A gold prospecting drywasher is a type of mining equipment that is used to extract gold from dry areas, such as desert regions or dry riverbeds. A gold prospecting drywasher is typically a large, portable machine that is equipped with a series of fans and mechanical components that are used to extract gold from the dry, dusty soil. Other sizes and types are available such as small bellows operated drywashers.

To operate a gold prospecting drywasher, the operator typically starts by placing a sample of dry, dusty soil into the machine. The drywasher is then activated, and the mechanical components begin to agitate the soil and create a flow of air. As the soil is agitated and the air flows through it, the gold particles are separated from the other materials and collected for later processing. Some machines use hot air from the exhaust of the engine for additional dryness of material although this is only mildly effective on even slightly damp soil.

Traditional methods of gold prospecting, such as panning and sluicing, require large amounts of water, which can be difficult to find in dry areas like deserts or dry riverbeds. A gold prospecting drywasher, on the other hand, uses air and mechanical agitation to extract gold from the soil, making it an effective tool for gold prospecting in dry areas.

In addition to its ability to extract gold from dry soil without the use of water, a gold prospecting drywasher is also designed to be portable and easy to operate. Most gold prospecting drywashers are designed to be easily transported from one location to another, and they are typically equipped with simple controls that allow the operator to adjust the machine's settings as needed. Be sure to read How to Get Started for more information.