This year marks five incredible years with AK Jones, and we couldn't be more grateful to have her on our team

 https://youtube.com/shorts/neQ8KM8cheE?feature=share

This year marks five incredible years with AK Jones, and we couldn't be more grateful to have her on our team. With over 30 years of experience in graphic design, AK brings not only talent but a deep understanding of visual storytelling that elevates everything we do.

From designing all of our standout swag for trade shows to infusing our social media with fresh, engaging visuals, AK is the creative force behind many of the things that make our brand shine. Her ability to merge experience with innovation makes her an invaluable part of our company.

AK doesn’t just stick to what she knows—she’s constantly learning and pushing herself. She’s added website programming to her skill set and continues to explore the latest animation techniques, keeping our digital presence modern and compelling. There’s truly nothing she can’t do when she puts her mind to it.

Beyond her professional talents, AK is a supportive team player who has earned the respect of everyone around her. She consistently delivers the quality and creativity that define our brand—and she does it with humility and heart.

Outside of work, AK is a proud mom of two talented children, Shannise and Shain, and a grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters, Alice, Penny and Laynie, who clearly inherited her creativity and spirit. AK will add a new member to her family when she welcomes her latest grandchild later this year. She brings that same care and pride into everything she does here at work.

Thank you, AK, for five outstanding years—and for sharing your passion, creativity, and dedication with us every step of the way!

   

 Built for the Impossible: How Amphibious Excavators Conquer Soft Terrain Dredging

Some terrain was never meant to be tamed until now.

When the job site is too soft for traditional equipment, too remote for track-mounted machines, and too unstable for heavy-duty gear, most contractors walk away. VMI customers don’t. They bring in the amphibious excavator and go where others can’t.

Known in the field as the Swamp Hoe, VMI’s amphibious excavator is engineered for high-performance in wetlands, marshes, peat beds, tailings ponds, and other unstable terrains where failure isn’t an option.

Let’s take a closer look at how this specialized machine dominates some of the toughest dredging environments on the planet.

What Is an Amphibious Excavator?

An amphibious excavator is a modified hydraulic excavator equipped with sealed pontoons, allowing it to operate in wetlands, swamps, shallow water, and other environments with soft or saturated ground.

Unlike conventional excavators that sink or stall in soft terrain, amphibious units float and crawl over mud, silt, and waterlogged areas safely supporting themselves and delivering powerful excavation capabilities where wheeled or tracked equipment simply can’t go.

Key Features of the Swamp Hoe Amphibious Excavator

✅ High-Flotation Pontoons:

Pontoons are custom-fabricated with reinforced steel, sealed for buoyancy, and engineered with internal compartments for added safety and balance even when working in open water.

✅ Hydraulic Power, Zero Compromise:

Integrated hydraulics allow seamless operation of the boom, stick, and attachments while maintaining full mobility in challenging environments.

✅ Customized Mounting Platforms:

Our Swamp Hoes are compatible with a wide range of upper structures (excavator brands/sizes), giving you flexibility based on fleet or project needs.

✅ Optional Spuds or Stabilizers:

For applications that require increased digging accuracy or resistance to drift, our amphibious excavators can be equipped with deployable spud systems.

Where Amphibious Excavators Excel

If the job involves saturated soils, unstable shorelines, or remote marshlands, amphibious excavators are often the only viable solution.

1. Wetland Restoration & Environmental Dredging

Rehabilitating damaged ecosystems requires access without destruction. Amphibious excavators allow operators to remove sediment, plant native vegetation, or reshape terrain without harming fragile wetlands.

2. Pond & Lake Vegetation Control

Overgrown aquatic vegetation can choke out natural water flow, reduce oxygen levels, and harm overall pond or lake health. Amphibious machines are built to tackle the job—removing invasive plants directly from the water without the need for coffer dams or draining. 

3. Flood Control & Levee Maintenance

Swamp Hoes can access hard-to-reach drainage channels, creeks, and spillways to remove blockages, reinforce berms, and clear accumulated sediment, all while working from within the water.

4. Shoreline Protection & Access Channel Work

From building erosion barriers to dredging small boat passages through marshlands, amphibious excavators perform precision excavation without sinking or stalling.

Go Where the Competition Can’t

In terrain that swallows machines, delays production, and kills budgets, VMI’s amphibious excavators perform with confidence.

If you’re managing wetlands, canals, or flood-prone infrastructure, this is your advantage.

Pat Sumpter, Sales Manager, 918-225-7000, Ext. 12

www.vmidredges.com • sales@vmi-dredges.com

Call Now       Email Us

#ThisIsHowYouDredge

#AmphibiousExcavator

#SwampHoePower

#SoftTerrainSolutions

#VMIDredges

#EnvironmentalRestoration

Help us celebrate a true behind-the-scenes powerhouse - Don Wilson!

