Lycott Environmental, INC.

The hydro-rake is a floating, platform-mounted backhoe, which is fitted with a custom 8-foot wide York rake and is designed to remove aquatic plants and debris from below the surface of the water body. The machine is maneuvered by paddle wheels and the rake is controlled by hydraulic arms. The hydraulic fluid used in the machine is vegetable-based and biodegradable, designed to minimize negative effects on the environment in the event of an accidental release. To preclude the transport of non-indigenous aquatic plants from one water body to another, our equipment is pressure washed between each project including the trailer which carries the equipment.

The hydro-rake begins near the shoreline and rakes in reverse until the rake is filled with weeds/roots, rotting vegetation and debris. The load is deposited on the shoreline in a designated area or in a transport barge or harvester. This procedure is repeated until the area is free of weeds and debris.