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TASKMASTER | Grinders

TASKMASTER® SD

A unique stainless rotary screening design unlike any prior design.

An in-channel grinder that combines proven Cutter Cartridge® technology with an innovative mechanical screening system to deliver next-generation solids reduction performance.

Key Features

  • Mechanical Screen + Twin-Shaft Cutting Chamber
  • One-Piece Cutter Cartridge® Elements
  • Single-Screen (SD) or Dual-Screen (SDD) Models
  • Cutter Section Heights Up to 60″
  • 3 HP or 5 HP with Multiple Drive Options
  • S260 Automatic Reversing Controller

Established 1918 · Made in USA · Livingston, NJ

Powered by CUTTER CARTRIDGE® Technology — one-piece cutter elements for greater strength & fewer parts. Learn more
Available Models:
  • SD12020
  • SD12024
  • SD12032
  • SD12040
  • SD12052
  • SDD12020
  • SDD12024
  • SDD12032
  • SDD12040
  • SDD12052

Product Overview

Description

Grinder Type
In-Channel
Mechanism
Twin-Shaft with Screen System
Drive Power
3 HP or 5 HP
Configurations
Single-Screen or Dual-Screen

The TASKMASTER® SD is the result of years of engineering development and rigorous field testing. Designed specifically for demanding wastewater applications, it provides superior solids processing, high flow rates, exceptional reliability, and simplified maintenance.

At the heart of the system is a unique mechanical screening mechanism that captures incoming solids and directs them into a powerful twin-shaft grinding chamber. Unlike conventional channel grinders, the SD’s screen actively conveys material to the cutting zone while maintaining a clean operating system and consistent hydraulic performance over time.

Unlike rotary drum channel grinders—which can trap debris inside thereby reducing efficiency—the TASKMASTER SD’s screening system continuously transfers solids into the cutters with exceptional efficiency while minimizing material buildup.

This grinder features Franklin Miller’s proprietary Cutter Cartridge® technology. Each one-piece Cutter Cartridge replaces an entire stack of individual cutters and spacers, providing greater rigidity under heavy loading, dramatically reducing replacement time, and minimizing spare-parts inventory.

View full specifications

Features and Advantages

Cutter Cartridge® Technology

Each one-piece Cutter Cartridge® element replaces a stack of individual cutters and spacers, enabling faster changeouts, reducing spare-parts inventory, and providing greater rigidity under heavy loading.

Engineered for Durability

Built for continuous-duty operation in demanding wastewater environments, the TASKMASTER SD features hardened cutting elements, bearings protected by rugged mechanical seals, a heavy-duty structural frame and a single drive. The result is dependable long-term performance backed by more than a century of Franklin Miller grinding expertise.

Simplified Maintenance

Cutter Cartridge® technology significantly reduces component count, resulting in fewer parts to inspect, stock, and service. The screening system is equally maintenance-friendly, with screens that can be replaced in sections without complete unit disassembly, minimizing downtime and simplifying service.

Wide Flow Capacity Range

With ten models available in five standard channel widths from 20 to 52 inches, the TASKMASTER SD accommodates flow rates from 2.7 to 12.8 MGD, making it suitable for applications ranging from compact lift stations to high-capacity municipal headworks.

Flexible Configurations

Customize this product for your application

The TASKMASTER SD is available in single-screen (SD) and dual-screen (SDD) configurations and can be customized to fit virtually any channel or wet well installation. Combining innovative screening technology with Franklin Miller’s proven twin-shaft grinding system, the TASKMASTER SD delivers exceptional solids reduction, reliable operation, and lower life-cycle maintenance costs for today’s wastewater facilities.

Drive options include:

  • 3 HP or 5 HP TEFC motors
  • Explosion-proof motors for classified locations
  • True submersible motor systems
  • Shaft extensions for deep channels
  • Hydraulic drives for remote power applications

