If you are looking for a way to turn your organic waste into valuable compost, you might be interested in buying a commercial compost turner. A compost turner is a machine that aerates, mixes and breaks down organic materials in windrows, speeding up the composting process and improving the quality of the final product. In this blog post, we will introduce some of the benefits of using a compost turner, as well as some of the features and types of compost turners available for sale.
Benefits of using a compost turner
Composting is a natural process that converts organic matter into humus, a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can improve soil health, fertility and water retention. Composting can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, landfill waste and odors from organic materials. However, composting can take a long time and require a lot of labor and space if done manually. A compost turner can help you overcome these challenges by:
– Increasing the oxygen supply to the microorganisms that decompose the organic matter, enhancing their activity and accelerating the decomposition rate.
– Mixing and blending the materials evenly, creating a uniform temperature and moisture level throughout the windrow, and preventing hot spots or anaerobic zones.
– Breaking up clumps and large particles, increasing the surface area of the materials and facilitating microbial contact and digestion.
– Incorporating additives or inoculants into the windrow, improving the nutrient balance and microbial diversity of the compost.
– Producing consistent and high-quality compost that meets your specific needs and standards.
Features and types of compost turners
There are many factors to consider when choosing a compost turner for your operation, such as the size, shape, volume and type of materials you want to compost, the space and layout of your site, the frequency and duration of turning, the budget and maintenance costs, and the environmental regulations and safety requirements. Some of the common features and types of compost turners are:
– Power source: Compost turners can be powered by diesel engines, electric motors or tractor PTOs (power take-offs). Diesel engines are more powerful and mobile, but also more expensive and noisy. Electric motors are more energy-efficient and quiet, but require access to electricity. Tractor PTOs are more economical and versatile, but depend on the tractor’s performance and availability.
– Drive system: Compost turners can be self-propelled or pull-type. Self-propelled turners have their own chassis and wheels, and can move independently along the windrow. Pull-type turners are attached to a tractor or a truck, and are towed along the windrow. Self-propelled turners are more convenient and maneuverable, but also more costly and complex. Pull-type turners are more simple and affordable, but also more limited in mobility and speed.
– Turning mechanism: Compost turners can have different designs of turning mechanisms, such as drums, augers, flails or elevators. Drums are cylindrical devices with blades or teeth that rotate horizontally across the windrow, lifting and tossing the materials. Augers are spiral devices that rotate vertically through the windrow, pushing and mixing the materials. Flails are chains or hammers that swing horizontally along the windrow, shredding and stirring the materials. Elevators are belts or conveyors that lift the materials from one side of the windrow to another, creating a new pile. Each design has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of efficiency, capacity, versatility and durability.
Examples of commercial compost turners for sale
To give you an idea of what kind of compost turners are available for sale, here are some examples from different manufacturers and sellers:
– Aeromaster PT-170X: This is a self-propelled compost turner with a 360 HP diesel engine and a 14-foot wide drum that can process up to 3,000 cubic yards of materials per hour. It has an advanced control system that monitors and adjusts the turning parameters, such as speed, depth, temperature and moisture. It also has a water trailer that can spray water or additives onto the windrow during turning. This compost turner is designed for large-scale operations that require high performance and reliability.
– Wildcat LS177A: This is a pull-type compost turner with a 173 HP John Deere diesel engine and a 12-foot wide auger that can process up to 1,800 cubic yards of materials per hour. It has a simple hydraulic system that controls the turning depth and angle. It also has a folding frame that allows it to be transported easily on a trailer. This compost turner is suitable for medium-sized operations that need an economical and efficient solution.
– Brown Bear PTO PA35C: This is a pull-type compost turner that is powered by a tractor PTO (100-160 HP) and has a 10.5-foot wide flail that can process up to 500 cubic yards of materials per hour. It has a manual lever that adjusts the turning height and direction. It also has a low-profile design that minimizes dust and noise. This compost turner is ideal for small-scale operations that want a simple and versatile tool.
Conclusion
A commercial compost turner can be a valuable investment for your composting business, as it can help you produce more and better compost in less time and with less effort. However, you need to choose the right compost turner for your specific situation, based on your goals, resources and preferences. We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and examples of compost turners for sale. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
