Fieldpiece VP55 Vacuum Pump Review: Why Aussie HVAC Techs Swear By It

A Vacuum Pump That Doesn’t Suck (Well, Not in a Bad Way)

We’ve all been there. You’re on-site, trying to pull down a system before a storm rolls in, and your old vacuum pump sounds like it’s wheezing through a straw. The job drags on, your client keeps checking their watch, and you're left wondering if there's a better way.

Good news? There is.

Say g’day to the Fieldpiece VP55 vacuum pump — a tool that’s fast becoming the go-to for Aussie HVAC techs from Brisbane to Ballarat. Built tough for our climate, designed for real-world jobs, and easy enough to use even when your brain’s still waking up after that 6 a.m. coffee, this pump delivers the performance you need without the headache.

In this guide, we’ll break down why the VP55 is a fan-favourite across Australia, how it actually works (without the fluff), and how to know if it’s right for your setup.

Why It Matters: Aussie Conditions Need Aussie-Ready Gear

Let’s face it – Australia throws just about everything at our gear. Summer heat that makes metal tools too hot to touch, humidity that turns job sites into saunas, and the dust, grit, and rough handling that comes with crawling through ceilings and roof cavities.

That’s why local techs are leaning into tools built to handle the chaos. The Fieldpiece VP55 isn’t just designed for American workshops – it’s been tried, tested, and trusted right here in Australia.

Why Aussie Techs Are Switching to the VP55:

• Speed Matters: The VP55’s 5 CFM flow rate means quicker evacuations – no more sitting around waiting on pressure.

• Built Like a Brick: Rugged build handles rough van rides, drops, and dusty job sites.

• Lightweight, But Not Wimpy: Easy to carry up a ladder, but still powerful enough for serious systems.

• Wide-Open Porting: Pulls deep vacuums fast and keeps them tight, even in humid Queensland conditions.

"In Sydney summers, when you're working in ceiling cavities that feel like ovens, every second counts. The VP55 gets me in and out faster," says Callum, an HVAC tech with 12 years on the tools.

How It Works: The No-Nonsense Breakdown

You don’t need to be an engineer to understand what makes this pump great. Here’s what matters when you’re out in the field and need to trust your gear:

Fieldpiece VP55 Key Features (Translated for Tradies):

• RunQuick™ Oil System: Fast, clean oil changes without pulling the whole thing apart. You can literally do it mid-job.

• 5 CFM Dual-Stage Rotary Vane: That means strong, consistent vacuum performance even on larger systems.

• Four Inlet Ports (3/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″): No adapters? No dramas. Connect whatever hoses you’ve got.

• Rubberised Base: Doesn’t slide off a metal roof mid-job.

• Built-in Carry Handle: Grab, go, climb — easy.

And best of all? It plays nicely with other Fieldpiece tools, especially if you’re already using the Job Link™ system for system analysis.

Aussie Tips: Getting the Most from Your VP55

Buying the right tool is half the battle – using it right is the rest. Here’s what Aussie techs are doing to get top performance from their VP55:

1. Use the Right Oil

Change your oil more often in humid areas like Cairns or the Gold Coast. Moisture in the system can mess with vacuum performance. Keep a bottle of Fieldpiece vacuum oil in your kit and you’ll never be caught out.

2. Keep It Clean

Dust from dry sites in WA or the NT can clog vents over time. A quick wipe after each job goes a long way.

3. Pair It with a Core Removal Tool

You’ll get even faster pull-downs and avoid the bottleneck. Combine it with the Fieldpiece MR45 recovery machine and you're cooking with gas.

4. Let It Breathe

Give the pump a few minutes to stabilise before hitting full speed. Especially in colder areas like Tassie – it helps protect the motor.

Best Product to Try: Why VP55 Tops the List

Among all the Fieldpiece vacuum pumps, the VP55 is the sweet spot: fast, lightweight, and rugged enough for daily use. But there’s also:

• Fieldpiece VP67 Vacuum Pump – More CFM (6) for larger commercial jobs or multi-head split systems

• Fieldpiece VPX7 Vacuum Pump – The beast mode option with a massive 10 CFM, ideal for high-volume shops and industrial units
  
  

  

  
  

If you’re just getting started or work mostly on residential installs, the VP55 is your best bet.

👉 Shop the Fieldpiece VP55 now at HVAC Trade Supply – fast delivery Australia-wide, tech-approved.

Client Story: Dean from Darwin Speeds Up His Week

Dean's an HVAC tech in Darwin, which means three things: it’s hot, it’s humid, and time is money. "I was using an old single-stage pump for years. It worked, but it took forever to hit the target vac," he says.

After switching to the VP55, his average job time dropped by nearly 20 minutes per system. "That might not sound like much, but when you’ve got four installs in a day, it adds up. Plus, the RunQuick oil change is a lifesaver when you're sweating bullets on a rooftop."

Dean reckons it’s the best upgrade he’s made in years. "It’s like going from dial-up to NBN. Once you use it, there’s no going back."

 Time to Ditch the Dinosaur

Still dragging around an old pump that sounds like it’s choking on air? It’s time to upgrade.

👉 Explore our full Fieldpiece vacuum pump range and find your perfect match.

With fast shipping across Australia and stock ready to go, HVAC Trade Supply is your trusted mate in the trade.

Need help choosing? Flick us a message — we’ll get you sorted.

FAQs

Q: How often should I change the oil in my VP55?
A: Every few jobs, or immediately after pulling down a wet system. More frequently in humid areas like Queensland.

Q: Can I use the VP55 for large commercial systems?
A: It can handle small commercial jobs, but for high-tonnage systems, consider the VP67 or VPX7.

Q: Is it loud?
A: It’s quieter than most older models. Still makes noise, but you won’t need earmuffs.

Q: What hoses should I use with it?
A: Any standard 1/4", 3/8", or 1/2" hoses will fit. For best results, use wide bore hoses and a core removal tool.

Q: Can I leave the pump running unattended?
A: Best practice is to monitor during use. But it’s stable and reliable for short check-ins.