What is an electric trommel?
An electric trommel is a screening machine that uses a rotating drum (also known as a screening drum or sieve) to separate materials into different output sizes. Unlike a static trommel, a mobile trommel screen can be moved between sites, making it ideal for contractors who need flexibility.
Whereas traditional units rely on a diesel engine as their power source, an electric trommel uses an electric motor (or dual motors) to drive the drum and feed system. This means lower running costs, fewer emissions, and significantly quieter operation.
Electric trommels are widely used to process:
- Topsoil and aggregates
- Compost and mulch
- Biomass material
- Municipal solid waste
- Construction and demolition waste
- Recycling stream materials
How does a trommel screen work?
The process is straightforward. Material is loaded into the hopper, which feeds it into the rotating drum. As the drum turns, fine material falls through the mesh openings, while larger pieces travel along the length of the drum and exit at the end. The result is two clearly separated stockpiles, ready for reuse, sale, or further processing.
The torque generated by the electric motor ensures consistent drum rotation, even when handling heavy or cohesive loads. Mesh size determines what falls through and what doesn’t, so by changing the mesh you can adjust the output to suit different jobs.
Electric trommel vs diesel: what’s the difference?
Choosing between electric and diesel comes down to the demands of your site and your operational priorities. Here’s how they compare:
Energy efficiency: Electric power converts directly into drum rotation with minimal waste, whereas a diesel engine loses energy through heat and exhaust. This typically means higher throughput per unit of energy used.
Operating costs: Running on electric power, whether mains or generator, is usually cheaper than fuelling a diesel engine. Maintenance is also simpler, with no fuel filters, oil changes, or emissions systems to manage.
Noise: Electric trommels run far more quietly, which is a major advantage on urban sites or near residential areas.
Emissions: With no exhaust output at the point of use, an electric trommel screen supports sustainability targets and helps contractors meet tightening environmental regulations.
Mobility: The one potential disadvantage of electric is reliance on a power source. However, with a generator on site, you keep full mobility while still benefiting from cleaner operation.
For recycling yards, skip hire firms, and plant hire companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance, the electric option is a clear winner.
Introducing the Red Rhino Electric Trommel
Screen smarter with the Red Rhino Electric Trommel. This screening machine efficiently separates materials into two output sizes, handling everything from topsoil and aggregates to demolition waste with ease.
Powered by dual electric motors that synchronise feed and drum rotation, the trommel screens material efficiently while remaining easy to operate via the LCD control panel.
Built on a durable, powder-coated steel frame, the trommel features height-adjustable support legs. An optional hook-lift frame allows easy loading and transport, making setup quick and simple wherever you’re working.
Screen meshes can be changed in just 30 minutes, allowing you to adapt to different material types. A wide range of screen meshes is available and can be customised to meet your exact needs. Thanks to a sliding hopper system, drums can be swapped in around 15 minutes.
The spring-tensioned cleaning brush continuously clears the drum of blockages, even when working with sticky or cohesive materials such as wet compost or clay-heavy topsoil.
From recycling yards to construction and demolition sites, this versatile design means you can screen material exactly where you need it.
Standard features
- Synchronised electric motors
- Quick-change screen meshes
- Customisable mesh options
- Spring tensioned drum brush
- Drum swap in 15 minutes
- User-friendly LCD control panel
- Drum dimensions: 1012 x 2626mm
Dimensions
Length: 5238mm (5770mm with lifting frame)
Width: 1606mm
Weight: 2350kg
As a compact mobile machine, the Red Rhino Electric Trommel is easy to transport between sites using standard vehicles, supporting the kind of flexibility hire companies and contractors across the UK rely on.
Pair your trommel with a Red Rhino jaw crusher
For contractors looking to get the most out of their site, pairing the Electric Trommel with a Red Rhino jaw crusher creates a complete on-site processing solution. Crush rubble, concrete, and demolition waste with models like the RR 4000 (ideal for smaller sites), RR 5000 Plus, RR 7000, or RR 8000 (our biggest jaw crusher), then feed the output straight into the trommel for screening into clean, saleable aggregate.
It’s a simple way to maximise material value and minimise waste in one streamlined workflow.
FAQs
What can I screen with an electric trommel?
An electric trommel can process topsoil, aggregates, compost, mulch, biomass, municipal solid waste, and construction and demolition debris. With customisable mesh options, you can adjust the trommel screen for almost any application.
Is an electric trommel screen more efficient than a diesel model?
Yes. An electric trommel screen typically delivers higher throughput per unit of energy, with lower running costs, reduced noise, and zero on-site emissions compared to a diesel-powered alternative.
Can a mobile trommel screen be used off-grid?
Absolutely. Pair the machine with a generator and you retain full mobility while keeping the benefits of electric power.
How long does it take to change the screen mesh?
On the Red Rhino Electric Trommel, screen meshes can be changed in just 30 minutes, and full drums can be swapped in around 15 minutes thanks to the sliding hopper system.
Does the trommel handle sticky materials?
Yes. The spring-tensioned cleaning brush continuously clears the drum, preventing blockages even when screening wet or cohesive material.
Streamline your onsite waste with an electric trommel: Contact Red Rhino
Ready to screen smarter? Whether you’re processing aggregates, recycling waste, or producing compost, the Red Rhino Electric Trommel is built to deliver. Get a free quote or talk to our team about your requirements today.
Fill in our online contact form, call +44 (0) 1476 590790, email info@redrhinocrushers.net.
