
1. Overview
Screening attachments for skid steer loaders enable on-site separation of soil, compost, gravel, sand, and demolition waste. They are designed to sift and sort material for reuse or disposal, helping reduce hauling costs and improve efficiency. These units are commonly used in construction, landscaping, agriculture, and material recycling.
2. Applications
- Topsoil preparation and rock removal
- Compost screening
- Gravel and aggregate sizing
- Site debris separation
- Waste stream reduction for recycling
- Sand or fill material refinement
3. Compatibility
3.1 Mounting System
| Mount Type | Compatible Loaders |
|---|---|
| Universal Quick Attach | All standard full-size skid steer loaders |
Ensure the skid steer has sufficient lift capacity to handle fully loaded attachment.
3.2 Hydraulic Requirements (if powered)
Some screening attachments use hydraulic motors to vibrate or rotate the screen for better efficiency.
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 10 – 25 GPM |
| Operating Pressure | 2,000 – 3,000 PSI |
| Coupler Type | ½″ Flat Face ISO |
| Case Drain | Usually not required |
Passive (gravity-based) screeners do not require hydraulic power.
4. Types of Screening Attachments
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Bucket Screeners | Scoop and sift material in-place with a vibrating or rotating screen |
| Screener Boxes | Drop material into a shaker box mounted on the loader, screened by vibration |
| Rotary Drum Screeners | Use a rotating cylindrical drum to sort materials by size |
| Flip-Screen Systems | Use inverted rotating bucket screen for fast on-site material separation |
5. Key Components
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Screening Chamber | Houses the mesh or perforated panels for material separation |
| Hydraulic Motor | Powers vibration or rotation (if applicable) |
| Mount Frame / Plate | Connects the unit to the skid steer’s quick attach system |
| Debris Guard / Deflector | Prevents larger materials from damaging moving parts |
| Interchangeable Screens | Allows selection of different mesh sizes for various applications |
6. Technical Specifications (Typical Range)
| Attribute | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Bucket Width | 60″ – 84″ |
| Screening Area | 7 – 14 square feet |
| Screen Size Options | ¼” to 4″+ mesh or hole sizes |
| Operating Weight | 800 – 2,000 lbs (empty) |
| Output Capacity | 20 – 60 cubic yards/hour |
Screen size affects throughput and accuracy—smaller sizes yield finer sorting but lower capacity.
7. Operation Guidelines
7.1 Setup
- Attach screening bucket securely to the skid steer’s quick-attach plate.
- Connect hydraulic lines (if required).
- Verify the screen type matches the desired material separation goal.
- Test screen function briefly before engaging full load.
7.2 Screening Process
- Scoop or load material into the screening chamber.
- Engage hydraulic controls or tilt/rotate as needed.
- Let fine material fall through the mesh or drum while retaining oversize material.
- Repeat in passes or use shake cycles to improve efficiency.
- Empty unwanted material and reload as needed.
8. Safety Practices
- Always wear PPE: gloves, boots, eye and hearing protection
- Never reach into the screening area while powered or engaged
- Use screens appropriate for the material hardness and size
- Operate on level ground to reduce tip-over risk
- Secure loose materials in high-wind areas
- Shut off hydraulic pressure before maintenance or cleaning
9. Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Inspect screens for damage | Daily |
| Check hydraulic hoses/fittings | Daily (if applicable) |
| Clean screen and frame | After each use |
| Grease pivot/motor points | Every 10 hours |
| Inspect mounting hardware | Weekly |
| Replace worn mesh panels | As needed |
10. Selection Tips
Choose screen type and size based on material (e.g., topsoil vs. gravel)
Ensure loader lift capacity can handle filled attachment weight
For high-output tasks, select hydraulic or powered screeners
Use interchangeable screen panels for multiple material types
Prioritize units with reinforced frames for tough or abrasive materials

