

The YG suction hopper dredger, also known as a suction dredger, and commonly referred to as a hopper dredger or suction dredger in the industry, is a specialized piece of equipment that uses a suction system to extract underwater silt, sand, clay, and other sediments. These materials are then stored in a hopper and transported to a designated area for discharge, thus achieving waterway dredging. Its core function is to remove sediment from waterways, deepen channels, widen water areas, and ensure safe navigation for vessels, while also improving water quality and restoring aquatic ecosystems. It is widely used in various water projects and is an indispensable key piece of equipment in water conservancy, port, and coastal engineering. It belongs to the same category of suction dredging equipment as the trailing suction hopper dredger, differing only in its operating method. It can be flexibly combined with other equipment according to project needs to improve dredging efficiency. If you are also looking for suitable equipment, please get in touch with us now for more product information.
YG Suction Hopper Dredger Equipment Technical Parameter
| Type \ Item | Water flow(M3) | Capacity(M3) | Dredging depth (M) | Discharge distance(m) | Cuttet head power(kw) | Main engien power(kw) | Auxiliary engine power(kw) | Tortal fuel consumption(L) |
| YG2006 | 450 | 67.5 | 6 | 500 | 38 | 160 | 28 | |
| YG2508 | 800 | 160 | 8 | 1000 | 50 | 240 | 110 | 61 |
| YG3508 | 1500 | 300 | 8 | 1000 | 64 | 456 | 122 | 110 |
| YG4012 | 2000 | 400 | 12 | 1000 | 78 | 601 | 205 | 140 |
| YG5015 | 3500 | 700 | 15 | 1500 | 180 | 1103 | 258 | 260 |
| YG6015 | 5000 | 1000 | 15 | 1500 | 260 | 1620 | 405 | 350 |
| YG7018 | 7000 | 1400 | 18 | 1500 | 450 | 1838 | 736 | 445 |
| YG8018 | 9000 | 1800 | 18 | 1500 | 450 | 2427 | 736 | 547 |
| Our factory can customize various dredging products according to customer requirements. | ||||||||


Check out the Working Principle of the YG Suction Hopper Dredger
Essentially, it uses a suction system to draw up underwater sediment, stores it in a sludge tank, and then discharges it to a designated area via a sludge discharge system. The entire process is automated, requiring no complex operation; even a layperson can understand it with simple guidance. It can be divided into four key steps:
- Step 1: Equipment Positioning and Preparation. Position the YG suction hopper dredger in the area requiring dredging. Use the propulsion system to precisely locate the work area, adjust the vessel’s attitude to ensure stability, and simultaneously check core components such as the suction system, sludge discharge system, and sludge tank to ensure proper operation. Connect all suction dredging equipment and prepare for operation.
- Step 2: Suction Operation. The first step involves starting the sludge pump, which generates a powerful vacuum suction that is transmitted through the suction pipe to the sludge bucket. The bucket is then placed into the underwater sediment layer, and the suction force draws in silt, quicksand, clay, and other sediment. Simultaneously, the sludge bucket gently excavates harder sediment, aiding in thorough sludge removal. This process is identical to the suction principle of a suction dredger, but with stronger suction and higher efficiency.
- Step 3: Sludge Storage. The sucked-in sediment enters the sealed sludge storage tank through the suction pipe. A filter within the tank removes larger debris, preventing clogging of the sludge discharge system. The sludge level in the tank is monitored in real time. Once the tank reaches its set capacity, sludge suction stops and sludge discharge begins. This design effectively prevents sediment leakage and protects the aquatic environment.
- Step 4: Sludge Discharge and Recycling. The equipment navigates to the designated sludge discharge area and activates the sludge discharge system. The sludge is then pumped out of the storage tank and transported to a designated location for centralized treatment or resource utilization. After sludge discharge is complete, the equipment returns to the dredging operation area and repeats the suction, storage, and discharge steps to achieve continuous automated dredging operations.


