Keene dredge age question

[LRC253]

Just a simple question I tried to google but no luck. When did the keen 4" and up start using the new grey pontoons? Also, do all of the grey pontoon dredges come with the 3-stage sluice?

Is there anything to worry about with the dual honda 5" dredge?

Thanks in advance

 

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[Hoser John]

First you can adapt pontoons to/from any era to any frame. Many frankensteins around. Simple over/under much preferable to convaluted 3 way,just remove that 3rd stage and run as much easier to control the under and many less box pileups. You also run the engine slower. Honda is a name and not a hp or gpm of the pumps and without that info no real answer ever possible. I much prefer briggs anyhow but to each his own as not my bill to fix. No need for dual engines on a 4" anyhow as 5.5-6.5-8hp will tear your fingers up and fill that box just fine with much less gas usage. Then you haul in much less gas,less weight,less problems and less costs.John

 

[dredgeman]

late 90s and no

Also what hoser said

 

[LRC253]

Thanks guys for your input, I'm actually looking at buying a used Keene 5" and it has dual engines which I guess means better suction. I'm just a little nervous buying something used for the price they're going for. HJ, I was looking at the 3-stage because here in WA there is mostly fine-superfine gold. But if I end up getting it I'll give that a shot.

Thanks again!

 

[Hoser John]

3 way is nothing but a simple o/u with garbage on top and forces you to use a huge amount of water to run. Whatever you do KEEP THE DISCHARGE OUT OF THE WATER as your under on any dredge will not clean right and fill up with black sands,lead and shot. Check with your state dredge permit folks as size matters everywhere almost nowadays. Where a 4" is acceptable a 5" might not be without specials,extra costs. Just check to cover your investment and have a ball as that is all that matters in this short run called life-John

 

[Oakview2]

Could neck it down at the nozzle, keeps the plugs down and you would have boo coo suction, wouldn't bother me as long as you are getting it for a good good price. If your regs say 4 max, your probably buying too much dredge, If you can go up to a six, I would be a new hose and jet and move up.

 

[AimSmMissSm]

Washington allows 4" in most rivers. 5" in some. It also states in the regs that you can run a hose up to 1" larger then your intake nozzle size