Hurco Vac 300 User manual

REFERENCE MANUAL
Reference Manual and
User’s Guide
1-800-888-1436 • hurcotech.com • [email protected]
HURCO Vac 300
AffordAble vAcuum excAvAtion

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
VAC300 Operator’s Manual 1
Table of Contents
Table&of&Contents&
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................ 1!
Welcome......................................................................................................................................... 2!
Overview......................................................................................................................................... 4!
General Guideline........................................................................................................................... 5!
Safety First...................................................................................................................................... 6!
Safety Messages.........................................................................................................................7-10!
Controls....................................................................................................................................11-14!
Transporting.................................................................................................................................. 15!
Vacuum Use.............................................................................................................................16-20!
Cleanup and Storage..................................................................................................................... 21!
Service......................................................................................................................................22-24!
Specifications...........................................................................................................................25-26!
Parts Breakdown, Components and Schematics......................................................................27-33!
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................34-35!
Service Record.........................................................................................................................36-37!
Notes............................................................................................................................................. 39
Available Manuals Index ………………………………………………………………………..39

www.hurcotech.com
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing Hurco’s VAC300. Hurco is proud of this new addition to the family of
products that Hurco offers for utility contractors and municipal utilities. The addition of vacuums to
this family of products helps our customers who;
•Pot hole to expose buried utilities.
•Small excavations to repair shallow utilities like water main valve boxes.
•Clean out water main valve boxes for valve exercising programs.
•General clean up including small vaults and pits.
Hurco Technologies, Inc., would like to take this opportunity to welcome you as a new customer and user
of the VAC300 vacuum. You have just purchased the best vacuum system available. The VAC300 is simple
to use and will provide you with years of service.
This manual will take you through the step by step procedures for using the VAC300. We use simple to
understand instructions and photos to assist you in learning how to get the best results from your
VAC300. Please follow each step completely to insure maximum performance from your VAC300.
Your VAC300 will give you many years of service if you take care of it as you would any expensive piece of
equipment. The VAC300 is rugged and built to last. It will withstand the demands of your jobsite;
however, is not abuse proof! Be sure to assign the use of your VAC300 to a competent worker who will
take care of it.
In this manual, we will be giving you suggestions on basic vacuuming activities. As a general rule, these
suggestions are based on standard procedures used by cities and contractors throughout the United States
and other countries. Do not ignore all safety requirements and recommendations when using your
VAC300 system. Hurco Technologies, Inc. will not be responsible for the incorrect use of the VAC300 or
for the failure to following all mandated safety requirements. Assign a competent worker with knowledge
on proper use of vacuum systems and safety requirements for the jobsite. You can find a copy of the
OSHA regulations on the OSHA website at http://www.osha.gov. SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT!
WARNING: The VAC300 is not explosion proof. Do not start the VAC300 in the presence of volatile
gases. Do not use the VAC300 in a confined space without proper ventilation and always follow the OSHA
guidelines for all jobsite safety.
If you have any questions regarding this manual or the use of the VAC300, please call and ask for cus-
tomer support at 1-800-888-1436.
Sincerely,
Lyndon J. Hurley
President, Hurco Technologies, Inc.
Welcome
2
AffordAble vAcuum
excAvAtion
HURCO Vac 300

www.GETHURCO.com

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
4 VAC300 Operator’s Manual
Overview
Vacuum Orientation
1. Front of unit faces tow vehicle
2. Left side of unit –Curb side – location of control panel
3. Rear of unit – Debris dump door
4. Right side of unit – Street side – location of hose reels
Refer to these descriptions when locating the components of your VAC300
Location of Identification Numbers
•VIN Tag is located on front trailer tongue
•Skid Serial Number is located next to the control panel
•Component Serial Numbers are located on the component
Date of manufacture
Date of purchase
VAC300 serial number
Trailer VIN number
Engine serial number
Blower serial number
Water pump serial number

