Vent: That older operator who called me out on my draghead technique

I was running a job on the Mississippi near Baton Rouge last month and this 30 year veteran I work with just straight up told me I was digging too deep and wasting fuel. He showed me how to feather the ladder just right instead of cranking it down hard. Changed my pump pressure by 15 psi and I started pulling way more solids per hour. Anyone else get humbled by an old timer with something that feels obvious now?

2 comments

2 Comments

victorclark17d ago

Different take here. That old timer was just showing you his way, not the only way. Dragging deep might cost more fuel but it moves more material if you've got the engine power and you're not burning up your cutter. I've seen guys feather it so light they barely cut anything and call it efficient. 15 psi drop is a big change and might work on some sand but hit clay and you'll be spinning your wheels. Your pump and ladder setup matter too, not just technique. Sounds like you got a good tip but don't let anyone tell you your method is wrong if you're getting the production numbers.

troy_gibson4317d ago

You ever run into clay thick enough it actually stalled your cutter? I'm curious what psi drop you'd run for that vs straight sand.