What is a compost turner and how it is it different than turning with a loader?
A compost turner is a machine designed to aerate (or “fluff”) a compost pile to enhance passive aeration and to mix, chop, and reform the pile back into the proper windrow shape. CVCC operates a self-propelled, straddle-type turner that can handle a windrow 8 ft wide by 4.5 ft tall. If required, this turner also has a watering manifold to rehydrate the windrow during turning. While bucket loaders are used by some farms to turn their windrows, this method is significantly slower, increases wear-and-tear on the loader, and does not provide the mixing and chopping action needed to break apart clumpy materials and aerate dense and/or wet manure.