6 Features of YG Suction Hopper Dredger
- Highly efficient sludge suction and discharge, resulting in high operational efficiency: Utilizing a high-power centrifugal sludge pump combined with a highly wear-resistant sludge bucket, the powerful suction quickly removes various types of underwater silt, quicksand, clay, and other deposits. The suction depth is flexibly adjustable, and the discharge speed is fast, eliminating the need for repeated operations and significantly improving dredging efficiency. Compared to traditional equipment, operational efficiency is increased by over 40%, making it particularly suitable for large-scale dredging projects.
- Versatile and highly compatible: It can flexibly adapt to different water quality scenarios, including freshwater and seawater. Whether in rivers, ports, reservoirs, or open waters such as bays and estuaries, it can operate stably. It can handle silt of varying thickness and hardness, and the suction depth and discharge distance are flexibly adjustable to meet complex dredging needs.
- Wear-resistant and durable with a long service life: Key components such as the sludge suction bucket and pump are made of high-wear-resistant alloy materials, and the hull is constructed of high-strength anti-corrosion steel with multiple anti-corrosion treatments. This effectively resists seawater and river water corrosion and silt wear, reducing equipment failures and extending service life. The equipment can operate continuously for 24 hours with a low failure rate, meeting the needs of high-load dredging projects.
- Environmentally friendly operation, protecting the ecosystem: The sludge storage tank adopts a sealed design, effectively preventing silt leakage and avoiding pollution of the aquatic environment. The sludge discharge process can be precisely controlled, allowing silt to be transported to designated areas for centralized treatment or resource reuse, reducing damage to the surrounding ecosystem. The equipment operates with low noise and no exhaust emissions, meeting global water environmental protection standards, balancing dredging efficiency and ecological protection.
- Intelligent Control, Convenient Operation: Equipped with a PLC intelligent control system, core parameters such as suction depth, discharge speed, and storage capacity are visualized in real time, allowing for precise adjustment of operating parameters and avoiding human error. Remote control functionality enables remote operation, ensuring operator safety. The user interface is simple and easy to understand; ordinary operators can be trained quickly, lowering the labor threshold.
- Complete Supporting Equipment, Customizable: Can be paired with a complete set of suction dredging equipment, including suction pipes, discharge pipes, and sludge filters, forming a one-stop dredging solution. Customization of parameters such as hull size, storage tank capacity, and suction depth is supported to meet the individual needs of different projects. For customers concerned about the price of cutter suction dredgers, cost-effective alternative selection suggestions can be provided.


Suction Dredging Equipment Price and Purchase Information: YG Machinery Factory Direct Sales, High-Performance Choice
The reference price range for YG suction hopper dredgers varies depending on equipment size, sludge tank capacity, suction depth, power configuration, and customization requirements. The basic model has a moderate price, and the price will adjust accordingly when combined with a complete set of suction dredging equipment and customized functions. For customers concerned about cutter suction dredger price, YG offers multiple selections for comparison, recommending the most cost-effective solution based on project needs to avoid unnecessary cost investment. Specific price influencing factors include: hull size, sludge tank capacity, suction pump power, suction depth, corrosion resistance level, customized functions, and purchase quantity. Larger purchase quantities qualify for greater bulk discounts.
Purchase Channels: We support global factory direct sales, eliminating intermediaries and allowing direct contact with the manufacturer for more competitive pricing. Customers also enjoy one-on-one customized solution services. Our professional team recommends suitable equipment models and supporting products (such as trailing suction hopper dredgers and suction dredging equipment) based on the customer’s project needs and operating scenarios. The procurement process is clear and convenient: needs communication → solution customization → on-site demonstration → contract signing → production and manufacturing → quality inspection → logistics and distribution → installation and commissioning → operation training → after-sales follow-up. For overseas customers, YG provides full logistics tracking and customs clearance assistance to ensure products are delivered safely and on time to designated ports. On-site installation and commissioning services are also provided (which can be discussed with specific sales personnel).
After-sales service: Long-term warranty on the entire machine is provided, with extended warranty periods for core components (sludge suction bucket, sludge suction pump, sludge storage tank) to ensure long-term stable product use. Global 24-hour after-sales response ensures that the after-sales team provides solutions quickly, regardless of the customer’s location. Free operation manuals, video training, and factory visits are provided. Original parts are supplied for life. Post-production maintenance and upgrade services are also provided. Regular customer visits are conducted to understand equipment usage and promptly resolve any issues encountered, ensuring worry-free purchase and use.
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