These require a nearby source of water. A gas powered pump and a long hose conduct the water from a nearby source to a free standing sluice. As the name implies, these were originally made to work the higher banks of current streams as well as old stream channels. Once you get some distance from the water, it is much easier to conduct the water to a sluice than haul the material to the water. Not seen as much in this form since most of the year water is scarce in the desert. Rusty has a long hose running to a pump in a nearby stream which is flowing well at this time.
However, as can readily be seen in the above photos, there are several forms of recirculating high bankers (also called recirculating sluices) used in the desert by club members and most are home made. Not shown above is a Gold Buddy recirc also owned and used by Jack and Dorie which is a nice little manufactured unit. Many of these are considered mini high bankers due to their small size. Some retail units fold up and fit into the water retaining tub, making it very compact for storage and transportation. Recirculating high bankers are probably the most popular equipment among club members due to their ability to be used regardless of whether the soil is wet or dry, their low water needs and their small size and simplicity. The only mechanical part is usually a 12 vdc bilge pump for recirculating the water. John won his at one of the club’s equipment raffles. David’s recirc is a Goliath among those used by club members and is hauled by trailer.
