Looking back on the old 8-inch cutterhead versus the new suction dredge choice

I mean, back in 2010 on the Columbia River project, the big choice was sticking with the old 8-inch cutterhead dredge we all knew or trying out one of the new suction models. The boss said the suction rig would be faster on the silt, but the cutterhead was a tank, you know? We picked the suction dredge. It was a learning curve for sure, the pump would clog if you weren't careful with the debris screen. After about three days we got the hang of it, and our yardage numbers did go up. But I still miss the solid feel and the deep rumble of that old cutterhead chewing through the bottom. Anyone else make a switch like that and have a favorite you still think about?

2 comments

2 Comments

alicesingh2d ago

Honestly, the real cost was in crew morale. That old machine's rumble felt like getting work done.

reesemoore2d ago

Try a white noise machine with a deep rumble setting.