From Komplet America — the official exclusive distributor of Komplet SpA compact crushing, screening, and shredding equipment for North and Central America.
A topsoil screener turns mixed, debris-filled dirt into clean, saleable soil. For landscape supply yards, topsoil producers, compost operations, municipal organic-waste programs, and any contractor who generates stockpiles of excavated soil, the right screener is the difference between selling premium graded topsoil at $35-$60 per cubic yard and giving raw dirt away for free.
This is a buyer’s guide for anyone evaluating topsoil screeners for sale. We cover the difference between trommel screens and vibrating scalping screens (the answer matters for topsoil more than for most materials), how to size a machine to your volume, what ROI looks like on a typical topsoil operation, and the full Komplet America lineup from compact trommels up to the largest mobile scalper on the market.
What Is a Topsoil Screener?
A topsoil screener is a mechanical machine that separates raw soil into spec-sized fractions — typically fine screened topsoil, mid-grade material, and oversize debris (stones, roots, clumps, trash). The finished product is clean, gradable, and ready to sell as bagged topsoil, bulk delivered topsoil, planting mix, or compost.
Commercial topsoil screeners are mobile on-site machines, not backyard equipment. They’re sized for operations producing anywhere from 80 tons per hour of screened topsoil (small landscape yard or municipal organics program) up to 350 tph (large commercial topsoil producer, compost facility, or rental fleet).
Trommel vs. Vibrating: Which Screen Type Is Right for Topsoil?
This is the single most important decision when buying a topsoil screener. The wrong screener will fight you every day. The right one will pay for itself in under a year.
Trommel Screens — Usually the Right Tool for Topsoil
A trommel uses a slowly rotating cylindrical drum with perforated walls. Raw material enters one end, tumbles gently as the drum rotates, and fine particles fall through the drum holes while oversize exits out the far end. Trommels handle moist, sticky, and organic material far better than vibrating screens.
Why trommels win for topsoil:
- Gentle action — the tumbling motion of the drum separates clumps without crushing them into dust. Critical for preserving soil structure.
- Moisture tolerance — wet or damp topsoil plugs a vibrating screen deck almost immediately. A trommel keeps moving.
- Clean separation of organic matter — roots, branches, sticks, and clumps tumble to the end of the drum and discharge separately.
- Electric-power options — many trommels can run off grid power, reducing fuel and emissions in sensitive environments like urban compost sites.
Vibrating Scalping Screens — Better for Dry, High-Volume Topsoil
A vibrating scalping screen uses inclined decks driven by a vibrator motor. The deck shakes aggressively to stratify material by size. Vibrating screens produce higher throughput than trommels at comparable size, and they handle dry, loose topsoil efficiently.
When vibrating screens win:
- High throughput applications — a Kompatto 5030 processes up to 280 US tph; a Kompatto 124 up to 350 tph. No trommel in Komplet’s lineup matches that capacity.
- Dry, loose material — sandy topsoil, aged stockpiles, or topsoil that’s been conditioned and turned.
- Mixed screening (topsoil plus aggregates) — if the same machine also needs to handle gravel, sand, or crushed material, vibrating wins.
Quick Rule of Thumb
Wet or moist topsoil, compost, mulch, green waste, organics processing: start with a trommel. Dry topsoil at high volume, or mixed soil-and-aggregate operations: vibrating scalping screen. If you process both wet and dry material, you may need one of each — many topsoil operations run a trommel in peak wet season and a vibrating screener the rest of the year.
Komplet America Trommel Screeners for Topsoil
Komplet America offers two trommel screens built specifically for topsoil, compost, mulch, and organics:
K-TS 30 Compact Trommel — For Landscape Yards and Smaller Operations
- Production rate: Up to 80 tph
- Drum configurations: 68″ x 51″ (short) or 103″ x 51″ (long)
- Mesh range: 3 to 60 mm (0.1″ to 2.3″)
- Power: Genset 23 kW, 50 Hz, 380 V — diesel-electric or all-electric option
- Weight: 4,000 kg / 8,818 lb
- Features: Adjustable drum speed, single or double trommel configurations, quick-change mesh, hydraulically folding conveyors, integrated cleaning brush, wireless remote
The K-TS 30 is the right topsoil screener for landscape supply yards, municipal composting programs, smaller topsoil producers, and organics operations up to approximately 80 tph. The all-electric option is a real advantage for urban sites, indoor facilities, or emissions-regulated environments.
