We ran a 12-inch cutterhead dredge for a month on the Columbia, then swapped to a 10-inch with a different pump curve.

The smaller setup moved 15% more material with less fuel because the pump was matched to the head pressure. I was sure bigger was always better, but the numbers don't lie. Has anyone else seen a big jump from a smaller, better-tuned system?

2 comments

2 Comments

william_barnes6d ago

Makes me think of the time I bought the biggest hammer I could find, only to realize my normal one works better for most jobs. Ever have a tool that was just too much for the task?

garcia.nathan6d ago

That "biggest hammer" thing reminds me of my 12-inch adjustable wrench. It's great for big plumbing nuts, but the weight makes it awkward for most house stuff. I keep a 6-inch one in my pocket now and only grab the monster when nothing else fits.