Old timer told me my dredge pump was running dry and I didn't listen

I was working a job on Lake Michigan near Racine about 3 years ago. An older guy named Jerry walked up and said my pump was cavitating because the suction was too shallow. I ignored him since I had 5 years experience and thought I knew better. After 2 hours of digging a deeper hole with no progress, I finally backed off and let the water flow in like he said. The production rate jumped from 80 yards an hour to 120 almost immediately. Has anyone else had a veteran operator give advice you brushed off then later realized was dead on?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_dylan21d ago

Man, that Jerry was spot on. Same thing happened to me on a sand and gravel job out in Ohio, old timer told me my suction was pulling air and I told him to kick rocks. Took me losing half a shift before I tried it his way and the pump started running smooth and fast.

jana_hill2721d ago

Right? Always gotta learn the hard way I guess. Pride before the pump goes dry, huh?