For contractors running potholing and slurry management operations, choosing between a truck-mounted vacuum excavator and a trailer vac often comes down to flexibility. Trailer vacs can be dropped at one site while the tow vehicle moves to another job. They fit into tighter residential areas. And for many utility contractors, they deliver the right balance of performance and portability without the investment of a dedicated truck chassis.
The Vermeer VX75 vacuum excavator represents the latest generation of trailer vacs, combining the best design elements from prior product lines into a purpose-built platform for utility work.
“We incorporated a CAN bus control system throughout to simplify wiring and help improve reliability, delivered operator-friendly controls and provided more machine operating information,” said T.J. Steele, product manager for Vermeer MV Solutions®.
Three vacuum excavator configurations for different jobs
Not every contractor needs the same capabilities from their trailer vac. Some are primarily managing HDD slurry. Others need serious potholing performance. And some want the versatility to handle pipe cleaning along with excavation work.
The VX75 addresses these different needs by offering three distinct configurations, all built on the same 74-hp (56-kW) Kubota® diesel platform.
- The standard VX75 delivers standout vacuum performance in its class with a 1,500-cfm (42.5-m³/min) Jurop® blower generating 15-in Hg (381-mm Hg) of suction. Paired with a 5-in (12.7-cm) hydraulic boom that reaches up to 14 ft (4.3 m) and an 8-gpm (30.3-L/min) water system at 3,000 psi (206.8 bar), this configuration handles demanding potholing and excavation work. Spoil tank options include 500-gal (1,893.7-L) and 800-gal (3,028-L) capacities.
- The VX75 with jetter turns your vacuum excavator into a combo unit for contractors who also need pipe cleaning capabilities. The 18-gpm at 3,000-psi (68.1-L/min at 206.8-bar) jetter handles pipes and culverts up to 12 in (30.5 cm) in diameter with 500 ft (152 m) of 0.5-in (1.3-cm) jetter hose. Because the jetter requires engine power, this configuration runs a 1,000-cfm (28.3-m³/min) blower with a 4-in (10.2-cm) boom.
- The VX75 with air adds a 180-cfm, 110-psi (5.1-m³/min, 7.58-bar) air compressor for dry excavation and pneumatic tools. Like the jetter configuration, it uses the 1,000-cfm (28.3-m³/min) blower with 4-in (10.2-cm) boom to allocate horsepower for the compressor. This configuration eliminates the need to haul a separate air compressor to the jobsite.
Trailer vac remote start and stop for slurry management
HDD contractors managing drill fluid know the routine: watch the mud pit fill, walk to the vac to start it, drain the pit, shut it off, walk back to monitor drilling. Repeat throughout the day.
The VX75 full-function remote control now includes start and stop capability, allowing operators to manage this process without leaving their position.
“When it comes to potholing and hydro trenching, productive digging and efficient water usage help crews maximize their time on the job,” Steele said. “That saves fuel instead of letting the vac run when not engaged.”
The remote also controls boom operation, water system, vacuum shut-off and spoil tank functions.
Vacuum excavator filtration that keeps you digging
Clogged filters and suction loss cost time on every job. The VX75 addresses this with dual cyclone filtration that uses a tuned vortex system to force particles into a separate canister before they reach the filter.
All current VX75 models include three-stage filtration with cyclonic separator and two-micron poly filter, a cam-over hydraulic rear door that opens to 50 degrees for fast dumping and cleaning, reverse flow capability for offloading material and clearing clogs and an in-tank cleanout system with 50-ft (15.2-m) water hose and reel.
For more on how filtration and other specs can affect performance, see the guide to spec’ing a vacuum excavator.
Trailer vac design details that add up
Beyond the headline specs, the VX75 includes practical improvements that come from listening to operator feedback.
A 3-in (7.6-cm) crossover line between tanks fills faster when using hydrant connections and improved hose routing drains completely for faster winterization in cold climates.
The extended tongue adds 18 in (45.7 cm) to improve turning radius when towing with larger trucks like stake bodies or small dump trucks. Driver-side fuel fill lets operators fuel both truck and trailer from the same side of the pump. The electric-over-hydraulic jack with a manual override comes standard and is positioned on the driver’s side for convenience.
All boom grease points are located on one side, so daily maintenance is simplified. And for contractors working in colder regions, an optional 300,000-BTU hot box with its own fuel tank helps extend your operating season.
Is this vacuum excavator right for your operation?
The VX75 fits contractors who need serious trailer vac performance without stepping up to a truck-mounted unit. It is particularly well suited for HDD crews running slurry management alongside drilling operations, utility contractors handling potholing and daylighting work in residential and commercial areas and companies looking to add jetter or air capabilities without hauling separate equipment. For a comparison across the full trailer vac lineup, see the comprehensive guide to trailer vacuum excavators.
The VX75 vacuum excavator is available now through the Vermeer dealer network. Contact a local Vermeer dealer to schedule a demo or download the Vacuum Excavation Selection Guide to compare models.
Vermeer MV Solutions Inc. reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications. Vermeer, the Vermeer logo, Equipped to Do More and Vermeer MV Solutions are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. Kubota is a trademark of Kubota Corporation. Jurop is a trademark of Jurop SpA. © 2026 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.