Understanding Types Of Dredgers

Dredging is a far more nuanced process than simply dragging a large bucket across the bottom of a river or body of water. Because no two projects are the same, there are a wide variety of dredgers that have unique features that allow them to be used in unique situations.

The dredging industry is constantly innovating technological solutions, while also creating new machines that make projects easier and kinder to the environment. Below is a list of the most common types of dredgers and how they are unique from one another.

1. Suction Dredger
2. Cutter Suction Dredgers
3. Excavator Dredgers
4. Bucket Ladder Dredgers
5. Clamshell Dredgers
6. Remote Dredging (Autonomous Dredgers)
7. Sand Dredger

1- Suction Dredger

When a project is dealing with vast quantities of loose materials, like soil, silt, and fine gravel, a suction dredger is ideal.

This dredger uses a hydraulic system to draw materials up through an attachment. This dredger almost works like a giant household vacuum cleaner. Similarly, the jet suction dredger uses high-pressure jets of water to loosen materials and force them into the suction tube.

Suction dredgers are used in many applications and industries including gold mining.

2- Cutter Suction Dredgers

One of the most enduring dredger designs, the cutter suction dredger, uses a rotating cutter at the end of the suction line.

The device is shaped like a basket and has blades that rotate within it. When the blades contact the material, the blade brings the material up into a tube and is pumped into a housing. These dredgers can be fitted with a myriad of blades and scoops to move any number of materials.

3- Excavator Dredgers

For projects that require lots of materials to be moved quickly, an excavator dredger is ideal. This dredger uses a bucket with a series of teeth or scrapers on one edge.

The bucket is attached to an arm, and work together to scoop into materials out of the water and dump them onto the surface. The nature of this system means that these dredgers can cut through any range of materials, including unbroken and heavy rocks.

4- Bucket Ladder Dredgers

Essentially a giant conveyor belt, a bucket ladder dredger operates by using a chain and bucket system. Buckets are lowered to the bottom of a chain system and scoop up materials off the bottom of the river or water source.

The bucket is then hauled up the ladder by the chain, where it flips over and dumps onto a conveyor. The materials are then moved along the belt and deposited into a holding tank.

5- Clamshell Dredgers

These dredgers use a bivalve grabbing system that is held up by a crane and is operated through the use of cables or hydraulic cylinders. This dredger essentially looks like a giant mouth hanging from the end of a long tether.

It basically takes bites out of the bottom of the water source and carries the material up and out of the water. The jaws of the dredger can be opened to dump the materials onto a platform or holding tank. Clamshell dredgers can be specially designed with environmentally friendly projects in mind.

Some clamshell dredges are fitted with edges that minimize the amount of turbidity they produce in the water when closing. This means that the closing of the jaws does not disturb the water or any of the sediments near the jaws.

6- Remote Dredging (Autonomous Dredgers)

Remote dredgers (or autonomous dredgers) are a relatively new addition to the dredging industry. These dredgers are unmanned and controlled by a computer. They are perfect for environmentally-sensitive or dangerous projects.

They can be fitted with a variety of attachments, including cameras, sonars, and sensors that allow the machine to interact safely with its surroundings. Autonomous dredgers are used extensively in the construction of marine infrastructure such as port facilities.

Autonomous dredgers use sensors and cameras to map the area around them and identify materials that need to be removed. These dredgers then proceed to extract the material and deposit it in a designated area. Autonomous dredgers are becoming increasingly popular as they can work for longer hours and do not require breaks.

7- Sand Dredger 

A sand dredge is a specialized type of suction dredger that is designed to remove sand and other small particles from the bottom of a river or water source.

Sand dredgers are used extensively in the construction industry to prepare sites for new buildings or to restore beaches. These dredgers use a variety of methods to scoop up material, including buckets, blades, and special nets.

The most common type of sand dredger is the bucket dredger. Bucket dredgers use a series of buckets attached to a conveyor belt to scoop up material from the bottom of the river. The material is then deposited into a holding tank or onto a conveyor belt that moves it to its final destination.

Finding The Right Dredger For Your Project

With so many dredges available for your project, it can be confusing selecting the right one for your project. Fortunately, we take the hassle out of that for you. We offer a complete line of dredge rentals and other equipment for any size job. Our equipment is designed with mobility, reliability, durability, and safety in mind.

In addition, we offer our immaculate dredging equipment for rent to those who wish to DIY their dredging project, from a backyard pond dredging to sand dredging. We offer support and guidance every step of the way.

Whatever your project, whatever the scale, U.S. Aqua Services can help. Call us now!

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5 Technological Advancements We're Excited to See More of in 2023 - Here are the top five technological advancements that will make waves in the dredging and construction industry in 2023.

About U.S. Aqua Services

U.S. Aqua Services was created to support the dredging process in advancing commerce and responding to its many challenges. To accomplish this, our dredging company assembled an exceptional group of experienced individuals and a diverse inventory of dredge equipment.

We offer dredging equipment rental services so you can have access to the latest and greatest in dredging technology without having to pay to maintain it, transport, and store it, along with dewatering services.

With an emphasis on mobility, dependability, durability, diversity, efficiency, and safety, our dredging rental company can ensure that our different types of dredging systems are easy to move through any terrain and can work in the most rugged and remote environments. Our multi-function hydraulic systems are built with jetting and mechanical options that can efficiently move loose sediment or stiff layers of clay.

US Aqua services also and maintains a ready fleet of amphibious equipment capable of completing dredging projects in some of the harshest and most remote environments. U.S Aqua is also the dealer for Louisiana of the amphibious vehicle Fat Truck. No matter the size or scope of the job or the remoteness of your work location, you can rely on Fat Truck’s industrial off-road utility vehicles to get the job done right.