Guy Says . . . Cutter suction dredges don’t just move material—they move progress.
Monday, May 12, 2025
Guy Says . . . Cutter suction dredges don’t just move material—they move progress.
Friday, May 9, 2025
VMI Dredges Now Hiring CNC Machinist
🔴NOW HIRING!
Help Wanted - We Are Seeking ACNC Machinist
🔴Apply in Person at:
VMI, Inc.1125 N Maitlen Drive
Cushing, OK 74023
Or Apply Online https://vmidredges.com/cncmachinist.html
We are looking to hire a skilled CNC machinist to operate our CNC equipment. We are looking for someone with advanced skills that can work with a variety of CNC machines and equipment to create parts. This position requires skills in mechanical design, technical drawings, and mathematics so they can produce critical products. If you have a passion for machining and have an eye for detail, you may be the perfect candidate for fulfilling this position as a CNC machinist with our team.
To ensure success as a CNC machinist, you must have a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work unsupervised. Ultimately, a top-class CNC machinist works quickly and efficiently, ensuring all products meet the specifications of the prints given.
Must be able to setup and operate CNC-Lathe and Mill, with live tooling.
Knowledgeable in Haas and Doosan Controls
Reading and interpreting technical blueprints and design models.
Loading raw materials into the CNC machine.
Choosing and loading the correct cutting tools for the job.
Adjusting machine settings to the desired product specifications.
Troubleshooting issues during the manufacturing process.
Completing quality control tests during the manufacturing stage and on the final product.
Cleaning and maintaining the machine.
Measure and examine the effectiveness of completed products
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Adjusting and setting drills, mills, and lathes to ensure 100 percent accuracy. Knowledge of safety standards to avoid workplace accidents. Knowledge of schematics, machining, and CNC lathe.
ABILITY TO:
Read blueprints and technical drawings to set up machines based on specification. Ability to lift heavy objects. Ability to work independently and stick to a deadline. Ability to work after-hours when required. Ability to stand for extended periods. Strong attention to detail.
High school diploma or GED.
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
Prefer 3 yrs experience operating and running Doosan lathe and Haas mill, but not required. Understanding CNC controllers. Previous work experience as a CNC machinist. Experience with precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers and calipers.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position. Lift 50lbs, work in warehouse environment subject to above and below average temperatures. Ability to stand for long periods of time.
Power and Precision: Why Cutter Suction Dredges Are Essential for Heavy-Duty Dredging Projects
Power and Precision:
Why Cutter Suction Dredges Are Essential for Heavy-Duty Dredging Projects
When it comes to moving massive volumes of sediment, rock, and debris, few machines can match the performance of a cutter suction dredge. Built for power, precision, and continuous production, these dredges are the backbone of major infrastructure, mining, and environmental projects around the world.
At VMI Dredges, we engineer and build field proven cutter suction dredges that can tackle some of the toughest sediment challenges.
In this article, we’ll break down how cutter suction dredges work, when you should use one, and what makes VMI’s cutter suction line a cut above the rest.
What is a Cutter Suction Dredge?
A cutter suction dredge (CSD) is a powerful machine that uses a rotating cutterhead to break up compacted sediments and rock formations at the bottom of a waterway. Simultaneously, the loosened material is sucked into a powerful dredge pump and transported through a pipeline to a designated discharge area.
Key components include:
Cutterhead: Steel basket that can have a variety of cutting edges based on your needs.
Suction Inlet: Pulls slurry (sediment + water) into the pump
Dredge Pump: Moves material through discharge hoses and piping.
Spud System: Anchors the dredge for precise positioning
Winches and Cables: Allow side-to-side swinging for controlled excavation
Result: Continuous excavation, high-volume material transport, and efficient channel, harbor, or basin restoration.
When to Choose a Cutter Suction Dredge
Cutter suction dredges are the go-to solution for heavy-duty projects where other dredging methods fall short.
Typical applications include:
🔹 Navigation Channel Deepening
Maintaining and expanding harbors, shipping channels, and riverways to accommodate larger vessels.
🔹 Sand and Gravel Mining
Extracting material for construction use, aggregate supply, and resource reclamation.
🔹 Lake and Reservoir Restoration
Removing decades of sediment buildup to restore depth, improve water quality, and enhance recreational access.
