Ellicott Announces New Dragon Cutter Suction Dredge

Ellicott Dredges has announced a new 20-inch (500 mm) cutter suction dredge the Series 2070 Dragon® dredge.

The company said the new dredge has advanced technology and design techniques and the unit will eventually replace the Series 1870 Dragon as Ellicott’s standard and in-stock 20-inch dredge.

The new dredge is being produced now in Ellicott’s Baltimore facility so it can be ready for immediate shipment to contractors.

Paul Quinn vice president of sales for Ellicott said “With over 18 months in development this is the most thoroughly researched and developed design that Ellicott has ever had.”

Like the 1870 the 2070 Dragon supplies power to the pump using a dedicated engine rated at 1300 hp (970 kW) and has a separate 440 hp (328 kW) engine dedicated to the hydraulic system. This dual-engine system allows for full hydraulic power to the cutter and winches even when the project calls for reduced RPMs on the pump.

The new hull was designed to meet BV Rules for Sheltered Waters. Ellicott said the new design criteria allow for increased portability and easier construction in the field which was accomplished by reducing the number of side pontoons from four to two. In addition the dredge uses a new simplified bow gantry design.

Another major improvement is the hydraulic system which is now based on highly efficient variable displacement pumps. This approach allows for lower hp input and thus less fuel usage to get the same hydraulic power to the devices. The 2070 is also equipped with an electric over hydraulic control system using Parker IQAN controllers for increased reliability.

All engines are from Caterpillar and meet all current air quality standards. Options such as anchor booms or spud carriage or swivel elbow discharge can be easily added.

With its design to BV Sheltered Water rules 20-inch (500 mm) discharge 50 feet (15 m) digging depth and improved portability the Series 2070 Dragon is suitable for a variety of projects. These applications would include: harbor river and waterway dredging land reclamation projects sand mining and mining and tailing pond assignments.