Screening Equipment Buyer Guide
Screening equipment is vital for separating aggregate materials by size, ensuring product quality and efficiency in material processing. It's primarily purchased by contractors in construction, quarrying, mining, recycling, and landscaping industries who need to sort rock, sand, gravel, soil, and demolition waste.
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Fast facts
- Used price ranges from $50,000 for smaller, older models to over $500,000 for late-model, high-capacity units.
- Operating weights typically range from 20,000 lbs (10 tons) for portable screens to over 150,000 lbs (75 tons) for large track-mounted plants.
- Typical 'hours-of-life' can exceed 15,000-20,000 hours with good maintenance, but screens often see rebuilds around 8,000-12,000 hours.
- Fuel usage varies significantly, from 5-15 gallons per hour for smaller diesel units to 25-50+ gallons per hour for large, high-production screen plants.
- Common attachments or configurations include vibrating grizzly feeders, various mesh sizes (steel, rubber, polyurethane), and multi-deck screening systems.
- Jobsite uses include separating topsoil, sizing aggregate for concrete/asphalt, recycling construction & demolition debris, and mineral classification.
- Screening capacity can range from 100 tons per hour (TPH) for smaller mobile screens to 500+ TPH for large track-mounted plants.
- Many modern units offer hybrid or electric power options to reduce fuel consumption and emissions on site.
What to look for
- 1Inspect screen decks for wear, tears, and proper tensioning; heavily worn decks indicate high usage or abrasive materials.
- 2Check all bearings in the screen box and conveyor rollers for excessive play, noise, or grease leakage, which can signal impending failure.
- 3Examine the main frame and structural components for cracks, welds, or bends, especially around high-stress areas like the screen box mounts.
- 4Assess hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks, abrasions, or signs of overheating; smooth, consistent operation is key.
- 5For track-mounted units, inspect tracks, idlers, rollers, and sprockets for wear, ensuring even wear and proper tension.
- 6For wheeled units, check tire condition, rim integrity, and axle alignment; uneven wear suggests alignment issues.
- 7Verify the hour meter reading aligns with the general condition of the machine and the service records. A low-hour, heavily worn machine is a red flag.
- 8Request detailed service history records; look for consistent maintenance, oil analysis reports, and major component rebuilds.
- 9If equipped with telematics, review recent data for fault codes, fuel consumption trends, and operational hours to identify potential issues or overuse.
- 10Operate the machine to listen for unusual vibrations, rattles, or excessive noise during screening and conveying, which can indicate loose components or failing bearings.
Best makes & models
Metso Outotec
Lokotrack ST series, Lokotrack ST2.x, ST3.xKnown for robust construction, high production capacity, and excellent reliability in demanding quarry and mining applications. Strong global parts and service network.
McCloskey International
S-Series (S130, S190), R-Series (R70, R155)Praised for their versatile mobile screening plants, offering high output, quick setup times, and good fuel efficiency across various material types.
Terex Finlay
883+ Spaleck, 694+ Hydrascreen, 674Offers a comprehensive range of track-mounted and mobile screens, recognized for their innovative features, durability, and strong performance in recycling and aggregates.
Sandvik
QE series (QE342, QE442), QA series (QA335, QA451)Produces highly efficient and reliable screening solutions, often featuring advanced automation and robust designs suitable for demanding environments. Good residual value.
Keestrack
K3, K4, K5, K6Known for its commitment to fuel efficiency and hybrid/electric drive options, offering high-capacity mobile screens with a focus on sustainable operation.
Models with known issues
Commonly-reported issues from operators and technicians. Every machine varies — always inspect before you buy.
Older 'Entry-Level' Brands Specific models or model years from lesser-known manufacturers (typically pre-2010)
Industry chatter suggests that some of these units often have limited parts availability outside their home region, making repairs time-consuming and expensive.
Some European Brands Certain Tier 3/4 interim engine models (approx. 2008-2014)
Reports circulate that some models from this era encountered more frequent DPF and emissions system issues, leading to downtime and costly component replacements.
Select Large Producers Specific older track-mounted screen plants (model years 2005-2012)
Occasionally, chatter mentions certain older large-capacity units from prominent brands experiencing higher-than-average screen box bearing failures if not meticulously maintained, often due to high vibration loads.
Frequently asked questions
What is a reasonable price for a used screening plant?
Expect to pay anywhere from $75,000 for a well-maintained, mid-sized unit with 5,000-8,000 hours, up to $300,000-$400,000+ for newer, high-capacity models with low hours and advanced features. Smaller, older units can be found for less.
How many hours on a used screen is too many?
While 10,000-15,000 hours is considered high, a machine with detailed service records showing regular maintenance and component rebuilds can still be a good value. Focus more on overall condition and maintenance history than just the hour meter.
Can I finance a used screening plant?
Yes, financing is widely available through equipment lenders, banks, and some dealerships. Loan terms typically range from 3-7 years, with interest rates depending on your creditworthiness and the age/value of the equipment.
What are the considerations for shipping a screening plant?
Screening plants are oversized and overweight, requiring specialized heavy haul transport and often permits. Factor in significant shipping costs, which can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars depending on distance.
Do used screening plants come with a warranty?
Most used screening plants are sold 'as-is,' but some dealers may offer limited warranties on certified used equipment. It's always advisable to negotiate for a short-term powertrain or hydraulic warranty if available.
What's the resale value like for screening equipment?
Well-maintained units from reputable brands tend to hold their value quite well, especially those with good service records and common parts availability. Demand for quality used screening equipment remains strong in many markets.