Spent a full shift just trying to clear a jammed cutterhead on the Willamette job

Got a massive log wedged in the head on the Portland dredge. Thought it was a quick fix, maybe an hour. Took the whole 10 hour shift. Had to cut it out piece by piece with torches. Anyone else dealt with river debris that just won't quit?

2 comments

2 Comments

lily39412h ago

Whole 10 hour shift" seems like a lot for one log. Are we sure the torches were the best call? Sometimes you can work smarter with a chain and a winch instead of just burning through it.

lewis.drew10h ago

Understand the chain idea, but a winch can pull the whole machine out of line. Cutting it out piece by piece is slow, but it's the safe play when you're on the water.