Powering vacuum systems without a PTO
Problem: A portable restroom service company in Phoenix needed a reliable vacuum system for its trailer-mounted units. The challenge? Their trucks lacked a PTO, leaving no way to power a vacuum pump directly from the vehicle engine. This limitation slowed operations and required costly workarounds.
Solution: The company installed the Fruitland ELIM G-SMF344 gas engine-driven system, a modular solution designed for mobile vacuum applications where a PTO isn’t available. The package includes a 14 hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard gas engine, Fruitland RCF344 vacuum pump, standard bolt-in truck mount, secondary shut-off, muffler, air injection and air filter. Available in left-hand or right-hand orientation, the system is ideal for smaller to medium-sized vacuum systems like portable restrooms, light sanitation and septic trucks.
Result: The ELIM G-SMF344 provided a self-contained power source, eliminating downtime and improving route efficiency by 30%. Operators reported easier installation and reduced maintenance compared to previous setups. The system’s compact design and performance allowed the company to expand its service area without investing in new PTO-equipped trucks. 844-442-4692; www.fruitlandmanufacturing.com
Non-CDL service truck improves efficiency on construction site
Problem: FusionSite Services needed to improve service efficiency on a large, high-traffic construction project in Aiken, South Carolina. The site services more than 180 portable restroom units twice daily, seven days per week, creating challenges related to limited tank capacity, frequent dump trips and maintaining cleanliness on muddy job sites. Staffing was also a concern as sourcing CDL-qualified drivers willing to operate portable restroom routes continues to be a challenge across the industry.
Solution: FusionSite partnered with Matthews Motors to deploy a Hino non-CDL portable restroom service truck outfitted with an aluminum tank featuring approximately 1,500 gallons of waste capacity and 500 gallons of freshwater capacity. The truck was equipped with a Masport HD4 vacuum pump, selected for its reliability, off-the-shelf parts availability and nationwide support network. A DC10 water pump system and integrated high-pressure washer were added to improve cleaning efficiency and maintain a professional appearance on high-use sites. The truck’s layout was designed for accessibility, allowing operators to easily service pumps, valves and components without extensive disassembly. “With the added storage, we don’t have to use the cab as a supply area anymore,” says Andrew Munekata, manager for Fusion Site Services. “That allows us to add a full-time helper so one person can pump while the other restocks and cleans units, which saves a significant amount of time on large job sites.”
Result: The increased capacity reduced dump trips from up to one and one-half per day to approximately one, saving an estimated two to three hours daily in travel, offloading and paperwork. The ability to staff two-person crews improved service speed, while the integrated pressure washer allowed operators to clean units while refilling hand-wash stations. Munekata noted the truck is now serving as a test platform for features being considered for future fleet builds. 762-273-4135; www.matthewsmotors.org
