Air Mover

Air movers are designed for excavation applications where introducing water is undesirable. The truck carries an air compressor (typically 185 to 375 CFM at 100 to 150 PSI) that feeds a hand-held air lance used to break up soil. The vacuum system then removes the dry, loosened material into the debris tank. Because no water is added, the spoils can often be returned to the hole as backfill.

Air movers are commonly used near electrical infrastructure, in contaminated soil areas where adding water would increase the volume of contaminated material, in archeological excavations where soil moisture conditions must be preserved, and in cold weather when water would freeze. They are also preferred by some utility owners who prohibit water-based excavation near their facilities.

The main limitations of air movers compared to hydrovac trucks are slower excavation speed in cohesive soils (clay, compacted fill) and the generation of significant dust during operation. Dust suppression measures may be required, and operators must wear appropriate respiratory protection. Despite these limitations, air movers fill an important niche in the vacuum excavation market.