Abstract: A power diversion system for a hydraulic dredge diverts any or all available prime mover power to slurry production. An electronic control module (ECM) on the dredge continuously communicates with the prime mover ECM to determine the current available power of the dredge prime mover whether it is an internal combustion engine, electric motor, or other power supply. If the prime mover power supply is not being loaded to capacity the dredge ECM increases the speed of the centrifugal slurry pump to increase production to the point that the least of either the speed that the operator dictates up to 100% of the prime mover power capacity. The system also works in reverse in that if the prime mover is being overloaded, the dredge ECM will automatically reduce pump speed to a predetermined acceptable level.

Abstract: A bidirectional dredge provides active dredging on both forward and reverse passes across an area being dredged. The dredge includes a pivot turning mechanism that allows a turnaround of the dredge, allowing each pass to start at the terminating point of the previous pass. The dredge is driven by a winch attached to an overhead cable strung between the perimeter of the dredging area. The winch is mounted on a pivot mechanism which is operative to rotate the dredge at each end of a dredging pass. The pivot mechanism includes a pair of plates which rotate, a lower plate being attached to the dredge, and an upper plate attached to the winch. At the end of each pass, the pivot unit is activated and the dredge rotated. Following rotation, the dredge is now facing forward toward the distal end of the dredging area, and ready to effect an active dredging pass in the opposite direction, thereby utilizing every pass over the area for active dredging.