 

 https://youtube.com/shorts/KNlmW4WmCG4?feature=share

🎉 Help us celebrate a true behind-the-scenes powerhouse - Don Wilson! 🎉

Don is the detail-driven mind turning ideas into engineered reality. As VMI’s Engineering Drafter, his precision fuels every pump, weld, and win.

Don’s been instrumental in transforming complex concepts into the field-proven dredging machines we’re known for. Built smart. Built strong. Built by people like Don.

🔧 American grit in every line drawn.
📐 Innovation built from the ground up.
🎂 Happy Birthday, Don, we appreciate everything you do.

#ThisIsHowYouDredge #TeamVMI #DredgingExcellence #HappyBirthday #EngineeringPower

Throwback Thursday: Compact Power for Cleaner Ponds

    Throwback Thursday: Compact Power for Cleaner Ponds

Captured in a moment of quiet operation, this VMI Horizontal Mini-Dredge was designed for jobs where access, control, and efficiency are everything. Whether clearing sediment from stormwater ponds, wastewater lagoons, or small lakes, this dredge made a lasting impression.

Paired with HDPE discharge pipe for flexible and efficient material transport, this system helped operators get in, get it done, and get out—without disturbing the environment.

#thisishowyoudredge #vmidredges #pondcleanout #dredgingequipment #hdpepipe #fieldready #throwbackthursday

This VMI MD-815 Horizontal Dredge is loaded and rolling headed straight to West Virginia to a longtime repeat customer.

   

 https://youtube.com/shorts/95R2gHbYx94?feature=share

Another mission. Another waterway. Another job made possible by precision-engineered power.
This VMI MD-815 Horizontal Dredge is loaded and rolling headed straight to West Virginia to a longtime repeat customer.

 

💪 Built for shallow water.
⚙️ Designed for tight spaces.
🚚 Fully transportable.
🔥 And always ready to move some serious material.

📍 From the shop floor to the shoreline this is how you dredge.

 

#ThisIsHowYouDredge #VMIDredges #dredgingequipment #horizontaldredges

Guy Says . . . Amphibious excavators don’t just work on water

   

 https://youtube.com/shorts/dtPd_OwNKGs?feature=share

🗣️ Guy Says...

"Amphibious excavators don’t just work on water, they conquer what others can’t even reach."

💪 From wetlands restoration to marsh creation, these floating beasts are built for environments that shut other machines down.

🌾 No roads? No problem.

🌊 Flooded terrain? Bring it on.

🛠️ Soft-bottomed swamps? They call that Monday.

This is how you dredge.

📞 918-225-7000 | 📧 sales@vmi-dredges.com

🔗 www.vmidredges.com | www.swamphoe.com

#ThisIsHowYouDredge #AmphibiousExcavator #WetlandRestoration #MarshCreation #DredgingSolutions #DredgingEquipment #VMIDredges #GuyTheDredgeGuy #SwampHoe

From Yale High to VMI Pride

 https://youtube.com/shorts/2XYporcw1w8?feature=share

🎓 From Yale High to VMI Pride 💪
Today we celebrate one of our own Logan Tyler Britton, graduating from Yale High School and already making waves here at VMI Dredges.

In a small town near Cushing, big things are happening  and it starts with young men like this, showing up, working hard, and carrying on a legacy. His father’s a proud part of the VMI family. Now he is too.

From shop floor to graduation stage, we’re honored to be part of the journey.
👏 Let’s hear it for Logan Tyler Britton.  The future of American manufacturing starts here.

 

#ThisIsHowYouDredge
#VMIGraduates
#NextGenDredge
#OklahomaStrong
#WorkforceReady

 The Unsung Hero of Dredging: Why Booster Pumps Maximize Your Production

When you think about dredging, you probably picture powerful cutterheads, rugged augers, and floating pipelines stretching across the water. But behind many long-distance dredging operations is an often-overlooked powerhouse: the booster pump.

At VMI Dredges, we know that to move material efficiently over long distances, booster pumps aren't optional, they’re essential. Whether you're restoring a harbor, deepening a mining pit, or expanding a reservoir, a properly sized and positioned booster can be the difference between project delays and project domination.

Here's why booster pumps matter and how VMI ensures yours will deliver field-proven results.

What Is a Booster Pump in Dredging?

A booster pump is an auxiliary pump station placed along a dredge pipeline. Its purpose is to help maintain flow velocity, reduce pressure loss, and extend the effective discharge distance for slurry (the water and sediment mixture).

In simple terms:

Booster pumps keep your material moving.

