Gilson Testing Screens: A Guide to Resources for Maintenance, Diagnostics, and Repair

How to Maintain Your Gilson Testing Screen

The iconic Gilson Testing Screen was introduced in 1939 to meet one aggregate producer’s demand for a more accurate and efficient method to monitor and control the quality of their product. The Testing Screen uses a larger representative sample, which is more easily collected, prepared, and processed for accurate particle size gradations. Aggregate, concrete, and asphalt suppliers, along with engineering and testing laboratories, soon saw that this simple and rugged device made quality control of coarse aggregates a much more efficient process, and it is an ongoing success story for our industry.

The Testing Screen is renowned for its effectiveness and longevity, and with reasonable care, can last for decades. This article discusses how to access and use Gilson resources to maximize the service life of the device and ensure optimum performance.

How to Access Gilson’s Resources

Gilson has more than 80 years of accumulated knowledge on every aspect of our Testing Screens. A visit to our website will help you solve any issues you have for maintenance, diagnostics, parts, and repairs. Our resources and references are available for review and download. You can also contact Gilson’s experienced Technical Support staff for help.

Operating Manuals

Operating Manuals for the Testing Screen models include detailed information, drawings, and parts lists needed when servicing the Testing Screens. We encourage you to download and review the manual for the TS-1 through TS-3 models. There is a separate manual for the TS-4 Silent Testing Screen. Download using the links provided on the product page of our website.

Product & How-To Videos

Videos demonstrate and clarify the instructions and procedures for servicing Gilson Testing Screens. This article includes links to videos, and more can be viewed or downloaded from our website or YouTube channel.

Gilson Blogs

Gilson Blog posts a deep-dive article once per month into interesting industry topics that affect our readers.

Gilson Email Newsletter

Our monthly email newsletter "Great Shakes" delivers up-to-date information to subscribers across the full range of our products as well as our trade show schedule and technical society activities.

Installation & Leveling

The Testing Screen should be located in a space with adequate access and secured to a rigid floor system. The machine must be leveled to ensure its best performance and safest operation. Adding an elevated concrete pad as a base improves ergonomic access for tray and sample handling and simplifies housekeeping.

• Operating Manual: See sections for Site Considerations and Installation in the manual for complete details on locating, securing, leveling and connecting the Testing Screen. Dimensions for a floor mounting template are included.
• Videos: Installing Your Gilson Testing Screen depicts helpful and easy to follow steps on how to locate, secure, and level the machine.

Preventative Maintenance

Scheduled lubrication of key points and frequent condition checks of clamping and drive system parts will ensure proper operation and minimal down time for your Testing Screen.

Specific information for accessing and identifying each part is contained in the operating manual and relevant videos. Always disconnect the Testing Screen from its power source before performing any maintenance or repair procedure!

Daily or after each use (whichever is greater):

• Lubricate wrist pin assemblies through the grease fittings at the lower end of the connecting rods using high-quality chassis or bearing grease. Wipe away excess grease
• Brush or vacuum dust and dirt from accessible surfaces
• Check for visible oil leaks, loose or damaged parts on the machine, and damage to the electrical cord

Monthly

• Remove top and side covers from the Testing Screen
• Check for oil leaks around the hydraulic pump and hose fittings and determine their source
• Clean the area with vacuum, rags, or brush
• Check the V-belt for condition, alignment and tension (Video)
• Check oil level in hydraulic pump (Video)
• Check the clamp rod assemblies for excessive side-to-side play (Video)

Most maintenance and repair issues with the Testing Screen are related to either the drive system or the clamping system.

The drive system consists of the electric motor, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, and main shaft; all parts that drive the vertical oscillating motion of the screen trays.

The clamping system includes the low-pressure hydraulic pump, hydraulic hoses and pistons, clamp rod assemblies, and seals.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to service and maintain your Gilson Testing Screen.

Additional Resources

• Simple Steps to Preserve & Extend Service Life of Costly Equipment
• How To Get Optimal Performance From Your Gilson Testing Screen
• Easy Maintenance Tips for Your Gilson Testing Screen Trays