Freshwater Dredging Purchases Mud Cat MFD for Small Lake Restoration in Northeast
By Judith Powers
Freshwater Dredging and Wetlands Restoration of Andover New Jersey is using its new Mud Cat MFD (multi-function dredge) to restore depth in Echo Lake in the Catskills region of New York. Following this contract it will use the dredge on other lake maintenance projects in the Northeast U.S.
In June Ellicott Dredges delivered the Mud Cat from its New Richmond Wisconsin manufacturing facility launching it in the lake. A field service technician from the New Richmond facility was on hand for the launch startup and training.
John Wunderlich principal operator for Freshwater Dredging stated that the Mud Cat will be effective in the combination of rocky soils and branches common to the rugged Northeast wilderness. He chose to purchase a Mud Cat MFD because of its ability to work as a hydraulic dredge with the MC-Cutter Pump and as a mechanical dredge with the MC-Backhoe Bucket MC-Clamshell and MC-Bucket Thumb for picking up boulders and logs.
Using the cutter pump attachment Freshwater is removing 40000 cubic yards of material to restore the Echo Lake’s eight-foot depth placing it in a nearby confined disposal facility (CDF). A contractor will re-sell the material to a topsoil supplier. In an upcoming job the company will relocate about 20000 cubic yards of material to restore a shoreline including creating wetlands and other wildlife habitat.
“The MFD’s durability and performance has exceeded our expectations. The versatile design allows us to remove stumps rocks and sediment from our lake. It was important for us to select a dredge made in the USA by an American manufacturer with a great reputation like Mud Cat” Wunderlich said.
Freshwater’s other equipment includes an amphibious excavator bulldozers and other excavation equipment.
Specifications: Mud Cat Multi-Function Dredge (MFD)
Max. digging depth: 20’ 3”
Total power: 205 kW (275 hp)
Propulsion: self-propelled
Self-launching: yes no crane required
Amphibious: yes
Attachments: cutter pump trash/vegetation rake clamshell bucket excavator bucket piling bucket brush mower
Compliance: Certified Pump Curve; FOPS Cab Jones Act compliant for use in U.S. navigable waterways; SGS inspection available upon request; ABS River Rules compliant model available (special build).
