A portable screening plant is the difference between unsorted crushed material and saleable spec-sized product. For contractors, aggregate producers, recyclers, landscape supply yards, and demolition operations, the screener is where the real economic value gets unlocked — separating material into spec sizes that customers actually buy at premium prices.
This guide covers the features and usage of portable screening plants — what they are, what features matter for real-world job sites, the two main technology types (vibrating scalping screens and trommel screeners), how to choose between them, and how Komplet America’s Kompatto and K-TS portable screening lineup fits practical contractor and aggregate-producer operations.
What Is a Portable Screening Plant?
A portable screening plant is a mobile machine that mechanically separates a feed material into multiple size fractions. Material enters at the feed end (typically dropped in by a loader or from a crusher’s output conveyor), passes through screening media (mesh, perforated plate, or rotating drum), and exits as multiple separate streams — fines, mid-sizes, oversize, etc. Each output stream goes to its own stockpile, ready for sale or further use.
“Portable” means the machine is designed to move between job sites — typically tracked self-propelled with hydraulically folding conveyors, fitting on standard heavy-haul trailers, and setting up in 15-30 minutes from arrival to operating. The compact mobile design enables on-site screening at locations where fixed installations can’t operate: residential demolition, urban renovation, remote excavation, mid-size quarries, recycling facility expansion, and rental-fleet deployment across multiple sites.
Two Screening Technologies: Vibrating Scalping vs. Trommel
Portable screening plants come in two fundamentally different mechanical types. Knowing the difference is the foundation of every other equipment decision.
Vibrating Scalping Screens
A vibrating scalping screen uses an inclined deck (or multiple decks stacked vertically) carrying mesh screens. Vibrator motors shake the deck aggressively, causing material to bounce and travel down the inclined surface. Particles smaller than the mesh openings fall through to the next deck or onto a discharge conveyor; larger particles travel along the surface and exit at the deck end. Komplet’s Kompatto vibrating scalping lineup covers this technology.
Vibrating scalping screens excel at:
- High-throughput dry aggregate screening — crushed stone, RCA (recycled concrete aggregate), pit-run gravel, base material
- Multi-size separation — 2-deck or 3-deck designs produce multiple spec sizes from a single pass
- Self-cleaning mesh — the aggressive bouncing action helps prevent fines from packing into mesh openings
- Compact mobile applications — Kompatto units are typically lighter and more transport-friendly than large industrial screens
Less ideal for: very wet, sticky, or high-organic-content material that plates out on the deck and reduces throughput.
Trommel Screeners
A trommel screener uses a slowly rotating perforated drum. Material enters at one end, tumbles through the drum as it rotates, and falls through perforations at the size where it matches the perforation pattern. Different drum zones have different perforation sizes for multi-stream separation. Komplet’s K-TS 30 and K-TS 40 trommel screeners cover this technology.
Trommel screeners excel at:
- Wet, sticky, or moisture-laden material — topsoil, compost, mulch, mixed C&D fines, organic-rich soil
- Gentle handling — preserves soil structure and organic content that aggressive vibrating screens would pulverize
- Resistance to blinding — the tumbling action and integrated cleaning brush keep perforations clear
- Mixed-feed flexibility — handles the variable material composition typical of soil and compost operations
Less ideal for: high-volume dry aggregate production where vibrating screens deliver more tons per hour per square foot of screening area.
Quick Selection Guide
- Crushed stone, RCA, pit-run gravel, dry aggregate: Vibrating scalping screen (Kompatto lineup)
- Topsoil, compost, mulch, organic material: Trommel screener (K-TS lineup)
- Mixed C&D recycling fines: Trommel screener if wet/organic; vibrating screen if dry
- Operations with both material types: Many recyclers and contractors run both technologies for material flexibility
Key Features That Define a Quality Portable Screening Plant
Not all portable screeners are built the same. The features below separate serious commercial machines from limited-capability designs.
