OverviewCheck the Spec'
Different specifications and set-ups will be available with different screener equipment, so it is first important to work out what you require from a unit and whether the options on offer will fit this description. But even with variations in design, the basic purpose and function of a screener will be fairly similar across the board.
Loose material will be loaded in at one end, usually by a tipper or excavator, and it will pass along a conveyor system and ultimately end up being screened by the vibrating decks with different gauge apertures on them. The largest pieces of rock will stay on top while the smaller ones fall through the gaps, enabling quick and efficient separation.
Are the Settings Fully Adjustable?
A used screener model may come with adjustable screen settings or several decks to accommodate different materials. There may also be adjustable speed set-ups, allowing for individual conveyors or the entire system to be set up just as the operator requires at any given time.
If a used unit is tracked, has wheels or any other kind of mobility feature, in addition to outriggers for stability, then you should check and test all of these for wear and ensure that the motor, mechanisms and other key components are in working order. Repairs and further maintenance can be costly, so you will want to avoid having to perform these in the short term and instead choose a screener that is ready to use straight away without any problems.
Conveyor-based screeners are not the only option available to buyers, as it is also possible to invest in a trommel system as an alternative solution. Rather than relying on conveyors and different gauge caps, a trommel operates through the use of a rotating cylinder - the inside of which is set up to separate materials and also move them along. The action may be different but the same effect is the ultimate result.
Static and mobile trommels are available, with these models typically being preferred in the recycling market. Whichever screener you select, one which is in a good condition and has been well looked after will always be a better investment than one which has not been treated with the same level of care. So whether you are separating rock and soil or metal and plastic, a used screener can lead to improved productivity.