VAC300 Operator’s Manual 5
General Guideline
Follow these guidelines before using your VAC300
•Read this operator’s manual in its entirety before operating this equipment. Pay special
attention to the Safety section of this manual.
•Read the owner’s manuals for all supplied components.
•Review your jobsite and determine the type of equipment and safety requirements that
will be needed to safely and efficiently perform your vacuuming activities. Refer to any
local, national or international requirements for jobsite safety in your area.
•WARNING! ALWAYS call for utility locations prior to any excavation. Failure to do so
can cause serious injury or death.
•Know who to call in an emergency and be sure to have phone numbers available.
•Mark the jobsite clearly and keep spectators away.
•Wear personal protective equipment at all times when on the jobsite.
•Do routine inspections of this equipment, prior to use, following the instructions in this
manual.
•Replace any worn or damaged labels on the machine.
•Do not operate near volatile gasses.
Intended Use
The VAC300 vacuum system can be used for vacuuming a variety of non-hazardous, non-
flammable liquids and solid debris. It is designed for soft excavation of buried utilities for visual
verification and/or potholing. The vacuum operating temperature range is 0 degrees F to 115
degrees F (-18 to 46C). WARNING! When using water with this vacuum or when vacuuming
wet material below freezing temperatures, be aware of the dangers of equipment freeze up and
potential damage to the vacuum and its components. Use in any other way is considered contrary
to the intended use.
The VAC300 should only be operated, service or repaired by persons familiar with this machine
and safe operation and repair practices.
Defects or Failures
If you identify or suspect that there are defects or failures in the operation of this vacuum,
discontinue its use immediately and contact your servicing dealer. You may also call Hurco
Technologies, Inc. at 1-800-888-1436 and ask for the service department. Discontinue use of the
vacuum until the defect or failure is properly repaired and tested.
Hurco Technologies, Inc.

6 VAC300 Operator’s Manual
Safety First
In this section you will find important safety messages for your VAC300. Safety messages
specific to a particular operation or procedure are located in the in the appropriate section of the
manual.
It is important to familiarize yourself with each and every Warning, Danger and Caution
message. These safety messages point out potentially hazardous conditions and should not be
ignored. The messages will look similar to the samples below. Each of the samples below has a
definition describing what the safety message means. Each message is associated with the colors
displayed at the top.
On page 6 of this manual are samples of the safety labels that are used on your VAC300. Each
label is identified with a part number. This reference sheet will help you identify the safety labels
on your VAC300. If any of the labels on your VAC300 are damaged or unreadable, order
replacement labels immediately. Refer to these parts numbers when ordering. Call Hurco at 1-
800-888-1436 to order replacement labels.
Hurco Technologies, Inc.

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
VAC300 Operator’s Manual 7
Safety Messages

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
8 VAC300 Operator’s Manual
Safety Messages
•WARNING! Read Owner’s Manual and safety decals before operating this
machine.
•WARNING! Check machine before operating. Machine must be in good operating
condition and all safety equipment installed and functioning properly.
•WARNING! Wear personal protective Equipment. Dress properly. Refer to any
local or national recommendations or laws for the type of work and hazards that
may be encountered when using your VAC300.
•WARNING! Keep Spectators away.
•WARNING! Engine exhaust can asphyxiate. Operate machine outdoors. If work
must be done in an enclosed environment, take all necessary precautions to ensure
an adequate supply of fresh air. Protect respiratory tract using a suitable mask.
•WARNING! Use Shutdown Procedure before servicing, cleaning, repairing or
transporting machine. Refer to “Shutdown Procedure” on page 17 of this manual.
•WARNING! Pressurized hydraulic fluid can penetrate body tissue and result in
serious injury or death. Leaks can be invisible. Keep away from suspected leaks.
Relieve pressure in the hydraulic system before searching for leaks, disconnecting
hoses, or performing any other work on the system.
If you must pressurize the system to find a leak, use an object such as a piece of
wood or cardboard rather than your hands. When loosening a fitting where some
residual pressure may exist, slowly loosen the fitting until the fluid begins to leak.
Wait for leaking to stop before disconnecting the fitting.
Fluid injected under the skin must be immediately removed by a surgeon familiar
with this injury.
•DANGER! Confined space will cause suffocation. Do not enter collection tank for
any reason.
•WARNING! Fuel and fumes can explode and burn resulting in serious injury or
death.
Before refueling, shut engine OFF, extinguish flames, and do not smoke. Take
precautions to eliminate static discharges.

