Microtrencher having an improved vacuum system and method of microtrenching

A method of continuously cutting a microtrench in a roadway comprising:

• providing a microtrencher comprising a motorized vehicle and a cutting wheel connected to the vehicle;
• cutting the microtrench in the roadway with the cutting wheel;
• depositing the spoil from the microtrench on at least one side the microtrench;
• and
• using a vacuum device to vacuum the spoil, wherein the vacuum device comprises a modified street sweeper comprising:
• a vehicle,
• a rotatable brush configured for sweeping spoil from the roadway surrounding the microtrench;
• a microtrench guide disposed inside the microtrench configured to keep the rotating brush aligned with the microtrench;
• a shroud at least partially covering the rotatable brush;
• and
• a vacuum attachment attached to the shroud to provide a vacuum inside the street sweeper and vacuum spoil swept up by the rotating brush.