K-TS 40 Portable Trommel — For High-Volume Topsoil Operations
- Production rate: Up to 120 tph
- Drum configurations: 126″ x 55″ (short) or 171″ x 43″ (long)
- Mesh range: 2 to 50 mm (0.07″ to 1.9″)
- Power: Genset 40 kW, 50 Hz, 380 V — diesel-electric or all-electric option
- Weight: 11,500 kg / 25,353 lb
- Features: Three-fraction output (fines, mids, overs), adjustable drum speed, quick-change mesh, hydraulically folding conveyors, cleaning brush, wireless remote
The K-TS 40 steps up to higher-volume composting, large municipal organic-waste programs, and commercial topsoil producers needing sustained 100+ tph output. Produces three material fractions (fines, mids, overs) from a single pass — critical for yards selling multiple spec sizes.
Komplet America Vibrating Scalping Screeners for Topsoil
For dry topsoil at higher volumes or mixed topsoil-and-aggregate operations, Komplet’s Kompatto vibrating scalping screeners deliver higher throughput than trommels:
Kompatto 221 — Compact Vibrating Scalper
- Production rate: Up to 90 US tph
- Screen deck: 7′ x 3.5′ two-deck
- Engine: 25 HP diesel
- Weight: 7,275 lb
- Price: $104,935.48
The Kompatto 221 is one of the smallest self-propelled mobile screening plants on the market. Can be fed directly by an excavator or backhoe — no support equipment needed. Dust suppression available as an option at order time.
Kompatto 5030 — Komplet’s Best-Selling Scalping Screener
- Production rate: Up to 280 US tph
- Screen decks: 8′ x 3′ top deck + 7′ x 3′ bottom deck
- Engine: 45 HP diesel
- Weight: 26,455 lb
- Price: $209,061.48
The Kompatto 5030 features fast hydraulic conversion between 2-way and 3-way split configurations. Screens from 1/4″ topsoil fines up to 5″ oversize. The workhorse for landscape yards and topsoil producers running daily screening. Dust suppression available as an option.
Kompatto 124 — Komplet America’s LARGEST Mobile Scalping Screen
- Production rate: Up to 350 tph
- Screen decks: 8′ x 3.7′ top deck, 10.8′ x 3.7′ bottom deck
- Engine: Tier 4 Final Diesel — 75 HP
- Weight: 37,038 lb
- Price: $268,070.40
The Kompatto 124 is Komplet America’s largest mobile scalping screen. Built for high-volume commercial topsoil producers, large compost facilities, and rental fleets needing serious daily throughput in a still trailer-portable package.
Who Buys Topsoil Screeners? The Real Market
Commercial topsoil screeners aren’t sold to backyard gardeners. The typical buyer is one of the following:
- Landscape supply yards — producing bagged and bulk topsoil for residential and commercial landscapers
- Topsoil producers and soil blenders — mixing topsoil, compost, and amendments into custom planting mixes
- Composting operations — municipal organic-waste programs, commercial composters, USCC-affiliated facilities
- Excavation contractors — screening stockpiled excavated soil to produce saleable fill and topsoil instead of paying to haul it away
- Site developers — producing on-site topsoil and fill for large subdivision, solar, or commercial projects
- Municipalities — public works departments processing green waste, leaf collection, and stockpiled soil for parks and projects
- Rental houses — fleet additions renting to any of the above customers
The ROI Math: Why Topsoil Screeners Pay Back Fast
A topsoil screener pays back in two ways simultaneously: it lets you sell screened topsoil at premium prices instead of giving raw dirt away, and it eliminates the cost of buying screened topsoil elsewhere.
