Vermeer McLaughlin VSK25-100G User Manual

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V25 / VX30G / VSK25 / VSK30G

Vacuum Excavators

Operator’s and

Maintenance Manual

V25_VX30_VSK25_VSK30_o-m1_01

Serial No. 5001 -

Order No. 105400ES6

Cabled Assembly No. E850011

Receiving and Delivery Report9
- Delivery11
  - Machine11
- Dealer/Owner Information12
- Identification Numbers - Record13
- Table of Contents15
Safety Messages19
- Safety Symbol Explanation19
- Fire Extinguisher25
Intended Use27
System Controls29
- Gauges29
- Indicators30
- Honda Engine Controls31
- Vanguard Engine Controls32
- Switches33
- Valves35
- Spoil Tank Safety Brace40
- Spoil Tank Lid Safety Lock Pin40
- Hose Reel41
- Arrow Board (Optional)42
- Lights43
Starting Procedure45
- Starting the Engine45
  - Cold Weather Starting46
  - Jump-Starting47
    - Battery Explosion/Burns - Avoid47
    - Jump-Starting Procedure48
Shutdown Procedure49
- Stopping the Machine49
Transporting the Machine51
- Reporting Safety Defects51
- Towing Vehicle Selection52
- Trailer Breakaway Brake53
- Prepare Machine for Transport54
  - Vacuum Tools - Store for Transport54
  - Strong Arm Attachment - Store for Transport55
- Attach to Towing Vehicle56
- Disconnecting from the Towing Vehicle59
- Skid Units - Truck/Trailer Mounting60
- Transporting/Storing Machine in Freezing Conditions62
Preparing Machine and Work Area65
- Operator Qualifications65
- Personal Protective Equipment66
- Sound Levels68
- Prepare the Area68
- Prepare the Machine78
- Machine Location81
Operating the Vacuum Excavator83
- Cold Weather Precautions83
- Operating Features83
- Vacuum Hoses and Tooling - Connect85
  - Potholing85
- Operating Instructions86
- Dumping Spoil Tank97
  - Manual Locking Door (VSK25-100G Only)97
  - Hydraulic Locking Door (All Except VSK25-100G)101
- Machine - Clean104
Maintenance109
- Safety Signs - Maintain110
- Engine Maintenance110
- Hourmeter - Check for Maintenance Interval110
- Machine - Grease111
- Recommended Fluids111
- Water Pump Maintenance111
- Blower Maintenance111
- Maintenance Interval Chart112
Maintenance - 10 Service Hours or Daily115
- Engine Maintenance115
  - Engine Maintenance - Honda115
  - Engine Maintenance - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard116
- Brake System - Check116
- Fluid Levels - Check117
  - Fuel Tank117
  - Water Pump & Blower Oil Level - Check118
- Machine - Clean119
- Pintle Hitch - Inspect120
- Tank Full Shutdown Switch - Check120
- Vacuum Hose and Water Hose - Check121
- Vacuum Air Filter - Check/Clean121
Maintenance - 20 Service Hours123
- Engine Maintenance - Honda123
Maintenance - 50 Service Hours or Weekly125
- Machine - Grease125
- Machine Components - Check/Clean128
- Pressures - Check129
- Water Pump Oil - Initial Change130
Maintenance - 100 Service Hours or Monthly131
- Engine Maintenance - Honda131
- Engine Maintenance - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard131
- Blower Oil - Initial Change132
- Machine Components - Check/Maintain133
- Overall Machine - Check133
  - Safety Signs - Maintain134
- Amber Beacon - Check134
- Tires and Rims - Check135
Maintenance - 200 Service Hours137
- Engine Maintenance - Honda137
- Battery Electrolyte Level and Terminals - Check138
Maintenance - 250 Service Hours141
- Engine Maintenance - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard141
- Breakaway Brake Circuit - Test141
- Brakes, Electric - Test/Adjust142
- Brake Controller (Optional) - Test/Adjust143
Maintenance - 300 Service Hours145
- Engine Maintenance - Honda145
Maintenance - 400 Service Hours147
- Blower Oil - Change149
- Water Pump Oil - Change150
Maintenance - 500 Service Hours or Twice Yearly151
- Engine Maintenance - Honda151
Maintenance - 600 Service Hours or Twice Yearly153
- Engine Maintenance - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard153
- Wheel Bearings - Grease153
- Belts - Inspect154
Maintenance - Additional Periodic155
- 1000 Service Hours or Yearly155
  - Engine Maintenance - Honda155
  - Water Pump Service155
Maintenance - as Required157
- Engine System - Check157
- Battery - Replace157
- Nozzles - Inspect/Clean/Replace158
- Lights - Replace159
- Belts - Tighten/Replace160
  - Sheaves - Inspect161
  - Belt Alignment - Check162
- Slip Hook - Replace163
- Towing Chain - Replace163
- Storage164
Troubleshooting167
- Engine System167
- Vacuum Excavator167
Specifications169
- Lubricants169
- Machine Specifications171
  - Tires171
  - Capacities172
- Material Density Chart174
  - Variables Affecting Water Volume175
  - Antifreeze Dilution Chart175

Questions and Answers:

M
Matthew FloresAug 7, 2025
Why vacuum will not build within tank of Vermeer Excavators?
- J
  Joshua Mccullough Jr.Aug 8, 2025
  If a vacuum isn't building within the tank, several issues could be the cause. First, ensure the rear door on the tank is properly sealed by cleaning the door seal and closing the door completely. A plugged suction line could also be the culprit; try unplugging it. Check if the float ball is stuck against the seal and, if so, remove it. Air leaks in the lines between the tank and pump can prevent vacuum build-up, so inspect those lines. If the vacuum pump is malfunctioning, refer to the pump owner’s manual for servicing information. Finally, a malfunctioning vacuum gauge can give a faulty reading; consider replacing it.
D
Dr. Noah GonzalezAug 21, 2025
What to do if vacuum gauge malfunctioning in Vermeer Excavators?
- J
  Justin MerrittAug 21, 2025
  If the vacuum gauge is giving a faulty reading, replace it.

