Lanes invests in off-road capability to counter risks from extreme weather events
Lanes Group, the UK’s largest independent drainage specialist, has increased its off-road jet vac capability to counter risks associated with extreme weather events.
The Lanes Utilities hub in Stafford operates the all-terrain jet vac units that can be quickly made available for use across the UK.
With the Met Office predicting that Britain’s weather is becoming more extreme, increasing the risk of localised flooding and difficult ground conditions, demand for their use is expected to continue to grow.
Clients already using the equipment include utility providers, farmers, concerned about flooding damaging crops, groundworks and construction companies and transport providers.
The jet vac units, towed by a farm tractor, are proving invaluable for cleaning and repairing pipelines across agricultural land, says Lanes Group Sales Director Richard Leigh.
He added: “The off-road jet vacs are in regular use for our wastewater contract work with Severn Trent Water. They are also available for customers across the UK.
“Utility companies and land owners, including farmers, are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of keeping drainage systems in good condition.
“Weather forecasters are warning that the UK will experience more regular extreme weather events, increasing the risk of flooding, with damage to agricultural land of significant concern.”
Two different off-road jet vac units are available. One has a 3,000 gallon tank, 75 gallons per minute jetting and 1,200 cubic feet per minute suction.
The other has a 2,000 gallon tank, 55 gallons per minute jetting and 600 cubic feet per minute suction.
As well as being deployed on Severn Trent Water projects, other recent projects have been culvert de-silting for Network Rail and drainage pipe cleaning for large urban country parks.
Lanes also operates tracked remote jetting reels, which can be used to extend jetting hose reach in remote areas even further, and which are available for hire across the UK.
Richard Leigh said: “Our off-road jet vac capability means we can provide a seamless service, no matter how remote or difficult to reach a location might be.
“These all-terrain jet vacs are ideal for utility companies, farmers or land management companies who want to be sure they can properly maintain their drainage systems.
“One blocked culvert in a remote spot could result in the destruction of valuable crops, damage to amenities and serious disruption for transport networks.
“That is why we have invested in this off-road jet vac capability. It means we can respond quickly and cost-effectively to requests for help in maintaining drainage systems in remote areas, or where ground is uneven or unstable.”