🔹 Land Reclamation Projects
Creating new land by moving and placing millions of cubic yards of material with high efficiency.
🔹 Environmental Cleanup
Excavating contaminated sediments from industrial waterways, restoring sites to safe, productive use.
If production rates, depth capability, and material hardness are your primary concerns, cutter suction dredging is the solution.
Advantages of Cutter Suction Dredges
1. Unmatched Production Power
CSDs can move thousands of cubic yards of material per day, depending on pump size, material density, and pipeline length. For large-scale projects on tight schedules, this production capability is critical.
2. Ability to Handle Tough Materials
Silt and sand? No problem.
Clay, packed mud, gravel beds, and soft rock? Bring it on.
The rotating cutterhead aggressively breaks down compacted materials that horizontal dredges or mechanical buckets cannot manage efficiently.
3. Continuous Operation
Cutter suction dredges work in a smooth, continuous cycle: loosen, pump, transport.
This eliminates the downtime and back-and-forth movements common with mechanical dredging methods, maximizing efficiency and minimizing operating costs.
4. Precise Control
Modern CSDs feature sophisticated positioning and monitoring systems that allow operators to control swing angles, dredge depth, and cutterhead rotation with extreme precision.
This precision ensures material is removed exactly where needed—no more, no less—protecting surrounding environments and optimizing project outcomes.
5. Long-Distance Material Transport
With booster pumps, cutter suction dredges can move material over distances exceeding several miles.
This capability makes them ideal for remote disposal sites, beach nourishment projects, or reclamation efforts where land access is limited.
What Sets VMI Cutter Suction Dredges Apart?
At VMI, we believe in standardization and quality.
Every cutter suction dredge we build is engineered for durability, adaptability, and maximum output in real-world conditions.
🔹 Heavy-Duty Construction: Rugged frames and components designed for the toughest jobs.
🔹 Available Options: Choose from multiple pump sizes, cutterheads, spud systems, and booster configurations.
🔹 User-Friendly Operation: Operator-focused controls, easy maintenance access, and field support from real dredging experts.
🔹 Proven Field Results: From mining pits to municipal harbors, VMI dredges have been trusted to perform—and outperform—for decades.
Ready to Power Up Your Next Dredging Project?
If you need reliable performance and industry-leading support, VMI’s cutter suction dredges deliver.
Let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your project goals—on time, on budget, and built to last.
Pat Sumpter, Sales Manager, 918-225-7000, Ext. 12
www.vmidredges.com • sales@vmi-dredges.com
#ThisIsHowYouDredge
#CutterSuctionDredgeExperts
#DredgingSolutions
#IndustrialDredging
#VMIDredges
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Throwback Thursday: When VMI Dredges Drew a Crowd
Throwback Thursday: When VMI Dredges Drew a Crowd
In this striking image, a VMI Horizontal Mini-Dredge works through a remote waterway—its performance drawing the attention of the local community. This is what dependable engineering looks like in action. Whether in mining, environmental restoration, or infrastructure development, VMI Dredges have delivered results across the globe for decades.
Our story isn’t just American, it’s global. Our legacy? Consistent power, anywhere it’s needed.
#thisishowyoudredge #vmidredges #dredginglegacy #fieldoperations #infrastructurework #pondrestoration #miningsolutions
Monday, May 5, 2025
Guy says dredging helps tourism
🗣️ Guy says dredging helps tourism.
We say dredging drives it.
From eroded beaches to silted marinas and blocked waterways VMI dredges restore what makes communities thrive.
🌊 Cleaner coastlines
🛥️ Safer harbors
💵 More visitors, more revenue
Tourism doesn’t flow without water access.
Dredging makes it possible.
#ThisIsHowYouDredge #WaterfrontRevival #TourismEconomy #DredgingForGood #CoastalRestoration #VMIDredges
Friday, May 2, 2025
Why Horizontal Dredges Are the Smart Choice for Industrial and Municipal Sediment Removal
Why Horizontal Dredges Are the Smart Choice for Industrial and Municipal Sediment Removal
When time, precision, and minimal disruption matter, horizontal dredges deliver.
At VMI Dredges, we’ve spent decades refining the art and science of sediment removal. One thing has become clear: for many industrial, municipal, and environmental projects, a horizontal dredge isn’t just an option, it’s the smartest investment you can make.