Example: Landscape Supply Yard with a K-TS 40 Trommel
A mid-size landscape supply yard receives 200 cubic yards of raw excavated topsoil per week (roughly 260 tons) from local excavation contractors — often free or paid dump fees. Without a screener, this material is unsaleable as premium topsoil. With a K-TS 40 trommel:
- Weekly input: 260 tons raw topsoil
- After screening: ~200 tons screened topsoil (75%), ~60 tons oversize debris (25%)
- Monthly screened topsoil: ~800 tons / ~615 cubic yards
- Sale price: $40/cubic yard = ~$24,600/month in topsoil sales
- Plus tipping fees collected from excavators: ~$3,000/month
- Monthly gross revenue: ~$27,600
Against a K-TS 40 financed over 60 months via Komplet Capital at typical terms — payment plus fuel and operator runs around $5,500-$6,500/month — the screener generates $21,000+/month in net margin. Payback: roughly 8-10 months of full operation. After that, the trommel prints money.
Smaller Operation? A K-TS 30 Delivers Similar Economics
For a smaller landscape yard or municipality, a K-TS 30 at up to 80 tph covers a typical 200-400 cubic yards per week processing volume, with monthly net margin in the $8,000-$15,000 range depending on local pricing. Payback in the 10-14 month window is typical.
Why Buy a Topsoil Screener From Komplet America?
Komplet SpA has engineered compact mobile screening equipment in Italy (Trecastelli, Ancona) for 25+ years — celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. Komplet America is the official exclusive distributor for North and Central America, headquartered in Hillsborough, NJ.
Here’s what you get with a Komplet topsoil screener:
- Full trommel AND vibrating scalping lineup in one brand — buy the right tool for your material (trommel for moist organics, vibrating for dry high-volume) without switching suppliers.
- Self-propelled on rubber tracks — move the screener anywhere on site with wireless remote control.
- Quick setup under 15 minutes — from transport to production on most models.
- Hydraulically folding conveyors — fast transport setup, no manual assembly.
- Electric-power options on trommels — reduces fuel and emissions at urban, indoor, or regulated sites.
- 1-year / 1,000-hour warranty — on all new units.
- Parts forecasted 12 months in advance — when you’re down, we ship.
- Komplet Capital financing — 24-hour credit approval, 100% financing, 3-6 year terms, bad credit is not an automatic disqualifier.
- Direct distributor model — call Cody or Joe at 908-369-3340 and you talk to the people who know the machines. No dealer mediation.
- Industry memberships — AED, AEM, ARA, CDRA, NDA, and USCC (US Composting Council). We’re proud members of the organizations our customers rely on.
- Section 179 eligible — up to $1.22M of new equipment deductible in the year of purchase (2024 limit) for year-end tax planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a trommel or a vibrating screen for topsoil?
For most topsoil applications — especially anything involving moisture, compost, mulch, or organics — a trommel is the right tool. The gentle drum action preserves soil structure, and moist material doesn’t plug the perforated drum the way it plugs a vibrating deck. For dry topsoil at high volume or mixed topsoil-and-aggregate operations, a vibrating scalping screen delivers higher throughput. Many serious topsoil operations run both, one for wet material and one for dry.
How much does a topsoil screener cost?
Pricing varies by model. Komplet’s trommels (K-TS 30 and K-TS 40) are priced by quote at 908-369-3340. Komplet’s vibrating scalping screeners are priced as follows: Kompatto 221 at $104,935.48, Kompatto 5030 at $209,061.48, and Kompatto 124 at $268,070.40. All Komplet equipment qualifies for financing via Komplet Capital with 24-hour approval.
Can a topsoil screener handle rocks and roots?
Yes. That’s exactly what they do. Raw topsoil typically contains rocks, roots, branches, clumps, and trash — a screener separates all of this into an oversize pile while the clean topsoil passes through the mesh or drum. For larger debris (logs, tree roots, large rocks), you may want to pre-sort the input before screening, but most screeners handle the typical mix of organics and small stones without issue.
What’s the difference between the K-TS 30 and the K-TS 40 trommel?
