Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead
Vortex Powerhead

Vortex Powerhead

Price
Regular price $ 1,199.00
Regular price Sale price $ 1,199.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Vortex powerhead is driven by a dependable 63cc easy-start engine delivering 720 RPM through a high-speed, heavy-duty transmission. Engineered with cold-formed, heat-treated gears and housed in a fully bearing-supported case, it’s built for maximum durability, strength, and performance. This is only the power head and does not include any shaft extensions. 
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Shipping & Returns

SHIPPING: Free standard shipping for orders over $150 to the lower 48 states.  Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations will be calculated at checkout.  View shipping policy

RETURNS: Your satisfaction matters! For first-time buyers, our Crust Buster complete unit (Powerhead, Shaft, and Blades) comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of delivery. Returns must include the entire unit and be used as intended. Our guarantee applies only when the Crust Buster is used with its original components. View return policy
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50 cc Engine

5 Mins in Tank

Weighs Only 33 lbs

Up to 80 inch Shaft

IS YOUR BACK TIRED OF BACK FLUSHING? We believe agitation save aggravation. Try it and you'll see. The Crust Buster saves you Time and Money!

Portable & Lightweight

The CrustBuster is a portable lightweight machine designed to agitate and mix up septic tanks, grease traps and car wash pits. It will circulate and agitate the crust, liquids, and solids into a total liquid form and make your job easier.

Saves Time & Money

The CrustBuster is a septic tank agitator that, when used on your job, will save you time and money. Through the use of engineered blades and high-power shaft rotation the CrustBuster creates a “lifting” agitation within your tank.

Field Tested

The CrustBuster has been field tested and proven to mix a 1000 to 2500 gallon residential septic tank in 5 minutes or less. It is also the perfect machine to bust the crust in those tough and time consuming grease traps or agitate car wash pits.

Agitate the Tank

The high speed rotation of the CrustBuster allows the tank crust and solids to agitate and mix into an easily pumped slurry. The rotation of the blade lifts and removes solids and chunks off the bottom of the tank while pulling the crust off the top.

Easy to Use

The CrustBuster actually pushes back at the operator when used. No back strain, no muscle – just results. It produces an easily pumped mixture, without back-flushing, that also saves you wear and tear on your vacuum pump and equipment.

Supported & Serviceable

We have been in business over 20 years and are committed to helping you do your job easier and cheaper. We stand behind the CrustBuster. We are happy to service your CrustBuster and can provide any parts you may need.

Crust Buster FAQ

How much power is the engine packing and how heavy?

The Crust Buster is powered by a 63cc industrial-grade gas engine, ripping at 720 RPMs and weighing 33 pounds. The perfect mix to deliver the muscle and consistent torque needed for aggressive agitation of crust, sludge, and solids. In short: plenty of power where it counts.
Is the engine 2-cycle or 4-cycle? What is the fuel-to-oil ratio?

The Crust Buster runs a 2-cycle engine with a 40:1 fuel mix. That’s 3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil per gallon of non-ethanol gasoline. Measure it, mix it, run it.Want peak performance? Run Amsoil 2-cycle oil - grab it today!

What fuel keeps it running happy?

Fuel Matters. This engine runs a 40:1 mix with non-ethanol gasoline. Ethanol fuel is a no-go; it can damage the engine and will void the warranty.
Fuel line failure: what’s destroying my lines?

Ethanol is the usual culprit. It dries out rubber components and attracts moisture. Using non-ethanol gasoline and draining the fuel tank before long storage dramatically extends hose and carburetor life.
How long does it take to bust the crust and stir things up?

Every tank is different, but most jobs take 5 –15 minutes of agitation to properly break up crust, sludge, and solids. If it’s really bad… well, that’s why you own a Crust Buster.
Can the Crust Buster get the job done on tanks neglected for 20+ years?

Yes, and that’s where it shines. The Crust Buster is designed to break up heavy crust and compacted solids in long-neglected tanks. A small amount of liquid is needed to get things moving, so add water if the tank is bone dry. These tanks steal your time — the Crust Buster takes it back!

