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What is the ideal dredge? - Gold Fever / Dredging - Paydirt Community

Experiences with Dredging Equipment

Discussion about experiences with dredging equipment, ranging from the Keene Supermax to the Proline 2-inch.

KAC 1 Compressor Issues

Frustrating issue with the valves on a KAC 1 compressor that keep breaking.

KAC 1 Compressor Problems

Bad luck with KAC 1 compressors. Valves last about 5 months & pressure relief valves last 4 weeks. Service kits for them are bloody expensive. Keene hoses lasting 6 months, despite storing & using them in a straight line. Had 3 new keene dredges, same problems. Next time its a Proline.

Keene vs Gast Compressors

Keene hoses don’t even last a few months now, were as the older hoses back when dredging in 2009 would last year’s, kac also quality has gone down hill quickly, get a gast compressor and save time money and energy.

Dredge Size Preference

6" dredge and bigger is the preferred pick.

Experiences with Locals

Mostly good experiences around the country for land based and dredging with locals and landowners and general public coming down and checking out the operations. As long as you are always nice and understanding. A few experiences with locals who were not happy with a screen or diggers/drill rigs next door but after a bit of chatting they are end up been ok with things. Going for resource consents brings out greenys etc and starts making things very difficult tho

KAC Compressor Quality

KAC compressor are no good. Had nothing but problems with bearings and reed valves. Ghast compressor are like Toyotas of compressors they just keep on going

Keene vs Proline Dredges

Had Keene dredges in the past, 4inch and 6 inch. Went to proline., havnt looked back. Proline = better build quality, better suction, better fuel efficiency as your not having to rev the shit out of the motor to get any suck. Less blockages with Proline. They are guarantied not to block in the jet. Can attest to that. Recovery in the proline vs the Keene. Proline dont handle the fast water as much as the Keene. Build quality way better on the Proline . Proline are heavier. Proline 5 moves more material than Keene 6 . Burn 30% less fuel than the Keene but move 15% more material. Proline 6 will easy move almost doable what a Keene 6 can move and burn less fuel . The Proline is a true 6 inch dredge . The Keene 6 powerjet will fit inside a Proline 6 powerjet with room left over. The prolines are alot heavier than the Keene and the hose is alot more stiffer but last longer than the Keene Tigerflex . Proline hoses stand up to NZ harsh UV alot better than Keene hoses.

Keene Supermax vs Proline

Had a 6 inch Keene Supermax- Big dredge . But it moves less material than the comparable 6 Proline. As for the recovery the supermax definatley catches the fine gold but for the amount of fine gold recovered vs the Proline the Proline had more gold as it moved more material over the same ammount of time. The Supermax is a bit of a gimmicj but can see its benefit on a river with alot of fine powder gold

Proline Availability

Proline is the victim of their own sucess. If you go onto any of the US forums Proline is always more highly regarded but you do pay a premium

Gold Grabber Dredge

Gold grabber 5in,had it for 7 years ,simple ,easy to get in and out of river ,motor is 7hp chinese and its done over 600hrs with a oil change every season,no silly gimmicks on it ,will have to change the suction hose this year but shes done plenty of work and got me a good amount of colour,was going to get another one but im not sure if alan trees is still making them in the us.