| The suction dredge is the best method for the small miner to recover gold from underwater deposits. Gold dredging is a relatively inexpensive method of mining for small one or two man mining operations, and can provide reasonable returns for the hard-working miner. Proline Mining Equipment features gold dredge built by miners for miners. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires a free permit for all small suction dredges operating in the State of Alaska. All dredges with a nozzle opening of 6" or less are defined as "small dredges". Note that this is not the hose size that the manufacturers use to identify their dredge models, but the measured nozzle opening. The EPA allows the nozzle opening to be up to 2" smaller than the hose inside diameter. All dredges used in Alaska with a 6" or smaller nozzle opening require the EPA Small Dredge Permit. Dredges with nozzle openings of larger than 6" but less than 10" are defined as "medium" suction dredges by Region 10 EPA. Dredges with a larger than 6" nozzle opening are considered "commercial" dredges by the State of Alaska. See our Suction Dredging Regulations page for details.
NEW! - FREE shipping
on all Proline dredges and highbankers to any location in Alaska served by
regular trucking lines
AMDS Prospecting Forum
Proline 2" Gold Dredge - "Now lighter and more powerful!"
| The new Proline 2" dredge has redefined the role of the small dredge. Our latest developments have resulted in a smaller, and more portable dredge, with increased suction power and features normally found only on larger dredges. This dredge is now powered by our all new HP 100 pump, direct coupled to the new Honda
GXH50 2.1 horse power 4-cycle engine. This combination is incredibly powerful, capable of producing well over 100 gallons per minute and twice the pressure of our previous pump. The Honda is extremely quiet and smooth running, with nearly twice the fuel economy of the 2-cycle engines, and of course, it eliminates the need to calculate the gas and oil mixture ratios of 2-cycle engines. This engine is equipped with the ever popular low oil shutoff. Our HP 100 pump is manufactured with the same quality and features found on our larger pumps. One unique feature of this pump is that it has been equipped with a second discharge port on the side of the pump, sometimes called a "flusher port." This port supplies water pressure to run a flusher nozzle for serious dredging. | Because we take the small dredges just as seriously as the larger ones, we want the small dredge to be able to clean out the same cracks and crevices that would otherwise be passed over. The Proline is currently the only 2" dredge with this feature. The recovery system has been completely redesigned as well. Due to recent changes in the pump and jetting system on this dredge, the suction power has dramatically increased. More powerful suction means that the water and dredged materials pass through the dredge with greater velocity than before, therefore the wave classifier and riffle profile had to be adjusted as well. The increase in water velocity, believe it or not, actually improved gold recovery.This dredge uses Hungarian riffles, which are designed to develop a strong vortex or "eddy" when subjected to higher water speed. This dredge builds a stronger vortex behind the riffles to hold the values better, plus it doesn't have the tendency to load up on low grade material that other dredges have, leaving the riffles unshrouded to do their job more effectively. | We still use "Nomad" matting in this dredge, but now it is used for the full length of the sluice box. This combined with our unique one-piece classifier and riffle design has resulted in a greatly simplified sluice box and easier cleanups. As before, the pontoons are actually used as part of the frame, eliminating the need for a heavier conventional frame. A knockout rod is supplied for cleaning rock jams that occur at the power jet, and it actually stays on the dredge when not in use. It is always there when you need it. Through these recent improvements we were able to shed a few pounds, while actually making the dredge stronger. If you are planning on purchasing a small dredge, we suggest that you compare our features and quality with every other dredge on the market. We strongly feel that no other 2" dredge compares. Engine Honda 2.1 hp Pump HP 100 Sluice Box 10" x 36" Dredge Hose 2" x 10 ft. Flotation 2 each polyethylene floats 7" x 27" x 47" Weight 59 pounds AMDS Price $1695
AMDS Air Hub Price* $1745 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska |
Proline 2.5" Gold Dredge -
"The most popular 2.5" dredge in the country!"
|
Not long ago, all 2.5" dredges were floated on
innertubes. Most of them were available only with a suction nozzle
to provide the vacuum and none of the 2.5’s were capable of driving
an air compressor. This all changed with the
introduction of the Proline 2.5" flair dredge. This was one of the
first 2.5" dredges which was mounted on sturdy polyethylene
pontoons, rather than the puncture-prone innertubes. This was the
first dredge of its size which used a flair and it came standard
with a power jet, which was much more powerful and easier to operate
than the suction nozzles.
