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From Sand to Rip Rap: One Screen That Does It All

Case Study

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How Sand & Gravel Producers Keep America Moving | RUBBLE MASTER

Central Michigan Sand & Gravel is a Sand & Gravel producer based in Isabella County, MI

Tim Torpy focuses on producing high-quality sand and stone products by carefully managing each step of the production process. With a hands-on approach and a dedication to consistency, Tim supplies contractors, municipalities, and local industries with sand and gravel that meets their exact needs—supporting stronger roads, reliable drainage, and efficient construction projects across the region.

A Family Business with Grit

Back in the early 1980s, Tim's father bought a small gravel pit to supply his excavating business. In his teenage years, Tim jumped in to help him run the operation. What started as a side supply for local jobs turned into a full-scale sand and gravel company serving their entire region.

Decades later, the pit has grown into a reliable source for everything from road gravel and drainage stone to ice-control sand for harsh winters. Dairy farmers bed their cattle with it, contractors trust it for concrete, and townships depend on it to keep their roads safe. Every bucket that comes out of the ground is part of something bigger — a small business providing materials that literally keep America moving.

A Single Breakdown Can Cripple Your Pit

Running a sand and gravel operation isn’t just about moving stone—it’s about keeping everything flowing. For Tim, one of the biggest challenges was equipment reliability. Even a single pump or part failure could halt production, delaying deliveries and putting pressure on both his team and his customers.

Every delay is costly. Maintaining multiple products—fill sand, 6A stone, rip rap, and more—meant there was no room for downtime. Tim needed a system he could trust to run consistently, so he could focus on quality, keep his customers happy, and ensure the business kept moving forward without unnecessary interruptions.

Attention

At that point, Tim’s struggles were clear and constant:

  • Equipment issues could halt production at any moment
  • Changing screens and maintaining the plant was time-consuming
  • Limited room on older plants made maintenance difficult and unsafe

Finding the Right Screen Changed Everything

Tim knew he needed a system that could handle multiple sand and stone products efficiently without slowing down production. After researching his options, he came across MHK Equipment and Services that showed him the Rubble Master MSC8500M screening plant. From the moment he saw it in action, he was impressed by the ease of operation and thoughtful design:

  • Quick screen changes and maintenance — the catwalk and layout made it easy to access all parts of the plant safely
  • Consistent, reliable output — every product, from fine fill sand to rip rap, came out clean and spec-ready
  • Remote operation — simple controls meant Tim could manage the plant from the loader cab, keeping production moving smoothly
  • Responsive support — whenever questions or issues arose, he could count on the team to provide answers or parts immediately

For Tim, this wasn’t just about a machine—it was about restoring confidence and efficiency to the pit. He could now focus on running a productive, high-quality operation rather than constantly putting out fires.

Our Incline Screens Are Packed with Features to Keep Your Sand and Gravel Flowing and Material Hitting Spec Every Day

Large Feed Hopper

Easy to feed with wide loader buckets.

Rubble Master - Icon radio remote control

Tipping Grid

Radio remote controlled tipping grid.

Simple & fast settings

Easy to Change Screens

Lower screen-box and conveyors for ease of access.

The Range of Products That Keep Customers Coming Back

With the right screening system in place, Tim is able to consistently produce a wide range of sand and stone products, each tailored for a specific purpose. The key is precise screening, consistent flow, and careful handling of each material.

Here’s what comes out of the pit:

  • Fill Sand — fine, clean sand used for bedding, leveling, and general construction projects.
  • Quarter Sand — slightly coarser than mason sand, perfect for ice control on roads during Michigan winters.
  • Bird’s Eye Sand (¼ inch minus) — ideal for packing pipe and drainage applications.
  • 3/8” P Stone — commonly used around basements and drainage areas to ensure proper water flow.
  • 6A Stone — versatile aggregate for Portland mixes, drain fields, and road base.
  • 1–2” Stone — durable material for roof stone, drainage projects, and heavier construction applications.Rip Rap — large stone for embankment protection, erosion control, and shoreline stabilization.

Feed MaterialX

Feed material is the raw aggregate sourced from natural deposits before processing. They feed the screen with a loader in this application.

6A stoneX

6A stone is a clean, crushed aggregate typically sized between 3/4” and 1 1/2”. It is commonly used for drainage, septic fields, and driveways. Durable and versatile, it provides excellent stability in construction and landscaping projects.

Coarse Aaggregate ProductsX

Coarse aggregate products consists of large, durable stones used to prevent erosion. Commonly placed along shorelines, slopes, and drainage channels, it provides strong protection against water flow. Ideal for stabilization in construction and landscaping projects.

FinesX

Fill sand is a fine aggregate used for leveling and backfilling. Classified at US #200 mesh, it provides reliable compaction. Ideal for construction and landscaping projects.

At RUBBLE MASTER we understand that your resources are limited and you can't waste time with slow processes.

 

 

At RUBBLE MASTER, we don’t just care about the equipment - we care about what our equipment does for your team and for your bottom line. That’s why our mobile incline screens are designed to do more than separate material — they unlock the full potential of your gravel pit and help you deliver spec material faster, with less downtime.

We’ve been leading the pack in mobile compact crushing and screening for 30 years. We’re always innovating new ways to help you achieve high output without the hassle - so you can tackle any job knowing your equipment will hold up its end of the bargain.

 
 
Capacity
Screen-box
Screen-decks
Tim's Choice
RM MSC8500M-3D Incline Screen RM MSC8500M
Tracked Incline Screen
up to 400 tph up to 440 TPH
5,485 x 1,525 mm 5 x 18 ft
2 or 3 2 or 3
learn more
 
RM MSC10500M-2D Incline Screen RM MSC10500M
Tracked Incline Screen
up to 450 tph up to 500 TPH
6,700 x 1,525 mm 5 x 22 ft
2 or 3 2 or 3
learn more