Investing in training for your workforce not only provides employees with practical, real-world experience, it helps boost equipment performance and productivity. Beyond that, training can help improve safety, minimize equipment downtime and job site mistakes, attract and retain the best employees, and gain an advantage on the competition.

Vactor Manufacturing is committed to ensuring that customers are getting the maximum performance from their Vactor combination sewer cleaner. The company offers a full range of training courses to help customers:

• Operate equipment safely and efficiently at all times
• Select the right tools for every application and environment
• Save time and money on troubleshooting and repairs
• Protect their investment by using proper maintenance techniques

Vactor’s training program educates both expert and novice operators, technicians and mechanics on new equipment functionality and applications. Courses are developed to provide detailed information on a number of topics related to operating best practices, safety procedures, equipment controls, and service and maintenance troubleshooting.

Vactor training facility

Based out of the company’s headquarters in Streator, Illinois, Vactor’s training facility includes a multimedia classroom and hands-on lab where attendees work directly with expert instructors in

engineering, manufacturing and customer service in an informal setting. During training, attendees learn about Vactor’s entire range of custom-crafted options and tools designed to boost equipment performance in every application.

Class offerings

All Vactor classes start on Tuesdays, and run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Sessions consist of classroom and hands-on instruction. Training manuals are provided. To ensure individualized instruction, standard class size is limited to 15 attendees. For advanced classes, size is limited to 10 attendees. There is no charge for training, but registration is required to attend.

Remaining three-day class offerings for 2019 include: 

• Vactor 2100i for operators (September 24-26; October 8-10)
• Vactor 2100i for mechanics (October 1-3)
• Vactor 2100 Plus for mechanics (September 10-12)
• Advanced 2100i electronic troubleshooting (October 22-24)

This class is designed to help operators and new mechanics set up and maintain the Vactor 2100i combination sewer cleaner for optimal operation. Discussions focus on engaging the hydraulics, rodder pump and vacuum systems (fan and PD units), with emphasis on safety, proper operation, maintenance and repair. The class includes basic troubleshooting of systems related to sewer cleaning, including the boom and high-pressure water system. Discussions also include how to set up the Vactor 2100i for various applications.

This class provides mechanics with the basic operational information to confirm diagnosis and repair of the Vactor 2100i. Discussions focus on screens on the two IntelliView displays – one in the cab and the other on the front hose reel. Lab time focuses on the disassembly and reassembly of the rodder pump and the fan assembly.

Mechanics learn how to troubleshoot the rodder pump, hose reel, boom systems, vacuum systems (fan and blower), hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical/electronic systems using the IntelliView’s diagnostic screens. Technicians make a repair to the thermoplastic hose and learn how to test it. Mechanics also learn the proper use of the flow and pressure meters in the IntelliView screen for water system diagnosis. This class provides a basic introduction to the electronic control systems. Technicians must take this class before taking the advanced class.

This class provides mechanics with operational information to confirm diagnosis, repair, maintenance and system troubleshooting. Mechanics learn how to troubleshoot the rodder pump, hose reel, boom systems, vacuum systems (SEF fan and PD blower), hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical/electronic systems using the IntelliView diagnostic screens.

Mechanics disassemble the rodder pump and fan used in their Vactor units. Technicians make a repair to the thermoplastic hose and learn how to test it. The proper use of the onboard flowmeter and pressure gauge for water system diagnosis is demonstrated. This class provides a basic introduction to the electronic control systems. Technicians must take this class before taking the advanced class.

This class provides experienced technicians with diagnostic information to perform troubleshooting and repairs to the Vactor 2100i electrical systems. Hydraulic, pneumatic, vacuum systems and maintenance will be reviewed. Technicians learn how to troubleshoot the boom system, vacuum system, hydraulic and pneumatic systems using the IntelliView screens.

Field training

Available upon request, Vactor’s in-the-field training demonstrations provide additional hands-on learning, showcasing the right tools and techniques for safe, efficient operations. When requesting field training, the host company must provide an adequate meeting space for presentations using a screen, as well as functional sewer cleaner unit or units for hands-on training and walkaround sessions.

Properly trained equipment operators and maintenance personnel know how to get the most out of their equipment and can get work done quicker without compromising quality. As a leading manufacturer of sewer and catch basin cleaners, Vactor Manufacturing is doing its part to support the industry through enhanced education and training for customers.

For more information on training courses available from Vactor Manufacturing, please call Vactor’s customer service coordinator at 847-468-2371, or visit www.vactor.com