Buying a dredge

[ProspectorALEX]

Hello! So my dad and I are (hopefully) going to get a dredge. I have found someone who has agreed to sell us his used 5" Keene dredge for $1500. It has a Honda engine, all of the hoses and tubes needed to use it, and an air compressor. how can you tell if the pump works without taking it to a creek or river? I would also need to buy a wetsuit and mask because of the cold water. Thanks

 

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[winners58]

I just pulled mine out of the garage today, just take a garden hose and lean it against the intake on the pump.
the pump seal is ceramic and needs water to not over heat, start it,
check that its not leaking out the back of the pump at the shaft, check that the air is working.
you can also post photos and we can give an assessment and recommendations.

 

[Hoser John]

A el cheapo kiddie pool works fine to test in, swimming pool or even a 55 gallon drum with no top or holes opened larger to insert foot valve and discharge. I have a 30 gallon I use on all my pumps to make sure all is right. Hope all goes ok-John

 

[Goldwasher]

I use a kiddie pool.

$1500 is a steal for a 5" even if the motor is seized the pump and compressor in working condition justify that . The fact that the motor is Honda is good.
without pics at that price I wager it is an older crashbox dredge. maybe a multistage can't be a triple.

get us some pics Alex. Depending on where you are I may be able to get someone to check it out in person for you also.

 

[russau]

Yep $1500. is a great deal!

 

[No gold in NY]

I was told those pumps will not move air. Be sure the suction hose full up to the pump. Then top it off from the discharge end. Do not let it run dry.

 

[ProspectorALEX]

Hi. Thank you all for the advice. Here are the pics I have.

 

[rodoconnor]

Nice triple. Should get you a lot good gold Alex

 

[mendoAu]

A couple of questions, did those pontoons used to be yellow and I can't tell the HP rating on the engine. The hoses (5in.) look kinda "used" but if not killer stiff they ought to work. I don't like that style of footvalve, only because they are a pain in shallow water but changing over to a different style is no big deal. The Keene triple has had a vary good following especially for fine gold recovery and about the crash box ...well, I've had both (got a flare w/over-under now) and just can't really pick one over the other. Price is more than right and will be a real rock sucker.

 

[Goldwasher]

"can't be a triple"

Alex the comment you make to the seller is " TAKE MY MONEY"

it's a good deal it's kinda big for ya but, your old man can help you grow into it.

Keep in mind you need big water for a cool rig like that.

If I had the money I wouldn't have posted the add until I bought it and was rubbing it in.

 

[Goldwasher]

and your gonna need a bigger kiddie pool

 

[ecmjamsit]

Don't forget to change the oil in the pump motor.

 

[winners58]

looks like someone is giving a good deal, probably to pass it on and help a new generation get started in gold mining.
its not easy, there is a learning curve, make some good connections and pay attention when someone is willing to teach how they do things.

 

[russau]

Alex , after you buy this ,do a complete cleanup of the sluice and take it all apart to find the hidden gold that seldom gets cleaned out of where the metal and plastics bolt together! Last Fall I bought my friends 4 inch Keene dredge and I told him I would do this and return the gold to him . MAN was I surprised when I unbolted the flair to the sluice and latterly saw gold dropping out!!! He called me on Skype after I mailed him the vile! HAPPY CAMPERS ALL AROUND!

 

[Hoser John]

That must have made GOs day for sure-as always good man Russau John

 

[N-Lionberger]

Im with MendoAu check to see if the pontoons arent actually funky old yellow ones painted gray. I read one of Reed Lukens comments a ways back about looking at a dredge for sale that had the yellow sun bleached ready to pop on a rock pontoons painted gray to fool you into thinking they were new good shape. I saw the same trick on a dredge for sale couldnt believe it lol.

 

[ProspectorALEX]

MendoAu: the pontoons were not yellow and the engine is 8 HP

 

[mendoAu]

That 8hp will be plenty and grey pontoons is a plus.
Shallow water is just waiting to get deeper somehow...HA!
Sitting in about two feet of water with still plenty of draft:

 

[ProspectorALEX]

Went to the guy's house yesterday. He said that he would replace the pull start cord and the oil and that he would get a few spare parts so we didn't have to. Pull cord was frayed and about to break and he drained the oil yesterday. the hoses looked pretty new and he had 100 Ft of new air line. He said to use the black non slip stuff you put on shelves under the moss and carpet. Does that really help to catch fine gold? Thanks

 

[N-Lionberger]

I use 1\8th inch ribbed rubber mat under my miners moss or unbacked carpet.