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A spud is a long stake used to anchor a dredge to the bottom, allowing it to hold its position while excavating. Dredges are floating devices used for underwater excavation, primarily to maintain or deepen waterways, create new land, construct control works, or recover valuable materials. They are classified as mechanical or hydraulic. Mechanical dredges include dipper, grab, and ladder types, while hydraulic dredges use centrifugal pumps to move material. Spuds are particularly important for stationary dredges, like the cutter suction dredge, which swings around the spud to excavate an arc.12

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