Vacuum Tanker Hire: Essential for Liquid Waste Transport
Dawson group offers vacuum tanker hire (also known as sewage tankers) as part of our specialised vehicles fleet equipped with powerful pumps and sealed tanks. They serve critical roles in:
- Sewage/septage collection: Emptying septic tanks, cesspools, and portable toilets.
- Gully/interceptor maintenance: Cleaning street drains and sewer interceptors.
- Hydro-excavation: Non-destructive excavation using high-pressure water and vacuum recovery.
- Industrial liquid cleanup: Transporting contaminated liquids or sludge from factories and sites.
Vacuum Tanker Hire From Leading Manufacturers
Whale
A European leader in vacuum tanker production since 1969. We also offer the electric eWhale, a zero‑emission, quiet Medium Volume Combination (MVC) tanker that runs a full shift—ideal for urban low-emission zones.
RTN Clayton Vallely
Specialises in ADR/PED-certified vacuum tankers with high spec—such as the RCV Ultra Vacuum (32 t, 14,500 L capacity, MAN chassis)—complete with advanced stainless-steel bodies and optional cameras.
VJ Engineering
UK-based builder of units ranging from compact toilet-service tankers to bespoke jet-vacs available in ADR-compliant configurations.
Crossland Tankers
Designs rigid vacuum tankers from 5,000 L to 33,000 L (up to 44 t GVW), constructed in mild steel, stainless, or aluminium with hydraulic rear doors,
Whilst these manufacturers deal with ADR/PED certification, and custom layouts, Dawsongroup does not offer any vehicles on hire or for sale which comply with ADR/PED.
Vacuum Tanker Hire Sizes & Capacity Comparison
| GVW Class | Typical Tank Volume | Chassis | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 t | ~15,000 L | 4×2 rigid | Light-medium sewage services; compact site access, gully tankers |
| 26 t | 8,000–12,000 L | 6×2 | Heavier duty street drains, larger capacity work. |
| 32 t | 12,000–15,000 L | 8×2/8×4 | Municipal/industrial cleaning with higher payload |
| 44 t | 15,000–20,000 L+ | 8×4 + trailer | High-volume industrial, long-haul liquid waste |
18 t units—often built on rigid chassis—hold around 15 m³ and feature vacuum pumps like sliding vane types (~9,000 L/min), useful for compact urban applications.
26 t units balance urban agility with moderate tanking power.
32 t models like Whale’s eWhale or RTN’s RCV Ultra Vacuum offer significant capacity and advanced features.
44 t Class is suited for heavy-duty industrial use, offering high volume and continuous operations.
🔍 Manufacturer Size Positioning
- Whale offers MVC units in both 18t, 26 t and 32 t classes, including the electric eWhale targeting urban sites.
- RTN Clayton Vallely focuses on 32 t rigid frames with ~14,500 L capacity and high-spec pump systems.
- Crossland produces a wide weight range, including 18 t and 32 t rigid tankers, plus 44 t trailers up to 33,000 L.
Choosing the Right Class
- Duty environment: Urban compactness (18–26 t) vs. industrial bulk transfer (32–44 t).
- Material type: Corrosive contents may require stainless or alloy tanks.
- Pump capacity: Match flow rates to your cleaning or suction needs.
- Access features: Hydraulic doors, cameras, ground-level operation for efficiency and safety. We can supply additional extras including DVS compliance.
Best-in-class Vacuum Tanker Hire Service
Vacuum tankers are vital for efficient liquid-handling operations across sectors. Whether you choose Whale (including electric), RTN Clayton Vallely, VJ Engineering, or Crossland, hiring from Dawsongroup means peace of mind with a 24/7 service if anything needs attending to whilst on hire. View our other page for different types of tankers in our fleet.
