspect them closely before finalizing the deal.

6. Water System (for Combination Units)

If you’re buying a combo unit (vacuum + hydro jetter), make sure the water system still packs a punch:

• Pump pressure: Aim for 2,000–4,000 PSI depending on your use.
• Water tank capacity: Ranges from 500 to 1,500 gallons.

Make sure the water heater, if included, is functional for cold-weather work or oilfield cleaning. A leaky water pump or corroded tank can quickly eat into your budget.

Invest in Top-Quality Pre-Owned Vacuum Trucks

Looking for used vacuum trucks for sale in ID that are built to work just as hard as you do? At Big Truck & Equipment Sales, we inspect every pre-owned vacuum truck, confirm key performance specs, and help you choose a truck that fits your job—not just your budget.

Contact us today to find your next pre-owned vacuum truck with confidence.