In this article, we break down why horizontal dredges are a game-changer for modern dredging operations.
Understanding Horizontal Dredging Technology
Unlike traditional cutter suction dredges that rely on aggressive mechanical agitation, horizontal dredges use an auger head that moves sediment in a controlled, low-turbidity manner. This minimizes water disruption, reduces environmental impact, and allows for high-precision sediment removal even in sensitive or confined areas.
Key features of VMI horizontal dredges:
Auger-style cutting head for controlled material movement
Hydraulic-driven pumps for efficient slurry transport
Cable- or track-mounted options for exact dredge path control
Shallow-draft designs for tight, hard-to-reach locations
An opened cage cutterhead and a full width suction box aid in improved performance.
Top 5 Advantages of Horizontal Dredges
1. Minimal Environmental Disruption
Horizontal dredges are built to work clean.
By gently dislodging and transporting sediment with minimal stirring of surrounding water, they drastically reduce turbidity, protecting aquatic life and maintaining water quality during operations.
Perfect for:
Drinking water reservoirs
Wetland restoration
Wastewater treatment lagoons
2. Precision Sediment Removal
Whether you're clearing out a retention pond, desludging an industrial basin, or restoring a canal, accuracy matters.
Horizontal dredges can maintain a consistent dredge depth within inches, ensuring no over-dredging or damage to the substrate.
Precision matters when:
Working around existing infrastructure
Maintaining regulated depths for stormwater systems
Protecting sensitive ecosystems
3. Ideal for Confined Spaces
Not every dredging project happens in open water.
Horizontal dredges excel in tight spaces where maneuverability and low-clearance operation are required.
Applications include:
Small industrial ponds
Municipal water treatment facilities
Urban canals and water features
4. Cost-Effective Operations
Horizontal dredging is often significantly more economical than traditional methods.
Lower fuel use, reduced labor requirements, minimized permitting challenges.
When to Choose a Horizontal Dredge
If your project demands low turbidity, precise depth control, high efficiency, or minimal environmental impact, a horizontal dredge is the solution.
Best-fit projects include:
Lagoon desludging
Wastewater pond maintenance
Industrial processing pond cleanup
Wetland and marsh restoration
Sediment management in power plant basins
Why VMI Dredges Leads the Industry
At VMI, we don't just build dredges—we build solutions.
Our horizontal dredges are trusted by municipalities, contractors, and industrial operators worldwide for their durability, efficiency, and ease of operation.
We offer:
Field support and training to maximize your dredge’s performance
Fast lead times and responsive service from a trusted team
Ready to Dredge Smarter?
If you need precision sediment removal done right—the first time—talk to the experts.
At VMI Dredges, this is how you dredge.
Pat Sumpter, Sales Manager, 918-225-7000, Ext. 12
www.vmidredges.com • sales@vmi-dredges.com
#ThisIsHowYouDredge
#HorizontalDredgeExperts
#DredgingSolutions
#IndustrialDredging
#VMIDredges
DID YOU KNOW? VMI Dredges offers short-term rentals on dredges, booster pumps, and pipe simple, fast, and flexible.
🚨 DID YOU KNOW?
VMI Dredges offers short-term rentals on dredges, booster pumps, and pipe simple, fast, and flexible.
✅ One-month
rentals — no long-term contracts
✅ Get the
equipment you need without a major upfront investment
✅ Same
field-proven VMI power, ready to deploy
💡
Thinking about buying?
If you purchase within 30 days of your rental, VMI Dredges may apply 100% of
your rental fees toward the purchase price.
That’s serious value with zero commitment up front.
Have you ever rented equipment for a project?
Tell us how it impacted your workflow 👇
Call Pat Sumpter at 918-225-7000, Ext. 12 to learn more or
visit www.vmidredges.com.
#ThisIsHowYouDredge #DredgingSolutions #RentalEquipment #DredgeRental
#VMIDerdgerental
https://youtube.com/shorts/7-0wxQiw5M8?feature=share
Pat Sumpter, Sales Manager, 918-225-7000, Ext. 12
www.vmidredges.com • sales@vmi-dredges.com
Guy Says . . . Cutter suction dredges don’t just move material—they move progress.
Guy Says . . . Cutter suction dredges don’t just move material—they move progress. ⛏️ Deep cuts. 📦 Big volume. ✅ Real results. This Is ...

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