Vermeer McLaughlin VSK25-100G Specifications

General

Brand	Vermeer
Model	McLaughlin VSK25-100G
Category	Excavators
Language	English

Summary

McLaughlin New Industrial Equipment Limited Warranty

PARTS WARRANTY

Specifies the warranty terms for replacement parts supplied by the manufacturer.

Section 10: Safety Messages

SAFETY SYMBOL EXPLANATION

Explains the meaning of various safety symbols and signal words used throughout the manual.

Section 20: System Controls

GAUGES

Describes the function and location of various gauges on the machine's control panel.

INDICATORS

Explains the meaning of indicator lights on the control panel and their functions.

HONDA ENGINE CONTROLS

Details the operation of the keyswitch, throttle, and choke for Honda engines.

VANGUARD ENGINE CONTROLS

Details the operation of the starter switch, throttle, and choke for Vanguard engines.

SWITCHES

Describes the function and operation of various switches for machine control.

VALVES

Explains the function and operation of spoil tank and water system valves.

Section 22: Starting Procedure

STARTING THE ENGINE

Step-by-step instructions for starting the machine's engine.

COLD WEATHER STARTING

Specific procedures and recommendations for starting the engine in cold temperatures.

JUMP-STARTING

Instructions and safety precautions for jump-starting the machine's battery.

Section 23: Shutdown Procedure

STOPPING THE MACHINE

Step-by-step instructions for safely shutting down the machine after operation.

Section 30: Transporting the Machine

TOWING VEHICLE SELECTION

Guidelines for choosing an appropriate towing vehicle for safe transport.

PREPARE MACHINE FOR TRANSPORT

Steps required to secure the machine and its components for safe transportation.

ATTACH TO TOWING VEHICLE

Detailed steps for connecting the machine to the towing vehicle.

Hitch Height - Adjust

Instructions on adjusting the hitch height for proper trailer leveling during transport.

Safety Chain/Electrical Connector/Breakaway Cable - Attach

Steps for connecting safety chains, electrical connectors, and breakaway cables.

DISCONNECTING FROM THE TOWING VEHICLE

Procedures for safely detaching the machine from the towing vehicle.

TRANSPORTING OR STORING MACHINE IN FREEZING CONDITIONS

Procedures for preparing the machine for transport or storage in freezing temperatures.

Section 40: Preparing Machine and Work Area

OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS

Defines the required qualifications and training for machine operators.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Details the essential personal protective equipment (PPE) required for safe operation.

PREPARE THE AREA

Locate Buried Utilities

Instructions on identifying and marking underground utilities before excavation.

Striking a Utility

Procedures to follow and safety measures in case of striking electrical, gas, or fiber optic lines.

Electrocution Prevention

Safety precautions and procedures to prevent electrocution hazards.

Jobsite Assessment

Guidance on evaluating the jobsite for potential hazards and obstructions.

PREPARE THE MACHINE

Routine checks and preparations for the machine before operation.

Engine Fluids - Check

Section 50: Operating the Vacuum Excavator

COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS

VACUUM HOSES AND TOOLING - CONNECT

Step-by-step guide for connecting vacuum hoses and tooling for operation.

Potholing

Procedure for using the machine for potholing operations.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

General instructions and warnings for operating the vacuum excavator safely.

Operating Precautions

Important precautions to follow during machine operation to ensure safety.

Operation - Potholing

Detailed steps and techniques for performing potholing operations with the machine.

Operation - Vacuum Excavation

Instructions for performing general vacuum excavation tasks with the machine.

Reverse Flow (Option)

Removing Debris From Spoil Tank

Procedures for transferring material from the spoil tank to a designated area.

Strong Arm Attachment (Option)

DUMPING SPOIL TANK

Step-by-step process for safely emptying the spoil tank.

MACHINE - CLEAN

Procedures for cleaning the machine after operation.

Spoil Tank - Clean

Section 60: Maintenance

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

General guidance for engine maintenance and reference to the engine manual.

HOURMETER - CHECK FOR MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL CHART

A chart detailing maintenance tasks based on service hours or time intervals.

Section 65: Maintenance - 10 Service Hours or Daily

ENGINE MAINTENANCE - HONDA

Daily maintenance tasks for Honda engines, including oil and air cleaner checks.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE - Briggs & Stratton Vanguard

Daily maintenance for Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engines, including oil and controls checks.

BRAKE SYSTEM - CHECK

FLUID LEVELS - CHECK

Water Pump & Blower Oil Level - Check

Section 90: Maintenance - 250 Service Hours

BREAKAWAY BRAKE CIRCUIT - TEST

Instructions for testing the trailer's breakaway brake system.

BRAKES, ELECTRIC - TEST

Procedures for testing the electric trailer brakes and related components.

BRAKES, ELECTRIC - ADJUST

Step-by-step guide for adjusting the electric trailer brakes.

BRAKE CONTROLLER (OPTIONAL) - TEST/ADJUST

Section 125: Troubleshooting

VACUUM EXCAVATOR

Common symptoms, causes, and solutions for vacuum excavator issues.

Section 130: Specifications

LUBRICANTS

Recommended lubricants, their capacities, and specifications for various machine components.

MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS

Technical data including dimensions, weights, brake types, and tire specifications.

Capacities

Engine: VSK25-100G, V25-500G, V25-800G, V25-1200G

Engine: VX30-500G, VX30-800G, VX30-1200G, VX30-500G, VX30-800G, VX30-1200G

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