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
VAC300 Operator’s Manual 9
Safety Messages - continued
•WARNING! Battery fumes are flammable and can explode resulting in serious
injury or death. Battery explosion and acid can blind and burn. Keep all burning
materials away from battery. Tools and cable clamps can make sparks.
Do not smoke. Shield eyes and face. Read instructions.
•WARNING! Battery post, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to the state of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
•WARNING! Hot fluid under pressure can scald.
Allow engine to cool before opening radiator cap.
•WARNING! Exploding tire can cause serious injury or death. To prevent tire
explosion, do the following:
oMaintain proper tire pressure. Inflating tire above or below the
recommended pressure can cause tire damage.
oReplace any tire with cuts or bubbles. Replace any damaged rims.
oDo not weld or heat wheel assembly. Heating increases tire pressure.
•WARNING! Avoid high pressure water. Pressurized water from any water tool can
penetrate body tissue and result in serious injury or death. Do not point any high
pressure water tool at yourself or bystanders.
Keep nozzles away from the body and do not use them to clean body parts or
clothing. Water injected under the skin must be removed immediately by a surgeon
familiar with this type of injury.
•WARNING! Electric shock can result in serious injury or death. Pressurized water
from any high pressure water tool can damage electric cables. The water tool will
conduct electricity from damaged electric cables. Contact with damaged cables can
result in electric shock.
Always wear electrically insulated gloves and boots. Do not allow any part of your
body to be in contact with the digging tool except for your insulated gloved hands.
•WARNING! Entanglement with power driven parts can result in serious injury or
death. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from power driven parts. Keep shields in
place and properly secured.

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
10 VAC300 Operator’s Manual
Safety Messages - continued
•WARNING! A damaged electrical cable can cause electric shock and result in
serious injury or death.
A ruptured gas line can cause an explosion and/or fire and result in serious injury
or death.
Laser light emitting from a cut fiber optic can result in eye damage.
Locate utilities before digging. Call 1-888-258-0808 (U.S. or Canada), local utility
companies or national regulating authority.
•DANGER! Vacuum can suffocate or damage vision or hearing. Keep vacuum hose
away from face.
•DANGER! Confined space will cause suffocation. Use proper procedures for
entering any confined space.
•DANGER! Pressurized collection tank can cause serious injury or death. If
pressurized, dome trap lid and bag house lid can blow off when removing wing nuts.
Also, spoil can be ejected rapidly from bag house drain valve or collection tank
suction valve when opened.
Relieve collection tank pressure before opening lids and valves by using the
pressure/vacuum selector valve. DO NOT use the bag house drain or collection tank
suction valve to relieve collection tank pressure.
•WARNING! The weight of your vacuum can cause ground to give way. Vacuum can
fall into excavation or tip over. Serious injury or death can result. Keep well away
from edges of embankments or excavations.
•WARNING! Lose of steering or braking control can result in serious injury or
death. Use a towing vehicle that is large enough for sufficient steering and braking
control.
•WARNING! Failure to follow any of the proceeding safety instructions or those that
follow within this manual could result in serious injury or death. This vacuum is to
be used only for those purposes for which it was intended as explained in this
Owner’s Manual.

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
VAC300 Operator’s Manual 11
Controls
Engine
Your VAC300 is equipped either with a Kohler CH1000 gas engine or a CAT C2.2diesel
engine. The manuals for these engines are included with your documentation provided at
delivery. The form number for the Owner’s Manual for the Kohler engine is 62 590 04 issued
10/10. The form number for the Owner’s Manual for the CAT engine is SEBU7605-04 issued
04/07. If you need a replacement manual for these engines, go to the Hurco Download Center at
www.hurcotech.com.
You must read your engine Owner’s manual in its entirety prior to starting. Pay special attention
to all warnings and cautions in these manuals. Pay special attention to Pre-Start Checklist for
your engine. Your Kohler engine is equipped with the Optional Control Panel. You will find the
instructions for this panel starting on page 6 of the Kohler manual. The control for the CAT
engine is a LOFA – EP250 G1. The specification and operation documents are included with
your CAT engine documents. See page 14 for the location of the LOFA control panel.
Control Panel
Hour Meter
/Tachometer
Spin Doctor / Aux Switch
Push top in for Spin
Doctor
Push bottom in for Aux
Hydraulics
Rear Door
Control
Push and hold
top to open
door, Push and
hold bottom to
close door
Low Water Bypass
– Push and hold top
of switch
Strobe Light – Push
top, red light
illuminates
Work Light –
Push top, red
light illuminates
Water Pump –
Push top, red light
illuminates

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
12 VAC300 Operator’s Manual
Controls – continued
Dump Valve
Lever up – Closed
Lever down - Open
Rear Door Lever
Lever up – unlatch
Lever down - Latch
Suction Valve
Lever up – Closed
Lever down - Open
Filter Bag House Drain Valve
Lever out – Open
Lever in - Closed
Water System Drain Valve
Located curb side forward of axle
Fluid Selector Valve
Curb side forward water
tank.
Water Pressure Valve
Lever Vertical – Pressure
Lever Horizontal – Circulate
Located below hose reel