This dredge has been redesigned to create a
lighter and sleeker dredge without sacrificing strength. The dredge
frame has been eliminated for weight savings and has been replaced
by a front and rear assembly which mounts directly to the pontoons
in a similar fashion to our 2" dredge. |
The pontoons are all new and are capable of handling
swifter water if necessary. They are molded to be slightly thicker
and incorporate larger inserts than the previous pontoons for
increased strength. This dredge is powered
with the 2.1 horse power Honda GXH50 engine and our HP 100 pump. This is
the same engine and pump used on the Proline 2" equipment and
develops fairly good power on the 2.5" dredge. It is considerably
smaller and lighter, and requires less fuel to operate, which makes
it ideal for those looking for a little more than a 2" dredge. It is
a somewhat limited package in that it cannot run an air compressor.
In addition, it will not be able to process as much material or
operate at the same depths as the optional 2.8HP version (shown in
picture). |
The sluice box still has rolled edges like the larger dredges, and
is designed for maximum fine gold recovery as well as easy clean up.
Just like our 2", this machine is supplied with a knock out rod for
clearing rock jams. Detailed operating instructions are provided.
Engine Honda 2.1 hp Pump HP 100 Sluice Box 12"
x 40" Dredge Hose 2.5" x 10 ft. Flotation
2 each polyethylene floats
Weight 76 pounds AMDS Price
$2095 AMDS Air Hub Price*
$2195 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska |
Proline 3" Gold Dredge - "The small dredge with the BIG dredge features"
|
Most 3" dredges are very close in size to the 4" dredges, and most all are powered by the same engine/pump combination. Not all 3" dredges are created equal. When we designed the Proline
3" flair dredge, we built a machine that we feel addresses most of the
problems associated with the 3" size. Our 3" dredge is considerably smaller
in size than our 4". It floats on its own set of pontoons which are well
matched for the weight and size of this dredge. Like our larger dredges, the
frame bolts together and is made lighter for weight savings. The smaller
flotation and frame allow this dredge to be considerably narrower, shorter,
and lighter than the 4". This dredge is powered by a 4.8 horse power Honda
GX160 engine and our HP 300 pump, which is the only pump on the market made specifically for the 3" equipment. |
Our 3" is the smallest dredge we manufacture which utilizes our exclusive “sure flow” coupler. This tried and true system has essentially eliminated all surface rock jams. Conventional dredges develop their vacuum with a power jet made of steel tubing. This tube creates a restriction inside the hose and is responsible for most of the plug ups encountered when dredging. Proline 3" and larger dredges will not plug at the jet because the jet is internally larger than the hose. Another advantage of using the "sure flow" coupler is that it stays on the end of the hose and acts like a quick connector, making it easier to put the dredge hose on and off. The jet and flair are all one piece. It is made of thick polyethylene plastic and will usually outlast the heavier steel power jets by 400%. | The sluice box is constructed of aircraft quality aluminum and is fully welded for maximum strength. Like all of our other powered products, the 3" uses "Nomad" matting for the full length of the sluice box. This dredge has a very similar “wave classifier” and riffle design to our 4", but has been fine tuned for the water flow and smaller gravel handling capacity of the 3". The fine gold recovery of this unit is unmatched.
If you are considering purchasing a 3" dredge, we urge you to compare the features of our machine with any other dredge on the market. There is simply no other 3" dredge that will perform with it.
Engine Honda 4.8 hp Pump HP 300 Compressor
None Sluice Box 14" x 48" Dredge Hose 3" x 15 ft. Flotation 2 each polyethylene floats 11.5" x 41" x 65" Weight 155 pounds AMDS Price $2940
AMDS Air Hub Price* $3140 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska |
Proline 4" Gold Dredge - "Very popular unit"
| For decades the 4" dredge has been the overwhelming choice of dredgers. The light weight, portability, and affordability of the 4" has always made it appealing, both to the weekend prospector and the serious dredger alike. Small enough to be slid onto the back of a pickup, light enough to be packed into remote areas, the 4" dredge makes an excellent one man dredge. Ask most of the experienced dredgers, and you'll probably hear that it is the smallest dredge really capable of putting in a full day of serious dredging. The popularity of this dredge makes it a very competitive market for dredge builders, and we have worked very hard to ensure that the Proline 4" dredge stays ahead of the pack. Extensive testing over the last two years has resulted in a more refined and efficient machine. This dredge has been equipped with a new pontoon design which has increased stability and weight capacity, while remaining compact and lightweight. The dredge frame remains the same as the previous model. It's a sturdy, bolt-together design which allows the dredge to be disassembled into smaller components for ease of transport into remote locations. Assembling the dredge requires only a few hand tools. |
The dredge is equipped with
the Honda GX160 4.8 horse power engine and our hot new HP 350 pump. The new HP 400 is an extremely efficient pump with a high flow, "progressive bite" impeller. This
allows for sufficient power for most dredging applications. The 4" is
also available with the Honda GX200 5.5HP engine and HP 400 pump. We highly recommend this engine and pump combination for anyone who dredges to greater depths or at higher altitudes.
Of course, this model retains our famous "sure-flow coupler" which essentially eliminates all surface rock jams. This unique one-piece jet flair assembly not only eliminates countless hours of down time unplugging jams, but is approximately half the weight of our competitors designs, and the thick polyethylene plastic jet usually outlasts conventional steel powerjets by four to five times!
We've also kept the highly acclaimed "wave classifier"
which has proven to greatly enhance fine gold recovery, while
eliminating the problems associated with processing low grade black
sands. The "wave classifier" develops a pulsing or jigging action which
prevents the dredged materials from loading up in the front portion of
the sluice box.
By shedding the low grade particles, the fine gold can drop out of suspension earlier and accumulate under the classifier, where it is safe from the turbulence and disturbance caused by the larger rocks traveling through the sluice. The rear portion of the sluice box utilizes "Hungarian" riffles for maximum efficiency and the dredge is equipped with "Nomad" matting for the ultimate in fine gold recovery. |
Engine Honda 4.8 hp Pump HP 350 Sluice Box 16" x 48" Dredge Hose 4" x 15 ft. Flotation 4 each polyethylene floats 13" x 46" x 74" Weight 210 pounds AMDS Price $3565
AMDS Air Hub Price* $3815
Engine Honda 4.8 hp Pump HP 350 Compressor T80 Sluice Box 16" x 48" Dredge Hose 4" x 15 ft. Flotation 4 each polyethylene floats 13" x 46" x 74" Weight 220 pounds AMDS Price $3920
AMDS Air Hub Price* $4170 Engine Honda 5.5 hp Pump
HP 400 Compressor T80 Sluice Box 16" x 48" Dredge Hose 4" x 15 ft. Flotation 4 each polyethylene floats 13" x 46" x 74" Weight 228 pounds AMDS Price $4095
AMDS Air Hub Price* $4345 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska |
Proline 5" Gold Dredge "Power & Simplicity"
The 5" has always been popular with dredgers who were looking for the perfect balance of portability with higher productivity. Smaller dredges simply can't process as much gravel and the larger dredges require more effort to get into those more remote areas where the richer gold deposits usually are. This is why the 5" dredge size is normally the smallest dredge chosen by the serious prospectors and professional dredgers. Proline has a new single engine 5" dredge design. The single engine dredge is lighter and lower in cost than a twin engine model, and is directed more toward the enthusiast who may not have the need for the additional power and portability of a twin. The single is powered by an 8.5 horse power Honda
GX270 engine and our HP 500 pump. This engine/pump combination provides for excellent suction power and can offer better fuel consumption over a twin engine dredge that is being operated at full throttle. These dredges use a modular flotation and sturdy frame which bolts together for ease of transporting and storage when not in use. Naturally, these dredges use the same non-clogging jetting system found on our other machines. Of course, gold recovery is the prime factor in determining the worth of any dredge. Proline takes pride in building equipment that delivers consistent recovery of the finest gold. NO machine can possibly keep all of the gold, but our designs have proven that they are capable of recovering finer gold than many of our competitors. Our 5" dredges offer excellent recovery. If you are looking to purchase a high quality 5" dredge, you need not look any farther than the Proline 5" dredge. Engine 8.5hp Honda Pump HP 500 Compressor T80 Sluice Box 20" x 60" Dredge Hose 5" x 20 ft Flotation 4 each polyethylene floats 14" x 56” x 88"
Capacity Up to 16 cubic yards per hour Weight 300 pounds AMDS Price $5500
AMDS Air Hub Price* $5950 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska
Proline 6" Gold Dredge "Commercial Grade"
(GX270 model on left, GX200 model on right)
The 6" dredge is one of our personal favorites. It is relatively light in weight and can be transported and assembled with little more effort than that required for a 4" or 5" dredge, yet is capable of processing several times more material than those smaller dredges. The 6" dredge is ideally suited for use as an exploration and sampling unit for larger mining projects, but it is also capable of being the primary source of gold recovery in smaller operations. In our opinion, the 6" is the largest dredge that can be effectively operated by one man, however, a two man team would allow the dredge to be used to its fullest potential. The Proline 6" dredge was designed to be strong, powerful, and efficient. It looks very similar to our twin engine 5" dredge, only larger. The pontoons are larger to support the additional weight and performance of this dredge, with thicker plastic to ensure years of service. The framework of this dredge bolts together just like the 5", but has a slightly more robust design. The dredge is powered by two 8.5 horse power Honda
GX270 engines and our recently developed HP 500 pump for excellent suction power and minimum fuel consumption. This unit is capable of operating at considerable depths. It is available with either one or two higher pressure diving air compressors for deep diving, or it can be equipped with either one or two of the low pressure diving compressors used on the smaller dredges. This is also the only 6" dredge on the market which is supplied with 25 feet of dredge hose as a standard length. Longer hose can be supplied if needed. This unit is capable of being operated in rugged conditions, and can handle moderately swift water if anchored properly. The engines can be mounted on the dredge frame in several locations to compensate for varying dredging and water conditions. For instance, if the dredge is being initially set up in a stream bed with very little water running over the gravels, the dredge hose may be supported on the river bottom. After the dredge has been in operation for some time, the dredging hose will eventually be unsupported and the weight of the hose and the dredged material can make the machine front heavy. Moving the engines rearward can greatly help to maintain stability.
