Posted on March 5, 2025
NEW RICHMOND, WI – The IMS Versi-Dredge has always been a useful tool for dredging contractors around the world, but a trend has emerged with many contractors owning multiple Versi-Dredge units. Over the past few decades some contractors have owned up to 10 or more dredges like Dredge America and Merrell Bros. In this article we hear directly from experienced and respected North American dredge contractors including Dredge America, Merrell Bros, and North Fringe Industrial. We learn why they selected the IMS Versi-Dredge for their fleets, what makes the Versi-Dredge ideal for their projects, how and when they use the patented Starwheel Drive self-propulsion system, and their experience with IMS’s field service and parts department. All these important factors drive repeated investment in various IMS Versi-Dredge models.
As a leading U.S. hydraulic dredging contractor, Dredge America has eighteen dredges in their fleet, over 400 completed projects in their portfolio and an impeccable 35-year track record in the industry. We were able to sit down with Dredge America’s President, Sam Robinson, P.E., who was able to give us some interesting history on their past and present Versi-Dredge fleets and why they continue to invest in Versi-Dredges for their dredging fleet.
Why did you select the IMS Versi-Dredge for your dredge fleet operations over other dredges available in the marketplace?
“Right tool, right job. This philosophy is one of the key reasons Dredge America has been able to maintain growth and overcome the adversities that the marine industry presents, for the last 35 years. Selecting the right dredge for a project gives us the best results for our team, our clients, and the project as a whole. To that point, we have a diverse fleet of machines, and we’ve always found that having IMS Versi-Dredge units of various sizes has provided us an advantage for specific projects. There are many different types of jobs including lakes, rivers, restoration projects, and industrial plants. Given the nature of the diverse scopes of work that we perform, and that each project has a different goal in mind, we found that the IMS Versi-Dredge fleet has proven to fit the ‘right tool’ philosophy with its adaptability, and efficiencies of scale.”
Why has Dredge America purchased multiple Versi-Dredge units and how many have they purchased over time? How many are currently in the fleet?
“Dredge America currently owns and operates 18 dredges, four being IMS 7012 HP Versi-Dredges. We have two of your Mud Cats as well. We’ve always owned and operated auger dredges throughout the time that we’ve been in the industry. At one point in time, our exclusive fleet was four IMS 4010 Versi-Dredges, that’s what we did. Regardless of whether it was the right tool for the right job, that’s how we built our business, and it allowed us to expand, adding different types of dredges and larger equipment. We’ve always found that having those dredges as an option in our fleet gives us the best opportunity to compete in the marketplace for specific project types. Over time, we have purchased at least 10 IMS Versi-Dredges.”
What features make the Versi-Dredge ideal for your dredging projects?
“Specifically, right now the IMS 7012 HP Versi-Dredge has been a real winner for us. And, so, I’ll speak to it specifically as we have four of them in our fleet and it has fit a nice niche for us. One, it’s productivity. Having a heavy-duty underwater slurry pump (the 12 in. by 10 in. GIW) on the equipment has been a great addition for us; two, the simplicity of one-truck transportability. For our specific applications, in lagoons, industrial facilities, and tailings ponds, you can get into tight places that you normally wouldn’t be able to get an equivalent cutter suction dredge into. Not only can we mobilize the 7012s more easily, but we also get great production rates out of it. It’s been a nice option for us that we didn’t always have. In addition to its transportability, an even bigger advantage is we can reach 30 feet depths. I don’t know of any other one truck transportable machine that can dig to 30 feet effectively in the market. These are a few of the reasons that the Versi-Dredge has been a great fit for our specific market.”
So, the only other types of one truck transportable dredges that can reach those depths are hanging pump dredges, right?