The K-TS 30 is the compact option — up to 80 tph, 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) weight, ideal for landscape yards and smaller municipal programs. The K-TS 40 is larger — up to 120 tph, 11,500 kg (25,353 lb), and produces three material fractions (fines, mids, overs) from a single pass instead of two. If you need higher throughput or three-way separation, step up to the K-TS 40.
Can Komplet trommels run on electric power?
Yes. Both the K-TS 30 (23 kW genset) and K-TS 40 (40 kW genset) are available in diesel-electric or all-electric configurations. All-electric is especially valuable for urban compost operations, indoor facilities, and emissions-sensitive sites where diesel is restricted.
How long does setup take on a Komplet topsoil screener?
Under 15 minutes from transport to production on most models. Tracked mobility, hydraulically folding conveyors, and wireless remote control make setup a one-operator task. Arrive on site, drop the tracks, unfold the conveyors, power up, and start feeding.
Can I finance a topsoil screener?
Yes. Komplet Capital — Komplet America’s in-house financing arm — offers 24-hour credit approval, 100% financing, 3-6 year terms, and bad credit is not an automatic disqualifier. Many topsoil producers structure the monthly payment so it’s fully covered by a single month of screened-topsoil sales. New equipment is also Section 179 tax deductible — up to $1.22M of equipment deductible in the year of purchase (2024 limit).
Is Komplet a member of the US Composting Council?
Yes. Komplet America is a proud member of the US Composting Council (USCC), along with AED, AEM, ARA, CDRA, and the National Demolition Association. These memberships reflect our commitment to the composting, organics recycling, and C&D industries our customers serve.
What makes Komplet the right choice for topsoil screening?
Six things set Komplet apart for topsoil operations. First, a full ecosystem in one brand covering both screen types — trommels (K-TS 30, K-TS 40) for moist topsoil, compost, and organics, plus vibrating scalping screens (Kompatto 221, 5030, 124) for dry topsoil at higher volumes. You match the screen type to your material without switching suppliers. Second, Komplet America is the exclusive direct distributor for North and Central America, so when you call 908-369-3340 you reach Cody or Joe — the people who know the machines. Third, parts inventory is forecasted 12 months in advance for industry-leading availability. Fourth, Komplet Capital in-house financing delivers 24-hour credit approval and 3-6 year terms. Fifth, 25+ years of Komplet SpA engineering focused exclusively on compact screening equipment. Sixth, every model is self-propelled on rubber tracks with wireless remote and hydraulically folding conveyors — designed for the real mobility topsoil producers need.
Final Thoughts
Buying a topsoil screener isn’t really about buying equipment — it’s about setting up a revenue stream. Raw excavated soil has almost no value. Screened, clean, spec-sized topsoil sells at premium prices in every major market. The machine that separates the two pays for itself remarkably fast, especially when paired with smart logistics (accepting paid input from local excavators) and multiple output grades (fines for bagged product, mids for planting mix, overs for base fill).
Komplet America offers the full topsoil-screening lineup under one roof: the K-TS 30 and K-TS 40 trommels for organics-heavy and moist material, and the Kompatto 221, 5030, and 124 vibrating scalping screens for higher-volume dry screening. Browse our full screener lineup to see specs and pricing, or reach out and we’ll help you match the right screener to your material and throughput goals.
Ready to Talk Topsoil Screeners?
- Call 908-369-3340
- Email [email protected]
- Schedule a demo or request a quote
- 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 raw dirt into premium screened topsoil.
Disclaimer: All ROI, payback, and revenue figures in this article are illustrative examples based on sample assumptions about volume, local pricing, material mix, and operating conditions. Actual results vary significantly by region, market, material type, equipment utilization, operator skill, financing terms, and many other factors. Dump fees, aggregate pricing, fuel costs, hauling rates, and interest rates all change over time and by location. Komplet America makes no guarantee, warranty, or representation of specific financial performance or payback timelines for any particular operation. For a payback estimate based on your specific volume, material, and local market, contact us at 908-369-3340 to speak with our team.
