How to Ship a Portable Screening Plant

Types of Portable Screening Plants

Portable screening plants come in two primary configurations, each with different transport characteristics:

• Vibrating Scalping Screens (Track-Mounted): These use inclined, multi-deck vibrating surfaces to separate aggregate by size. Track-mounted units are self-propelled and can reposition on-site without a trailer. For road transport, they must be loaded onto a lowboy or RGN trailer. Common brands include Terex Finlay, Kleemann, McCloskey, and Powerscreen.
• Trommel Screeners (Track or Wheel-Mounted): These use a rotating perforated drum for separating wet, sticky, or organic materials. Wheel-mounted trommels are often road-legal and can be towed behind a truck. Track-mounted trommels require trailer transport. Common brands include McCloskey, Doppstadt, and Komptech.
• Wheel-Mounted Screens: Some screening plants are mounted on wheeled chassis with road-legal lighting and braking systems, allowing them to be towed between sites. These are the simplest to transport but still require careful attention to width and height.

Transport Dimensions

Portable screening plants vary widely in transport dimensions depending on size and configuration. Typical ranges:

• Track-Mounted Screens (transport position): Length 40–60 ft, Width 9–14 ft, Height 10–14 ft. Most exceed legal width (8.5 ft) and require overwidth permits.
• Trommel Screeners (transport position): Length 35–55 ft, Width 8–12 ft, Height 10–13 ft. Smaller units may be within legal width; larger units require permits.
• Weight: 40,000–120,000 lbs depending on size and configuration. Larger units require overweight permits.

The key to accurate transport dimensions is measuring the machine in its fully folded transport configuration — conveyors folded, drum retracted, and any fold-out components secured. Never estimate dimensions from operating configuration.

Folding and Preparing for Transport

Most modern portable screening plants have hydraulically folding conveyors and components designed for transport. Proper preparation is critical:

1. Fold all conveyors: Side discharge conveyors, fines conveyors, and overs conveyors must be fully folded and pinned in transport position. Verify all hydraulic locks are engaged.
2. Retract the drum (trommels): Trommel drums should be retracted to their shortest transport position and secured.
3. Lower the hopper: The feed hopper should be lowered to its transport position and pinned.
4. Secure loose components: Remove or secure any loose screens, mesh panels, or attachments that could shift during transport.
5. Measure in transport position: After folding, measure the actual width, height, and length to determine permit requirements.
6. Check fluid levels: Ensure hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and coolant are at proper levels for transport.

Trailer Selection

The right trailer depends on the screening plant's transport dimensions and weight:

• RGN (Removable Gooseneck): The most common choice for track-mounted screening plants. The low deck height (18–20 inches) accommodates tall machines, and the removable gooseneck allows the machine to drive on if self-propelled. Multiple rear axles handle heavy units.
• Lowboy (Fixed Neck): For screening plants that cannot drive on, a lowboy with crane loading is used. Good for units up to 100,000 lbs.
• Step Deck: For smaller, lighter screening plants (under 40,000 lbs) that fit within step deck height limits. Less common for larger units.
• Tow-Behind (Wheeled Units): Road-legal wheeled screening plants can be towed behind a semi or heavy-duty pickup. Verify the unit's braking system is functional and lighting is connected before towing.

Permit Requirements

Most portable screening plants require oversize permits due to their width and weight:

• Overwidth permits for units over 8.5 ft wide (most track-mounted units)
• Overweight permits for units over 80,000 lbs GVW (larger units)
• Overheight permits for units over 13.5 ft tall when loaded on trailer
• Escort vehicles for units over 12–14 ft wide (state-dependent)
• Route surveys for very wide or heavy units

Common Transport Scenarios

• Moving a screening plant between aggregate quarry sites or construction projects
• Shipping a screening plant purchased at a Ritchie Bros or IronPlanet auction
• Transporting a screening plant to a dealer for maintenance or resale
• Exporting a used screening plant to a port for international shipment

IronHaul Logistics ships portable screening plants and other aggregate processing equipment nationwide. We handle permit applications, trailer selection, and loading coordination. Contact us at [email protected] or call (208) 495-2260 for a quote on your screening plant move.