Why
is the Advanced Composting System better than using a loader?
NOTE:
Some scientific terms have been linked to their respective definitions
on our Glossary Page
| Criterion: |
Loader: |
Aeromaster
Turner |
| Cycle |
The composting
cycle may be completed over a period of 6 to 18 months
using a loader. |
The composting
cycle can be completed over a period of 8-10 weeks
with an Aeromaster compost turner. |
| Design |
Loader is designed for lifting, moving and dumping. |
Compost turner is designed for composting, thus mixing, blending,
aerating, and watering. |
| Aeration |
Aeration
is difficult to achieve, even with slow dumping, due to material
hanging together while dropping to the ground. A fast dump prevents
O2/CO2 exchange. |
With Aeromaster turner, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange is achieved
through all feedstocks in an even and consistent manner throughout
the windrow. |
| Blending |
Feedstocks
cannot be thoroughly blended and mixed with other feedstocks with
a loader; this limits the interaction of carbon & nitrogen atoms. |
With
compost turner, feedstocks are evenly blended and mixed with other
feedstocks, maximizing interaction of carbon & nitrogen atoms. |
| Watering |
Water
is typically applied to the outside of a windrow, therefore moisturization
is unequal and an optimum microbial environment is only achieved
in portions of a row. |
Water
is applied to each particle as the feedstocks are tossed above the
compost turner's drum; therefore moisturization is equal throughout
the row, providing an optimal microbial environment. |
| Movement |
Feedstocks
may be in the same portion of a row week after week. |
With
a compost turner, outside feedstocks are turned to the inside, while
inside materials moved to the outside. |
| Inoculants |
Loader
has no capability to disburse inoculant
evenly throughout a row is available. |
With
an Aeromaster compost turner you can add proven beneficial microbes
evenly throughout the row. |
| Frequency |
With
loader, turning is infrequent due to the length of time required
to turn. |
Compost
turner can be used frequently, because turning can be achieved in
only 25 percent of loader time. |
| Cycle |
The
composting cycle is completed over a period of 6 to 18 months using
a loader. |
The
composting cycle can be completed over a period of 8-10 weeks with
an Aeromaster turner. |
| Space |
Space required is maximized due to the slow process. Piles are frequently
built high (contributing to anaerobic
conditions) because of space limitations. |
Space
required is minimized because materials can be removed, marketed,
and applied to the soil. |
| Uniformity |
Because
all areas of a row are not treated uniformly, a homogenous blend
with consistent quality is difficult to achieve. |
Because
all of a row is treated uniformly, even breakdown and buildup into
humus is achieved. |
The
common rationale for loader composting is, "I'll save money. I won't spend
money on a turner." But a thorough examination will reveal why the opposite
is true — it will cost money.
If you're currently using a
loader for composting:
-
To turn an equal number of times, labor will be quadrupled
due to the time commitment and perhaps quintupled if you have a water
truck operating separately.
- Which
costs more as a start-up piece of equipment—a separate water truck or
a water wagon pulled behind the turner which applies water as the compost
is turned?
- Hourly
costs of operation for a loader exceed those of an Aeromaster compost
turner.
- Less
mixing and blending, uneven moisture levels, and inconsistent aeration
lessen the value of the finished compost product. You will not
receive as much at market!
- It's
common to find numerous pieces of equipment associated with compost
sites which cost far more than a turner (grinder, screen, loader, bagger,
etc.). But if the purpose of the site is to make compost, do
not omit the most important factor — a quality Aeromaster compost windrow
turner complementing the Advanced Composting System.
Other
considerations:
- Because the
Aeromaster compost windrow turner treats every particle, not just large
lumps, it requires fewer handling cycles than a loader, resulting in
lower labor and fuel costs.
- Because
the Aeromaster turner works gently and efficiently, fuel requirements
are lower.
- Because
the Aeromaster compost turner applies water evenly, particles get the
moisture they need
- The Aeromaster
compost turner’s shorter cycle time means your material is ready
to sell and leave the premises faster, so you have less space required
- Because
the Aeromaster compost turner operates along the windrows, not between
them, less space is wasted on aisles or drive ways
- Lower
power requirements
- Because
there is less required land, less capital has to be devoted to land
- Because
the Aeromaster compost windrow turner treats every particle, the product
has a more uniform consistency and appearance throughout the cycle
- The Aeromaster
turner re-shapes the windrow towards the ideal on every pass, reducing
the need for additional materials management
- The turner
is designed to draw itself easily through the windrow, reducing mechanical
strain on all equipment
- Because
the turner allows vertical removal from the windrow, obstacles are much
easier to avoid and work around
- Because the
turner applies moisture and inoculant to the individual particles, odor
and other chemical problems are drastically reduced
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