Will this save me grief on grease traps?

The Crust Buster is built for grease jobs. Our serrated alligator blades can be swapped in for extra bite, cutting through hardened grease and keeping your trap flowing smoothly.
Car washes got you stuck in the pits?

The Crust Buster is built for car wash pits. Our three-blade propeller is purpose-built to lift the sand off the bottom where it settles. Agitate, pump, move on.
Frack tanks got you saying FRACK?!

Frack yes, the Crust Buster handles frack tanks! It lifts settled solids off the bottom, keeps material moving, and makes pump-outs faster and cleaner. Built to bust up compacted junk so it actually flows.
How deep can I go with extensions?

If it’s deeper than your reach, add extensions. Crust Buster extensions are designed to be combined and get down to the mess. Stack what you need, get down to the problem, and agitate where the solids settle.
Need replacement parts?

Let's be honest, sh#t happens! Order Crust Buster replacement parts online and keep your machine working instead of waiting. Check out our parts list here. If you need assistance, we’re happy to help.
Only necessary for the "bad" tanks or for every pump?

Out of sight doesn’t mean out of tank. Sludge is sneaky and loves to linger on the bottom, even in tanks that get pumped often. Cleaner tanks. Happy Customers.

Plastic tanks making you nervous? Let’s clear that up.

The Crust Buster is safe to use in plastic tanks when used correctly. Know your tank depth, stay off the side walls, and keep it working in the center. The Crust Buster creates a centrifugal flow that pulls solids inward toward you. Stay in control, mind your positioning, and let the machine do the work. Agitation happens in the tank, not against it.
Which blade is right for the job?

Match the blade to the mess.Regular 2-Blades are your go-to for standard septic tanks.Alligator Blades bring the bite. More aggressive and ideal for grease traps.3-Blade Propeller is best for car wash pits. Helps keep sand and grit off the bottom.Right blade. Right job. Better results.
How do I fire up the beast?

Watch our quick start tutorial here for the best way to start the engine. Starting instructions are also attached to the powerhead on the yellow tag — hard to miss, easy to follow.
Something not running right — can I send it in for repair?

Yep, we got you! If your Crust Buster is acting up and needs a little TLC, complete a service repair form here and we’ll get it back in fighting shape.

What’s the warranty and what’s covered?

We stand behind our machines. You get a 1-year motor warranty (piston only) and 90 days on everything else. But, if you’re a Crust Buster PRO, you level up — keep your membership active and your motor coverage jumps to 2 full years.
What’s the best way to transport it from job to job?

Our Buster Brackets mount to the hose-tray and secure your Crust Buster with just two pins. Add the vinyl cover to protect the powerhead from weather and road grime. Leave it assembled between jobs to move fast and save time.

Can I bust crust while the pump's running?

Absolutely. Just remember, water makes the magic happen and gets the sludge on the bottom moving.
How much time can I shave off pumping a tank?

Tank condition matters, but backflushing and hand-picking always slow you down. The Crust Buster mixes faster and cuts the job time in half.

The Power Head

A dependable and easy to start 2.5 hp motor with a high speed, durable transmission engineered with cold form, heat-treated gears encased in an all ball-bearing gear case.

The Inset

CrustBuster shafts are assembled to the power head with 3/8” allen screw. An allen wrench is included with the CrustBuster for Power Head removal or adding additional shaft extensions.

Throttle Assembly

The throttle assembly is easy to grip with the safety start switch, kill switch, and throttle all located on one assembly for ease of operation. It also fits directly in the Buster Brackets.

Shaft Extensions

Shaft extensions are available in 2, 4, and 6 foot lengths. The standard shaft length is 80 inches. The extensions allow the CrustBuster to be used in deeper tanks or hard-to-reach areas.

Two & Three Blade Design

The 2 blade fold down propeller fits through a 4 inch pipe. Once through the pipe the blade expands to 13 inches in diameter during operation. This is our most popular configuration. The 3 blade propeller is non-collapsible and requires a 12 inch diameter hole or larger. It is interchangeable on the standard shaft and is a great candidate for car wash pits.

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