Self-Propelled Tracked Mobility
Tracked self-propelled mobility means the machine drives itself into position via wireless remote control. No specialized transport equipment, no crane work, no dedicated setup crew. The operator drives the machine off the trailer, positions it where needed, and starts screening within minutes. Tracks deliver better stability than wheels on uneven job sites and don’t require tire pressure management or replacement.
Hydraulically Folding Conveyors
Output conveyors fold hydraulically for transport via remote control — no manual disassembly, no overhead work, no specialized tools. On arrival at a new job site, deploy conveyors via the remote, run a brief warm-up, and start feeding material. Setup time under 30 minutes from transport configuration to operating.
Wireless Remote Control
Every primary function — drive, deploy, start/stop, feeder rate, conveyor direction — is controlled remotely. One operator handles the full machine from a position with optimal visibility of the operation. Multi-operator setups become unnecessary, reducing labor cost.
Multi-Deck Configuration (Vibrating Screens)
A 2-deck vibrating screen produces two output sizes plus oversize (3 streams total). A 3-way split machine produces three output sizes plus oversize (4 streams). Komplet’s Kompatto 5030 and Kompatto 124 both support hydraulic conversion between 2-way and 3-way configurations — switching between configurations takes minutes, not hours, supporting operations that produce different spec sets for different customers.
Drum Cleaning Brush (Trommel Screens)
On trommel screeners, an integrated cleaning brush rotates against the drum surface to keep perforations clear. Material that would otherwise pack into perforations gets brushed loose, maintaining throughput over long operating periods. The K-TS 30 and K-TS 40 both include integrated brushes as standard equipment.
Adjustable Mesh and Perforation Sizes
Mesh changes (vibrating screens) and drum perforation sizes (trommels) determine the output gradations the machine produces. The Kompatto 5030 supports mesh from 1/4″ topsoil fines up to 5″ oversize. K-TS trommels support drum perforation patterns matching common landscape, compost, and aggregate spec sizes. Mesh and drum changes are accomplished during scheduled service.
Onboard Diesel Power
All Komplet portable screeners include onboard diesel engines (or dedicated genset packages on trommels) — no external power source required, no dependency on grid availability at remote job sites. Fuel consumption is typically 1-2 gallons per hour during operation, depending on machine size and load.
OEM Service Network and Parts Availability
Reliable service support is a feature, not a luxury. Komplet America’s parts inventory is forecasted 12 months in advance, supporting fast wear-part availability when service items are needed. Authorized dealers across North and Central America provide local service and rental support. Equipment that runs every day needs the supply chain to back it up.
Komplet America’s Portable Screening Plant Lineup
Kompatto Vibrating Scalping Screens
- Kompatto 221 — up to 90 US tph, 7′ x 3.5′ two-deck, 25 HP, ~7,275 lb. Compact tracked screener for smaller operations and tight-access sites. Approximately $104,935.
- Kompatto 5030 — up to 280 US tph, heavy-duty double-deck, 45 HP, ~26,455 lb. Komplet’s best-selling screener with fast hydraulic conversion between 2-way and 3-way split. Mesh from 1/4″ up to 5″. Approximately $209,061.
- Kompatto 124 — up to 350 tph, 11.8′ x 3.7′ top deck, 75 HP, ~37,038 lb. Komplet America’s largest mobile scalping screen, for high-volume aggregate producers and rental fleets. Approximately $268,070.
K-TS Trommel Screeners
- K-TS 30 — up to 80 tph, 68″ x 51″ or 103″ x 51″ drum (configurations available), ~8,818 lb, 23 kW genset. Compact tracked trommel for landscape supply, small compost operations, and topsoil producers.
- K-TS 40 — up to 120 tph, 126″ x 55″ or 171″ x 43″ drum, ~25,353 lb, 40 kW genset. Higher-capacity trommel for serious topsoil, compost, and mulch operations.
