In heavy industry, cleanup isn’t optional—it’s mission-critical. From dust and debris to hazardous byproducts, facilities face relentless demands in environments that rarely offer easy access to power. Remote job sites, expansive outdoor areas, and classified zones often make electric vacuums impractical or noncompliant.
The PowerLift Diesel & Propane (PL-D/PL-P) vacuum was specifically designed for these power-restricted environments. Powered by Tier 4 Final diesel or clean-burning propane, and equipped with a rugged, forklift-ready chassis, PowerLift brings mobility, muscle, and reliability to the most demanding cleanup tasks.
Key Advantages of the PowerLift® Diesel & Propane Vacuum
- Mobile and Self-Powered – The diesel vacuum runs on a Tier 4 Final diesel engine (31–131 HP), while the propane vacuum runs on clean-burning propane (25–40 HP), requiring no external power source.
- High-Volume Suction Power – Up to 1550 CFM and 24” Hg vacuum for heavy materials like slag, silica dust, and ore fragments.
- OSHA-Approved HEPA Filtration – Captures 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, supporting respirable dust control and NFPA compliance.
- Durable Hopper Design – Handles up to 2.5 cubic yards of debris, reducing material handling time and boosting productivity.
- Custom Configurations – Built to meet your site's specific materials, dust hazards, and operational requirements.
View PowerLift Diesel Series Spec Sheet
Industries That Benefit from the PowerLift Diesel & Propane Vacuum
The PowerLift Diesel & Propane Vacuum is a valuable asset across numerous heavy industries, thanks to its unique combination of power, portability, durability, and advanced filtration.
1. Industrial Construction
- Common Materials/Hazards: Silica/Concrete Dust, Aggregates, Wood (Haz Dust)
- Key PowerLift® Advantages: Self-Powered Mobility, High Suction, Abrasion Resist.
- Suitability: High
- Compliance & Safety Benefits: HEPA (Silica), Fuel Options (Emissions)
Challenges: Managing challenging debris (silica dust, concrete slurry, gypsum powder, wood shavings, heavy debris) where power is limited or absent. Meeting OSHA silica dust regulations while maintaining efficiency.
Why PowerLift Diesel & Propane Works:
- Self-contained Power: Diesel (31-131 Hp) or propane (25/40 Hp) engine provides full mobility without power cords.
- High Performance: Up to 1550 CFM airflow and 16"/24" Hg vacuum easily lift heavy construction debris like cement dust and sand.
- Silica Control: Optional HEPA filtration (99.97% @ 0.3 microns) protects against respirable silica dust exposure.
- Job Site Ready: Rugged, forklift-ready frame for transport across uneven terrain.
Benefit: PowerLift ensures compliance and productivity for heavy-duty debris and silica dust control, anywhere on site.
2. Chemical Plants
- Common Materials/Hazards: Chemical Powders, Liquids (Toxic, Corrosive, Haz/Combustible)
- Key PowerLift® Advantages: Self-Powered (HazLoc), High Suction, Capacity
- Suitability: Conditional
- Compliance & Safety Benefits: HazLoc/Safety Configs, HEPA/Resistant Filters, Propane Use
Challenges: Safe containment of hazardous, ultra-fine powders in HazLoc zones, preventing contamination and exposure, where standard electrical equipment is often prohibited.
Why PowerLift Diesel & Propane Works:
- HazLoc Compliant: Self-powered operation bypasses restrictions in hazardous classified areas.
- High-Efficiency Filtration: HEPA-grade options provide critical containment of toxic dusts.
- Secure Handling: Enclosed hopper prevents hazardous material re-release during transfer.
- Cleaner Operation: The Propane model offers lower emissions for use in controlled environments.
Benefit: Supports operational safety and compliance with self-contained, HEPA-filtered cleanup in classified zones.
