anyone use a diaphragm pump?

[Slacker]

I'm considering using one to dredge my pond. It's full of muck from years of leaves and needles.
Anyone use one before?

I have heard it called a "mud pump."

Is it the right tool?

 

[trcubed]

I've used tons of them in industrial plants. Most consume a fairly large amount of compressed air as the driver. This style pump should work well for mucking out a pond, just make sure you get a pump that can handle whatever size solids (rocks, etc.) you'd expect to pump out.

You'll probably need to be in a boat to direct the suction hose just where you want it. Tossing the suction into the water will pull out a pocket in the muck around the inlet, then start moving pond water.

Sandpiper is the brand I've seen used most. http://www.sandpiperpump.com/

ETA: Is there any reason you can't bring in a long-stick trackhoe to muck out the bottom?

 

[Slacker]

"Is there any reason you can't bring in a long-stick trackhoe to muck out the bottom?"

Backhoe would require me to transport the spoils, PITA. Plus the dam is questionable to hold up to the weight of a large hoe.

The mud pump I'm looking at is 3", and it is self contained. 20' intake & 50' discharge hoses. Gas engine powered.
I will run the discharge down the backside of the dam.

I don't need to dredge the entire pond, just certain areas where the depth is such that plants grow. Most spots that need it are inlet areas from surface runoff. The silt has built up those areas.

 

[trcubed]

Sounds like you have the correct pump picked out.