Abstract
Hydraulic power transmission has been successfully applied to most forms of dredger. Suction dredgers employ hydraulics to position the suction tube, cutter dredgers have hydraulic motors fitted to the cutter drive, and bucket dredgers have hydraulic drive to the bucket chain. In addition, hydraulics is used to power winches and capstans, and to provide remote control of various valves and doors. Other common applications found in all types of vessel are hydraulic steering gear and, more recently, reversible bow propulsion gear. The advantages of hydraulic drive over comparable electric drives are numerous but operators are conservative. Greater realization of the benefits of hydraulic power transmission will result in more development and substantial economies.
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