What mesh size do I need to produce landscape-grade topsoil?
For standard residential and commercial landscape topsoil, 1/2″ (12mm) is the most common specification — removes visible rocks, roots, and debris while maintaining good throughput. For premium nursery-grade or fine landscape topsoil, 3/8″ (10mm) produces a cleaner, finer product but at lower throughput. For bulk topsoil or slope restoration where a coarser product is acceptable, 3/4″ (19mm) runs faster. The CZ MDS MIDI and MDS BIG are available in 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, and 1″ mesh. Screen sizes on the CD-410 are customer-specified for each application — call us to spec the right media.
Can a trommel screen handle wet or clay-heavy topsoil?
Yes. Trommel screens handle wet and clay-heavy topsoil better than flat vibratory screens in most conditions. The rotating drum keeps material tumbling continuously, which prevents the blinding (mesh clogging) that wet clay causes on stationary screen surfaces. Very high-clay material — tight clay that does not break apart easily — can reduce throughput on any screen type. If your topsoil is extremely clay-bound and does not break with a loader bucket, pre-mixing with drier material or reducing feed rate allows the drum to work more effectively.
What is “boney” topsoil?
Boney topsoil is the industry term for topsoil with a high percentage of rocks, stones, and coarse debris mixed in — common in glaciated regions, rocky soil types, blasted overburden from site grading, and topsoil stripped from areas with significant stone content. Boney topsoil is harder on trommel screen drums than on flat vibratory screens. For consistently boney material, the CD-410 with a heavy-duty top deck is the more durable option. For topsoil that is primarily soil with occasional rocks, the CZ trommel handles it well.
Does the CZ screen require 480V power on-site?
The CZ MDS MIDI and MDS BIG run on 480V 3-phase electric power. If 480V power is not available on-site, a 13 HP Honda GX390 genset is available as an option (+$6,000) that makes the machine fully self-contained. The genset mounts to the machine — no separate generator trailer required. If your sites reliably have 480V power available from a temporary power service or permanent connection, the base machine without the genset is sufficient.
How many tons per hour does the CZ MDS MIDI produce on topsoil?
The CZ MDS MIDI produces 25 to 50 tons per hour on standard topsoil, depending on mesh size, material moisture, and debris content. At 3/8″ mesh on moist topsoil with moderate rock content, throughput is toward the lower end of the range. At 3/4″ or 1″ mesh on dry topsoil with lower debris content, throughput is toward the upper end. For a consistent planning number on your specific material, call us at 770-433-2670 — we can walk through the expected throughput based on what you are screening.
Can I screen compost and mulch with the same machine as topsoil?
Yes. The CZ MDS MIDI and MDS BIG handle topsoil, compost, mulch, and light aggregate with the same machine. Screen size swap for different materials. Compost typically screens well at 1/2″ or 5/8″ to remove uncomposted chunks and woody material. The CD-410 also handles compost and mulch but is a larger investment for operations that only screen organic material; it is better suited when topsoil, compost, and C&D material are all part of the same operation.
What is the difference between a trommel and a vibratory screen for topsoil?
A trommel screen uses a rotating drum. Material tumbles through the drum, and fines fall through the mesh as material rolls along the drum length. Roots and fibrous debris roll to the discharge end rather than screening through. A vibratory screen uses a flat screen deck that vibrates to move material across the surface. Trommels handle wet, clay-heavy, and organic-rich topsoil better — the tumbling action prevents blinding and manages fibrous material more cleanly. Vibratory screens handle higher rock content and abrasive material better, are more durable under sustained heavy loading, and are more versatile across material types. For dedicated topsoil and compost operations, the trommel is typically the right choice. For dual-use operations, the vibratory screen is more flexible.
Can the CD-410 screen topsoil and C&D debris with the same machine?
Yes. The CD-410’s listed applications include boney topsoil and C&D debris. Contractors who screen excavated topsoil on site development jobs and also need to process demolition debris from the same or nearby projects use the CD-410 for both. Screen media changes between applications. Screen media sizes on the CD-410 are customer-specified — call 770-433-2670 and we will spec the right configuration for both uses.
