Initial inspections are usually carried out on foot so keeping equipment to a minimum is desirable. I carry a  yabby pump and bucket of fittings, tools and pan.
A yabby pump ensures that the bottom is cleaned out correctly, but this method requires water.

For more details click on the Yabby Pump picture

This bank dredge is used in places where there is no water for panning or dredging. In places like this, gold bearing gravel must be carried from the dry river bed to where the bank dredge is set up next to water, such as a farm dam.

For more details, click on the bank dredge picture

Sometimes you can get lucky and find a patch of water. Now it's time to bring in the dredge. The one pictured here is a Keene's 3 inch. The dredge is the best way to make sure that all the gravel and gold is cleaned from the bottom of the river.

For more details click on the dredge picture

I found this machine on The Yahoo Auction Page, it appears to be the ultimate in small scale prospecting. Just shovel in everthing and pan off at the end of the day

For more details click on the Trailer Plant picture