Compost Windrow Turner
Compost windrow turners have evolved over the years to meet a variety of needs. These include durability, ease of maintenance, more comfort for the operator, better control of the turning action and the ability to accommodate large or different sizes of windrows.
The most common type is a rotating drum windrow turner, which can turn windrows that are 1-2 meters high by 3-4 meters wide. They use a steel drum that has paddles that rapidly turn the compost material.
Pull-type
Compost windrow turners are used in a variety of applications and conditions. They agitate and mix the compost to distribute pathogen-killing heat, distribute oxygen, provide an outlet for water vapor and biogenic carbon dioxide and increase screening efficiency.
They also cool down the compost, which helps keep the microorganisms in the mix alive and working. When the mixture gets too hot, it can burn or kill microorganisms and cause the compost to go bad.
A pull-type compost windrow turner attaches to a tractor and can be either self-propelled or pulled behind it. Self-propelled models are usually hydraulically driven; they can move smoothly over a variety of terrains.
Some self-propelled turners can be loaded into a truck and rolled to a compost site. Others can be transported by a telescoping trailer.
Wildcat manufactures a pull-type compost windrow turner that creates 4′ high by 14′ wide windrows in two passes. It requires a 65-120HP tractor with a Creeper Gear or hydrostatic drive.
It can handle organic waste such as livestock manure, agricultural waste, municipal household garbage and industrial waste. It has a sturdy rotor that guarantees even turning, good heat dissipation and great efficiency.
The rotor is designed with large diameter of 800mm, with high yield up to 1500m3/h. It has a national patent and can be widely used for the large-scale production of organic fertilizer.
Backhus makes nine straddle-type turners that can process windrows up to 10.8 feet high by 24.6 feet wide. They can handle windrows that are laid out “toe-to-toe,” which maximizes processing throughput.
These machines are custom-built to a customer’s specifications by matching up the frame, engine and drive system components. They are available with a rubber tire, full track or four-track drive and can run on Cummins diesel, Caterpillar or Detroit Diesel engines, ranging in power from 185 HP to 600 HP.
Some of these units are equipped with a spray system to irrigate the windrows. They can also be paired with a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system, which can provide real-time information about the unit’s location to help avoid downtime and reduce costs.
Self-propelled
Compost windrow turners use a new, patented method of composting that is environmentally friendly and reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills. These turners ferment the waste and add oxygen and microbial strains that help break down the material into fertilizer. This process is also much quicker than traditional methods and prevents poisonous gasses from accumulating in the waste pile.
There are a variety of different types of compost turners. Some are self-propelled, while others are pulled by a loader or tractor. Some are portable and can be towed to remote sites without requiring a special permit.
Self-propelled models are known for their reliability and aeration ability. They are easy to move, can be operated by one person, and can go over uneven terrain with ease. Some have additional features like flails that loosen, blend, and move the compost. They also have automatic liquid sprayers that can be added to the compost.
These machines can handle a wide range of sizes and are compost windrow turner suitable for small- to large-scale composting facilities. They are also less expensive and easier to maintain than other types of composting equipment.
Straddle type compost windrow turners are often used for smaller operations, and they can be either belt driven or hydraulically powered. They cover the entire width of the windrow, allowing them to turn it in a single pass. However, they require a space for the tractor to move through and are not as efficient as self-propelled models.
The self-propelled compost windrow turner is a new breakthrough in the field of organic fertilizer. It integrates blending and crushing for bio-organics decomposing and accelerates fermentation speed. It can make a lot of compost in a short time, which increases the production efficiency and lowers the cost.
It is able to work in open spaces as well as in a greenhouse. It can produce high-quality compost from such materials as agri-waste, manure, daily life gabbage, slush and vinasse.
The self-propelled compost windrow turner uses a unique design that allows the machine to crush the caking that forms during the aerobic fermentation phase of composting. This design eliminates the need to purchase an additional crusher, resulting in an increase in productivity and a reduced cost.
Power
Compost windrow turners are powered by either hydraulic compost windrow turner or belt drives. They straddle the entire width of a composting Windrow, turning it in a single pass. They can be adapted for different windrow sizes and have several features that improve production and maintenance efficiency.
They can be designed to withstand the high temperatures that can occur during composting. They can also be fitted with an irrigation system that ensures that the proper moisture content is maintained during the process.
Some windrow turners are also able to crush caking material that forms during the process. This feature can be beneficial to odour reduction and can reduce downtime.
In addition, these turners are a popular choice for processing organic wastes such as yard debris and sewage sludge. They can be fitted with an irrigation system that maintains the proper moisture content of the composting materials.
Komptech’s topturn windrow turners deliver consistent performance and optimum windrow pile sizing for composting operations. This type of turner creates the optimum windrow shape to reduce odors and maximize porosity.
These units are ideal for larger composting facilities that need to make large amounts of compost in a short amount of time. These units are typically capable of achieving throughput rates up to 4,000 cu yd/hour.
They are a cost-effective alternative to large, stationary composting machines and can be moved easily across remote areas without special road permits. Some models are self-trailering, while others fit conveniently on a flat bed trailer.
The main purpose of a compost windrow turner is to turn and mix compost material during the fermentation process. The turner consists of a drum with paddles that are rapidly turning, allowing oxygen to feed the aerobic bacteria in the composting raw material.
This speed allows the microbes to break down the material more quickly and produce better-quality compost. This type of turner is used to compost animal manure, sludge, household garbage, plant straw and other contaminated materials.
Unlike passive composting, where the organic waste is left in a windrow, this type of process requires constant turn-over to promote the development of aerobic bacteria and improve the quality of the compost. The windrow is covered with a layer of finished compost to prevent moisture loss, distribute heat, and reduce odour problems. The compost is then screened to remove oversized materials and screened again to grade the compost for use in various applications.
Maintenance
Windrow composting is a common way to produce high volume compost. This process involves piling organic matter and biodegradable waste into long rows (windrows) that are turned to improve porosity and oxygen content, mix in or remove moisture, and redistribute cooler and warmer portions of the pile.
Composting is an effective method of turning waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. The key to the process is to properly mix and stir the materials as they decompose, using equipment such as a compost windrow turner. The machine uses a drum and paddles to agitate the compost and inject oxygen. It is also able to redistribute the moisture to achieve a finished compost product with a lower water content and higher nitrogen and phosphorus levels than the original batch.
A good compost windrow turner is a big ol’ beast and a bit of maintenance can ensure that it continues to do its job well into the future. Some of the most important things to do include making sure the machine is clean and properly maintained, and that the operator is wearing appropriate safety gear. A well-maintained machine will yield a better product at a lower cost than a neglected machine.
The best way to maintain a compost windrow turner is to be patient and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. The machine’s manual is a must have for every owner, as it will provide step by step instructions for ensuring that all components are in good working order and that the unit functions correctly.