Look on E-bay and craigslist

Keep in mind if you buy a 2-1/2" or smaller you will soon want to upgrade to a larger dredge.

A small backpack dredge would be nice for remote spots

Ok thanks I will definitely look in to it.

Have to agree with Jim.  Dredging more is usually better.  But, if you live in an area with limited or restricted stream or creak flows, you may not be able to use a dredge larger that 2.5" -3".   Most that use dredges larger than 3" are submersed under water diving or semi diving.   We live in the desert and have ability to use a 4" or our 2.5".  In the 4" case, under water submersed in a moderate sized river in a deep hole.  With the 2.5" waste deep or less in a seasonal creek bed.  I can handle the 2.5 by myself no issues, the larger not so easy, not really safe, under water alone so don't do it alone.

Evaluate, budget, go for it.  Have fun and be safe.  

David,

Unless you have plans to use the dredge this winter, try to hold out to the next LDMA/GPAA Outing. You will get a chance to see a lot different equipment in use and a ask a lot of questions during the actual operation of the dredges.

Gold Hog, Keene, Martin, Proline, all good manufacturers who stand behind their products.

Ok thanks everyone. Right now I am not sure what the area looks like so that is why I asked about a smaller dredge. But once I know for sure I will look into getting a bigger unit if it is feasible. as to underwater dredging I am not sure if I would be up to that at all.

I have a Keene 2.5 suction dredge/hibanker combo. I have only used the hibanker set up so far. The little honda pump/engine combo is nearly bullet proof. Unless I plan to go into dredging as a part time job, I do not intend to go any larger.

This unit will drain a small stream hole of water in about 1 hour. A larger unit would be useless in the small and intermittent streams that we frequent in the southeast.

Golden Days!

Hello Guys,

I have a highbanker combo 2" that I have started using more as a dredge, I also have a 2 1/2" Keene dredge and a 4" dredge that I run when my daughter lets me. I agree it depends on the area you are working as to what you should use, if you aren't dure what to get I would start with the highbanker combo which will give you 2 pieces at the same time where if you don't want to shovel then you can dredge. Always consider all your options when you start buying equipment, you don't really want to get 1 piece that only does 1 thing when you can get a combo that will give you more options at the same time. I hope this helps when looking for a piece of equipment...

Thanks for all the great info everyone. Next question is where would be a good place to get a hibanker/ dredge combo?

Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega, GA
Martin Prospecting in Inman, SC
Gold Hog in Georgia
Pro-line....

Crisson and Martin have show rooms, probably the largest available in the Southeast.

Talk to folks who have bought from various vendors and get some feedback.

My feedback for Crisson and Martin is outstanding.

I have not bought Gold Hog equipment, but, Doc is a good guy who stands behind his equipment.

Golden Days!

ok thanks brad I will look into them. I have found a decent combo on gold fever prospecting but it doesn't have any reviews.

 

I have been doing a lot of online research and conducting limited experiments with hi banker set ups in my backyard (on a non gold bearing creek).  The more I see of the Gold Hog Raptor Flare system, the more I see the need for it. 

 

 

The way Doc went through tuning your sluice in Gold Prospectors Magazine (well worth the read) really put the final nail in the coffin. I believe what is missing from my set up is the flare to slow and even out the loads. 

 

 

 

I will be saving up for a 12" Gold Hog flare to add to my Keene 2.5 combo.

You can make a flare out of an orange traffic cone. Working underwater is the way to dredge. If not you will have no clue what you are sucking up and be plagued with plug ups.

I started out with a 2 1/2 inch dredge in Tuolumne county California in the early 80's loved it but found the need for a larger unit at the time was a 5 " wow what a difference, the material moved is awesome then went on to a 8" Keene which is still in storage along with a 4" keene, 2 underwater 4 "ers and a 6" underwater which is my favorite to move material but that is serious work and deep water. Today I have much equipment in storage waiting and hoping to get back to it, maybe other states will fight for our right's but not holding my breath as I am getting too old and short of breath I worked Woods Creek the South fork of the Stanaslaus and the Jacksonville area of the Tuolumne river before it went under after the drought in the 70's and early 80s