Hydrovac Truck Costs: Complete Pricing Guide (2026)

Quick Answer: A new hydrovac truck costs $350,000 to $600,000, with most units priced between $420,000-$520,000. Used hydrovac trucks range from $80,000 (high-mileage) to $350,000 (low-hour late models). Rental rates run $1,500 to $3,000 per day. Total cost of ownership including fuel, maintenance, and repairs averages $80,000-$120,000 per year.

"How much does a hydrovac truck cost?"

I get this question constantly. The problem is, it's like asking how much a house costs — it depends on a lot of factors.

A base model from a smaller manufacturer runs around $350,000. A fully loaded Vactor with all the options can push past $600,000. Used trucks range from $80,000 for something with serious miles to $350,000 for a low-hour late model. Rental rates run $1,500 to $3,000 per day depending on what you need and where you are.

But the purchase price is just the beginning. After 25 years working on these trucks, I can tell you the real cost is in fuel, maintenance, repairs, and downtime. A $400,000 truck that breaks down constantly costs more than a $500,000 truck that runs every day.

This guide covers all of it — what you'll pay upfront, what you'll pay to keep it running, and how to think about the total cost of owning or renting a hydrovac.

How Much Does a New Hydrovac Truck Cost?

Short answer: $350,000 to $600,000+, with most units landing between $420,000 and $520,000.

What Determines the Price of a New Hydrovac?

The sticker price depends on several factors:

1. Manufacturer and model

Brand matters. Vactor typically costs 10-20% more than GapVax for comparable specs. You're paying for the dealer network, brand recognition, and resale value. Whether that's worth it depends on your situation.

For detailed brand comparisons, see our manufacturer comparison guide.

2. Debris tank size

Bigger tanks cost more — both the tank itself and the heavier chassis required to carry it.

Bigger isn't always better. A 15-yard tank full of wet clay can put you over road weight limits. Know what you actually need.

3. Blower capacity (CFM)

More airflow means faster excavation but costs more and uses more fuel.

4. Water system specs

Water pressure (PSI), flow rate (GPM), tank size, and heating all affect price.

If you work in cold climates, don't skimp on the heating system. A frozen water system will cost you more in lost jobs than the upgrade. See our winter preparation guide for what matters.

5. Chassis selection

The chassis (Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, etc.) and engine choice affect both purchase price and long-term costs.

6. Options and accessories

The options list can add up fast:

• Extended boom reach: +$10,000 - $25,000
• Wireless remote control: +$5,000 - $12,000
• Extra lighting package: +$3,000 - $8,000
• Cold weather package: +$15,000 - $40,000
• Air conditioning upgrades: +$3,000 - $6,000
• Toolbox and storage upgrades: +$2,000 - $8,000

New Hydrovac Truck Price Ranges by Brand (2026)

How Much Does a Used Hydrovac Truck Cost?

Short answer: $80,000 to $350,000 depending on age, hours, brand, and condition.

Used hydrovacs can be great deals — or money pits. The difference is knowing what to look for.

What Affects Used Hydrovac Truck Value?

Age: Trucks depreciate roughly 10-15% per year for the first few years, then slower. A 5-year-old truck typically sells for 50-60% of original price if well-maintained.

Operating hours: Hours matter more than miles. A hydrovac running 2,000 hours per year is working hard. Compare:

Brand: Vactor holds value best. GapVax and Vac-Con hold mid-range. Lesser-known brands depreciate faster.

Condition: This is where the money is. A truck with documented maintenance history, no major repairs, and a clean DOT inspection is worth significantly more than one that's been run hard and neglected.

Used Hydrovac Price Ranges

What to Inspect Before Buying a Used Hydrovac

I do pre-purchase inspections for guys buying used trucks. Here's what I look for:

Engine: Compression test, oil analysis, check for leaks, blow-by. Diesel engine problems are expensive.

Blower: Listen for bearing noise, check oil condition, look for lobe wear. A blower rebuild runs $6,000-$12,000.

Water pump: Check seals, test pressure, look for leaks. Pumps cost $3,000-$8,000 to rebuild.

Hydraulics: Inspect all hoses, check for cylinder leaks, test all functions. Hydraulic issues add up fast.

Boom: Check rotation, extension, and lift. Test the wireless remote if equipped. Boom problems can be pricey.

Debris tank: Inspect door seals, check for corrosion inside, verify dump operation.

Documentation: Maintenance records are gold. No records = assume the worst.

A $500 inspection can save you from buying a $50,000 problem.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Hydrovac Truck?

Short answer: $1,500 to $3,000 per day, with weekly and monthly discounts.

Rental makes sense for occasional use, trying before buying, or handling overflow work.

Hydrovac Rental Rate Ranges

Rates vary significantly by:

• Location: Dense markets (major metros) cost more
• Equipment size: Bigger blower, bigger tank = higher rate
• Availability: Peak seasons (utility work in spring/fall) command premiums

What's Included in Hydrovac Rental?

Typically included:

• The truck and all standard equipment
• Basic liability coverage
• Maintenance during rental period (varies by company)

Typically NOT included:

• Fuel (you'll burn 15-30 gallons/day)
• Operator (unless specifically arranged)
• Damage beyond normal wear
• Overtime charges if you go over hours
• Delivery and pickup
• Disposal fees

When Does Renting Make More Sense Than Buying?

