2 inch keene gold dredge

[camping bum]

found this on CL in Orlando and first through was highdesertranger 

i know your a gold prospector and maybe you could share a little of your wisdom with us

1st what the heck is this? 
good / bad ?
are there limits where you can use this?

any tips you care to share for the day dreamers

never done any prospecting but it's high on my bucket list

 

[camping bum]

does looking like a good deal just living in Fl don't believe we have gold
and didn't know if it's allowed in most areas to use

 

[highdesertranger]

well first off I had to remove the link from your post, as you have not met the minimum requirements to post links.

that is a backpack dredge meant to pack in to remote locations. it sucks up gravel from the bottom of creeks and runs it through the sluice box. it is a pretty old unit as Keene has not used the yellow pontoons, or the Tanaka engine for at least 20 years probably more. if I had to guess I would say circa 1985. if it were close to me I would go have a look but would try to get the price down seeing how it's so old.

one thing to note about this type of water pump never run it without water going through the pump, in fact they need to be primed first. it's very common for inexperienced operators to run these dry. this cooks the seals and the pump must be rebuilt.

yes there are restriction on where you can use a dredge. it varies by state. also a 2 inch is like a toy unless you need to pack it a long distance. I have packed my 4 inch short distances but it takes many trips. a 2 inch would be for sampling to decide if you want to bring in larger equipment. the new model that Guy posted with a Honda engine is far superior but is much more expensive. like I said I would try to get the price down.

here's the link that I deleted,

https://orlando.craigslist.org/rvs/d/2-inch-keene-gold-dredge/6709487093.html

highdesertranger

 

[bigskybob]

Wow.I would think a machine like this would be very illegal.Feel sorry for the poor folks downstream.

 

[travelaround]

We used to have a 2" dredge and I agree, it is like a toy. We got some flakes and a lot of black sand but nothing to write home about. Sold it for a lot less than 500.... can't remember exactly what.

 

[RoamerRV428]

I am an avid metal detectorist and treasure type hunter and gold has a huge draw for me definitely great to find some interesting info on equip. I might be looking at down the road.