A used screening plant should be evaluated around the material it will process, not just the hours on the power unit. Screen media, bearings, springs, exciters, structural condition and feed distribution all affect whether the plant can make the required products reliably.
Metso’s screen-inspection guidance focuses on feed conditions, springs, fasteners, lubrication, bearings, drive components, vibrator systems and screen media. Those same areas give a used-equipment buyer a practical framework for separating normal wear from larger mechanical or structural risk.
1. Start with the application, not the machine
Define the feed material, top size, moisture, abrasiveness, target products and expected production before comparing plants. Record the screen model, deck count, screen dimensions, media type, power source and included conveyors.
A plant that worked well in dry crushed stone may not be the right configuration for wet, sticky material or a different cut-size requirement.
2. Inspect the screen box and structural members
Look for cracking, distortion, loose fasteners and weld repairs around side plates, crossmembers, deck supports and high-stress areas. Fresh paint can hide repair work, so compare both sides of the box and inspect around bolted joints and spring mounts.
3. Check screen media and deck hardware
Inspect wire cloth, punch plate, rubber or polyurethane media for wear, tears and incorrect fit. Check tension rails, clamps, crown bars, support rubbers and deck fasteners. Uneven wear can point to poor feed distribution or a screen operating out of level.
4. Inspect springs and isolation components
Compare spring height and condition across all positions. Look for broken coils, cracked rubber elements, shifted mounts or evidence that the screen has been running unevenly. Damaged isolation components can transmit vibration into the supporting structure.
5. Evaluate bearings, exciter or vibrator system
Check lubrication records, oil or grease condition, leakage and bearing-temperature history if available. Inspect exciter housings, shafts, counterweights and fasteners according to the specific screen design. Abnormal noise or heat during a demonstration deserves investigation before purchase.
6. Inspect the drive system
Check motors or hydraulic drives, belts, sheaves, couplings, guards and mounting bases. Look for belt dust, misalignment, cracked guards, loose hardware and improvised repairs. Confirm that the installed drive matches the manufacturer’s configuration.
7. Check feed distribution and chutes
Inspect feed boxes, liners, discharge chutes and transition points for wear. Poor feed distribution can overload one side of the screen and shorten media and component life. Note whether the plant includes a feeder and whether that feeder can deliver a consistent bed.
8. Inspect conveyors and portable running gear
For a mobile or portable plant, check conveyor belts, idlers, pulleys, scrapers, folding mechanisms, hydraulic cylinders and safety locks. Inspect chassis, landing legs, tires, wheels, brakes and lighting where applicable.
9. Run the screen if possible
A qualified operator should run the plant according to manufacturer procedures. Listen for unusual bearing or drive noise, watch startup and coast-down behavior and check whether vibration appears even. If material can be safely processed, observe feed distribution and product quality rather than judging the machine only at idle.
Used screening plant scorecard
| Area | Strong | Investigate | Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen box / structure | □ | □ | □ |
| Media / deck hardware | □ | □ | □ |
| Springs / isolation | □ | □ | □ |
| Bearings / exciter | □ | □ | □ |
| Drive system | □ | □ | □ |
| Conveyors / chutes / feeder | □ | □ | □ |
| Portable chassis / records | □ | □ | □ |
The takeaway
The right used screening plant is the one whose condition and configuration match your material and product goals. Structural integrity, vibration components and feed distribution deserve careful attention because they directly affect reliability and screening performance.
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