Mechanized cleaning of an open area from a ballast layer of river pebbles using a vacuum loader

The video shows the process of mechanically removing river gravel ballast from a roof (or open area) using an industrial vacuum loader. Here's a detailed description of the process: 1. Equipment used Vacuum nozzle: A wide, triangular metal funnel mounted on a wheeled chassis. This design allows the operator to easily move the vacuum cleaner across the surface, maintaining an optimal distance for picking up stones. Flexible hose: A large-diameter, reinforced blue hose is attached to the nozzle. It leads to a powerful vacuum unit (usually a tank truck or a stand-alone industrial pump), which creates a vacuum sufficient to lift heavy stones. 2. Process technology Stone pickup: The operator smoothly moves the nozzle back and forth across the gravel layer. The high-speed air flow literally flies the stones into the funnel. Surface cleaning: It's clear that the device is very effective—after one pass, virtually no small debris or sand remains on the concrete base, revealing a clean surface. Transportation: The gravel is transported through a hose into a storage bin. This is significantly faster and easier than manual removal with shovels and lowering stones in bags. 3. Why is it needed? This method is most often used in flat roof repairs: To access the waterproofing layer that needs replacing. To wash the gravel itself of accumulated dust and silt (after which it can be returned to its original position). To reduce the load on the floors before construction work. An interesting detail: The METRO-VACTHORST marking is visible on the equipment body, indicating that it is a professional vacuum cleaning and material collection device.