Rent if:

• You need a hydrovac less than 100 days per year
• You're testing the market before committing
• You have a short-term contract that doesn't justify purchase
• Your truck is down for repairs and you need coverage

Buy if:

• You'll use it 150+ days per year
• You have consistent, long-term work
• Rental availability in your area is limited
• You want to build equity instead of paying rent

The math: At $2,000/day rental for 150 days = $300,000/year. That's most of a new truck. After year two of heavy rental, you could have owned one.

How Much Does It Cost to Operate a Hydrovac Per Day?

The daily operating cost goes way beyond fuel. Here's what actually hits your wallet:

Operating Cost Breakdown

This doesn't include truck payment, maintenance, or unexpected repairs. That's just the daily out-of-pocket to run the truck.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel is your biggest variable cost. Consumption depends on:

• Engine size: 400 HP burns more than 350 HP
• Operating time: Idling vs. active excavation
• Terrain and travel: Highway vs. city driving

Typical consumption:

• Traveling: 4-7 MPG
• Operating (stationary): 3-6 gallons/hour
• Daily total: 15-30 gallons depending on work mix

At $4/gallon, that's $60-$120 just in fuel.

Insurance Costs

Commercial hydrovac insurance runs $15,000 - $40,000 per year depending on:

• Coverage limits
• Driver history
• Claims history
• Location
• How the truck is used

That's $40-$110 per day just for insurance.

How Much Does Hydrovac Maintenance Cost Per Year?

Planned maintenance: $15,000 - $25,000 per year for a truck running 1,500-2,000 hours.

Unplanned repairs: Budget another $10,000 - $30,000 per year depending on truck age and condition.

Scheduled Maintenance Costs

Annual scheduled maintenance total: $12,000 - $20,000

For maintenance schedules, see our complete maintenance guide and service intervals breakdown.

Common Repair Costs

Things break. Here's what the common repairs cost:

Proper operator training and following safety procedures also reduce repair costs by preventing damage from misuse.

The Maintenance vs. Repair Trade-Off

Here's something I've learned in 25 years: every dollar you spend on preventive maintenance saves $5-$10 in emergency repairs.

Skip a $50 blower oil change? Risk an $8,000 rebuild.

Ignore a small hydraulic leak? Watch it become a $4,000 pump replacement.

Don't believe me? Read about operator mistakes that destroy equipment. I've seen trucks totaled by neglect that would have cost a few hundred dollars to prevent.

Total Cost of Ownership: What Does a Hydrovac Really Cost?

Let's put it all together. Here's what a hydrovac truck actually costs over 5 years:

5-Year TCO Example: New Truck

Assumptions:

• Purchase price: $480,000 (mid-range new truck)
• Down payment: $100,000 (roughly 20%)
• Financed: $380,000 at 7% for 5 years
• Annual usage: 1,800 hours
• Fuel: 25 gallons/day average, $4/gallon, 220 work days/year

Less: Residual value at year 5: ~$200,000

Net 5-year cost: ~$743,000

Cost per operating hour: ~$83/hour (based on 9,000 hours over 5 years)

Used Truck Comparison

A well-maintained 5-year-old truck at $220,000:

Lower total cost, but higher repair risk and more downtime potential.

How to Reduce Hydrovac Operating Costs

1. Preventive Maintenance

I can't stress this enough. Follow the maintenance schedule. Do your pre-trip inspections. Change fluids on time.

Every emergency repair I do could have been prevented with basic maintenance.

2. Operator Training

Trained operators use less fuel, cause less damage, and keep trucks running longer. Read about operator mistakes that destroy equipment and make sure your people aren't doing them.

3. Right-Size Your Equipment

Buying too much truck costs money every day — higher fuel, higher insurance, higher maintenance. Buy what you need, not what looks impressive. See our sizing guide for matching equipment to your actual workload.

4. Build Dealer Relationships

Good relationships with parts suppliers and service providers mean faster repairs and sometimes better pricing. Don't shop around for every oil filter — find vendors you trust and stick with them.

5. Track Everything

You can't manage what you don't measure. Track:

• Fuel consumption per job
• Maintenance costs per truck
• Downtime hours and causes
• Repair frequency by component

Patterns emerge. That truck that "keeps breaking down" might have an underlying issue that's fixable.

6. Consider a Maintenance Program

For fleet operations, scheduled maintenance programs often cost less than DIY approaches because they catch problems early and reduce emergency repairs.

The Bottom Line

Hydrovac trucks are expensive — $350,000 to $600,000+ new, $1,500 to $3,000/day to rent, and $80-$100 per hour to operate when you factor everything in.

But they're also money-makers when they run. A well-maintained truck running 1,800 hours per year at good rates generates serious revenue.

The key is understanding the total cost — not just the sticker price. Factor in maintenance, fuel, insurance, and repairs before you buy. Build maintenance costs into your job pricing. And take care of the equipment so it takes care of you.

Questions About Hydrovac Costs?

If you're evaluating a purchase, I can help with:

• Pre-purchase inspections for used trucks
• Maintenance cost estimates for specific models
• Ongoing maintenance programs to control costs

I service hydrovac trucks throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and the DC/Maryland area.

Call me at 272-296-9637 or request service here.