Frequently Asked Questions
What is it?
The Dig A Screener R series is a rotating trommel type screening drum that can accurately screen material to any given size. This highly versatile screening attachment can be used to screen or recycle material to a wide range of sizes. It is simple, reliable and can be used on any site to reduce waste, transport costs and importing material to site.
What does it do?
The R series can be used for screening washing and mixing materials to a wide range of sizes from 75mm to 6mm. It is used in recycling, groundworks, quarrying, land reclamation and landscaping. The R series allows one man to screen and separate material safely, quietly and economically combining high output with low operating costs.
How does it work?
The Dig A Screener R series picks up material in the same way as a normal digging bucket. When the hydraulic cover is closed, the drum rotates allowing the fines to fall out and larger material to stay in. This way, no spillage or contamination can occur over the processed material. The large screening area means high production whilst the smooth action has no damaging effect on the excavator.
What are the running costs?
The wear parts are minimal. The meshes are made from high tensile steel and are easily fitted in a matter of minutes. Reliability is very good as there are not many moving parts. Its robust design and 360degree rotation ensures smooth running on both the attachment and the excavator. The Dig A Screener R series has 2 grease nipples on either side. That’s it!
What After Sales support is in place?
The Dig A Screener comes with 12 months warranty. We hold all parts in stock at our 2 acre site in Middlewich, Cheshire which is 5 minutes off the M6 between Manchester and Birmingham. We have a nationwide team of fully trained Field Engineers and hold a full list of required parts that we can distribute nationwide within 24 hours.
See the Service & Backup page for more details.
What are the Advantages?
- One man operation
- Low transport costs
- Quiet operation
- Minimal dust
- No blockages
- Safe operation
- Low maintenance
- Work in confined areas
- Highly mobile
- Easy to work in remote areas
- Can be operated by any driver
- Cheap running costs
- High output
- Low cost per tonne
- Environmentally friendly
- Proven track record.
- Tried and tested over 8 years
Advantages Of R Series Over Conventional “Tumble Dryer” Type Machines
Very High Production
The R series has a much bigger screening surface area. This means it will produce a much cleaner product at a much faster rate as the material will travel over a wider surface area.
Screens Broad Range Of Sizes
The R series can screen a much broader range of sizes. As it has a greater screening area this means it can screen down to much smaller sizes than a conventional screen whilst maintaining high throughput. The ranges of finished product sizes are much greater from 6mm to 75mm compared to conventional bucket screens that operate from 20mm to 60mm. This means it can screen sand and fine topsoil as found on quality landscaping e.g. golf courses.
No Spillage
The R Series does not spill material. It has a hydraulic cover that closes thereby preventing material from falling out after it has been scooped up. This creates higher tonnages and no contamination into the screened stockpile.
Smooth Operator
As it is hinged at both sides rather than one, the R Series is more robust and minimises strain put on its bearings. The smooth balanced rotation ensures an easier and longer life for both the R series and the excavator as neither machine will be under strain whilst operating. Wearing parts are low with screen meshes typically lasting 12-18 months on general stone and soil separation. Greasing is required weekly to 4 easy access points. The range of carrying machines extends from 8t to 35t.
Maintenance
- The R Series has many different types of hydraulics; A type, B type and C type.
- A type; requires a double acting service on the excavator, this controls the rotation of the drum and the locking pins with aid of electrics.
- B type; requires only a single acting service (hammer circuit) this is controlled fully from the cab with the use of a joystick control.
- C type; this is fully dependant on the excavator, requires two double acting circuits with proportional control. This is the operated from the existing excavator controls with no aid of electrics.
- There are only a few grease nipples, these being on the main rotor bearings and locking rams. If used for washing material it is a good idea to use lithium based grease.
- There is a drive chain which requires periodic check to tension and grease.
- Changing meshes is a simple operation, but the bucket is required on the excavator to be changed.
- Make sure that pressures and flows are correct as damage can be caused due excessive flow and pressure.
Operation
- Depending on hydraulic type A, B, C the operation is different. A is controlled with a double acting circuit along with a switch set to open and close the locking hooks.
B type has a proportional joystick which controls the speed accurately of the bucket rotation, this also has an auto lock facility for locking drum to open and close.
C type is controlled from the excavator joysticks, this requires proportional control on the levers for example a thumb roller or a pilot operated foot pedal. - It takes practice to operate, but after a few cycles the driver can get a feel for the operation. The auto lock is very useful this requires the correct speed to allow the hooks to locate.
