Due to a multitude of small, and several large, excavation/grading projects around the place I find myself in the need for a small topsoil screen. I have searched for a small used plant, but there doesn't seem to be much available for less than $4000-$5000. I seem to be doomed to build one, but have had no luck finding any kind of plans. I'm pretty much at the point where I'll make it up as I go along, but I thought I'd see if anyone here had any leads/advice/input before I start cutting and welding.
I'm considering a small unit, maybe 4'x6', something I can batch load with a small FEL. At this point I'm considering a simple horizontal box screen being shaken side-to-side on a single pivot by a small (ex-lawnmower) gas engine. I'd have to manually dump the trash left in the screen, I'm considering hinges at one end of the frame with hooks opposite so I can manipulate it from the FEL. A system to automatically discharge the trash would be nice, but all the units I've seen that do this with tilted screens also use a conveyer fed input to minimize the amount of clean soil discharged with the trash.
Any thoughts or leads on info would be appreciated!
Gregg