The beam engine was built by John Key of Kircaldy and was used to pump water from the dock when a paddle steamer was inside. When not employed for this task it was used to pump water to two underground tanks for irrigation for the gardens at Randell’s home “Bleak House” on the hill above the dock.
An engine of this type would use a beam. The connecting rod from the piston is connected to one end of the beam while the “pitman” from the crank is connected to the other end. The beam is pivoted at its centre. The traction engine would drive a centrifugal pump to move 40,000 gallons of water per hour through a 9 inch pipe (register 12th June 1876).
This engine is of historical and archaeological significance as a remnant of past technology and its association with the first irrigated garden, ship building technology and economy, and as the only remaining graving dock on the river.
Take the Randell Historic Walk in Mannum | Visit the Mannum Museum | See the Randell Dry Dock