The suction dredge is the best method for the small miner to recover gold from underwater deposits. 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. Keene Engineering is the world's largest manufacturer of portable mining equipment and has long been the industry standard for suction dredges.
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 found on our Suction Dredging Regulations page.
2" Pontoon Gold Dredge (Pictured with vinyl floats)
Keene 2" Gold Suction Dredge These Super High Powered dredges are equipped with a new lightweight heavy-duty 2.1hp Honda 4 cycle engine. The new Honda engine doubles the power of the previous models and is much quieter and smoother. The custom Keene pump designed for this motor delivers the highest water output possible. The sluice box with flare and rubber damper has been engineered for fine gold recovery and easy clean up. Featuring an aluminum frame with heavy-duty collapsible vinyl pontoons for extra stability or optional marlex floats. The model 2004PJF comes equipped with a power jet. The power jet is ideal for most conditions and provides the most suction power. This unit has a total weight of only 66 lbs. Part#KE2004PJF (Honda 2.5HP Power Jet Model)
For a limited time our price includes free ground shipping via method of our choice to most locations in the United States. In most cases this will be to locations served by FedEx Ground or locations with major trucking hubs. Email shipping@akmining.com if you have questions.
Part#KE2004PJF $1349.00 SALE $1329 FREE SHIPPING if ordered on website - LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND
Keene 2.5" Gold Suction Dredge This 2.5" dredge is equipped with all the latest innovations in dredge design similar to the larger dredges.This is an extremely versatile dredge that can be used as a standard floating dredge with an optional air compressor for deeper dredging, or bank mounted for shallow water applications. Note that floats shown in yellow in picture are now granite gray.
Features for the 2.5" Dredges
The flotation is extremely light and compact and can be assembled or dismantled in a matter of a minutes. The floats have built in storage indentures providing a place for your tools, mask, rock pick etc. The floats have stringers, or "runner bottoms" for fast water and rock laden bottoms. Model 2503PJ weighs only 95 lbs.
The dredge is equipped with Keene's powerful P100 pump with oversized pressure hose making it a more powerful dredge than ever before. Experience greater suction power with either the power jet or suction nozzle.
The sluice box has rolled top edges, tapered sluice design, longer classifier screen and improved riffle design for superior recovery. Equipped with ribbed black rubber matting, for quick identification of values, under a longer classifier screen. This 2.5 inch sluice box surpasses all previous designs for both fine gold recovery and ease of use.
The Marlex Jet flare is built with a longer straight section and flare making it possible to use a shorter power jet to reduce weight. The jet flare design also improves fine gold recovery and increases suction power. The jet flare also makes the dredge easier to set up in shallow water conditions. The sluice box can also be set independently on a flat area next to the water.
The sluice box design is built to accommodate a power sluice hopper (see below).
Part Number
Engine Type
Compressor
Weight
Ship Wt.
AMDS Price
KE25025HPJ
2.1 hp Honda
None
80 lbs.
130 lbs.
$1675
KE2503HPJ
3.5 hp Honda
None
97 lbs.
145 lbs.
$1850
KE2503HCPJ
3.5 hp Honda
T80
119 lbs.
160 lbs.
$2249
NEW Keene Mini 3" Gold Suction Dredge
The 3" mini dredge is ideal for the prospector requiring a light portable dredge with capacity to move large amounts of material. This 3" dredge is built on a new lighter weight frame and float system that is smaller than the 4" dredge floatation system. It uses the same P103 motor and pump as the 2.5" dredge offering good suction power.
Part Number
Engine Type
Compressor
Weight
Ship Wt.
AMDS Price
KE3400PH
3.5 hp Honda
None
159 lbs.
340 lbs.
$2250
KE3405PH
3.5 hp Honda
T80
169 lbs.
365 lbs.
$2599
Keene Deluxe 3" Gold Suction Dredge
The 3" dredge is ideal for the prospector requiring a light portable dredge with capacity to move large amounts of material in swifter water. This 3" dredge is built on the same frame and float system as the larger 4" dredge and so has exceptional floatation in swift or rough water. It also uses the same P180 motor and pump as the 4" dredge and so is very powerful for a 3" dredge, offering excellent suction for dredging at depth. In shallow water the motor can be throttled back for extra fuel conservation and reduction of motor wear as opposed to dredges being run at full throttle.
Features for the 3" Dredges
Single stage sluice box for for simplicity and ease of cleanup.
The P180 pump has proven to be the highest performing pump on the market.
3" oversize floats with built in tool boxes and drink holders with bottom runners for rocky rivers and fast water.
Float frame with handle inserts, ideal for picking up and carrying dredge through fast water conditions.
The adjustable jet flare can be raised and positioned at frame level for transporting through rapids and shallow areas.
Part Number
Engine Type
Compressor
Weight
Ship Wt.
AMDS Price
KE3600PH
5.5 hp Honda
None
138 lbs.
213 lbs.
$2550
KE3605PH
5.5 hp Honda
T80
150 lbs.
228 lbs.
$2950
NEW Keene Mini 4" Gold Suction Dredge
The new 4" dredge is ideal for the prospector requiring a light portable dredge with capacity to move large amounts of material. This 4" dredge is built on a new lighter weight frame and float system that is smaller than the standard 4" dredge floatation system. It uses the same P180 motor and pump as the standard 4" dredge offering very good suction power. The mini 4" dredge uses a single stage sluice box to save weight and expense. The smaller floatation system will not be as well suited for very fast or rough water as the larger floatation system on the full-size 4" dredge below.