AMDS founder Steve Herschbach wanted a lighter weight
shallow water version of the dredge. In 2011 Proline produced a unit with
twin GX200 HP 400 pumps that worked very well and so it will be a stck
version for AMDS in the future. This dredge offers excellent gold recovery, just like our other products and cleanup is quick and easy for a minimum of down time. In the short time that this dredge has been on the market, it has already earned a solid reputation for performance and dependability. These machines are currently being operated in North America, South America, and in some of the Pacific Rim of Fire countries with great results. Engine Twin
GX200 5.5hp Honda Pump HP 400 Compressor T80 Sluice Box 22" x 72" Dredge Hose 6" x 20 ft Flotation 4 each polyethylene floats 16" x 62” x 100"
Capacity Up to 20 cubic yards per hour Weight
approximately 360 pounds AMDS Price $8199
AMDS Air Hub Price* $8699 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska
Engine Twin GX270 8.5hp Honda Pump HP 500 Compressor 263 Sluice Box 22" x 72" Dredge Hose 6" x 25 ft Flotation 4 each polyethylene floats 16" x 62” x 100"
Capacity Up to 20 cubic yards per hour Weight approximately 400 pounds AMDS Price $8995
AMDS Air Hub Price* $9495 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska
Proline Highbanker / 2" Gold Dredge
Combo
| Beginners
love the 2" machines because they are small, lightweight,
and very affordable. The Proline 2" combo offers
the versatility of being operated as either a small
gold dredge or a highbanker which can be fed continuously
with a small shovel. These units are mainly intended
for highbanking, as they lack floats and so are
more limited than a normal suction dredge in where
they may be set up and operated. For best suction
the power jet should be as close to the water as
possible to insure easy priming and maximum suction.
Our 2" combo is now powered by
the all new HP 100 pump. This pump is direct
coupled to the Honda GX50 2.1HP 4-cycle engine and
offers astounding performance in a package that
is lighter and quieter than our previous engine/pump
combination.
There are some obvious advantages
that come from using this new engine, such as the
famous Honda quality, low-oil shut-off, and the
ease of no longer having to worry about those gas
and oil mixtures. In addition, this engine is the
perfect size and operates at the proper R.P.M. to
develop peak water volume and pressure, both of
which are required to get full use out of this combo.
|
Visually,
the 2" remains the same as the previous model. The
refinements that were made were done to take advantage
of the new pump, as well as to make it easier to
operate. For example, the spray manifold which breaks
up the bank run material when highbanking, has been
refined to cope with the new found higher pump pressures
and the highbanker hose now clamps onto the manifold
in a more “relaxed” manner, eliminating many kinks
in the hose. The riffle
profile was altered as well, due to the increased
water flow. Gold recovery was actually improved
because the higher water speed gave the Hungarian
riffles a greater hold on the finer gold particles.
We have kept all of our other features such as our
use of “Nomad” matting, the removable grizzly, and
our sturdy stand with adjustable legs for uneven
terrain.
|
Some
new features include a longer pressure hose for
use when dredging to allow the unit to sit further
from the pump. Another feature is being able to
more effectively clean out the cracks and crevices
when dredging by taking advantage of our high pressure
outlet, located on the side of the pump. There simply
isn’t a more advanced 2" combo available anywhere!