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
VAC300 Operator’s Manual 13
Controls – continued
Vacuum Gauge
Located on Filter Tank
elbow near top of tank
Hydraulic Pressure Gauge
Located between vacuum
silencer and engine.
Water Pressure Gauge
Located on top of the Giant
Water Pump
Temperature and Fill Level
Gauge. Located on hydraulic
tank, curbside
Hydraulic Filter
Indicator Gauge –
Located on the hydraulic
tank
Hour Meter – Located on
control panel curbside

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
14 VAC300 Operator’s Manual
Controls – continued
Vacuum Relief Valve –
Located on Air Filter Tank. Primary Shutoff Lid
Located on top of debris tank
Control Panel for Diesel Engine
Refer to CAT Owners Manual for
details and operation.
Vacuum Pump Lubrication Valve
Located on Air Filter Tank

VAC300 Operator’s Manual 15
Transporting
Towing
WARNING! Before towing your VAC300 trailer, it is important to understand safe towing
practices, tire safety and proper vehicle selection.
When your VAC300 trailer was delivered, it included a manual developed by the National
Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). This manual contains important
information related to towing a trailer. It is important to read this manual completely and
understand what is required to safely tow your VAC300. If you lose this manual, you can reprint
it at this NHTSA link http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/problems/equipment/towing/towing.pdf or visit
the NHTSA site at www.nhtsa.gov.
Also included with this manual is a Tire Safety document created by the US Department of
Transportation(USDOT) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
(NHTSA). It is important that you read this document in its entirety to insure tire safety when
towing your VAC300. If you should lose this document, you can reprint it at this NHTSA link
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/tiresafety/ridesonit/brochure.html or visit the NHTSA site at
www.nhtsa.gov.
Refer to the specifications section of this manual for important information regarding your
VAC300 trailer. It is here that you will find trailer weights and tongue weight for properly
selection the proper tow vehicle.
The VAC300 trailer is equipped with a “breakaway” brake system called “The Engager” by
Hopkins Towing Solutions. Instructions on wiring, operation and maintenance are covered in the
“The Engager” flyer included with your VAC300 when it was delivered. If you have lost this
manual, you can reprint it at www.hurcotech.com.
Hurco Technologies, Inc.

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
16 VAC300 Operator’s Manual
Vacuum Use
WARNING! Before starting your VAC300, refer to the Safety sections of this manual. Check
the machine over looking for loose, worn or damaged components. Repair or replace as
necessary. Failure to properly maintain and service your VAC300 could result in injury or death
and can cause damage to the machine. Refer to this manual for general service guidelines and
refer to the Owner’s Manuals for all OEM components such as the water pump, vacuum pump
and engine.
WARNING! If you intend to use the VAC300 in freezing weather, especially when doing wet
vacuuming, be aware of the dangers. You should not run your water pump or water system in
temperatures below 45 degrees. Freezing parts can rupture or explode causing serious harm or
death. Refer to the P300 Series Giant brand pump manual included with your vacuum on
delivery. If you have lost this manual, you can reprint it at www.hurcotech.com. Refer to page
18 for instructions to anti-freezing the water system.
START UP - Follow these steps;
1. Check all machine and fluid levels. Refer to component manuals included with our
VAC300 when delivered. If you have lost any of these manufacturers manual, you can
reprint them at www.hurcotech.com.
2. Turn water pump switch off. This switch is located on the main control panel. See page
10 for the location of this switch.
3. Open Drain Valve located on bottom of Filter Bag Housing and drain as necessary, Close
when done. See page 11 for the location of this valve.
4. Open the Suction Valve on Debris Tank. See page 11 for the location of this valve.
5. Open fuel shut off valve. This valve is located in the gas line between the gas tank and
engine.
6. Start Engine following the engine manufacturer’s guidelines. Refer to the engine
manufacturers Owner’s Manual included when your VAC300 was delivered. If you have
lost your engine manufacturers manual, you can reprint it from at www.hurcotech.com.
The engine controls are located on the front of the engine.
7. Let engine warm for about 5 minutes prior to use.

