Setting up your Dredge and testing it

All right, so after you have read and re-read the manual, the first thing you need to do is put the dredge together. This can be done in a big open space such as your back yard etc. once you have put the dredge together you will need to look over the completed project and the steps that went into the set up according to your own requirements for transporting it. In other words, you might be able to separate the dredge into some parts as sub assemblies that will only require of a certain amount of fasteners instead of having to set it all up there in the field, which will only be a waste of time. Obviously this is something each individual will need to think about and see what is the most convenient option. Obviously the ideal would be to have to set up as few parts as possible once on the field.

After you have thought about how many parts you are going to want to break the dredge down into, the next step will be in testing the dredge so you are able to find out if everything is working as it should.

The ideal thing is for this starting off launch and test to be done in still water that is deep enough to clear the intake hose by twelve inches or more if possible. The best thing is to have or find a person that can lend you a swimming pool for this testing. If there is none available the second best option is to go to a pond or slow moving portion of a stream that is close by your area.

Make sure that the pond you decide to go to (if this is your only option) is not too deep. The ideal depth is around waist deepness because this way it is easier to work and move around while you are still becoming familiar with how everything functions.

If you do not have anywhere else to do the testing but in a moving stream, just make sure you learn about anchoring before doing this; we will get into this aspect later on.

After the dredge has been placed in position correctly you will need to start up the engine. However we do need to explain what is going to occur before you carry this out. It is important to wait until the launch time to start up the engine because the centrifugal pump should never by any means run without having a consistent supply of water. The centrifugal pump can run for a few seconds without water but this is only for a few seconds so its best not to do it this way. It is necessary it has the water so it can be lubricated and cool the impellers. Some cannot run for more than sixty seconds without water because they simply heat up too quickly and this can cause permanent damage to your brand new dredge.

There are not self-priming centrifugal pumps, even when the intake is within a few inches of the water. You can prime the pump by the simple task of allowing the water to go in through the high pressure hose. However this then means you will need to disconnect the high pressure hose in at least one place you will then need to reconnect it. Obviously what you want to do is start without having to pull the dredge apart several times.