Company: ITECH Co., Ltd.
Contact:
Leo: +8615027760800
Steven: +8615031104888
Richard Liu: +8615954483680
Email: info@itechdredge.com
In 2026, 12 inch dredgers have become one of the most in-demand models for large-scale river, port, and sand mining projects. With a discharge diameter of 12 inches (300 mm), these dredgers deliver higher capacity and stronger suction power than 8 or 10 inch units, making them ideal for commercial dredging operations.
From river deepening to coastal reclamation, the 12 inch dredger offers a perfect balance between power, efficiency, and investment cost. But how much does it really cost? What affects the price? And how do you choose the right configuration?
This guide answers all those questions and more.
A 12 inch dredger refers to a dredging vessel equipped with a 300 mm (12 inch) discharge pipe. It uses a high-performance dredge pump to extract and transport a mixture of sand, mud, and water through pipelines.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Discharge Diameter | 12 inch (300 mm) |
| Flow Capacity | 1500–2500 m³/h |
| Dredging Depth | 12–15 meters |
| Power Source | Diesel engine (350–600 HP) |
| Pump Material | High-chrome alloy, wear-resistant |
| Type | Cutter suction dredger / Jet suction dredger |
| Discharge Distance | Up to 2000 meters |
| Applications | River dredging, port maintenance, sand mining, reclamation projects |
The 12 inch dredger is considered medium-to-large size equipment — strong enough for major construction and environmental projects, yet still economical and transportable for contractors.
The price of a 12 inch dredger varies significantly depending on its type, configuration, and power system. Here’s a realistic market reference table for 2026:
| Model Type | Dredging Depth | Power | Discharge Distance | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Inch Jet Suction Dredger | 10–12 m | 350 HP | 800 m | $95,000 – $120,000 |
| 12 Inch Cutter Suction Dredger | 12–15 m | 450 HP | 1500 m | $130,000 – $180,000 |
| 12 Inch Hydraulic CSD with Spud System | 15 m | 500–600 HP | 2000 m | $180,000 – $250,000 |
| Portable 12 Inch Dredger (Container Type) | 10 m | 400 HP | 1000 m | $110,000 – $145,000 |
Note: Prices vary based on pump brand, steel grade, automation system, and customization level.
For the most accurate quotation, contact ITECH Co., Ltd. directly via info@itechdredge.com.
Choosing between a Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) and a Jet Suction Dredger (JSD) depends on the material type, project scale, and operation environment.
| Feature | Cutter Suction Dredger | Jet Suction Dredger |
|---|---|---|
| Dredging Mechanism | Uses mechanical cutter head to break compact material | Uses high-pressure jets to loosen soft sediments |
| Suitable Material | Clay, hard sand, compact silt | Fine sand, soft mud |
| Fuel Consumption | Higher | Lower |
| Output Efficiency | Very high for dense material | Moderate for soft material |
| Mobility | Less mobile, anchored by spuds | Highly mobile and flexible |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Easier |
| Initial Cost | Higher | More affordable |
| Ideal For | Long-term river or port dredging projects | Seasonal sand extraction, pond cleaning |
Recommendation:
If your work involves compact or sticky riverbeds, go for the 12 inch Cutter Suction Dredger.
If your project involves soft river sand or seasonal work, the 12 inch Jet Suction Dredger will be more cost-effective.
Several factors influence the total cost of a 12 inch dredger:
The pump is the heart of the dredger. High-chrome alloy pumps with replaceable liners cost more but last longer under abrasive conditions.
Popular options include Cummins, Weichai, and Caterpillar.
A 450 HP engine from Cummins will cost more than a local 400 HP model but offers better fuel economy and reliability.
Marine-grade steel increases the price but ensures long-term corrosion resistance and stability.
Systems using Rexroth or Danfoss components add to cost but enhance precision and durability.
Adding features like GPS dredging, real-time flow monitoring, and automatic cutter control can increase cost by 10–20%, but improve efficiency and reduce labor.
Suppliers that provide on-site installation, operator training, and spare parts may cost more initially but save much more over time.
Investing in a 12 inch dredger is a major decision. Here’s a step-by-step buying guide to help you choose wisely:
River cleaning or sand mining?
Depth requirements?
Type of sediment?
These define the power, pump type, and structure you need.
Match the pump’s flow (m³/h) to your project’s output target.
For example, 2000 m³/h flow is ideal for medium river dredging or sand extraction.
