Which Trommel Screen Is Right for Your Business?

Pronar MPB 18.47 vs MPB 20.55 vs MPB 20.72: Which Trommel Screen Is Right for Your Business?

If you’re looking to invest in a mobile trommel screen, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: which model is the right fit for my operation?

The Pronar MPB range is trusted by waste processors, biomass producers, composting facilities and recycling businesses across the UK thanks to its robust build quality, efficient screening performance and ease of maintenance. However, choosing between the Pronar MPB 18.47, MPB 20.55 and MPB 20.72 isn’t simply a case of selecting the biggest machine.

The best choice depends on the type of material you’re processing, your daily throughput, the space available on site and your future business plans.

At CRJ Services, we’ve worked with customers across the waste and recycling sector to help them choose machinery that suits both their current requirements and long-term growth. In this guide, we’ll compare the three Pronar trommels and explain which machine is best suited to different applications.

Which Pronar Trommel Is Best for a Small or Growing Business?

For businesses processing moderate volumes or operating across multiple sites, the MPB 18.47 offers an excellent balance between productivity and mobility.

Its compact footprint makes transport straightforward while still providing the performance expected from a professional trommel screen. This makes it particularly popular with contractors, skip operators, compost producers and businesses entering the recycling market.

The MPB 18.47 is ideal if you:

• Frequently relocate machinery between sites.
• Need professional screening without oversizing your investment.
• Process green waste, compost, soils or biomass.
• Want lower operating costs while maintaining high productivity.

If your business is expanding steadily but doesn’t yet require maximum throughput, the MPB 18.47 provides plenty of capability while keeping running costs under control.

Why Is the Pronar MPB 20.55 the Most Popular Model?

One of the most common questions we receive is: “Which Pronar trommel would you recommend for most recycling businesses?”

In many cases, the answer is the MPB 20.55.

The larger screening drum provides greater screening area than the MPB 18.47, allowing more material to be processed efficiently while still remaining practical to transport between sites.

For many businesses, it represents the ideal balance between purchase price, operating costs and production capacity.

The MPB 20.55 is particularly well suited to:

• Waste wood processing
• Green waste recycling
• Biomass production
• Compost screening
• Construction and demolition waste
• Commercial recycling facilities

If you’re expecting your workload to increase over the next few years, investing in the MPB 20.55 can provide valuable additional capacity without stepping up to the largest model in the range.

When Should You Choose the Pronar MPB 20.72?

Some operations simply require maximum output.

The MPB 20.72 has been developed for businesses processing significant daily volumes where productivity directly affects profitability.

Its longer drum increases the available screening area, giving material more time to separate effectively before leaving the machine. This makes it an excellent choice for continuous operation and demanding recycling environments.

The MPB 20.72 is commonly suited to:

• Waste transfer stations
• Local authorities
• High-volume recycling facilities
• Commercial composting operations
• Large biomass producers

For businesses handling substantial quantities of material every day, the increased productivity can help reduce bottlenecks and improve overall site efficiency.

What’s the Difference Between the MPB 18.47, MPB 20.55 and MPB 20.72?

Although the machines share many design features, the key differences come down to capacity and intended application.

The MPB 18.47 is designed for businesses needing a compact, versatile trommel that is easy to move between sites.

The MPB 20.55 offers increased screening area and throughput, making it the ideal all-rounder for growing recycling businesses.

The MPB 20.72 delivers the highest production capacity and is intended for larger operations where maximising daily throughput is the priority.

Rather than asking, “Which machine is the biggest?”, a better question is: “Which machine matches my workload today and where will my business be in five years?”

Which Trommel Is Best for Different Materials?

Different materials place different demands on screening equipment.

Here’s our general recommendation:

Green Waste

All three models perform well, with your choice largely depending on the volume of material processed.

Compost
The MPB 18.47 is ideal for smaller composting operations, while larger commercial producers often benefit from the additional capacity of the MPB 20.55 or MPB 20.72.

Waste Wood & Biomass
Businesses processing higher volumes of waste wood and biomass typically benefit from the larger screening area offered by the MPB 20.55 and MPB 20.72.

Construction & Demolition Waste
The increased throughput of the MPB 20.55 and MPB 20.72 makes them better suited to demanding recycling applications.

How Do You Know Which Size Trommel You Need?

Choosing the correct trommel isn’t just about today’s workload.

Before investing, ask yourself:

• How many tonnes do we process each day?
• Will our business grow over the next five years?
• How often will the machine move between sites?
• What materials will we screen?
• Is maximum throughput more important than transportability?

Answering these questions will usually point towards the most suitable machine.

What Do All Three Pronar Trommels Have in Common?

Regardless of the model you choose, every Pronar trommel is designed with productivity, durability and ease of maintenance in mind.

Across the range you’ll find features including:

• Heavy-duty construction for demanding recycling environments.
• Efficient drum screening for a wide range of materials.
• Interchangeable drums to suit different applications.
• Excellent access for routine maintenance.
• User-friendly controls.
• Designed for reliable day-to-day operation.

These shared features allow businesses to invest with confidence, knowing they’re purchasing machinery built for the realities of the waste and recycling industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Pronar trommel is best for green waste?

All three models can process green waste effectively. The best choice depends on your daily throughput and future growth plans rather than the material itself.

Is the MPB 20.55 worth upgrading to?

For many businesses, yes. The additional screening area and increased capacity make it a popular option for companies expecting continued growth.

Which Pronar trommel has the highest throughput?

The MPB 20.72 is the largest trommel in this comparison and is designed for operations requiring maximum production.

Can I process multiple materials with one trommel?

Yes. With the correct drum configuration, Pronar trommels can be used across a variety of applications including green waste, compost, biomass, soils and construction waste.

Speak to the Trommel Specialists

Choosing between the Pronar MPB 18.47, MPB 20.55 and MPB 20.72 isn’t about buying the largest machine—it’s about investing in the right machine for your operation.

At CRJ Services, we take the time to understand your material, throughput requirements and long-term business goals before recommending a solution. Whether you’re purchasing your first trommel or expanding an existing fleet, our team can help you make an informed decision backed by practical industry experience.

If you’d like to compare the Pronar range in more detail or arrange a machine demonstration, get in touch with CRJ Services and we’ll help you find the trommel that best fits your business.