Diaphragm pump strainer

[Mrbouncyballs]

We have a 3hp diaphragm pump with 3in hoses.
We are attempting to use this to pump mud and debries from the button of our lake around our dock.
There is a strainer on the end of the suction hose. The pump will pimp water and we see it pull in leafs but we have yet to see it pump any mud.

The strainer has holes around the sides but not the bottom.

Will this work better if we added holes to the bottom or just completely removed the strainer

 

[mk3223]

As he suction hose touching the lake floor, the holes of strainer are to limit the size of particle or junk in the mud to enter the pump.
Is there is a layer of leafs settled in the lake floor where pumping?

 

[bimr]

Use an oversized strained:

Oversized

 

[TugboatEng]

May as well not run a strainer at that point.

OP, if you want to pick up from the bottom I suggest running an inline strainer so you can point your suction hose directly at the bottom.

Also, consider using a centrifufal pump as they are much more tolerant of solids and may not require a strainer at all.

Or, agitate the bottom to bring the mud into suspension so it gets pumped out with the water.