3. Underground Mining
- Common Materials/Hazards: Rock, Ore, Coal, Silica Dust, Mud (Abrasive, Haz/Combustible)
- Key PowerLift® Advantages: Extreme Suction, Abrasion Resist., Capacity
- Suitability: Conditional
- Compliance & Safety Benefits: MSHA/Permissible Configs, HEPA (Silica), Size Factor
Challenges: Clearing dense ore dust, slurry, and silica in low-visibility, cramped areas with zero electrical access. Equipment must be rugged, mobile, and self-powered.
Why PowerLift Works:
- Underground Ready: Diesel models suit environments with fueling infrastructure but no electricity.
- Powerful Suction: Lifts dense ore fragments, slurry, and rock dust effectively.
- Durability: Optional corrosion-resistant package available.
- Silica Mitigation: Optional HEPA filtration reduces silica exposure risks.
- Easy Relocation: Forklift-ready chassis allows fast movement underground.
Benefit: Provides rugged, self-powered vacuum performance for challenging underground cleanup tasks.
4. Metal Dust – Foundries & Steel Mills
- Common Materials/Hazards: Metal Dust, Slag, Sand, Scale (Abrasive, Dense, Haz/Combustible)
- Key PowerLift® Advantages: Extreme Suction, Abrasion Resist., High Capacity
- Suitability: High
- Compliance & Safety Benefits: HEPA (Silica/Haz Dust), Propane (Indoor), NFPA Options
Challenges: Managing abrasive metal debris (slag, shot, mill scale, silica sand) that damages standard vacuums and creates respiratory hazards around furnaces and casting areas.
Why PowerLift Diesel & Propane Works:
- Extreme Suction: Positive displacement pump delivers power to lift dense, heavy debris like slag and sand.
- Abrasion-Resistant: Built to withstand hot, jagged metallic scrap.
- Hazardous Particle Capture: HEPA or multi-stage filtration options capture carcinogenic metal particles.
- Bulk Handling: Large hopper (up to 2.5 cubic yards) handles bulk volumes, reducing dumping frequency.
- Proven Alternative: Successfully replaces vacuum trucks, lowering costs and exposure risk. Read the PowerLift Series Case Study.
Benefit: Delivers unmatched power and durability for metal dust collection, abrasive material recovery, and vacuum truck replacement in demanding metalworking environments.
5. Agriculture
- Common Materials/Hazards: Grain, Feed, Organic Dust (Combustible)
- Key PowerLift® Advantages: Self-Powered, High Capacity, Mobile
- Suitability: Moderate-High
- Compliance & Safety Benefits: NFPA Options (Combustible Dust), Propane Benefit, Filtration
Common Cleanup Challenges:
Grain elevators, feed mills, and storage silos generate fine, combustible dust that poses fire and explosion risks. Spilled grain, chaff, and residue must be managed even in remote, off-grid, or semi-enclosed environments.
Challenges: Managing fine, combustible grain dust (fire/explosion risk) and spills in remote, off-grid, or semi-enclosed grain elevators, feed mills, and silos.
Why PowerLift Diesel & Propane Works:
- Safe for Enclosed Spaces: The propane model has lower pollutants and is suitable for enclosed or semi-enclosed areas (with proper ventilation).
- Versatile Performance: High CFM clears light airborne dust; strong vacuum lifts heavier residues.
- Combustible Dust Safety: Dust-tight design and available NFPA-compliant options support housekeeping guidelines.
- Added Safety: Optional HEPA filtration for dry grain transfer cleanups.
- Off-Grid Operation: Works independently at remote bins, silos, or mobile setups.
Benefit: As a powerful agricultural vacuum, the PowerLift series delivers safe, NFPA-compliant, self-sufficient cleanup for combustible dust and spills anywhere.
Built to Perform, Wherever You Need It
Let our team of industrial vacuum experts help you configure the ideal PowerLift® Diesel or Propane Vacuum for your site.
Contact DuroVac today for expert consultation and see why thousands of industrial operations trust us for mission-critical cleanup.
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