Where Portable Screening Plants Get Used
Demolition and C&D Recycling
Demolition contractors and C&D recyclers use vibrating scalping screens to convert crushed concrete (RCA) and demolition rubble into spec aggregate sizes for resale or on-site reuse. The Kompatto 5030 paired with a K-JC 704 PLUS jaw crusher is the workhorse contractor combination — produces 3/4″ base + 1-1/2″ drainage + oversize from a single pass.
Aggregate Production
Quarries and aggregate producers use vibrating scalping screens to separate crusher output (or pit-run gravel) into multiple spec sizes — pea gravel, #57 stone, #67 stone, crusher run, riprap, fines. Multi-deck capability and 3-way split configurations let a single machine produce multiple spec sizes simultaneously.
Topsoil and Landscape Supply
Landscape supply yards and topsoil producers use trommel screeners to remove rocks, roots, organic debris, and oversized material from raw soil. The K-TS 30 and K-TS 40 deliver clean screened topsoil suitable for sale to landscape contractors and homeowners.
Compost and Mulch Production
Compost facilities and mulch producers use trommel screeners to separate finished product from oversized contaminants and unfinished material. The gentle drum action preserves the structure of compost and mulch that aggressive vibrating screens would pulverize.
Excavation and Site Preparation
Excavation contractors use portable screening plants to convert excavated soil and rock into multiple useful streams — clean fill, base material, drainage stone, oversize for hauling. On-site screening eliminates much of the need to import aggregate while diverting excavated material from landfill disposal.
Rental Fleet Operations
Equipment rental operators serving construction, demolition, landscape supply, and aggregate customers benefit from compact mobile screeners that can be transported between rental customer sites without specialized rigging or extended setup time.
How to Choose a Portable Screening Plant
Six factors determine the right machine for your operation:
- Material composition. Dry crushed aggregate, pit-run gravel, RCA: vibrating scalping. Wet/organic/compost/topsoil: trommel.
- Throughput target. Under 90 tph: Kompatto 221 (vibrating) or K-TS 30 (trommel). 90-280 tph: Kompatto 5030. 280+ tph: Kompatto 124.
- Number of output sizes. Two sizes (base + oversize): any 2-deck. Three sizes simultaneously: Kompatto 5030 or 124 in 3-way split configuration.
- Mobility requirements. All Komplet screeners are self-propelled tracked with wireless remote and hydraulic conveyor folding. Single-site work: any setup. Multiple sites: tracked self-propelled is essential.
- Specific spec sizes needed. Aggregate spec sizes (3/4″ minus, #57, #67, crusher run): vibrating scalping with appropriate mesh. Topsoil/compost spec sizes (1/4″, 1/2″, 1″): trommel with appropriate drum perforation.
- Capital and financing. Komplet Capital offers 24-hour approval, 100% financing, and 3-6 year terms. Section 179 tax deduction applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a vibrating scalping screen and a trommel?
Mechanical operation. Vibrating screens use inclined decks with mesh that shakes aggressively, separating material as it bounces down the deck. Trommels use a slowly rotating perforated drum, separating material as it tumbles through. Vibrating screens excel at high-throughput dry aggregate; trommels excel at wet, sticky, or organic material like topsoil and compost. Many operations run both for material flexibility.
How long does setup take on a Komplet portable screener?
Under 30 minutes from transport configuration to operating. All machines are self-propelled tracked, hydraulically folding, and operated by wireless remote. One operator drives the machine into position, deploys conveyors, runs a brief warm-up, and starts feeding material.
Can a portable screening plant handle wet material?
Depends on the technology. Trommel screeners (K-TS 30, K-TS 40) handle wet material well — the rotating drum and integrated cleaning brush prevent perforation blinding. Vibrating scalping screens (Kompatto lineup) handle damp material fine but struggle with truly wet, sticky material that plates out on the deck. For wet or moisture-laden feed, trommels are the right choice.
How many output sizes can a Komplet screener produce?