“I don’t count that. That’s not dredging. That’s more of a homemade system, it’s different. That type of system overpromises and underdelivers every time, and you don’t have the ability to control it. It’s a temporary solution. I understand that there are applications where it’s necessary with situations such as extraordinarily deep depths, but even then, we’ve built an auger dredge that can dig 120 feet which is way more effective than hanging a pump off the end of a barge up and down. So, we would never choose to use one of these systems due to the constant monitoring, inefficiencies, and inability to sustain consistent solids. You know, you’re in a load and out a load, and in a load and out. In reality, dredging in itself is inherently inefficient and then you introduce hanging a pump off a barge. And, even with the best technology, you truly can’t control it in the way that it’s sold. That’s my opinion. You know, I think there are applications for them. I like where some of the manufacturers have gone with excavator-mounted cutter pumps. I think that’s a really good use for them.”
How does the propulsion versatility with the patented Starwheel Drive self-propulsion system and the cable drive rigging system work for your operations?
“Recently we’ve gotten into the paper mill market and have quite a few projects where we’ve been able to utilize the Starwheel Drive system to get into areas where we simply couldn’t utilize cables due to equipment (aerators) that are located within the pond. The Starwheels have allowed us to be effective in places where we otherwise couldn’t. Specifically, a project where we were utilizing a spud dredge, but we couldn’t access the areas around the aerators because you couldn’t spud down due to the potential of hitting submerged electrical cables. Also, you couldn’t run cables across the pond because you couldn’t weave in and out of the existing aerators that were present. So, the only way to access it was by pushing a dredge with a boat, or you find something that has self-propulsion, and we have that IMS 7012 with the Starwheel Drive and the thruster and have been able to utilize those in conjunction to move out in the pond and create an effective restoration project for a mill facility. We like to use the cable drive system on long runs, you know thousands of feet, to small ponds that you can put on blocks a couple of 100 feet out in front of you. It’s always worked well for us.”
What is your experience with IMS’s factory support and parts department?
“Truly superior, exceptional parts department. Shout out to Todd up there. They do a great job supporting us, getting us parts and pieces for our older machines. They are always keeping us up to date on changes that we need to make to have the most effective systems in place for spare parts. They’re always willing to overnight parts or find something for us. We have a great, great relationship with the parts department and given that we run 18 dredges, all Ellicott and IMS Versi-Dredges, they keep us running, which is the backbone of our business.”
As a leading U.S. biosolids dredging and dewatering contractor, Merrell Bros. has five dredges in their fleet, over 15,000 completed projects in their portfolio and an impressive 40-year track record in the industry. Merrell Bros works with municipalities, industries, and agriculture operations nationwide to deliver unique dredging and solids dewatering solutions using their proprietary methods. We were able to sit down with Merrell Bros. Chief Operations Officer, Brayden Merrell, who gave us valuable insights on why Merrell Bros. has trusted IMS Versi-Dredge dredging systems for the past 20 years with a total of 11 units purchased during that time. Merrell Bros. puts a lot of hours on their dredges and other equipment and cycles them out for new equipment to maintain a modern fleet that continually delivers results. Merrell Bros.’s reputation for dredge upkeep makes their used dredges coveted by other industry players.
Why did you select the IMS Versi-Dredge for your dredge fleet operations over other dredges available in the marketplace?
“We have been an IMS customer for over 20 years because of the quality of the equipment and the reliability of the machine to do its job. Customer support has also been very helpful when small issues have popped up over time. The machines are easy to work on, including while in the water, which is helpful for quick job-site maintenance.”
Why has Merrell Bros purchased multiple Versi-Dredge units and how many have they purchased over time? How many are currently in the fleet?
“Merrell Bros. has owned a total of 11 IMS Versi-Dredges, with an average of 3 units in our fleet at any given time. We currently have two IMS 5012 LP dredges and one Mudcat 115D in our fleet. We like the flexibility that the Mud Cat offers in its more ‘compact’ size but rely on the 5012’s as our workhorses for larger scale projects.”
What features make the Versi-Dredge ideal for your dredging projects?
“Among many things, pumping power, stability in the water, large fuel storage, cable and Starwheel Drive propulsion. We also enjoy the comfortable cab of the 5012’s.”
How does the propulsion versatility with the patented Starwheel Drive self-propulsion system and the cable drive rigging system work for your operations?
