McCloskey vs. The Rest: A Procurement Manager’s Honest Comparison of S190 Screeners

Why I’m Writing This Comparison

I’m a procurement manager for a mid-sized aggregate company. For the past six years, I’ve managed our screening equipment budget—roughly $180,000 in cumulative spending. I’ve negotiated with over a dozen vendors, and I’ve tracked every invoice, every part order, and every downtime event.

This article compares the McCloskey S190 trommel screen against its two main competitors: the Astec GT145 and the Chieftain 2100. I’m not here to tell you one is “best.” I want to give you the framework I use when I’m evaluating options—because the cheapest quote often isn’t the cheapest, and the most expensive isn’t always the best.

We’ll compare across three dimensions: total cost of ownership (TCO), operational reliability, and parts & service support.

Dimension 1: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

This is where my job lives. The sticker price matters, but it’s only the beginning.

McCloskey S190

In Q2 2024, I got a quote for a new S190 with a standard conveyor, basic screen media, and a 5-year warranty. The base price was $185,000. The vendor offered a “package” including delivery and setup for $192,500.

Astec GT145

The GT145 came in at $178,000 base. No delivery included. Add $4,500 for that. Also, the warranty was 3 years standard. To extend to 5 years: an extra $8,000. Total: $190,500.

Chieftain 2100

The Chieftain was the cheapest base at $172,000. But—and this is where I almost made a mistake—the standard warranty was 2 years. Also, the dealer was 200 miles away. Delivery was $6,000. Total before any extras: $178,000.

My finding: The McCloskey, despite the highest base price, actually came out slightly cheaper in TCO when you factor in warranty length and included delivery. The Chieftain looked great on paper until I added in the shorter warranty and higher delivery cost. (I’m not 100% sure the Chieftain’s 2-year warranty is enough for our usage—my best guess is we’d need to budget for a major repair in year 3.)

Dimension 2: Operational Reliability

Numbers said one thing. My gut said another.

Every spreadsheet pointed to the Chieftain. But something felt off. I had a conversation with a colleague who runs a fleet of S190s. He mentioned, casually, that his older S190 had been running for 4 years without a major screen deck issue. That stuck with me.

Here’s what I’ve tracked from our own records and industry forums over 6 years:

• McCloskey S190: Users report screen deck replacements every 2-3 years under heavy use (note to self: ask for dealer’s data on this). But the drum drive system is solid. Bearings are heavy-duty. (ugh, they are expensive to replace though—$1,200 per set)
• Astec GT145: Reliable in the first 2 years. After that, users report hydraulic motor issues on the feeder drive. Repair cost: $2,500-3,500. (take this with a grain of salt; I’ve only seen 3 reports on forums)
• Chieftain 2100: Good initial reliability. However, the screen tensioning system seems to be a common failure point. Several forum posts mention annual adjustments needed. (thankfully, it’s a cheap fix—$50 in parts)

Not what I expected: I assumed the premium brand would be over-engineered and fragile. The McCloskey actually seems built for abuse. The other two have specific weak spots that aren’t obvious from the brochure.

Dimension 3: Parts & Service Support

Looking back, I should have paid more attention to parts availability before I placed the order. At the time, I was focused on price.

McCloskey S190

Parts are widely available. McCloskey’s dealer network is strong (thankfully). But the lead time for specific screen media can be 4-6 weeks if your dealer doesn’t stock it. Price for a standard drum belt: ~$350. Expedited shipping: +$100 (setting a waste of money for standard orders, but for critical breakdowns, it’s worth it).

Astec GT145

Parts are good, but the dealer near me is 2 hours away. Their counter staff is knowledgeable. However, proprietary parts (like the feeder drive motor) are expensive—$2,800.

Chieftain 2100

Demand more common parts from the dealer. But shipping from the UK to our location adds 2-3 weeks. Rush shipping costs a fortune. (I really should have checked this before writing the spec.)

Surprise finding: The McCloskey isn’t the cheapest on parts, but its availability is the best. The Chieftain, while cheap to buy, can become a headache if you need a part urgently.

So, What Should You Do?

This isn’t a simple “A beats B” answer. Here’s my honest advice based on different scenarios:

• If you have a tight initial budget and can handle some DIY maintenance: The Chieftain 2100 might be your best bet. Just budget for a repair in year 3. And confirm parts lead times with your local dealer first.
• If you want the lowest total cost over 5 years and value reliability: The McCloskey S190 is likely worth the premium. The included warranty and proven track record make it the safer bet.
• If you need a specific feature (like high production rates) and have a local Astec dealer: The Astec GT145 is a solid machine. But factor in the potential hydraulic repair cost.

The numbers said one thing. My gut said another. I went with my gut and got the McCloskey. I’ve not regretted it. But your mileage may vary (especially if your dealers are different from mine).

Pricing based on public quotes and dealer estimates as of January 2025. Prices can change. Verify current rates with your local dealer.