Transporting dredge and equipment to remote areas, Any ideas ??

[jog]

I am looking for ways that people have come up with for getting there dredges, highbankers, just about anything into remote areas.
My back has been getting worse and am looking to modify my equipment. Anybody got any great brain storms?

 

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[kilnmaint]

I use a folding aluminum cart for my thre inch. It will handle al the dredge, gas, weights, and buckets if I can pull it!! 300 plus pound is hard to pull up a hill!!

 

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[strickman]

nice rig kiln , I saw that pic before - one of my favorite setups .

 

[jog]

Great ideas guys!!

 

[Gravel Hog]

Pack it in and out by hand. Builds good character and keeps you fit.

Like Hoser I am used to packing into unsane canyons but for great incentives.

One of these great packboards should help in your journey: http://www.majorsurplus.com/Swiss-Freight-Frame-P14498.aspx

If you use a cart, brakes are a must unless your flatlanding it. Then I would assume you are not in Cal.

 

[Goodyguy]

I used wheels off a wheel chair and an aluminum crutch as a handle to haul my 2 1/2" setup.

Will have to take a photo to show how it was done. My 6 1/2 hp pump is from Harbor Freight and is large and heavy so I had to come up with something.

I wanted to carry the pump, the sluice, the hopper, the hoses, nozzle, buckets, and pans etc. in one trip.
Soon as I get a photo I will post it. The whole setup only cost me $15 for a used wheelchair from Goodwill Industries.

GG~

 

[jog]

If I were to haul all that in on my back I would need a wheel chair. Three bulged discs...

 

[Gravel Hog]

Sorry to hear that.

If you decide to go the cart route don't take the brake recommendation lightly.
Holding back a cart wanting to run away all the time won't do the old back any good either.
Been there done that.

 

[Hoser John]

The best crash I ever saw due to no brakes was below Briceburg as Stoner Daves brand new 5" triple(never even used) with dual engines took off down that steeeeeep grade,took off flying when it hit a boulder and smashed in 100's a pieces--too much puff puff and no forethought and listen to anyones warning NOT. PS-dredges do fly but the landing is amazing-John

 

[jog]

So what you're saying is I should add some landing gear to my dredge?

 

[Gravel Hog]

Speaking of which, helicopters are a wonderful way to get everything into location. Tight canyon or not with no sweat on your brow.
Especially those big honkin dredges you can't pack in by hand.

 

[nuggy]

Speaking of which, helicopters are a wonderful way to get everything into location. Tight canyon or not with no sweat on your brow.
Especially those big honkin dredges you can't pack in by hand.

Like this suggestion a lot.

Saw a picture of a great set up - double fronted (turns up at both ends) sled with honda 3.5 horse, powered winch on the front, had hand operated disc brake for down hills. Haul to a tree, tie off, haul to next tree. Have to use ground anchor if no tree where you want it. Can't remember what it was hauling but thought it would be good for hauling dredge gear up steep terrain. Nuggy

 

[jog]

nuggy...
Can you find a pic of that unit?

 

[nuggy]

Hi Jog, sorry no can do, too long ago, can't even remember where I saw it now (think it was on net). Had 3 computers die completely in the last 10 years, with nothing recoverable - last one just a couple of months back. Had my important files backed up, but had a folder of interesting net pix that went forever in first crash, think it was in there.
Remembered the motor was 3.5 Honda as I have 2 of them doing nothing much, got a dim memory that the motor had a built in reduction, and the winch was a pto type off 4wd? Nuggy

 

[Gravel Hog]

Sounds like skidding like loggers use on logs. I would have like to see a picture just for curiosity. Self powered skid
I have tried alot of different ways to get equipment and gear down into those river canyons. Some worked alright and some just failed miserably.
Helicopter is by far the best and second is ATV's which we use alot when at all possible and if nothing else will do load it up on pack frames and pack it in by hand.
All dependant on the circumstances and the amount of funding available and how much gold could be recovered. Just remember, Jog, always a way for certain.

 

[jog]

Thanks to everyone with all the great ideas.
I like the sled idea, may half to take a look at a chainsaw winch or something of that nature.

 

[Gravel Hog]

jog, just had a idea pop in.

There are plenty of dredgers here in California that are desperate, with the dredge ban and all, and willing maybe more than willing.
Here it is:
Put up notice and find/pick one of these individuals and have them pack all your stuff into your claim for you, and out as well.
In exchange they will get to dredge on your claim. Win-Win.

 

[jog]

jog, just had a idea pop in.

There are plenty of dredgers here in California that are desperate, with the dredge ban and all, and willing maybe more than willing.
Here it is:
Put up notice and find/pick one of these individuals and have them pack all your stuff into your claim for you, and out as well.
In exchange they will get to dredge on your claim. Win-Win.

Are you first on the list?

 

[Gravel Hog]

No sir, I have adapted well to the frustrated mess. There are plenty of other methods but none as fun as dredging nuggets off the bedrock.

 

[jog]

Gravel Hog...
I have just picked up a claim on the Sixes river, looking at the map that may not be very far from where you are in Cal, When I get ready to go work that one I may put out an invitation. It's not a bad one to get in and out of so I should be able to get my Fat Butt down to the river. Much better than another one I have.
Haven't been able to put a dredge into this one yet.

 

[Gravel Hog]

Jog, all good.
I would not put off any dredging up there in Oregon. It looks like they are following Cals lead and are trying to snuff it out also. The influx of dredgers from here propably isn't helping this matter.
We're going on to the second season of the dredge ban, two years without dredging. Not Good at ALL!!!!
The price is so high too, but as I said there are plenty of other methods to recover gold. Hardest thing was to adapt from dredging to one of those other ways.