Published: AUGUST 2026
Superior’s vibratory equipment has seen a steady stream of engineering and production improvements, some visible in the field and others happening behind the scenes.
From redesigned screen components and new manufacturing processes to better containment and application-specific designs, the changes reflect lessons learned from dealers and customers. Here are five updates worth knowing.
1. Improving Surge Suppression Performance
The latest version of VS2™ Technology—a feature that eases the screen in and out of operation—addresses issues experienced with spring mounts in the field.
"In 2023, we introduced a new spring design with greater stiffness and increased coil clearance," says Cody Tufford, Superior's vibratory product manager. "While this was meant to prevent coil clash, the springs were more reactive, causing screens to jump farther than intended in certain conditions."
In response, Superior redesigned the VS2’s bottom bracket, incorporating a taller bracket that positions the arm closer to horizontal. The change helps prevent the VS2 from reaching the limits of its travel during screen movement.
"Since making these changes, we've not seen any issues with machines utilizing the new design," Tufford says. "It's now standard on new units and parts can be shipped if issues arise with older units in the field."
2. Intrepid® Feeders Built for the Application
Portable and stationary feeders can encounter very different loading conditions, so Superior has separated its feeder offering into dedicated designs for each application.
“From time to time, we had challenges putting what we now call a portable feeder into a stationary application,” Tufford says. "Particularly in truck-dump installations where much heavier loads can be placed directly on the machine."
Engineers responded with changes that included different spring sizes and revisions to the motor base. Additionally, we now evaluate the loading expected for each application and use finite element analysis (FEA) to understand how those forces will impact the machine.
"We look at the worst-case loading expected in that project and make adjustments from there,” Tufford says.
3. K-Brace Assembly Process Gets Reworked
Superior recently revised how its screen decks are manufactured after replacement K-braces—the structural members within the deck that connect with the I-beams—didn't always align properly on some older screens.
“We worked very closely with Kimball Equipment on this,” Tufford says. “They came to Nebraska and we collaborated on improvements.”
Previously, the I-beams were welded into position first, with the K-braces then fit to those locations. Now, K-bracing is positioned first, essentially reversing the assembly order.
“One of the biggest struggles on older units was trying to adapt K-braces to I-beams that didn’t line up correctly," says Tufford. "Those surfaces need to be flat with one another, and we had gaps.”
The new process improves consistency and simplifies replacement if it’s ever needed in the field.
Together with Kimball Equipment, we also examined the deck-building process and identified opportunities that led to a new fixture, the structure used to hold the deck during assembly, which improves production throughput and worker safety.
4. Containing Feed-End Slurry
Wet screening can get messy when water and material escape from the feed end of a horizontal screen. To improve containment, Superior developed a new enclosed tailgate option for Guardian® Horizontal Screens that replaces the standard rubber flap.
“We developed a series of steel panels, rubber gaskets and caulking to close off the areas we found most troublesome,” Tufford says. “Engineering worked through the different configurations and those options are now available in the pricebook.”
The overlapping steel panels enclose the feed end, while rubber seals and factory-applied sealant help minimize paths for water and material to escape. Removable panels maintain access inside the screen for service.
The new option can be installed on new screens, with retrofit kits also available for existing machines in your territories.
If you have any questions about these updates or want to talk more about screens, contact Cody Tufford, Superior's vibratory product manager.
Cody Tufford
Vibratory Product Manager
(810) 569-2845
cody.tufford@superior-ind.com