The Patriot works the waterways from California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska on dredging jobs that require a clamshell type dredge.  A complete rework was done in 2003 converting to hydraulic operation of the winch drums, swing and boom functions.  With 54” diameter winch drums, the system of hydrostatic closed loop control was chosen to drive each drum and functions of the dredge.

In addition, the swing was also driven by hydrostatic closed loop pumps along with the boom function.  The winches provide a design load of 120,000 lbs of line pull, and can go as high as 167,500 lbs of line pull at stall condition.  Three hydraulic power units, comprising (7) seven P24 Denison closed loop pumps driving Hagglunds hydraulic motors provide the hydraulic power to get the work done.

Western Dynamics, Inc was called to review and correct not only hydraulic problems but also electrical control problems that have been experienced from day one since the new installation.  When moving massive loads, as is the case with dredging operations, it becomes very important that the hydraulic system responds correctly to the electrical control commands, and the electrical commands do not command the hydraulic system to do something adverse to the hydraulic system.

Downtime and production costs were issues that needed to be addressed and corrected with adjustments to both the hydraulic systems and electrical system that Western Dynamics, Inc made to bring the Patriot up to a level which provides maximum efficiency and production for the customer.  With an experienced crew aboard, the Patriot is now a highly effective dredging barge working our waterways on the West Coast of America.
Western Dynamics, Inc is proud that American Construction Co. has the confidence in our skills to get the job done right and on time, and bring the Patriot to a new level of operation.

Updated:

New operator screens are now added for operators, maintenance and dredge history, all accessed by the Internet when the Patriot is operational anywhere in the World. American Construction's Patriot dredge is now the most advanced and productive dredge of its type in the world. Another re-design by Western Dynamics, Inc, putting our customers far ahead of the competition.