Gold Dredges

We Understand the Importance Of Performance, reliability and cost

Many years of research and development, along with decades of invaluable dredging experience, have gone into the dredges we build today. At Proline we understand the importance of performance, as well as reliability, serviceability, weight, appearance, and cost. It was with all of those criteria in mind that we developed our line of dredges, most of which have seen many recent improvements. All of our dredges are "flare" dredges. The flare dredges are easily distinguished from the dredges that use a hopper, or "header box", in that they incorporate a large expansion chamber or "flare" which is located between the dredge's power jet and the sluice box. There are several advantages that come from this design. The flare's rapid expansion causes all dredged material to slow down and begin to spread out before reaching the sluice box for improved particle distribution. In addition, the configuration of the flare dredge allows the sluice box to sit much closer to the water, improving power and efficiency. The result of this design is greater dredge vacuum, less horse power required for operation, fewer rock jams, and improved fine gold recovery. We've always used the finest cross-link polyethylene plastic in our floatation. It has proven to be one of the toughest materials available, as it is very UV resistant and maintains its pliability much longer than some other types of plastic currently being used. All Proline pontoons have stainless steel threaded inserts cast into them which makes for easy assembly and maximum strength.

The recovery systems in our dredges are always under constant development. Although the changes are not always apparent, their results have been rewarding. Critical attention has been directed at riffle profile, riffle timing, and classifier design. Many hours of classifier testing eventually led to the design now found in all Proline flare dredges. Our highly acclaimed "wave" classifier is unique in that it creates a pulsing or "jigging" action similar to that which is found in many large mining operations. This allows the heavier values to settle out much sooner, while at the same time working the lighter material out of the sluice box, constantly enriching the concentrate. Our system not only provides impressive, consistent fine gold recovery, but is much lighter and easier to work with than the cumbersome "triple-sluice" and "multi-stage" designs offered by others. All of our dredges are equipped with "Nomad" matting for the entire length of the sluice box.

One major problem associated with all gold dredges over the years has been the far too frequent rock jams in the dredge hose, particularly at the power jet. On conventional dredge designs, the steel power jet slips inside the hose, creating a restriction and many plugs in the process. All 3" and larger Proline dredges utilize our exclusive "sure-flow" hose coupler system to essentially eliminate all surface rock jams. This system, when coupled to our unique oversized jet-flare assembly not only prevents a lot of downtime clearing the dredge hose, but will generally outlast conventional steel power jets by 400% or more. We pioneered the original non-clogging jet many years ago, and although it's been imitated many times, it's still the most efficient, simplest design on the market today. Buying a gold dredge isn't something most people do every day, so it pays to do some research before making a purchase. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We'll be more than happy to discuss your options, and point out the advantages that come from choosing a Proline dredge.


2" Gold Dredge

2" Dredge

The Proline 2" dredge has seen many improvements, resulting in a smaller and more portable unit, with increased power and features normally found only on larger dredges. It is powered by our Honda GXH50/HP100 pump package, which produces well over 100 gallons per minute, with twice the pressure of our previous pumps. The Honda engine is very quiet, offering nearly twice the fuel economy of the 2-cycle engines, and it eliminates the need to mix gas and oil. Our HP100 pump is manufactured with the same quality and features found on our larger pumps, such as the "flusher port," which supplies water pressure to run a flusher nozzle for cleaning crevices. The Proline was the first 2" dredge with this feature. Due to recent changes in the pump and jetting system...

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2.5" Gold Dredge

2.5" Dredge

This machine was a trend setter when it first came on the market and it continues to be one of our best sellers many years later. When other 2.5" dredges were floating on inner-tubes, required a suction nozzle for producing dredge vacuum, and had limited depth capabilities, the Proline 2.5" dredge sat on sturdy pontoons and used a power jet for dredge vacuum. It was also capable of driving an air compressor to support more active underwater mining. It was originally powered by our HP175 pump, but this pump has been replaced by our newer HP200, which is more powerful and easier to prime...

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3" Gold Dredge

3" Dredge

When we originally designed the Proline 3" dredge, we set out to build a machine that we felt addressed most of the problems associated with this dredge size.

Before its arrival most 3" dredges were essentially the same size as their 4"counterparts because they used the same pontoons, frame, pump, etc. This dredge was designed to be smaller and lighter than our 4" dredge, without sacrificing strength or stability. It sits on its own frame with pontoons that were matched to its size and weight. Another unique feature of this dredge is the pump. To this day, the HP300 is the only pump on the market designed specifically for 3" dredges...

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4" Gold Dredge

4" Dredge

The light weight, portability and affordability of our 4" dredge makes it appealing to both the weekend prospector and the serious dredger alike. Small enough to slide into a pickup, light enough to be packed into remote areas, the 4" makes an excellent one man dredge. This model is equipped with pontoons that have increased stability over previous models, while remaining compact and lightweight. The frame remains essentially the same as previous models. It's a sturdy bolt together design which allows the dredge to be disassembled into smaller components for ease of transport. Assembly requires only a few hand tools...

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5" Gold Dredge

5" Dredge

Our 5" size always has 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 are. This is why the 5" dredge size is normally the smallest dredge chosen by the serious prospectors and professional dredgers.

Our standard twin engine model is aimed toward the more serious dredger and offers the most suction power of any 5" dredge in its class. Powered by two Honda GX160 engines, and our....

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6" Dredge

6" Dredge

Our 6" dredge is one of our personal favorites. It is relatively lightweight and can be transported and assembled with little more effort than that required  for a 5" dredge, yet, it 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 and 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...

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Commercial 6" Dredge

Commercial 6" Dredge

The Proline Commercial 6" Dredge has all of the hardcore features and construction our customers need, while remaining portable and easy to use. The flotation consists of six cross-link polyethylene pontoons, cast extra thick and incorporating large threaded steel inserts for easy mounting. Our new modular frame design utilizes CNC machined steel tubing and laser cut components to allow for fast, trouble-free assembly. This dredge is equipped standard with two Honda GX270 engines and our famous HP500 water pumps, and provides excellent vacuum to moderate depths. We also offer a Deep Water model, with a variety of larger engine/pump packages, an inline booster jet, an outboard hose support, and two heavy duty PCA10 air compressors for extreme mining/sampling applications....

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8" Dredge

Commercial 8" Dredge

Years in the making, the Proline 8" Dredge has set a new standard for portability and performance. Computer analysis and rigorous field testing, backed by over forty years of experience, has resulted in one of the most efficient and user friendly designs that has ever been offered. The unique CNC machined, tig welded modular frame incorporates extensive use of laser cut components to ensure a high degree of accuracy. We include sturdy aluminum walking decks, which have been convered with a special non-slip coating. Designed for simplified shipping and transport into remote locations, assembly and adjustments can be made with just a few basic hand tools. Our winching system allows for easy sluice box slope adjustments while the dredge is in use, and we've greatly simplified the fore/aft movement of the sluice box. It rolls on four heavy duty plastic wheels, making it quick and easy to achieve proper dredge balance in the field....

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