StarJet® Runway Rubber Removal & Pavement Marking Removal Systems

NLB Corp. manufactures and sells the StarJet® Truck Units for runway rubber removal, pavement marking, and additional surface prep applications worldwide, giving airports, DOTs, and paving contractors a faster, chemical-free alternative to grinding and shot-blasting. Our water jetting technology sets the industry standard, delivering unmatched performance while minimizing substrate damage, reducing labor costs, creating a stronger bond for new coatings, and eliminating the need for harmful chemicals. With a dedicated pump engine for superior production rates and ultra-high-pressure water components built for longevity, the NLB StarJet® system stands in a league of its own. Plus, we back it with the industry’s only pump replacement part guarantee — because we know nothing else compares. Every StarJet® model includes a 40,000 psi (2,800 bar) ultra-high pressure pump unit, on-board water supply, and is self-contained with built-in vacuum recovery, available in multiple configurations — SRV-2, SRV-6, SRV-7 — to match any job size, from a single intersection to a full-length runway. Click on a StarJet® unit below to learn more about that truck’s unique features.

StarJet®ModelCleaning PathsHead Rotation SpeedWater Jet PumpTruck DetailsSpeed ControlFresh Water SupplyVacuumDebris Tank
StarJet®SRV-710" to 24"Up to 3,000 rpm
(independently adjustable)
NLB 325, rated to 40,000 psi (2,800 bar) @ 13 gpm80,000 GVWR with pusher axle chassis, 430 hp engine & 6-speed automatic transmission0 - 350 fpm with hydrostatic creep drive2,100 gallons
(7,949 l)
1,500 cfm, @ 5"-6" Hg.1,700 gallons of water and debris (6,435 l)
StarJet®SRV-610" to 24"Up to 3,000 rpm (independently adjustable)NLB 325, rated to 40,000 psi (2,800 bar) @ 16 gpm80,000 GVWR with pusher/tag axle chassis, 450 hp engine & 6-speed automatic transmission0 - 350 fpm with hydrostatic creep drive3,000 gallons (11,356 l)1,500 cfm, @ 5"-6" Hg.2684 gallons of water and debris (10,160 l)
StarJet®SRV-210" or 24"Up to 3,000 rpm NLB 225, rated to 40,000 psi (2,800 bar) @ 10 gpm54,000 GVWR with tandem axle chassis, 350 hp engine & 6-speed automatic transmission0 - 350 fpm with hydrostatic creep drive1,400 gallons (5,300 l)1,500 cfm, @ 5"-6" Hg.1035 gallons of water and debris, (3,918 l)

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Years of UHP Water Jetting Experience

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Runway Rubber Removal Equipment

NLB custom-engineers complete StarJet systems to meet customer needs. Each incorporates all the UHP water jetting components (NLB rotating nozzle assembly and pump unit, water tank, and vacuum system) on a heavy-duty truck. The nozzles are mounted to the front of the truck and operated from the cabin. Key specifications are shown here, with some typical configurations. The driver hydraulically raises and lowers the nozzle assembly, which can be positioned to the left or right of the cab. A video system on the nozzle assembly lets him monitor progress from inside the cab while keeping his attention on the road.

Contact us today to learn more about our runway rubber removal equipment.

How StarJet® Runway Rubber Removal & Pavement Marking Removal Works

StarJet® systems mount ultra-high-pressure water jet nozzles — rated up to 40,000 psi (2,800 bar) — on a rotating head that strips paint, thermoplastic markings, and rubber buildup directly off asphalt and concrete. A closed-loop vacuum recovery system pulls up water and debris in the same pass, so crews aren’t left with slurry, dust, or airborne particulates to manage. Because the process uses only water, there’s no chemical residue to test for or dispose of, and no dry-blasting dust cloud extending your runway or lane closure. The result is a clean, properly profiled surface ready for repainting or a rubber-deposit re-inspection in the same shift.

Industries That Rely on StarJet®

  • Aviation & Airport Operations — Rubber deposited by landing aircrafts reduce runway surface friction. StarJet® removes rubber contamination without extending closures longer than necessary—NLB’s water jetting equipment has prepped runways ranging from commercial airports to a space shuttle landing strip.
  • State & Municipal Transportation Departments — DOTs and municipalities use StarJet® to strip old lane lines, crosswalks, and thermoplastic markings ahead of restriping season without the substrate damage grinding can cause.
  • Paving & Line-Striping Contractors — For contractors bidding stripe-removal work, a StarJet® unit’s speed (up to 7,000 linear fph) and self-contained design mean fewer trucks, smaller crews, and faster turnaround per job.

See more on NLB’s water jetting solutions for the transportation industry.

Choosing the Right StarJet® Model

Not every job calls for the same truck. Use cleaning path, tank capacity, and horsepower to match a StarJet® to your project size:

SRV-7 — NLB’s most popular StarJet®, balancing tank size, 10″–24″ cleaning path, and horsepower for most airport and DOT contracts.