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
VAC300 Operator’s Manual 17
Vacuum Use – continued
Preparing to use your VAC300.
WARNING! Do not excavate hazardous, toxic or flammable materials.
WARNING! Sudden machine movement can result in serious injury or death. Your VAC300
must be parked on a stable, level surface with wheels blocked before detaching it from towing
vehicle.
WARNING! Read Operator’s Manual and safety decals before operating the VAC300
WARNING! Personal protective equipment is a requirement when operating your VAC300.
Wear a hard hat, wraparound safety glasses and safety shoes or boots. Wear close fitting clothes
to eliminate the risk of getting clothes entangled in moving parts. Do not wear jewelry such as
rings, wristwatches, necklaces or bracelets. Confine long hair. When potholing, (excavating),
wear electrically insulated gloves and boots. If working near traffic, wear reflective clothing.
WARNING! When working around buried utilities. A damaged electrical cable can cause
electric shock and result in serious injury or death. A ruptured gas line can cause an explosion
and/or fire and result in serious injury or death. Laser light emitting from a cut fiber optic can
result in eye damage.
Before starting any excavation project, call the local One-Call system and any utility company
that does not subscribe to the One-Call system. Have all buried utilities located on the jobsite.
Not calling can result in accidents or injuries, interruption of services, damage to the
environment or job delays.
WARNING! When striking any utility, immediately release excavation tools and do not touch
any part of the VAC300 or the attached vehicle. Clear the area in case of explosion or emitting
laser light. Immediately call the affected utility and have it turned off until repairs can be made.
Empty Debris Tank and Clean-up – Follow these steps;
1. Remove and store suction hose and wand.
2. With engine running at full speed, close Suction Valve and immediately open Dump
Valve. This will start pulling vacuum through the Dump Valve causing the debris in the
tank to mix with water for easy dump. See page 11 for location of Dump Valve and
Suction Valve.
3. With the Dump Valve open, open the Suction Valve; this will cause the debris slurry to
rush out of the Dump Valve.

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
18 VAC300 Operator’s Manual
Vacuum Use – continued
4. Repeat this process until no more debris comes out of the Dump Valve.
5. Close the Dump Valve.
6. Close the Suction Valve – With both valves closed, the vacuum will pull the rear door in
tight allowing you to release the Rear Door Lever. See page 11 for location of Rear Door
Lever.
7. Once the Rear Door Lever is released, open the Suction Valve.
8. Move to the control panel and use the Rear Door Control to open the rear door fully.
CAUTION! Be sure no one is at the rear of the vacuum when opening the rear door. See
page 10 for the Rear Door Control location.
9. Attach the high pressure water wash down wand to high pressure water hose.
10. Activate the Water Pump switch located on the control panel. See page 10 for the
location of the Water Pump switch.
11. Wash down the inside of tank, inside of rear door and rubber seal.
12. Close the Suction Valve and be sure the Dump Valve is still closed.
13. Return to the control panel and use the Rear Door Control to close rear door.
14. As the rear door closes, vacuum will draw the door in tight so that the Rear Door Lever
can be engaged to lock rear door.
15. Once the Rear Door Lever is locked, open the Suction Valve.
16. Follow Shut Down procedures below.
Shut Down – Follow these steps;
1. Turn water pump switch off. See page 10 for the location of this switch.
2. CAUTION! Relive any pressure in attached tools by pulling the trigger on the tool.
Point tool away from people. High pressure water is dangerous and can cause serious
injury.
3. Disconnect the water line from the tool and attach to quick connect nipple mounted on
trailer below the hose reel.
4. Store tools and hoses

Hurco Technologies, Inc.
VAC300 Operator’s Manual 19
Vacuum Use - continued
5. Open Suction Valve on debris tank to relieve pressure in debris tank.
6. Idle engine for about 5 minutes and shutdown. By idling the engine for this period of
time will allow the engine and fluids to cool and it will help reduce condensation build up
in the vacuum blower.
7. Turn engine switch to Off.
8. Open Filter Bag House Drain Valve to fully drain bag house and close valve.
9. Close Suction and Dump Valves.
Anti-freezing the Water System
1. Turn Water Pressure Valve to Circulate. See page 11 for location of Water Pressure
Valve
2. Turn Fluid Selector Valve to Antifreeze. See page 11 for location of Fluid Selector
Valve.
3. Start engine and turn on the Water Pump switch. See page 10 for location of Water Pump
switch.
4. Push and hold Low Water Bypass switch until antifreeze appears in the water tank. See
page 10 for location of the Low Water Bypass switch.
5. Turn Water Pressure Valve to Pressure.
6. Uncoil enough water pressure hose to reach around the vacuum and reach the fill hole on
the water tank.
7. Attach water wash down wand and stick the end of the wand in the water tank.
8. Press and hold the Low Water Bypass Switch until antifreeze appears in the water tank.
9. Repeat this process for each high pressure tool to ensure each has had antifreeze run
through them to prevent freezing.
10. Release Low Water Bypass Switch
11. Turn Water Pressure Valve to Circulate and Fluid Selector Valve to Water.