In recent years, one of the notable trends in the mobile screening market has been the growing uptake of mobile scalping screens in the quarrying and mining landscape. According to Waylon Kukard, scalping screens have become more popular than their classifying counterparts largely due to their versatility and ability to handle larger feed sizes.
The versatility of scalping screens, he says, comes from their ability to be deployed in different tasks – particularly in both heavy duty scalping and fine screening applications. This adaptability streamlines operations, reduces redundancy and enhances overall efficiency across different environments. On the back of this growing popularity, Wirtgen SA introduced its first scalper in 2023, the Kleemann MSS 802 EVO.
The arrival of the Kleemann MOBISCREEN MSS 502(i) EVO, says Kukard, closes an important gap in the company’s scalping screen offering. The scalping screen market, he continues, is generally dominated by two product sizes – the 350 and 500 tph offerings – which together constitute 90% of the market.
“The launch of the Kleemann MSS 802 EVO back in 2023 gave us the much needed footprint into the 500 tph market, but to be truly competitive, we needed a 350 tph machine as well. The arrival of the MOBISCREEN MSS 502(i) EVO therefore gives us a foothold into the 350 tph market segment, plugging a crucial gap in our offering,” says Kukard.
Since the launch of the larger Kleemann MSS 802 EVO in 2023, Kukard has observed an increased appetite for mobile screens in the local market, with several of these units already operational across applications. He believes that the launch of the compact MOBISCREEN MSS 502(i) EVO allows Wirtgen SA to be in a position to challenge for more market share in this segment, with the first units expected to arrive in South Africa in early 2026.
Major talking point
One of the major talking points on this machine is efficiency, which largely stems from the incorporation of a John Deere engine. As is the case with other Kleemann machines, the MOBISCREEN MSS 502(i) EVO benefits from the efficiency of the John Deere engine technology. This follows John Deere’s 2017 purchase of the Wirtgen Group.
According to Kukard, John Deere engines in Kleemann machines are not simply off-the-shelf components. They are specifically tailored and mapped for the crushing and screening applications, ensuring optimal power delivery and performance.
The efficient design and mapping of the engines contribute to lower fuel consumption. The combination of optimised performance and reduced fuel consumption directly translates into lower overall operating costs for Kleemann machine users.
As a diesel-electric unit, this machine can also be operated all-electrically, scoring high in sustainability. The diesel-electric configuration contributes to more sustainable operations through both reduced emissions and fuel consumption.
“Sustainability plays a crucial role at Kleemann, even in the development and design phase of these machines. This is demonstrated by the new MOBISCREEN MSS 502(i) EVO where the option of an electro-hydraulic dual power drive allows on-site carbon (CO₂) emission-free work because the machine can be operated all-electrically,” explains Kukard.
Key features
The MOBISCREEN MSS 502(i) EVO comes with a generously dimensioned feed hopper, a screening surface of 5,4 m² and a wide main discharge conveyor, guaranteeing sound material guidance. For high flexibility, the speed of all conveyor belts is easily adjustable and a simple conversion from two to three final grain sizes is possible. The wide setting range of the screen casing angle (15,4-20°) makes for a high screening capacity combined with high product quality.
The large selection of screening media also contributes to increased flexibility. Whether finger decks for clayey excavated earth or square mesh for classifying decorative grit – the screen decks of the MOBISCREEN MSS 502(i) EVO can be designed to match the application at hand. Mixed covering of the screen decks is also possible. Overall, the new machine offers comprehensive configuration diversity to impress as a stand-alone or, in conjunction with further Kleemann machines, to precisely meet the customer’s needs.
The user-friendly operating concept of the MOBISCREEN MSS 802(i) EVO is also used in the MSS 502(i) EVO. Automatic mode for simple and fast production start is a core element, as well as the telematics solution for improved planning and analysis of the machine.
The SPECTIVE CONNECT digital application from Kleemann provides the operator with all relevant data such as speed, consumption values and fill levels directly on their smartphone. Stockpile monitoring can be used to display the current status of material stockpiles. When a certain predefined value is reached, the operator is notified that the stockpile should be cleared promptly. This makes work easier and increases productivity.
“SPECTIVE CONNECT is the logical extension of the SPECTIVE operating concept. All important information is transmitted to the operator’s smartphone. Irrespective of whether the operator is in an excavator or wheel loader or somewhere else nearby, they always have all relevant information on the status of the machine at their disposal,” says Kukard.
Apart from relevant data such as fuel consumption, current production output, and diesel- and urea-filling levels, fault messages are also displayed. Work does not need to be interrupted to view the status. The option for preparing clearly arranged reports creates additional transparency for the operating company.
Minimising downtime
A good view of transfer points and material flow is always possible thanks to LED lighting. Ergonomic access to all screen decks and maintenance-relevant components increases work safety and reduces downtime.
With its compact transport dimensions and easy drive control, the scalping screen simplifies transport from one site to the next. On site, the interplay between the mobile operating device and the assembly-free folding out of the discharge belts pays off. Thanks to the joystick control, the operator has a perfect view of the belt to be folded and can move it into position with great precision. This saves unnecessary walking distances and, above all, time.
Apart from the operating concept and material flow, ease of maintenance determines the economic operation of screening machines to a considerable extent. A well-thought-out hydraulic concept on the new MOBISCREEN MSS 502(i) EVO guarantees high-power transmission and lowers operating costs.
Easy access to all maintenance components, flexible refuelling from both sides and simple, and therefore fast, cleaning of the hopper discharge conveyor undersize through the use of a retractable chute, all ensure that downtime is kept to a bare minimum.
“Water spraying at the discharge conveyors, in turn, reduces the dust emissions significantly during machine operation and therefore ensures better working conditions for plant operators and higher levels of acceptance by local communities,” concludes Kukard.
