Bedrock Concrete LLC used a new Compact Equipment Attachment from Vacuworx to help overcome noise and vibration restrictions during a drilled pier installation project.

The Olathe, Kan. contractor purchased a Vacuworx SS 2 Skid Steer Vacuum Lifting System to work on a Bobcat S650 Skid Steer to remove 46 squares of concrete that had been saw-cut into 4 ft. by 4 ft. pieces by a Husqvarna diesel concrete saw.

“We couldn’t have loud noise or vibration,” said Beau Hahn, co-owner of Bedrock. “We ran across (the SS 2) at World of Concrete, and knew we had this job coming up. We knew what our restrictions were, so thought we would give it a shot.”

The SS 2, outfitted with quick-connect hydraulic hoses, features a “universal” connection plate that allows for attachment to multiple skid-steer models. With a lift capacity of 2,716 lb, it is designed to lift any flat, non-porous material, including marble, granite, metal, steel or iron.

The vacuum lifting attachment is also compatible with mini-excavators for a variety of material-handling applications via a clevis hook connection. The SS 2’s hydraulically driven vacuum pump operates using the auxiliary hydraulics from the host machine.

“The SS 2 was more efficient than a jackhammer or other methods we’ve used in the past,” Hahn said. “We avoided the construction noise, as well as the potential for wear and tear on our Bobcat and employees. Instead of having two or three guys working, it was basically just one.”

As opposed to using multiple attachments to break the concrete and then flip the squares out with forks, Bedrock co-owner Jon Rhoades said the SS 2 helped to create a safer and cleaner work environment that included reduced potential for disruption or damage to the subgrade.

Bedrock, which installed an elevator pit and 46 concrete pillars in the building, also poured concrete to create two 50,000-square-foot floor plates as part of a second story addition in the former trade center exhibit hall.

“I am always kind of skeptical to see a new piece of equipment work,” Rhoades said. Our biggest thing was the speed at which we could take slab out. When we started pulling slab, we weren’t expecting it to work as fast and efficiently as it did.”

“It was kind of amazing,” he said. “We pulled 46 squares, each weighing about 1,200 lb., in less than an hour. You couldn’t do that with a hammer and a scoop if you were the best operator in the world.”