Dimensions

SD Single Drum Models
TASKMASTER SD Single Drum dimensions schematic
ModelABCMGDGPMWeight (lbs)
SD12020 30.10″(764.5 mm) 23.80″(604.5 mm) 64.26″(1632 mm) 2.7(433 m3/h) 1,910(120 L/s) 1,010(459 kg)
SD12024 34.65″(880 mm) 27.57″(700 mm) 64.26″(1632 mm) 3.9(610 m3/h) 2,680(169 L/s) 1,144(520 kg)
SD12032 42.15″(1071 mm) 35″(891 mm) 71.76″(1823 mm) 5.2(818 m3/h) 3,600(227 L/s) 1,429(649 kg)
SD12040 49.65″(1261 mm) 43″(1081 mm) 79.26″(2013 mm) 6.9(1088 m3/h) 4,790(302 L/s) 1,701(773 kg)
SD12052 60.9″(1547 mm) 54″(1367 mm) 90.51″(2299 mm) 9.5(1493 m3/h) 6,570(415 L/s) 2,108(958 kg)
SDD Double Drum Models
TASKMASTER SDD Double Drum dimensions schematic
ModelABCMGDGPMWeight (lbs)
SDD12020 30.10″(764.5 mm) 23.80″(604.5 mm) 64.26″(1632 mm) 3.8(606 m3/h) 2,670(168 L/s) 1,772(805 kg)
SDD12024 34.65″(880 mm) 27.57″(700 mm) 64.26″(1632 mm) 5.2(820 m3/h) 3,610(228 L/s) 1,886(857 kg)
SDD12032 42.15″(1071 mm) 35″(891 mm) 71.76″(1823 mm) 7.6(1199 m3/h) 5,280(333 L/s) 2115(961 kg)
SDD12040 49.65″(1261 mm) 43″(1081 mm) 79.26″(2013 mm) 10.1(1597 m3/h) 7,030(444 L/s) 2344(1065 kg)
SDD12052 60.9″(1547 mm) 54″(1367 mm) 90.51″(2299 mm) 12.8(2020 m3/h) 8,890(561 L/s) 2687(1222 kg)
*Weight with drive and TEFC motor.

S260 Control System

The S260 controller continuously monitors motor load and automatically responds to obstructions. When an overload is detected, it reverses the cutter shafts to clear the blockage, then resumes forward operation — all without operator intervention. If the obstruction persists, the controller triggers an alarm so maintenance can respond.

The control panel ships pre-wired in a NEMA 4X fiberglass-reinforced polyester (FRP) enclosure rated for outdoor and corrosive environments, with 100,000-hour LED status indicators for at-a-glance monitoring.

See It in Action

TASKMASTER® SD In-Channel Grinder

See the TASKMASTER® SD screening and grinding system in action. Watch how the mechanical screen captures incoming solids and feeds them into the twin-shaft Cutter Cartridge® cutting chamber for efficient, continuous solids reduction.
TASKMASTER® SD In-Channel Grinder

Technical Specifications

General

Type
In-Channel Grinder
Installation
Open Channel
Mechanism
Twin-Shaft with Screen System
Cutter Heights
Up to 60″

Drive Options

Motor Power
3 HP or 5 HP
Motor Types
TEFC, Explosion-Proof
Submersible
Available
Other
Shaft extensions, hydraulic drives

Configurations

Screen Type
Single or Dual
Cutter Technology
Cutter Cartridge®
Controller
S260 Automatic Reversing

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Product Family

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Common Applications

Where This Equipment Is Used

Application guides connected to TASKMASTER® SD help match the equipment to process conditions.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1How does the TASKMASTER SD compare to rotary drum channel grinders?

Rotary drum grinders can allow rags and stringy debris to wrap around and accumulate inside the drum, leading to reduced throughput and frequent cleaning. The TASKMASTER SD replaces the drum with a mechanical screen that positively captures solids and feeds them into the twin-shaft cutting chamber, preventing accumulation and delivering more consistent, maintenance-free operation.

2How do I choose between the SD and SDD?

The single-screen SD handles most channel grinding applications. Choose the dual-screen SDD when you need approximately 30–40% more flow capacity in the same channel width — for example, the SDD12052 handles 12.8 MGD versus 9.5 MGD for the SD12052. Our application engineers can help you select the right configuration for your flow and loading conditions.

3Can the TASKMASTER SD be installed in an existing channel?

Yes. The TASKMASTER SD is designed for drop-in installation using a guide-rail mounting system that does not require channel dewatering. Units are available in five standard channel widths (20″ to 52″), and custom frame adaptations can accommodate non-standard channel dimensions.

4What happens when the TASKMASTER SD encounters an obstruction?

The S260 controller detects the overload, automatically reverses the cutter shafts to clear the blockage, and resumes forward operation. If the obstruction persists after multiple reverse cycles, the controller triggers an alarm for operator attention. This sequence protects both the drive and cutting elements while keeping the unit in service with minimal downtime.

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In-channel grinder with screening and CUTTER CARTRIDGE® technology