What GPM does a skid steer screening bucket need?

Most skid steer screening buckets require 15 to 30 GPM of auxiliary hydraulic flow. Standard-flow skid steers typically produce 15 to 22 GPM, which is adequate for many screening buckets. High-flow buckets that require 25+ GPM need a high-flow skid steer or a hydraulic upgrade. Always check the bucket manufacturer's specifications against your machine's auxiliary flow rating before purchasing.

Can I use a screening bucket on a Bobcat?

Yes. Most screening buckets use a universal skid steer quick-attach plate that fits Bobcat and other major skid steer brands. The key factor is not the brand of skid steer but the machine's auxiliary hydraulic flow and lift capacity. Check your specific Bobcat model's specs to make sure the screening bucket you are considering is compatible.

How many yards per hour can a skid steer screening bucket process?

Typical throughput ranges from 10 to 25 cubic yards per hour, depending on material type, moisture content, screen opening size, and operator technique. Dry, free-flowing topsoil screens at the higher end of that range. Wet or clay-heavy material drops production significantly.

Is a screening bucket worth it for a small landscaping business?

For many small landscaping operations, a skid steer screening bucket is one of the best equipment investments available. If you already own a skid steer, you add screening capability for $6,000 to $20,000 instead of $50,000+ for a standalone screener. The screened product sells for $15 to $25 more per cubic yard than raw material, so the bucket can pay for itself within a few months of regular use.

What is the difference between a vibrating screening bucket and a rotary screening bucket?

A vibrating screening bucket uses a hydraulic motor to shake a flat mesh screen. Material falls through the mesh openings as it vibrates. This design is simpler, less expensive, and works well with dry, free-flowing material. A rotary screening bucket uses rotating drums, blades, or star discs to tumble and separate material. Rotary designs handle wet, sticky, and clay-heavy material much better because the rotation is self-cleaning. Rotary buckets cost more but offer greater versatility.

When should I upgrade from a screening bucket to a standalone screener?

When your screening volume consistently exceeds 20 to 25 cubic yards per hour, or when you find yourself screening for more than half of your working day, a standalone screener will improve your productivity and product quality. Screening buckets top out at roughly 150 to 200 cubic yards per full working day. A small shaker screen or trommel can double or triple that output with one operator.

Express Blower vs Finn vs Peterson: Mulch Blower Truck Brands Compared

Name: Grinder Crusher Screen
Telephone: 770-433-2670

Choosing a mulch blower truck is a six-figure decision. The brand you pick determines your reliability, blowing distance, payload capacity, parts availability, and long-term cost of ownership. Three manufacturers dominate the North American blower truck market: Express Blower, Finn Corporation, and Peterson.

We have been selling heavy equipment since 1973. We have watched the blower truck market grow from a niche segment into a standard piece of equipment for landscape contractors, erosion control companies, and material suppliers. This guide breaks down the three major brands so you can make an informed purchase.

For a broader overview of how blower trucks work and what to look for, start with our mulch blower truck buying guide. Ready to browse inventory? Visit our blower truck listings.

Express Blower: The Market Leader

Express Blower was founded in Eugene, Oregon with manufacturing facilities in Oregon and Ohio. The company focuses exclusively on blower truck equipment. That single-product focus is a significant advantage — every dollar they spend on engineering goes into improving one type of machine.

Express Blower holds the largest market share among blower truck manufacturers in North America. The company also operates a franchise-style dealer and operator network, which has helped them build brand recognition faster than competitors.

Model lineup: Express Blower builds truck-mounted units with typical payloads per load ranging from 8 to 16+ cubic yards. Their larger models use walking-floor conveyor systems that keep material feeding forward consistently. The EB-60 series is their flagship, designed for full-time commercial blowing operations.

Blowing distance: Express Blower units push material through 300+ feet of hose. Their positive displacement blowers generate enough airflow to maintain consistent material delivery at extended distances.

Chassis compatibility: Express Blower builds on a range of commercial truck chassis. Most units ship on Class 7 and Class 8 trucks.

Pricing: New Express Blower units range from approximately $200,000 to $350,000 depending on payload size, chassis, and options.

Finn Corporation: Erosion Control Heritage

Finn Corporation is based in Fairfield, Ohio. They manufacture blower trucks alongside a broader product line that includes hydroseeders, straw blowers, bark blowers, and material handling equipment. That breadth gives Finn a presence in multiple markets, and many contractors already know the Finn name before they shop for a blower truck.

Model lineup: Finn offers the BB series and T-series blower trucks with typical payloads per load from 8 to 16 cubic yards (the BB1208 handles 8.2 CY and the BB1216 handles 15.7 CY per load). The BB302 is a popular mid-range model. Finn also offers trailer-mounted blower units for contractors who want a lower entry point.