Without a booster, friction losses over long distances or elevation gains would slow the slurry to a crawl, clogging pipelines, damaging pumps, and stalling production.

Why Booster Pumps Are Critical for Project Success

1. Extend Discharge Distance

One of the biggest limitations in any dredging operation is how far you can move material before performance drops off. Booster pumps drastically extend this range, allowing operations to move slurry miles away from the dredge without losing production efficiency.

Ideal for:

Large-scale reclamation projects

Beach nourishment

Tailings pond management

Inland and offshore pipeline runs

2. Increase Production Rates

When you maintain optimal flow velocity throughout the pipeline, you can move more material per hour. Booster pumps prevent line blockages and keep the pipeline clear, ensuring maximum production day after day.

More flow = more material = more revenue.

3. Manage Friction Loss

As slurry travels through a pipeline, friction between the slurry and pipe walls causes pressure loss.

The longer the pipeline, the worse the loss.

Booster pumps re-energize the slurry, overcoming frictional losses and maintaining the flow required to move heavy sediments efficiently.

4. Conquer Elevation Challenges

If your project involves pumping uphill—over levees, berms, or upland disposal sites—you’ll need the additional pressure boost that only a booster station can provide.

Without one, gravity wins—and your project stalls.

How to Size and Position a Booster Pump Correctly

Proper booster pump setup isn't guesswork. It’s a calculated science based on:

🔹 Pipeline length

🔹 Pipe diameter

🔹 Slurry density and viscosity

🔹 Elevation changes along the pipeline

🔹 Target production rates

Typically, a booster is positioned at a strategic point where pressure drops significantly, or where an elevation change demands extra force.

VMI’s experts work directly with clients to model hydraulic conditions and recommend the optimal booster pump configuration for their project.

What Makes VMI Booster Pumps Different?

At VMI Dredges, we don't believe in “one size fits all.”

Our booster pumps are built to the same rugged standards as our dredges and customized to meet your specific needs.

✅ Heavy-duty steel construction

✅ Diesel-driven and electric options available

✅ Compatible with a wide range of dredge pumps

✅ Skid-mounted for easy transport and quick setup

✅ Designed for easy serviceability in the field

From remote mining pits to coastal restoration projects, VMI booster pumps are proven in the toughest environments.

When Should You Add a Booster Pump?

You likely need a booster pump if:

🔹 You're moving dense slurry (heavy clay, gravel, or silt)

🔹 You have to pump material uphill

🔹 You notice a significant drop in production rates over time

🔹 Pipeline blockages are occurring during your operations

Power Your Dredging Operation the Right Way

Dredging isn't just about having the right dredge—it's about having a complete system designed for efficiency from start to finish.

Adding a properly sized booster pump can dramatically reduce downtime, slash operational costs, and keep your project running at full speed.

When performance matters, trust VMI Dredges to engineer the complete solution.

Pat Sumpter, Sales Manager, 918-225-7000, Ext. 12

www.vmidredges.com • sales@vmi-dredges.com

Call Now       Email Us

#ThisIsHowYouDredge

#BoosterPumpPower

#DredgingSolutions

#VMIDredges

#ProductionMatters

Did you know? VMI Horizontal Cutter Head Dredges are One Piece Transportable.

 https://youtube.com/shorts/eNoAdUHh17k?feature=share

Did you know?  VMI Horizontal Cutter Head Dredges are One Piece Transportable.  Call 918-225-7000, Ext. 12 www.vmidredges.com

Pat Sumpter, Sales Manager, 918-225-7000, Ext. 12

www.vmidredges.com • sales@vmi-dredges.com

Call Now       Email Us

#VMIDredges #dredgerentals #dredgesales #thisishowyoudredge #wemakerevenueflow #dredgingequipment #onepiecetransportable

Happy Birthday Shoutout to Brad Matthews — VMI Tech II and certified problem-slayer!

   

 https://youtube.com/shorts/fwYKFbnIhWg?feature=share

🎉 Shoutout to Brad Matthews — VMI Tech II and certified problem-slayer! 🎉

From shop floor to everything in between, Brad brings the skill, speed, and smarts to keep VMI dredges running like beasts. Whether he's wiring up control panels or fine-tuning hydraulics, Brad gets it DONE.

He's not just a technician — he's a mission-critical part of our team who brings grit, hustle, and a whole lot of pride to the job.

💪 Field-tested. Shop-tough.
🔧 Built to last.
🎂 Happy Birthday, Brad, we see you, and we salute you.