Choose a diesel engine with enough horsepower to handle the pipeline length and elevation difference.
Reliable manufacturers like ITECH Co., Ltd. can provide design drawings, performance curves, and testing footage before purchase.
Ask about shipping methods, spare parts availability, and overseas technician service.
Spring is the ideal season for river dredging projects using 12 inch dredgers.
Here’s why:
Stable Water Levels: Easier access to sediment layers.
Lower Water Temperature: Better fuel efficiency and equipment cooling.
Environmental Timing: Dredging before the rainy season prevents flooding.
Maintenance Window: Ideal for machine testing and upgrades before heavy operation cycles.
In short, investing in a 12 inch dredger in spring maximizes equipment uptime and project profitability.
Avoid these costly mistakes when sourcing your dredger:
| Mistake | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Buying without clear dredging data | Over/under-spec machine | Share project site info with supplier |
| Ignoring pump material | Premature wear | Ask for high-chrome alloy |
| Choosing underpowered engine | Reduced discharge capacity | Match HP to dredge depth |
| No warranty support | High repair cost | Buy from reliable manufacturer |
| No local service plan | Downtime losses | Ensure remote or on-site support |
By working with ITECH’s professional engineers, you can avoid mismatched configurations and unexpected expenses.
The 12 inch dredger’s power and flexibility make it suitable for multiple industries.
| Application | Description | Recommended Type |
|---|---|---|
| River Dredging | Removing silt and restoring navigation depth | Cutter suction dredger |
| Sand Mining | Extracting river or sea sand for construction | Jet suction dredger |
| Port Maintenance | Clearing sediment for docking operations | Cutter suction dredger |
| Reclamation Projects | Pumping sand to create new land | Cutter suction dredger |
| Pond and Lake Cleaning | Removing sludge buildup | Jet suction dredger |
ITECH Co., Ltd. provides custom-built solutions for each of these applications.
Optimized torque transmission ensures stable flow and lower fuel usage.
Modern systems allow precise operation of cutter head, winches, and spuds.
Easy to transport and assemble — can fit into 40 ft containers.
Displays dredging depth, suction pressure, and fuel consumption in real time.
High-chrome impellers, replaceable liners, and ceramic coating reduce abrasion.
| Item | Description | Cost (per hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Consumption | 30–45 liters diesel | $30–50 |
| Operator Wages | 2–3 technicians | $20–30 |
| Maintenance | Wear parts, filters, oil | $10–15 |
| Total Operation Cost | — | $60–95/hour |
Efficient management and proper maintenance can extend the dredger’s lifespan to 10–15 years.
ITECH Co., Ltd. is a professional dredging equipment manufacturer with expertise in sand mining, river cleaning, and reclamation systems.
Customizable dredgers from 6 inch to 20 inch
Proven track record in Asia, Africa, and South America
ISO-certified quality control
On-site installation and operation training
Fast delivery and 24-hour technical support
Jet suction dredger
Cutter suction dredger
Amphibious dredger
Electric dredger
Floating sand pump system
When you buy from ITECH, you don’t just purchase equipment — you gain a complete dredging solution designed for your project’s success.
Q1: How much does a 12 inch dredger cost in 2026?
A: Between $95,000 and $250,000, depending on model type, power, and accessories.
Q2: What’s the maximum discharge distance?
A: Typically up to 2000 meters, depending on pipeline layout and pump capacity.
Q3: Can I use a 12 inch dredger in saltwater?
A: Yes, with marine-grade steel and anti-corrosion coating.
Q4: How long is delivery time after order confirmation?
A: Usually 25–45 working days, depending on customization.
Q5: Do you provide overseas installation and training?
A: Yes, ITECH’s engineers offer on-site or online support worldwide.
Q6: Can I get spare parts easily?
A: Yes, ITECH provides complete spare parts packages and technical drawings.
The 12 inch dredger is a powerful, reliable investment for anyone engaged in large river cleaning, sand mining, or coastal reclamation.
By understanding price factors, comparing configurations, and buying from a trusted supplier, you can maximize project returns and equipment lifespan.
For performance, quality assurance, and professional guidance, ITECH Co., Ltd. remains one of the most dependable suppliers in China’s dredging industry.
Email: info@itechdredge.com
Phone:
Leo: +8615027760800
Steven: +8615031104888
Richard Liu: +8615954483680
Reliable 12 Inch Dredger Supplier — Engineered for Power, Built for Performance.
