Found this on Craigslist

[2020hindsite]

I was browsing random cities and found this dredge.
It looks like a nice build but I think it would be extremely heavy and I am also concerned the pump is not enough. It says 9000 GPH
Thoughts?
My HP200 on my 2.5 is rated to 12KGPH.
Also I think it's astronomically expensive for a home build.
Please critique this for me as I'm no expert.

Gold Dredge

 

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[russau]

yep I agree with you on the cost and the pump being to small. trash pumps don't do well for 4 inch dredges.

 

[rodoconnor]

If that is a home build , he did a very nice job of it.

 

[2020hindsite]

I've been searching Craigslist near me but equipment is rare.
I have a few questions unrelated to this CL post...

I have a Proline 2.5 inch flare dredge with power jet. I was wondering if I could make a stand for it and turn it into a fixed position dredge instead of a floating dredge. I believe this will cut down on the weight when carting it into remote areas.
Any problems or reasons why this is not possible?

Second I know people take dredge pumps and put them onto el-cheapo motors sometimes.
I was wondering how hard it was to attach a pump to a random motor?
For example I have a Honda mower where the deck and handle is shot but the motor runs great. Why couldn't I attach a dredge pump to it?
Which brings up my next question. Why are all dredge pumps horizontally mounted? Like with a lawn mower engine the shaft sticks out of the bottom, could a dredge pump be mounted pointing downwards?

Thanks

 

[AzViper]

If that is a home build , he did a very nice job of it.

I have to agree. Home built or built in a shop what difference does it matter. Some of the best builds are built by individuals. Very clean looking dredge and workmanship.

 

[rodoconnor]

2020 Keene had some 3" and 2.5" dredges with a vertical shaft , so the pump was underwater. Prehistoric ,but they worked OK. You can certainly dredge without floatation. In a small creek towards the end of Summer sometimes you almost have to.

 

[Goldwasher]

Its called puddle jumpin'

 

[Goodyguy]

Nice workmanship on the build even though the motor/pump is mounted too high and too far forward. Would be hard to pull the rope starter while in the water and be top heavy in rough water. Also with the weak pump you will have lots of plug ups in the hose.


GG~

 

[mxer47]

Last year I found an old keene 3" and after the motor went out I replaced it with the same motor and pump on this unit for 200$. All told with new mats and motor I have 1000$ in mine and am quite happy. To spend the coin on the pictured dredge I personally would look around for a 4" with air and a hp pump for a little more.