Series 870JD Jet Dragon® Dredge
The Series 870 Jet Dragon® Dredge is a portable cutter suction dredge designed specifically for sand & gravel and mining projects which require deep excavation. Distinguished by its ability to dig down to 60 feet (18.2 meters), this model utilizes a jet pump suction assist system which offers deep reach capabilities typically found only in much larger, non-portable vessels. It features a dual-engine configuration that provides dedicated power to the pump and hydraulic systems separately, allowing the machine to maintain high production rates and powerful cutting force simultaneously. Despite its impressive size and deep-digging capacity, the vessel is constructed with a modular hull that allows it to be disassembled and transported by truck to inland locations.
This dredge is primarily selected for applications where material must be extracted from significant depths, such as commercial sand and gravel mining. Its extended reach makes it effective for recovering valuable deposits from deep underwater pits that standard portable dredges cannot access. The Series 870JD can also be employed for large-scale land reclamation projects where high volumes of sand are required.
Specifications
- Suction x Discharge Size: 14″ x 14″ (350 mm x 350 mm)
- Standard Main Engine: Caterpillar C-18, 715HP (431 kW)
- Auxiliary Engine: Caterpillar C-13, 385 HP (289 kW)
- Power @ Cutter Drive: 100 HP (75 kW)
- Maximum dredging depth: 60’ (18.2 m)
Universal Standard Features
Modular Mobility
Every standard Ellicott dredge is engineered for transportability. Whether it is a single-truck unit or a modular heavy-duty vessel.
In-House Manufacturing
Ellicott designs and builds its own major components, including dredge pumps, and cutter head assemblies.
One-Man Operation
Dragon® dredges feature a centralized control room where a single operator can manage the entire dredging cycle.
Marine-Grade Construction
Our dredges are built using heavy-duty structural steel, marine-rated electrical systems, and corrosion-resistant coatings.
Global Support Legacy
With dredges operating in over 100 countries, Ellicott offers field service support for machines that have been in operation for decades.
Key Features
- Extended Digging Depth: Capable of excavating down to 60 feet (18 meters), utilizing a suction assist jet pump the 870JD offers deep-water capabilities typically found only in much larger, non-portable vessels.
- Dual-Engine Powertrain: Features separate engines for the dredge pump and the hydraulic system, ensuring dedicated power is always available to the pump for maximum throughput.
- Sustained Production Rates: The independent power configuration allows the pump to maintain optimal speed and pressure even when the cutterhead is under heavy load in compacted soil.
- Deep-Deposit Recovery: Specifically engineered for mining applications to access and recover valuable sand and aggregate reserves located in deep underwater pits.
- High-Solids Handling: The hydraulic system and pump design are optimized to handle high-density slurries, increasing the volume of solid material moved per hour compared to single-engine peers.
Typical Applications & Users
- Deep Deposit Extraction: Mining sand and aggregate from pits up to 60 feet (18.2 m) deep.
- Reservoir Maintenance: Removing sediment from hydroelectric dams and water supply lakes.
- Deep Channel Dredging: Excavating deep navigation routes and river crossings.
- Primary Users: Mining companies and contractors managing deep-water assets.
Optional Dredge Equipment & Accessories
- Flow Meter
- GPS DREDGEPACK® Software System (a Xylem-Hypack product)
- Zinc anode welded to hull
- Rubber Discharge Hose
- Aft Jib Crane
- Pump Handling Crane
Ready for Your Next Project?
Your challenge is our expertise. Contact an Ellicott sales engineer today to discuss how a Dragon® dredge can optimize your project’s profitability.
Ellicott has been a leader in dredge manufacturing for over a century. Our experts will match the perfect dredge – from our smaller, portable units to our heavy-duty capital dredging models – to your specific material and production goals.