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A manually operated version of the Vacutug is the [[Human-Powered Emptying and Transport#MAPET|MAPET]].
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- Cannot pump thick dried sludge (must be manually removed or thinned with water). <br> - Garbage in pits may block hose. <br> - Very high capital costs; variable operating costs depending on use and maintenance. <br> - Pumps can usually only suck down to a depth of 2 to 3m and the pump must be located within 30m of the pit. <br> - Not all parts and materials may be available locally. <br> - May have difficulties with access.
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==Adequacy==
Maintenance is a crucial part of vacuum truck operation. Trucks are not usually brand new and they often require constant attention to prevent breakdowns. The lack of preventive maintenance is often the cause for major repairs. Most pump trucks are manufactured in North America or Europe. As such, it is difficult to locate spare truck parts and a local mechanic to repair broken pumps and trucks. New trucks are difficult to obtain, very expensive and thus rarely purchased. Local trucks are commonly adapted to serve as vacuum trucks by equipping them with holding tanks and vacuums. Maintenance accounts for at least one quarter of the costs incurred by the operator of a vacuum truck. Fuel and oil account for another quarter of the total operating costs. Owners/operators must be conscientious to save money for the purchase of expensive replacement parts, tires and equipment, whose replacement could be essential to the working of the vacuum truck.
==Acknowledgements==
{{:Acknowledgements Sanitation}}
==Referencesand external links== * Elizabeth Tilley et.al (2008). [http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_high.pdf Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies] ([http://www.eawag.ch/organisation/abteilungen/sandec/publikationen/publications_sesp/downloads_sesp/compendium_low.pdf low res version]). Department of Water and Sanitation in Development Countries ([http://www.sandec.ch/ Sandec]) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag). (Provides a full overview of sanitation systems.)
* Brikké, F. and Bredero, M. (2003). Linking technology choice with operation and maintenance in the context of community water supply and sanitation: A reference document for planners and project staff. WHO and IRC Water and Sanitation Centre, Geneva. Available: http://www.who.int (Chapter 8 provides an assessment of vacuum emptying.)