LWT LLC manufactures horizontal dredges for effective dredging and performance. These are versatile systems for fast, efficient, cost effective removal of sludge, sediment, residuals, silt, and sand.

LWT engineered this unit with quality construction and components for long term reliability and dependable ease of operation.  Understanding the component parts of these units will lead to an appreciation of the potential of the machine.

The transmission converts power to hydraulic flow for use by the hydraulic motor on the slurry pump and for the auxiliary systems. The power transmission is sophisticated, powerful and designed to maximum efficiency and performance.

To assure continuous dependable performance, LWT incorporates a direct drive, dual pump circuit hydraulic system with one pump serving the slurry pump, and another serving the auger and the auxiliary functions (i.e. pump elevation, auger, and travel). The slurry pump drive features a high pressure (4,000 psi), 90% efficient, dedicated hydrostatic transmission. The engine also direct drives a pressure compensated hydraulic piston pump which is continually matching the power available to the functions requiring it. The valving system allows the speeds of the auger, slurry pump and traverse system to be independently controlled with the speed pots mounted in the control panel so that operating one function will not have an adverse effect on another and require continuous resetting and adjusting of the controls. LWT has designed and placed pressure relief valves and pressure gauges on the circuits with dual oil cooling systems and separate oil reservoirs. This power transmission system is superior in terms of quality, performance and efficiency.

 Operational circuits may have digital pressure gauge read outs on the operator control panel. The pump speed is throttle controlled, while the auger and travel speeds are controlled with speed potentiometer type dial throttles which are easily reset to previous operational values.

The recessed impeller, cast iron pump with a minimum 6" solids handling capacity, provides efficiency, lower maintenance costs, superior performance and excellent wear characteristics for long life. The heavy wall of the pump housing is better suited to the long hours of operation in adverse conditions and abrasive materials. LWT incorporates a flex coupler between the pump and hydraulic drive motor to assure that shocks on the drive system are minimized. Placing the pump immediately behind the variable speed auger head enables the PIT HOG™ dredge to remove maximum solids concentrations with a minimum of dilution. In operation, the removable cutter teeth loosens the material and the auger flighting conveys it directly to the pump suction. The auger shroud totally surrounds the auger and may be tilted to meet the sludge bank. The pump speed is easily controlled with a marine type throttle.

These power units provide from 160 to 225 horsepower and are totally shrouded (engine and hydraulics), featuring dual batteries, hydraulic cooler and reservoir, controls with safety shutdowns and a residential noise reduction muffler. The engine compartment has an enclosed bottom which contains any spilled engine or hydraulic fluids. Engine controls are mounted directly into the operator control panel.

 Standard operating depths on these units are 10 to 15 feet (4.5 m). The auger has electronic variable speed control and, depending on the unit, may produce 10,000 to 15,000 inch pounds of torque at 100 rpm.

 LWT builds all steel welded 10 gauge pontoons with integral baffles, which are foam filled with two pound density urethane foam. The pontoons and the remainder of the welded structural steel frame, non skid deck plate and railing frame are prepared, sandblasted, and coated with 15 mils of  epoxy paint.

The travel system features a triple sheave traverse winch system. Each of the sheaves are equipped with roller bearings. 

The incoming cable is guided onto the triple sheave winch and then passed along the entire length of the dredge in an enclosed inspection shroud. The main drive winch is 12" in diameter and the cable may be strung through the system while the cable is in place, if the dredge has to be turned around.

All of these features clearly illustrate why the LWT PIT HOG™ dredge is the most technologically advanced dredge in the industry today, leading the market in terms of quality of components, reliability, performance, efficiency and cost of operation.