Fox Global Guide – UR25, UR32, Ripsaw, Rotojet & Suttner Series
When it comes to non-destructive digging, precision trenching, and potholing, your hydro excavation nozzle is one of the most critical components in achieving efficiency, safety, and performance.
At Fox Global, we supply a full range of hydro excavation nozzles including:
- UR25 & UR32 Nozzles
- Ripsaw Rotating Nozzle
- Rotojet Nozzle
- Suttner ST-357 and ST-360 Series
But how do you know which nozzle is right for your setup?
The answer comes down to two critical factors:
✅ 1. Water Flow Rate (Litres per Minute – LPM)
✅ 2. Operating Pressure (PSI or Bar)
Let’s break it down.
🔧 Why Nozzle Selection Matters
Hydro excavation relies on high-pressure water to liquefy soil without damaging underground utilities. Choosing the wrong nozzle can result in:
- Inefficient cutting or excessive splashback
- Damaged utilities due to narrow, aggressive streams
- Pump overload or reduced nozzle life
- Uneven excavation patterns, wasting time and fuel
Properly matching your nozzle to your water output ensures maximum dig power, coverage, and safety.
📊 Quick Look-Up Table: Nozzle Selection by LPM & PSI
| Flow Rate (LPM) | Operating Pressure (PSI) | Recommended Nozzle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 – 75 | 2,000 – 2,500 PSI | UR25 or Suttner ST-357 | Small trucks, tight utility work |
| 75 – 110 | 2,500 – 3,000 PSI | Ripsaw or Rotojet | Medium capacity excavation |
| 110 – 160 | 2,500 – 4,000 PSI | UR32, Ripsaw, Suttner ST-360 | Large vac trucks, deep trenching |
| 160+ | 3,000 – 4,000 PSI | UR32 HD or custom Suttner config | High-volume, long-range excavation |
Always confirm your truck’s actual water output to avoid premature wear or ineffective operation.
🔍 Deep Dive: Key Nozzles Explained
🌊 UR25 Nozzle
- Flow Range: 45–75 LPM
- Pressure Range: Up to 3,000 PSI
- Best For: Small to mid-size vac units, precision digging
- Spray Pattern: 18° – controlled cone for compact, safe digging
- Use Case: Shallow utility exposure, curb valve access
💧 UR32 Nozzle
- Flow Range: 110–160 LPM
- Pressure Range: Up to 4,000 PSI
- Best For: High-volume excavation jobs
- Spray Pattern: Broad, aggressive yet uniform coverage
- Use Case: Deep potholing, trenching, clay or hard-packed soils
🔁 Ripsaw Rotating Nozzle
- Flow Range: 75–160 LPM
- Pressure Range: 2,500–4,000 PSI
- Feature: High-impact rotating jets for pulverising compact soils
- Use Case: Larger jobs, trenching through clay or frozen ground
- Note: Requires consistent water quality to reduce wear
🔄 Rotojet Nozzle
- Flow Range: 75–110 LPM
- Pressure Range: 3,000–4,000 PSI
- Feature: Precision rotation with multiple orifice designs
- Use Case: Mid-sized digging with refined cutting control
🇩🇪 Suttner ST-357 / ST-360
- Flow Range: Wide range based on model & insert
- Pressure: Up to 4,000 PSI
- Feature: German-made, long-lasting precision jets
- Use Case: Custom-fitted for both soft and hard ground, available in straight or rotating versions
🧠 How to Choose the Right Nozzle
1. Know Your Truck’s Water Output
Measure or check the spec plate for your water pump’s litres per minute (LPM) and maximum PSI. Overloading a nozzle beyond its spec reduces life and efficiency.
2. Match Your Work Scope
- Use UR25 or Rotojet for tight urban potholing and fibre installation.
- Choose UR32 or Ripsaw for open trenching, pipeline exposure, or heavy clay.
- Opt for Suttner when durability and modular parts matter.
3. Consider Soil Conditions
- Sandy or loamy: Use lower PSI nozzles with wider spray (UR25, Suttner ST-357)
- Clay or frozen: Use rotating or high-impact nozzles (Ripsaw, UR32, ST-360)
4. Balance PSI and Flow
A high-PSI nozzle with low LPM can deliver overly aggressive jets—risking damage. Likewise, high LPM with too low PSI may not cut effectively.
🛠 Pro Tips for Maximising Nozzle Life
- Always flush your lines to avoid grit damaging internals.
- Use in-line filters or strainers when using river or dam water.
- Store nozzles dry and lubricated to prevent corrosion.
- Rotate nozzle types depending on the job – don’t use your trenching nozzle for tight utility potholing.
🚚 Why Buy from Fox Global?
- ✅ Full range of hydro excavation nozzles in stock
- ✅ Expert advice based on real job-site experience
- ✅ Same-day delivery across Sydney
- ✅ Overnight freight to all major East Coast locations
- ✅ Competitive pricing on Global, Ripsaw, Rotojet & Suttner
📞 Get the Right Nozzle First Time
Contact our team today to confirm the best match for your truck and job type. We’ll help you find the correct orifice size, spray pattern, and flow configuration for your next dig.
🔗 foxglobal.com.au
📞 1300 852 795
📧 sales@foxglobal.com.au
Fox Global — Hydro Excavation, Made Easy.
