Jon E
Member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2009
- Messages
- 31
- Tractor
- 2014 TYM T353HST
Looking for thoughts/comments on the construction of a topsoil and/or compost screen. I have about 80-100 yards of materials, consisting of various piles of pure compost, mixed compost and topsoil, plain topsoil, and composted wood chips. I would like to screen it all to about 3/4" or even 1/2" size. Once that material is all screened, however, I will only have a need to screen 2-5 yards per year after that. Mostly composted yard waste and manure. I'm thinking that a small trommel or shaker that you would have to load with a shovel would be way too much work, but would be fine for future demands. On the other hand, a large vibratory screen that could be loaded with a tractor bucket would be quick and easy for the initial quantity, but would never get used again after I was done. I figure that I have enough materials on hand to build a small hand-loaded machine without any additional cost, and the large screen might cost me a couple hundred bucks in various parts - of course that depends on how much I can scrounge up for free.
My third option would be to try and find someone who would screen all my materials for me, using a larger tow-behind machine, and pay the fee to do so. That means I could simply build a small screen and be done with it. I've been trying to find a small rental screen for a few years now and have had zero luck in my area, so hiring someone is about it for this option.
Given the circumstances, what would you guys do?
My third option would be to try and find someone who would screen all my materials for me, using a larger tow-behind machine, and pay the fee to do so. That means I could simply build a small screen and be done with it. I've been trying to find a small rental screen for a few years now and have had zero luck in my area, so hiring someone is about it for this option.
Given the circumstances, what would you guys do?