Blowing distance: Finn blower trucks deliver material through 200 to 300 feet of hose depending on the model. Their metering systems are designed for consistent material feed, which helps maintain even delivery at moderate hose lengths.

Chassis compatibility: Finn builds on standard commercial truck chassis, primarily Class 6 and Class 7 platforms. Their units also mount on lighter chassis than some competitors, which can help contractors avoid CDL requirements in certain configurations.

Pricing: New Finn blower trucks range from approximately $180,000 to $300,000, making Finn the most accessible entry point among the three major brands for a truck-mounted system. Trailer-mounted Finn units start well below the truck-mounted range.

Peterson: Heavy-Duty Industrial Builds

Peterson is based in Eugene, Oregon. They are best known for their horizontal grinders and industrial wood processing equipment. Their Pacific Blower Truck line applies that same heavy-duty engineering philosophy to blower truck construction.

Peterson builds machines for production environments. Their blower trucks are designed to run hard, handle abrasive materials, and hold up under daily commercial use.

Model lineup: Peterson's Pacific Blower Truck series offers typical payloads per load from 10 to 16 cubic yards — among the largest payload options available in the market. Peterson offers both truck-mounted units and trailer-mounted blower units (BTR45, BTR70, BTR90 blower trailers).

Blowing distance: Peterson units deliver material through 300+ feet of hose. Their industrial-grade positive displacement blowers are sized to handle long hose runs without losing material velocity.

Chassis compatibility: Peterson builds primarily on Class 7 and Class 8 truck chassis. Their systems are heavier than competitors due to the industrial-grade components.

Pricing: New Peterson blower trucks range from approximately $200,000 to $350,000. The pricing reflects the heavy-duty construction and industrial-grade components.

Side-by-Side Brand Comparison

Factor Express Blower Finn Peterson Headquarters Eugene, OR Fairfield, OH Eugene, OR Primary focus Blower trucks only Erosion control + material handling Grinders + blower trucks Payload per load 8-16+ CY 8-16 CY 10-16 CY Blowing distance 300+ ft 200-300 ft 300+ ft Chassis class Class 7 & 8 Class 6 & 7 Class 7 & 8 New price range $200,000-$350,000 $180,000-$300,000 $200,000-$350,000 Trailer-mounted option Limited Yes ($80,000-$150,000) Yes (BTR45/70/90) Dealer network Strong (franchise model) Broadest (multi-product line) Moderate (grinder overlap) Used market availability Best (largest installed base) Good Limited Best for Market leadership, daily commercial Entry-level to mid-size contractors Heavy-duty industrial/production

New Pricing Breakdown

Size Class Express Blower Finn Peterson Entry truck-mounted $200,000-$240,000 $180,000-$220,000 $200,000-$250,000 Mid-range truck-mounted $240,000-$290,000 $220,000-$270,000 $250,000-$300,000 Large truck-mounted $290,000-$350,000 $270,000-$300,000 $300,000-$350,000 Trailer-mounted Limited $80,000-$150,000 Available (BTR45/70/90) Finn offers the lowest entry point for a new truck-mounted system. Express Blower and Peterson compete at similar price levels, with Peterson commanding a slight premium for their largest industrial builds.

Used Market Availability

Express Blower units appear on the used market more frequently than the other two brands. They have the largest installed base in North America, which means more machines change hands as operators upgrade or exit the business. Used Express Blower trucks in good condition typically sell for 50 to 70 percent of new pricing depending on age, hours, and chassis condition. Finn blower trucks also show up regularly on the used market. Finn's broad dealer network helps with resale because buyers know parts and service are available. Used Finn units hold value well, especially models with documented service records.

Peterson blower trucks are harder to find used. Peterson's production volume is smaller than Express Blower's and Finn's, so fewer machines are circulating. When a used Peterson does come available, it tends to sell quickly.

We list used blower trucks from all three brands. Check our current blower truck inventory or call us to get on a notification list for specific models.

Dealer and Support Networks

Express Blower operates a franchise-style network. Dealers sell the equipment and also operate blowing businesses. That hands-on experience translates into better service and troubleshooting support. Parts are stocked within the network.

Finn has the broadest dealer network of the three brands. Finn sells hydroseeders, straw blowers, and material handling equipment through hundreds of dealers nationwide. Parts availability is a real strength here.

Peterson sells through a dealer network built around their grinder and wood processing product lines. Peterson's customer service is responsive, but parts lead times can run longer if your local dealer does not stock blower truck components.

