GoodGuy - I've finally had the time and tools to whip up a 5 gallon bucket highbanker prototype that I first mentioned over a year ago. Mine is a bit different as the bucket sits on top of an existing 6 inch mini highbanker with a hopper that has expanded metal mesh.
My goals in making this unit were as follows:
1. Handle a full #2 shovel unclassified (unlike lots of other mini backpack highbankers that can only handle small scoops of material)
2. Fast washing and clearing action
3. Secondary washing action on the grizzly if necessary - using water dropping down from the bucket
4. Amplify water flow to get more wash from less water (bucket does this focusing action automatically with its curved surface - unlike any other type of header, except a flared one which almost no one uses in a highbanker)
5. Lightweight, easy to carry with a backpack
6. Work well with either 1,100 GPH recirculating bilge pump or a 1 inch gas pump (I have both for different circumstances)
The bucket handle can be used to mount either a bilge pump hose or my 1 inch lay flat coupler - no spray bars necessary as they constrict flow.
I'm excited to try this new prototype in the field very soon. I've already used the 6 inch highbanker on its own without the bucket, and it works very well with simple ribbed carpet as the capture medium (no expanded or riffles necessary). I was getting frustrated with the lack of header capacity, so I decided to try a 5 gallon bucket which happened to fit perfectly on top.
For someone with no woodworking or metalworking skills (and few tools) I'm pleased with this setup, and I'll report back with more pictures of the unit in action.
For anyone interested in 5 gallon bucket highbankers check out the "Bucket Blaster Highbanker" prototypes done by Allan Roberton on YouTube.
Heavy pans!