“We maneuver our dredges much of the time with the cable drive. Engineering of the IMS 5012 has made it very quick and efficient to set up a cable. The pulleys and drive wheel are properly placed and create smooth movements. Having the Starwheel Drive attached is extremely handy for removing the cable and helping us finish jobs in hard to navigate areas where a cable cannot connect via bank to bank.”
What is your experience with IMS’s factory support and parts department?
“Support has been able to walk us through where they believe the issue lies and we have been able to fix the problem quickly with little downtime. With multiple machines, we keep a large inventory of maintenance items and spare parts. IMS has always been a partner on realizing downtime for us is extremely expensive and helping overnight or secure parts as quickly as possible.”
North Fringe Industrial Technologies Inc. is a leading pump solution provider headquartered in Saskatchewan, Canada, with operations nationwide. In addition to providing various types of pumps and pumping solutions to the mining and wastewater sectors, North Fringe is a full-scale dredging services contractor that operates two IMS 5012 LP Versi-Dredges. North Fringe emphasizes the use of the Versi-Dredge’s Starwheel Drive self-propulsion and how it gives them the flexibility to work in mine pods, lakes, rivers, and municipal lagoons without the use of swing wires or traversing cables. We were able to sit down with North Fringe’s, President, Brett Cain to hear why North Fringe chose the IMS Versi-Dredge for their dredging fleet.
Why did you select the IMS Versi-Dredge for your operations over other dredges available in the marketplace?
“We chose the IMS Versi-Dredge for its versatility, straightforward operation, and efficiency. The single-truck transportability and self-contained design make it ideal for the varied demands of our projects, simplifying mobilization and reducing costs. Compared to other dredges, the Versi-Dredge is cost-effective and reliable for both small- and large-scale projects, offering exceptional operational flexibility.”
Why did you purchase your second IMS Versi-Dredge for your fleet, and why does having multiple make sense for your operation?
“Adding a second IMS Versi-Dredge allowed us to expand our dredging capabilities and better meet customer needs. Having multiple units provides consistency for our operators, simplifies training, and enables efficient parts swapping between equipment. This uniformity reduces downtime and streamlines maintenance. Moving equipment in a single load is another key benefit, making mobilization more efficient and cost-effective.”
What features make the Versi-Dredge ideal for your dredging projects?
“Key features like the Starwheel Drive self-propulsion system, single-truck transportability, and user-friendly controls make the Versi-Dredge an excellent fit for our operations. Its ability to operate effectively in diverse conditions ensures we can meet the specific needs of our clients across a wide range of dredging projects. The convenience of the Starwheel Drive for shoring and short distance maneuvering further enhances its practicality and efficiency.”
How important is the Starwheel Drive self-propulsion system for your projects?
“The Starwheel Drive system plays a vital role in improving our efficiency. It eliminates the need for cables and anchors, reducing setup time and allowing for continuous dredging. The system is particularly convenient for shoring and maneuvering short distances, offering greater control and operational flexibility. Additionally, it helps minimize the environmental footprint on sensitive sites, ensuring we meet both operational and environmental goals.”
What is your experience with IMS’s factory support and parts department?
“IMS’s factory support and parts department have been outstanding. Tony Mendez, their Factory Technical Liaison, has been a tremendous asset to our team. He is always available to answer questions, taking the time to thoroughly address any concerns. Tony even spent a week on-site with our crews, sharing his expertise and optimizing our operations, which saved us valuable time. Having the ability to call him anytime for support has been invaluable. Additionally, the responsive and knowledgeable IMS support team consistently ensures we receive the parts and assistance we need to keep our equipment running smoothly and without delays.”
For more information on how an IMS Versi-Dredge can add value to your dredging fleet and help reduce your operating costs and increase your bottom line, please contact IMS Sales at versidredge@imsdredge.com or call 913-642-5100 and one of our solutions providers with 20+ years dredging experience will assist you. Also, visit www.imsdredge.com for more information on IMS products.
