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The Vivax-Metrotech VM-585 combines a proven utility locator with a built-in ferrous metal detector, giving crews a practical way to locate short-range utilities (service drops) and recover buried ferrous assets like valve box covers, tanks, and manhole covers—without carrying two separate devices. Vivax Metrotech+2Vivax Metrotech+2
Built for utility field conditions, the VM-585 helps water, gas, public works, and contractors move faster when the job includes both line locating and iron-target searching.
The VM-585 is a combination pipe & cable locator and ferrous metal detector. In locator mode, it supports both passive power locating and active locating with multiple frequencies. In ferrous mode, it focuses on iron-based targets and uses filtering to reduce nuisance responses from common non-ferrous debris.
When valve boxes disappear after resurfacing, snow, landscaping, or ground disturbance, crews often need both:
A locator to trace a service drop or short run
A metal detector to recover buried ferrous access points
The VM-585 brings both into one compact kit—ideal for day-to-day distribution work and asset recovery.
The VM-585’s ferrous detection mode is designed to focus on targets that matter—like valve box covers, tanks, and manhole covers—while filtering out many common non-ferrous distractions.
Valve box covers and lids
Manhole covers
Buried tanks
Other buried ferrous access points
(H3 — Heading element)
The VM-585 is used to locate targets through asphalt, concrete, grass, and temporary conditions like snow—helping crews keep moving when visibility is gone.
The VM-585 supports a practical set of locating options for everyday utility work:
50/60 Hz passive power mode for detecting the presence of active power
Induction mode: 83.1 kHz
Direct connection: 512 Hz, 640 Hz, 8.192 kHz, 83.1 kHz
Clamp mode: 8.192 kHz, 83.1 kHz
This mix lets crews choose lower frequencies for cleaner long runs and higher frequencies for difficult or short-range service work where coupling matters.
Combination utility locator + ferrous metal detector in one kit
50/60 Hz passive power locating mode
Multiple active frequencies including 512/640 Hz, 8.19 kHz, 83.1 kHz
Detects through asphalt, concrete, grass, and snow conditions
Rugged build for field use (VM-series jobsite construction noted in vendor sheets)
The VM-585 is ideal for:
Service drop locating and short-range tracing
Water utility valve box recovery and asset finding
Public works locating where buried ferrous access points are frequently lost
Teams that want one compact tool instead of two


If your workflow includes cable fault work, the VM-585 can be expanded with fault-finding accessories such as an A-Frame solution (VM-510 / compatible fault find mode), enabling ground-to-sheath fault locating when paired with the proper setup.
Intermountain Sales supports utility crews with equipment selection, practical setup guidance, and real-world application support. If you’re deciding between VM-series options—or want a kit configured for service work, valve recovery, and optional fault finding—we’ll help you match the VM-585 to your use case.
Want the VM-585 set up for your workflow (service drops, valve box recovery, power passive work, and optional fault find)?
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