Standard 2-deck Kompatto units produce two sized outputs plus oversize (3 streams total). The Kompatto 5030 and Kompatto 124 support fast hydraulic conversion to 3-way split, producing three sized outputs plus oversize (4 streams) — useful when you sell multiple spec sizes to different customers from the same screening run. K-TS trommels produce one or multiple outputs depending on drum configuration. For specifics, see the Kompatto 5030 product page.
Can I rent a portable screening plant?
Yes. Komplet works through a dealer and rental network across North and Central America. Find your local Komplet dealer or call 908-369-3340 to connect with a rental partner. Many partners offer rent-to-own arrangements where rental payments credit toward eventual purchase.
Do portable screening plants need a separate power source?
No. All Komplet Kompatto vibrating screeners include onboard diesel engines for self-contained operation. K-TS trommels use dedicated genset packages (23 kW for K-TS 30; 40 kW for K-TS 40). No external power, no grid dependency, no generator coordination — the machines arrive ready to run.
How much does a portable screening plant cost?
Pricing varies by region, configuration, and current market conditions. Typical 2026 ranges in Komplet America’s lineup: Kompatto 221 ~$104,935; Kompatto 5030 ~$209,061; Kompatto 124 ~$268,070. K-TS 30 and K-TS 40 trommel pricing varies by configuration. For current pricing, call 908-369-3340 or request a quote.
How long do Komplet portable screeners last?
With proper maintenance and OEM parts, Komplet portable screeners routinely operate productively for 10,000+ hours over many years of service. Wear parts (mesh, brushes, conveyor belts) are replaced periodically as consumables. Major components (engine, hydraulics, frame) typically last the working life of the machine with routine service per the OEM manual. Komplet America’s 1-year / 1,000-hour warranty covers the initial period, and parts inventory forecasted 12 months ahead supports long-term ownership.
Final Thoughts
A portable screening plant is one of the highest-leverage pieces of equipment in any aggregate, recycling, or landscape supply operation. The screener is where unsorted crushed material becomes spec-sized saleable product — turning raw output into the multiple revenue streams that operations actually live on. Selecting the right technology (vibrating scalping for dry aggregate, trommel for wet/organic material), the right size (matched to throughput target), and the right configuration (number of output sizes needed) determines whether the machine becomes a bottleneck or a margin multiplier.
Komplet America’s portable screening lineup — the Kompatto 221, 5030, and 124 vibrating scalping screens plus the K-TS 30 and K-TS 40 trommel screeners — covers the full range of contractor, aggregate-producer, recycler, and landscape-supply applications. Browse the complete screener lineup or call us and we’ll help you spec the right machine for your material, throughput, and end-product mix.
Ready to Talk Portable Screening?
- Call 908-369-3340
- Email [email protected]
- Schedule a demo or request a quote
- Find your local Komplet dealer for rental availability
- Ask about our 1-year / 1,000-hour warranty and equipment financing options
Never enough — that’s how we approach service, support, and helping you turn unsorted material into multiple spec sizes that customers actually buy.
Disclaimer: All cost, pricing, ROI, and revenue figures in this article are illustrative examples based on sample assumptions about volume, regional pricing, material specifications, and market conditions. Actual results vary significantly by region, market, material type, equipment utilization, operator skill, financing terms, and many other factors. Equipment pricing, fuel costs, and interest rates all change over time and by location. Komplet America makes no guarantee, warranty, or representation of specific financial performance, payback timelines, or business outcomes for any particular operation. For current pricing and a payback estimate based on your specific volume, material, and local market, contact us at 908-369-3340 to speak with our team. All operating, maintenance, and service guidance in this article is general in nature. Always refer to the official Komplet operator’s manual for the specific machine model and serial number, and follow OEM intervals and procedures. For warranty-protected work, contact Komplet America or your authorized Komplet dealer. Improper service or non-OEM parts may void warranty coverage and create safety hazards. Equipment prices are subject to change based on dealer location, availability, and any additional features or customizations. Prices do not include taxes, shipping, or installation fees, which may apply depending on your region. Contact Komplet America for current pricing.