#ThisIsHowYouDredge #TeamVMI #TechPower #HappyBirthday

Throwback Thursday: Under the Hull—A Closer Look at Dredge Design

    Throwback Thursday: Under the Hull—A Closer Look at Dredge Design

It’s not often you get to see the full structure of a dredge out of water, but this legacy shot of a VMI Horizontal Mini-Dredge shows just how much design went into every inch. From the rugged cutterhead assembly to the clean deck layout, this machine wasn’t built for show—it was built to work.

Today, that same focus on simplicity, strength, and durability drives every system we manufacture. Because when performance is non-negotiable, the details matter.

#thisishowyoudredge #vmidredges #dredgedesign #dredginghistory #horizontalpower #equipmentlegacy #fieldproven

VMI Dredges Now Hiring: Manufacture Production Tech II

  Are you a self-starter who is eager to find a rewarding career path with a stable company? Do you have a passion for growing your trade skills and working in a team-oriented atmosphere? If so, VMI Dredges is looking to add YOU to our talented team.

Join VMI's growing manufacturing team and take the next step in your career journey! Apply today by submitting your resume and cover letter highlighting your dedication to skill development, commitment to safety, and ability to work effectively in a team. We look forward to welcoming talented individuals who are passionate about their craft and ready to contribute to our company's success.

Manufacture Production Technician II

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for manufacturing and assembly of dredge equipment and accessories

• Follows blueprints, guidelines, and/or diagrams to ensure product specification and tolerance levels are met

• Maintains required records of production and reports any inconsistencies or equipment issues following standard procedures

• Plan and layout work to meet production and schedule requirements

• Test products or subassemblies for functionality or quality by testing electrical, mechanical or integrated systems or equipment

• Read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings

• Wire and assemble electrical components

• Assemble mechanical and hydraulic components

• Assist with troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing mechanical and electrical issues with equipment

• Operates production equipment and tools

• Provide advice or training to other technicians on proper operational procedures

• May assist with testing of equipment

• Inspects finished products for quality, adherence to specifications, and proper functionality

• Collect hazardous or non-hazardous waste in correctly labeled barrels or other containers and transfer them to collection areas

• Troubleshoot problems with equipment, devices, or products to determine cause of operational problems or failures

• Assist loading and unloading of trucks and dredges

• Assist engineers in developing, building, and/or testing prototypes or new products, processes and/or procedures

• Maintains clean, safe and organized yard, warehouse and paint shop

• Perform machine maintenance and repairs as needed

• Weld and fabricate components as needed

• Sandblast and paint dredges as needed

Other – Assists in other areas as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Knowledge of quality control measures and procedures. Knowledge of basic math and computer skills.

SKILL IN:

Proficient in using hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, and electrical testing equipment. Ability to troubleshoot and solve technical problems. Strong organizational and time management skills

ABILITY TO:

Think independently, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications. Familiarity with safety procedures and guidelines. Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Familiarity with safety procedures and guidelines.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

A minimum of 2 years of experience in assembly or a related field, or a Technical degree or certification in a related field, is a plus.

EDUCATION

Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade

GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Construction, Manufacturing, and or Warehouse

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

None

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.

Apply Today At:

https://vmidredges.com/manufactureproductiontechnician.html

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 How You Dredge

#VMIDredges #ThisIsHowYouDredge #WeMakeRevenueFlow #DredgeManufacturer #DredgeRentals #DredgeSales

 https://youtube.com/shorts/_Fux6gLNDok?feature=share

VMI Dredges Now Hiring CNC Machinist

   

 🔴NOW HIRING!

Help Wanted - We Are Seeking A
CNC 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.

CNC Machinist Responsibilities:
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

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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.

EDUCATION
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

Call Now       Email Us

#ThisIsHowYouDredge

#CutterSuctionDredgeExperts

#DredgingSolutions

#IndustrialDredging

#VMIDredges

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

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

 https://youtube.com/shorts/tkmUdJ80r5I?feature=share

  

 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

Call Now       Email Us

#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

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Pat Sumpter, Sales Manager, 918-225-7000, Ext. 12

www.vmidredges.com • sales@vmi-dredges.com

Call Now       Email Us

Throwback Thursday: The Horizontal Mini-Dredge That Made Big Waves

   Throwback Thursday: The Horizontal Mini-Dredge That Made Big Waves

At VMI Dredges, our reputation for tough, reliable dredging systems didn’t happen overnight, it was earned job by job, project by project.

This photo of the early Horizontal Mini-Dredge is a look back at where it all started. Built for mining pits, settling ponds, and industrial applications, it was compact in size but massive in impact. Decades later, the same core principles still drive our modern line, from the MD 615 to the Dredge Gladiator.

Dredging has evolved. VMI has led that evolution from day one.

#thisishowyoudredge #vmidredges #dredginghistory #dredgeequipment #miningsolutions #legacyinmotion #pondmanagement