Which Brand for Which Operation Size

Small Operations and New Entrants

Start with Finn. Their trailer-mounted units provide the lowest capital entry point. A trailer-mounted Finn blower lets you test the blowing business without committing $200,000 or more. When you are ready to scale up, Finn's truck-mounted BB and T-series are waiting.

Mid-Size Landscape Contractors

Express Blower is the safest bet for contractors running one or two blower trucks on a regular schedule. Their single-product focus means the machines are refined for daily commercial use. The franchise dealer network provides strong local support.

Large Landscape and Erosion Control Companies

Any of the three brands works at this scale. Express Blower's market leadership gives you the largest pool of trained operators who already know the equipment. Finn's dealer network makes parts and service easy to source. Peterson's heavy-duty builds hold up best under the hardest daily use.

Material Suppliers and Yards

Peterson is the strongest pick for operations that run blower trucks as part of a material supply business. The industrial build quality handles the punishment of constant loading and all-day blowing. If you already own Peterson grinders, your dealer relationship carries over to their blower truck line.

Highway and DOT Erosion Control

Blowing distance and reliability are the priorities. Express Blower and Peterson both deliver 300+ feet of hose reach. Finn works well for shorter runs. For long-hose highway work, Express Blower or Peterson should be your shortlist.

Factors Beyond the Brand Name

Chassis quality. A great blower system on a worn-out truck creates constant problems. Budget for a solid chassis. If buying used, inspect the truck as carefully as the blower.

Operator training. Blower trucks are productive in trained hands and wasteful in untrained hands. Express Blower includes training through their dealer network. Finn and Peterson also offer training programs. Factor the training into your purchase decision.

Material quality. Every blower truck performs better with properly screened, consistently sized material. Wet, clumpy, or oversized material clogs hoses and metering systems regardless of brand. Controlling your material supply is as important as choosing the right truck.

Note: Express Blower and Finn Corporation are both owned by DHG, Inc. They operate as separate brands with distinct product lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which mulch blower truck brand is the best?

There is no single best brand for every operation. Express Blower leads in market share and dealer support. Finn offers the broadest product line and lowest entry pricing. Peterson builds the heaviest-duty machines. The best brand depends on your operation size, budget, material types, and local dealer availability.

How much does a new mulch blower truck cost?

New truck-mounted blower systems range from $180,000 to $350,000 depending on brand, payload capacity, chassis, and options. Finn offers the lowest entry point around $180,000. Express Blower and Peterson start around $200,000 and reach $350,000 for their largest configurations. Trailer-mounted units from Finn and Peterson start significantly lower. Browse our current blower truck inventory for actual pricing on available units.

What is the blowing distance for a mulch blower truck?

Most blower trucks push material through 200 to 300 feet of hose. Express Blower and Peterson units can reach 300+ feet with their larger blower packages. Material flow rate decreases as hose length increases, so plan for slower application rates on the longest runs.

Can I mount a blower system on my existing truck?

It depends on the chassis specifications. Most blower systems require a Class 6 through Class 8 truck chassis. Finn offers lighter configurations that can mount on Class 6 trucks. Express Blower and Peterson typically require Class 7 or Class 8 platforms. Your dealer can evaluate your chassis for compatibility.

Are used blower trucks a good investment?

A well-maintained used blower truck can save you 30 to 50 percent compared to buying new. Express Blower units are the easiest to find used. Finn units also appear regularly. Peterson units are harder to source. On any used purchase, inspect the blower, metering system, hose, hopper conveyor, and truck chassis carefully.

Which brand has the best parts and service support?

Finn has the broadest dealer network because they sell multiple product lines through hundreds of dealers. Express Blower's franchise model means dealers have hands-on operating experience. Peterson's support is strong but dealer coverage varies by region. In all cases, confirm that a dealer with blower truck experience is within a reasonable distance of your operation before buying.

Do I need a CDL to operate a blower truck?

CDL requirements depend on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the truck chassis, not the blower system itself. Most truck-mounted blower units on Class 7 and Class 8 chassis require a CDL. Some Finn configurations on lighter Class 6 chassis may fall below the CDL threshold. Check your state's DOT regulations for the specific chassis you are considering.

What materials can all three brands blow?

All three brands handle bark mulch, wood chips, screened compost, soil blends, playground fiber, and erosion control materials. Material must be screened to a consistent size and at an appropriate moisture level for any blower truck to perform well. Wet, clumpy, or oversized material causes problems regardless of which brand you choose.

We have been connecting buyers with the right heavy equipment since 1973. Whether you are buying your first blower truck or upgrading from a trailer unit to a full truck-mounted system, we can help you find the right machine from any of these three brands.

Browse our current blower truck inventory or reach out directly.

Call us at 770-433-2670 or email Sales@grindercrusherscreen.com.