Nugget Shooter Caddy

[Sierra Kid]

Not sure if anyone else has the same frustrations I have. I tend to cover a lot of ground detecting, and use a lot of tools when im drywashing or nugget shooting. Either I need a pick-axe, a shovel, sledgehammer, or all three, etc..... I hate running back to the truck for the right tool, especially when dealing with desert soil, which can be rock hard. I'm making a portable cart to at least get my tools closer when i'm a long way from my vehicle. I'm hoping to be done this week. Ill put expanded metal for the bottom and some more bracing. It has 12" ground clearance and pulls easy. I'll send more photos when finished.

 

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[keverett]

Looks Good!! How heavy is the unit empty?

 

[Sierra Kid]

Its about 20 pounds empty. When loaded it may be close to 35 pounds. I may do another out of aluminum, but will wait till I learn to weld better. Talking welding classes at the community college now that I have a little spare time! It should hold my small dry washer and a couple of 5 gallon plastic buckets and a .410 shotgun for the random nasty critters (snakes, bobcat) that may be interested in getting close.

 

[auferret]

I like the concept but have a suggestion. In my experience, it may be difficult to control carts with small tires on uneven terrain. I suggest using something like a small bicycle tire. Harbor Freight has a nice 13" tire that may work well for $13.99 each http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=36054

 

[warsawdaddy]

I would also put some felt on that rail that your gun barrel rest on.

 

[Goldwasher]

im always armed when prospecting on land im allowed to carry on for snakes and nutjobs but, bobcats seriously? your more likely to be bit by a scorpion or bee than a bobcat. i would invest in a good backpack when you try to go any real distance your gonna get frustrated and end up with all your tools piled next to you and your cart in the last place you could push it to.

 

[warsawdaddy]

No ATV?

 

[auferret]

A strap or bungie cord across the bottom might keep your tools from bouncing out. Also, I noticed a pry bar set in the clearance section at Harbor freight for $4.87 that might be a nice addition.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40087

 

[Sierra Kid]

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, pry bars are a great idea. I'll make a slot for those. For the gun I was thinking of a cut off piece of PVC with a rubber bottom. No ATV yet. Thinking of a Honda Big Red. It would really make the difference. Bobcats, well it sounds kind of out there, but you never know.... People are probably more of a threat. Lots of snakes. Have run into several fat Mojave Greens. A scorpion crawled over my hand last Thursday while breaking a rock pile, but he went on his way.
If I wind up making an aluminum one, bike type tires would be a great addition. I got the 10" ones from Harbor Freight. There is actually a foot of ground clearance. The best solution is a 4x4 ATV though....

 

[shepcal]

A good concept, and a couple of comments.
Shotgun!!!!!!!!!!!!that means a bunch of little pellets to detect maybe later( I carry a 45, first 2 loads are snake shot and the rest are the nasty ones). I've thought about the pellets and snakes encountered; wasn't finding any gold in that area anyway and let them be.
Seems a bit wide w/ little tires (that's already, been brought up). A good pick on a belt holder, and carry everything on your person, is the best. Well not the best- this is

 

[Jim Hemmingway]

Shepcal,

"A good pick on a belt holder, and carry everything on your person, is the best. Well not the best- this is" (the ATV).

I understand Sierra's frustrations trying to get around remote country with needed equipment, as I'm thinking the same thing for years. But I sure like your answer above, and figure it'd be a fun way of getting around. Even up here, there always seem to be paths/abandoned tracks through heavy bush. I see plenty of moose hunters using them. Must work OK.

Jim.

 

[Wildcat]

I couldn't be bothered dragging anything around. I carry a light pick and if I encounter hard digging, I mark it with a GPS and go back later.
It's the age thing.....

The Cat

 

[Yellow Hammer]

shepcal,

I like the set up you have, I see you went with the less is more.