Part Number
Engine Type
Compressor
Weight
Ship Wt.
AMDS Price
KE4400PH
5.5 hp Honda
None
178 lbs.
350 lbs.
$2599
For a limited time our price includes free ground shipping via method of our choice to most locations in the United States. In most cases this will be to locations served by FedEx Ground or locations with major trucking hubs. Email shipping@akmining.com if you have questions.
Part#KE4400PH $2599.00 SALE $2549 FREE SHIPPING if ordered on website - LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND
KE4405PH
5.5 hp Honda
T80
189 lbs.
365 lbs.
$2999
For a limited time our price includes free ground shipping via method of our choice to most locations in the United States. In most cases this will be to locations served by FedEx Ground or locations with major trucking hubs. Email shipping@akmining.com if you have questions.
Part#KE4405PH $2999 SALE $2949 FREE SHIPPING if ordered on website - LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND
Keene Deluxe 4" Gold Suction Dredges
Keene's 4" dredge has all the features of the larger professional dredges. This is the most popular 4" dredge in the world! The 4" dredge is ideal for the prospector requiring a light portable dredge with capacity to move large amounts of material. Experience professional recovery features of larger dredges. Experience fine gold recovery, in a lighter and more compact dredge that will out-perform any double or triple sluice on the market! Extremely easy to operate, quick and easy clean up.
Keene 4" Gold Suction Dredge with 3-Stage Sluice and Full Size Floatation System
Features of the 4" Dredges
3 stage sluice box for unsurpassed fine gold recovery. The best in the business !!!
The P180 pump has proven to be the highest performing pump on the market.
4" floats with built in tool boxes and drink holders with bottom runners for rocky rivers and fast water.
Float frame with handle inserts, ideal for picking up and carrying dredge through fast water conditions.
The adjustable jet flare can be raised and positioned at frame level for transporting through rapids and shallow areas.
Part Number
Engine Type
Compressor
Weight
Ship Wt.
AMDS Price
KE4500PH
5.5 hp Honda
None
228 lbs.
350 lbs.
$3050
For a limited time our price includes free ground shipping via method of our choice to most locations in the United States. In most cases this will be to locations served by FedEx Ground or locations with major trucking hubs. Email shipping@akmining.com if you have questions.
Part#KE4500PH $3050 SALE $2999 FREE SHIPPING if ordered on website - LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND
KE4505PH
5.5 hp Honda
T80
239 lbs.
365 lbs.
$3450
For a limited time our price includes free ground shipping via method of our choice to most locations in the United States. In most cases this will be to locations served by FedEx Ground or locations with major trucking hubs. Email shipping@akmining.com if you have questions.
Part#KE4505PH $3450 SALE $3399 FREE SHIPPING if ordered on website - LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND
Keene 5" Suction Dredges - Keene's 5" suction dredges are built on the same frame and float assembly as the 6" dredges, use the same motors and pumps, and even the same sluice box. basically you are getting a 6" dredge necked down to a 5" via a smaller flare, jet, and hose assembly. Since the weight, fuel consumption, and price differences are minimal we highly recommend you purchase a 6" instead of a 5" dredge. There are no permits required for 6" dredges in Alaska that are not the same as those required for a 6" dredge so there is no permit advantage. Basically, if you are going to spend the money, haul the weight, and burn the gas, you might as well be moving more yards with a 6" dredge instead of limiting your volume with a 5" dredge. But if you need one, we do stock a couple.
Part Number
Engine Type
Compressor
Weight
Ship Wt.
AMDS Price
KE5109HP
8 hp Honda
T80
325 lbs.
400 lbs.
$4550
KE5211HP
2 each 5.5 hp Honda
T80
317 lbs.
420 lbs.
$5199
Keene "Mini" 6 Inch Dredges with New Floats, 3 Stage Sluice, & Non-clogging jet system This 6 inch line of dredges is our personal favorite, for the serious gold prospector, or even the professional, requiring portability and performance. Increased suction power will pull rocks from over a foot away and moves a tremendous amount of material. Equipped with the new 3 Stage sluice box that will astonish you with the amount of fine values that you will recover. Quickly determine at a glance if your gravels contain values on the new black rubber matting located at the front of the sluice. Choose a variety of twin engine assemblies for portability or a single 16 hp Briggs and Stratton Vanguard Engine for rugged performance. Dredges are also equipped with a T80 air compressor or a high output 263 air compressor for more depth and greater air supply.
Features of the 6" Mini Dredges
3 Stage Sluice Box is the ultimate in fine gold recovery, convenience and easy clean up.
New non-clogging jet system with quick-release hose coupler.
Floats with step nose cut and runner bottoms for sliding through fast rocky rivers. The new float will support an additional 150 lbs. of weight, making it safer in fast and deep water conditions.
Storage indentures provide a place for your tools, mask, rock pick etc. The storage indentures drain automatically!
Optional twin 9 hp Honda Engines are available in our 6 inch dredges with 263 air compressor. This is the ideal dredge for the prospector requiring maximum power, fuel economy and portability.
The floats are available in granite colors.
Part Number
Engine Type
Compressor
Weight
AMDS Price
6211M
2 each 5.5 hp Honda
T80
380 lbs.
$5499
For a limited time our price includes free ground shipping via method of our choice to most locations in the United States. In most cases this will be to locations served by FedEx Ground or locations with major trucking hubs. Email shipping@akmining.com if you have questions.
Part#KE6211M $5499 SALE $5399 FREE SHIPPING if ordered on website - LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND
