newbie

[Mr.Tanky]

A colleague are looking at getting a truck and getting into the septic pumping business. This is something that neither of us have any experience in. If anybody can offer any advice about getting started in the business it would be greatly appreciated.

[Doug T]

As I'm sure you can tell, This site is very new and not a lot of activity yet.

I can not help you with your questions but would suggest that you visit the Pumper show coming up in Feb. There will be lots of info there, they also have seminars on different topics.

[Stephen]

Don't undersize your pump. Having at least a 10gpm X 3000 psi jetter on the truck will make life a lot easier. Crust Busters are a must. Don't charge to little. Go to the Pumper Show. Attend at least the NAWT inspection course.

Good Luck!!

[Jason@Excel]

A colleague are looking at getting a truck and getting into the septic pumping business. This is something that neither of us have any experience in. If anybody can offer any advice about getting started in the business it would be greatly appreciated.

I have a truck in Portland that would be a perfect starter truck, easy to pick up on yet will last you years to come and can grow with your business. You can reach me at 800.392.3513.

[trifecta]

What are some options on a new truck that are an absolute must when getting started?

[Stephen]

Trifecta, What will the truck be doing? Septic, Grease, Grit separators, toilets or all of them and more? My suggestions would vary depending on what your going to do with it.

[trifecta]

Primarily septic and holding tanks , with land application during approved months. Also animal waste ,(plugged pumps and pipes--rural area with dairy farms ) etc. possibly some grease traps

[Stephen]

Well, I would first say, don't undersize your pump. The specific size will depend on the size of the vacuum tank.

If your not gonna put the extra money into a dumping tank, have the tank built and mounted with a slope to the back.

A 36" man-way adds little to the overall costs and makes getting in way easier. Have the baffles made with cut outs down the middle so you can get to the back of the tank. 4" dump valve has always been big enough and fast enough for me.

Many guys don't, but I wouldn't buy a truck without at least 250 gal. fresh water that feeds a water pump rated at no less than 10gpm x 3000psi.

As far as what you need for land application, I'm not sure.

Edit: I just looked at my post above. I just repeated myself. :-)

[trifecta]

Thanx for the advice . I'm sure I have many more questions on truck setup. Big investment not to get it right. As far as tank size , 3600-4000 gallons.

[dawzie]

I just had a new truck built last year. All custom. But for the money, go with a progress alum. tank on a air ride tamdem. Go at least 350 H.P. 13 speed. You need 18k front and 40k rears. From there everything else is extra's A list of extra's on mine are - 46k rears, full lockers, air ride dump valve,475hp, 18 speed, all options available on the cab in and out, 100 gallon fuel tank. On the tank - 3800 gallon, 400cfm masport pump package, pump hour meter, front 3" discharge valve, rear 4" discharge, 3" rear suction that goes to the top of the tank internally, 3" rear suction that goes to with-in 6" of the bottom of the tank for back flushing, all heated valves, site glasses at every 1000 gallon, side and rear work lights, yellow warning lites on both sides, air and electric to the rear with 30 ton pintel hitch for pulling the backhoe around, biggest tool boxes that would fit on the sides, jetter set-up in one of them.

I might have missed a couple of things but at $180K ;)

P.S. I forgot to get an electronic liquid leval gauge on mine but I'm adding it to all my trucks.
Also be sure you can reach the PTO control when standing outsde the drivers door. On mine I have to get inside. Also make sure the vacuum pump and control valve are on the drivers side. I saw a couple of trucks at the show last year where there on the other side

[Trent]

Number one in my book, make sure it will be scaleable. In other words when it is totally full, you can cross the scales legally. It's easy to add all kinds of stuff to your truck, but what good does a 3800 gallon tank do if you can't fill it up? Some states have stricter laws than others. Don't believe the tank salesmen either. Your truck dealer should know the laws and be able to help you, but double check with WaDOT. Here in Oregon, I've had good luck stopping at a scale house that is not very busy and asking questions.

[jack darling]

get a job working for a pumper first,get some knowledge and experience before making aninvestment. most of those that have tried the job out for me decided they did not want to do the job for a living

[jack darling]

A colleague are looking at getting a truck and getting into the septic pumping business. This is something that neither of us have any experience in. If anybody can offer any advice about getting started in the business it would be greatly appreciated.

get some experience first by working part time for a pumper already in business. make sure you actually want to do this for a living before investing your own money in it. even if you offer to work free part-time to make sure you really want to do this for a living, it's the best way to get some knowledge of the occupation before taking the financial plunge. most of the drivers i have tried out over the years decided pretty quick they did not want to do this job for a living. some went to lucnh and never came back.