SRV-2 — a mid-size unit for larger municipal and highway jobs.

SRV-6 — StarJet’s largest water (3,000-gal) and debris (2,684-gal) capacity, for the longest runs between refills.

StarJet® Features & Benefits

  • Maximize Coverage: Dual rotating heads maximize coverage, with 20-plus configurations that let you choose 8” to 24” paths for stripe removal and for rubber removal.
  • Simplify maintenance: Maintenance is simplified throughout the system. Nozzle changes are easy, and an auto-service mode positions the head for easy access. The UHP pump features long-life packing (800 to 1,800 hrs.).
  • Robotic ARM operation: Robotic assembly positions heads (raise/lower/sweep/extend/retract/rotate/index) hydraulically and is operated from the cab or outside.
  • Control console: The ergonomic control console in the cab has a touch screen, joystick, and lighted switches. It includes adjustable skip line controls so the truck can rapidly advance between skips.
  • High-Uptime pump: NLB pumps are designed for reliable, long-lasting performance, ensuring significantly greater uptime compared to alternative pumps. They consistently operate at 40,000 psi, with minimal parts wear and low operating costs.
  • Vacuum recovery: Vacuum recovery is simple and efficient for picking up water and debris. It is possible to run a full shift without having to dump the debris.
  • Monitoring: Real-time monitoring, front and rear, of removal area (and traffic) via high-resolution color video cameras. Features StarJet Assist tutorial that allows the operator to view onboard library videos based on system fault indicators.

Fluid End Part Guarantee

1-Year (Standard) or 7 years

NLB high-pressure pumps set the industry standard for their rugged reliability, and now you can put that reliability to work for your pavement marking or rubber removal project. In fact, we are so sure that our pump will perform day in and day out without any maintenance that we have created the industry’s only fluid end pump guarantee. Your StarJet® truck will not require a single pump replacement part, in the fluid end, during its first year of service. If it does, send the part back to us and we will provide a replacement part for free*.

Or take it to the next level. Purchase our 7-year pump maintenance package and we guarantee you will not have another fluid end related cost over the truck’s first seven years of operation. You receive a complete set of spare cartridge assemblies for your pump. If you experience any issues, simply replace the faulty cartridge assemblies with the spare set, and ship the faulty ones back to NLB. We will completely refurbish the components and quickly return them to you for future use.

Find the peace of mind that other truck operators have found when switching to the StarJet®. Unparalleled productivity and reliability, all backed by the only pump cost guarantee available.

*NLB will replace any fluid end pump component that fails at no charge if the procedures in NLB’s operation manual have been followed. NLB will not be responsible for labor, freight, or consequential damage.

Related Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a StarJet® system used for?

StarJet® is NLB’s ultra-high-pressure water jetting truck used to remove runway rubber deposits and pavement markings from airport and roadway surfaces. Rotating water jets rated up to 40,000 psi (2,800 bar), paired with built-in vacuum recovery, strip paint, thermoplastic, and rubber without chemicals, grinding, or dust.

How does water jet runway rubber removal work?

Water jet rubber removal uses ultra-high-pressure water streams—not chemicals or abrasives—to strip rubber deposits off runway surfaces. A vacuum system recovers water and debris in the same pass, leaving a clean, profiled surface ready for inspection or repainting without extended closures.

What’s the difference between the StarJet® SRV-2 and SRV-7?

The SRV-2 is NLB’s most compact StarJet®, built for intersections and small lots with a 1,400-gallon (5,300 liter) water tank. The SRV-7 is larger, with a 2,100-gallon (8,000 liter) tank, 10″–24″ (25-61 cm) cleaning path, and 430-hp engine, suited to full-length runways and highway-scale marking removal.

Is water jetting better than chemical or grinding methods for removing pavement markings?

Yes, water jetting removes pavement markings without the chemical residue, disposal issues, or dust of blasting and grinding. It also causes less substrate damage, helping new coatings bond better. UHP systems like StarJet® can match or exceed mechanical removal speed on most surfaces.

How much does a StarJet® runway rubber removal system cost?

StarJet® pricing depends on the model (SRV-2 through SRV-7), tank capacity, and any custom configuration your fleet needs. Because units are built to order, NLB provides project-specific quotes based on your runway or roadway size and schedule.

Looking for Parts and Service?

NLB keeps on hand a substantial inventory of top-quality spare parts for StarJet trucks and NLB pump units, ready for immediate delivery.

Have Questions?

Reach Out to Our Expert Team Today!

At NLB, we're dedicated to assisting you. If you're uncertain about which product is best for your application, our team is ready to help you find the perfect solution. If we need to customize a product to fit your specific needs, we're prepared to do so! Simply give us a call or fill out the form, and one of our experts will be in touch with you shortly.

(800)-441-5059

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