Engine 2.1HP Honda Pump
HP 100 Sluice Box 10" x 36" Dredge Hose
2" x 10 ft. Highbanker Pressure Hose
1.25" x 25' Weight 57 pounds
AMDS Price $1775
AMDS Air Hub Price*
$1825 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska
|
Proline Highbanker / 2.5" Gold Dredge
Combo
| The
Proline 2.5" combo has become very well accepted
with many prospectors who feel that it is the
perfect size of dual-purpose machine. When this
unit is being operated as a dredge, it is
capable of processing in excess of five cubic
yards of material per hour. This is also the
smallest Proline combo that can handle a
continuous feed with a standard size shovel,
which makes it the perfect highbanker for one or
two people. This combo
falls halfway in size between the 2" and 3"
models and has incorporated some features from
both of them. For example, the stand and legs
are longer, but are made out of the same size
material as the 2" for weight savings. The
polyethylene plastic hopper has been reinforced
just like the 3" and the riffles have a
stiffening rod on them to ensure a longer life.
The sluice box on the 2.5" is made out of the
same thickness of aluminum as the 3" as well.
This makes for a very strong unit.
|
Powered by a Honda GX120 3.5HP engine and our HP
200 pump, this is by far the most powerful 2.5"
combo available anywhere. The HP 200 pump was
developed for high volume as well as high
working pressure necessary for successful
highbanking. This pump was also one of the first
of its size which was engineered to be capable
of driving an air compressor while still
maintaining ample suction power.
All of the Proline dredge-highbanker
combos are popular with prospectors who are
looking for maximum versatility in a proven
design. If the 2" combo isn't up to your needs,
and if the 3" combo is just a little too large,
then the Proline 2.5" combo would be the perfect
choice! |
Engine 3.5HP Honda Pump
HP 200 Sluice Box 12" x 42" Dredge Hose
2.5" x 10 ft. Highbanker Pressure Hose
1.25" x 40' Weight 95 pounds Note: Air compressor in picture
is an optional item.
AMDS Price $2395
AMDS Air Hub Price*
$2495 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska
|
Proline Highbanker / 3" Gold Dredge
Combo
| Of all
the dual-purpose machines available today, our 3"
is by far the most capable of putting in a full
day's work. Even though it isn't much larger than
the 2.5" combo, it can easily process twice as much
material when being operated as a dredge and can
handle continuous feeding by three men shoveling
as a highbanker. Our 3" combo is equipped with a
large aluminum reinforced polyethylene plastic hopper
for large capacity of bank run material. The two
triple row spray bars ensure that all of the gravel,
clays, roots, etc. are thoroughly washed and separated
before running through the recovery system.
The grizzly is designed to be
strong, yet surprisingly lightweight. Like all of
our other grizzlies, this piece is made to be removable.
This is done for two reasons. First, this allows
easy access to the classifier and black "V" ribbed
matting for inspection and/or clean up. Second,
if the combo is going to be operated solely as a
dredge, the grizzly can be left behind for weight
savings.
|
This
unit is powered by a Honda GX160 4.8HP engine
and our special HP 300 pump. This is not a dredge
pump, but a high pressure unit designed specifically
for pushing water higher and further, making it
ideal for highbanking. We supply 15 feet of dredging
hose standard. It is the longest length normally
found on machines of this type, however, we have
sold ours with hoses considerably longer. Our use
of a power jet provides maximum suction power with
less hose plugs, compared to combos that rely on
suction nozzles for vacuum. Of course this combo
can be equipped with an air compressor kit just
like the dredge if you wish to increase your dredging
productivity. |
It's
no surprise that the Proline 3" combo has seen such
wide popularity with prospecting clubs, exploration
companies, and miners who require a very versatile
machine in a small rugged package.
Engine 4.8HP Honda Pump
HP 300 Sluice Box 14" x 48" Dredge Hose
3" x 15 ft. Highbanker Pressure Hose
1.5" x 50' Weight 155 pounds
Note: Air compressor in picture
is an optional item.
AMDS Price $2725
AMDS Air Hub Price*
$2875 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska
|
Proline Big Banker Test Plant
The Proline Big Banker
is an oversized power sluice (highbanker) suitable for feeding
with the new breed of ultra mini-excavator available these days.
The hopper opening is 23" x 30" with a 20" wide x 72" long sluice.
Comes complete with GX270 8.5HP Honda powered HP500 pump with base plate
and hoses. Comes with axle and tires to aid in moving the unit
around. Shown next to Proline 2" highbanker in photo for scale.
AMDS Price $4495
AMDS Air Hub Price* $4895 *Price shipped by air to major hubs
in Alaska
|
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