Digging for Gold with Tsurumi and the Gold Rattler Wash Plant

Story and photos by Tsurumi

Nevada gold miner and business owner Allan Guthmiller, known for the Gold Rattler wash plant, has found success with the Tsurumi HS2.4S submersible trash pump. In his quest for a high-performance solution, Guthmiller integrated the Tsurumi pump into his gold washing operations, noting that its robust construction and continuous operation have greatly enhanced the machine’s overall performance. 

Guthmiller purchased his first HS2.4S pump in 2022 and said it has far exceeded expectations. It powers critical processes and outperforms competitor pumps that previously failed under similar conditions. Emphasizing its durability, versatility, and user-friendliness, the Tsurumi HS pump has become vital to his gold extraction equipment business. 

“I first learned about Tsurumi while searching online for a heavy-duty pump with continuous-use capabilities at a reasonable price. Although the Tsurumi model I selected had a higher capacity than needed for my wash plant, it enabled me to extend that capacity to operate other plant components,” he said. 

Guthmiller added that the HS pumps he purchases arrive swiftly via FedEx after being ordered from Amazon and eBay, making the entire process smooth and efficient. 

Powering the Gold Rattler 

The HS2.4S pump has been instrumental in Guthmiller’s operations, feeding water to the upper shaker deck of his wash plant. The deck, known as the “Gold Rattler,” processes gold-bearing material using a powerful spray for washing. The pump’s head pressure and ability to handle debris allow this vital process stage to run smoothly. 

“I really appreciate that the pump’s impeller easily handles sand and gravel up to 1/4 inch in diameter without concern,” Guthmiller said. “While I cover the intake with a 20-mesh screen to prevent vegetation and stones from entering the spray, it gives me peace of mind knowing the pump can handle it. I also use the pump to remove sludge from the filter tanks, and it does a fantastic job without bogging down!” 

Durability is key in a demanding environment, and the Tsurumi HS2.4S excels in such settings. Having tried and tested numerous pumps, Guthmiller is confident in the Tsurumi’s construction and long-lasting performance. 

“The most important aspect to consider when selecting a pump is durability. I have used many other submersible trash pumps in the past, and all have failed in a very short time, usually due to overheating or poor bearings and seals. The Tsurumi HS2.4S has a robust design, enabling it to endure various types of field abuse while maintaining functionality.” 

According to Guthmiller, at 25 pounds, the HS2.4S pump weighs almost double the “cheap plastic pumps typically found around the internet.” Its versatility extends beyond the Gold Rattler wash plant, proving useful for various pumping and dewatering tasks around Guthmiller’s ventures in Henderson, Nev. 

Straightforward maintenance 

Guthmiller also highlights the pump’s ease of maintenance, which keeps it in top working condition with minimal effort. 

“The pump is very easy to maintain. All the moving components are sealed, so there are no concerns there. When I’m done using it, I dip it in a five-gallon bucket of fresh water and turn it on. The water blasts out, clears all mud and debris and it’s ready for next time. It’s that simple,” he said. 

Another point of praise for the pump is its energy efficiency: It consumes just 594 watts and can easily be powered by a 2 kW generator. “I can run the entire wash plant all day for eight hours on just a gallon of fuel,” he said. 

One of the largest advantages of the Tsurumi HS pump is its ability to run continuously without issue, setting it apart from other pumps in its class. 

“I’ve used many pumps in the past and all eventually failed with less than 100 hours of use. Most pumps in this class aren’t designed for continuous use,” Guthmiller explained. “The Tsurumi pump far exceeds them, running in performance and being able to operate 24/7 without issue. It’s a quality product, and I’m proud knowing my Gold Rattler customers are receiving a top-quality pump with their wash plant purchase.” 

To visit Allan Guthmiller’s YouTube channel, click here. For more information on Tsurumi Pump’s products and solutions, click here.