I gave a presentation at the USCC Conference in Jacksonville
and was asked this question. Here are a few things you need to determine when
sizing up Windrow Turners. Use them to relate to your situation:
·
How much material do you need to turn? Can you
adjust your windrow size to be able to use a smaller turner? Why buy a 20’
Turner when a 16’ can turn the amount of material you need to turn? Most Turner
specification sheets say they are able to turn 4000-6000 yards per hour. That’s
a lot of material. So if you have the space, can you make smaller windrows and
still turn what you need to turn?
·
Horsepower and Fuel Usage- See if smaller unit
horsepower is sufficient to turn your material. The weight of Yard Waste is
much less than the sludges or food wastes, so horsepower may not be an issue.
The units running 600+ horsepower use a lot of fuel. Check fuel usage when you
have demonstration.
·
Portability- If you need to move from site to
site, make sure the unit doesn’t need to be taken apart or need permits that
will limit your transportability
·
Drive System- Track or Wheels; try both for your
situation. Check the cost of replacing wheels or track pads and links.
Hydraulic driven drum or belt drive. Check the operational cost of both.
·
Automatic Control System- Can you let the
machine maximize turning speed and load so the operator can concentrate on
driving the unit?
·
Cab Features- Things like Charcoal Air Filtering
keeps the operator cabin air clean. Bluetooth stereo with phone controls keeps
the operators hands on the joysticks. Gauges easily visible limit any issues before
they arise.
·
Safety- Ladders and platforms along with a
ground entry cabin, helps operators and maintenance personnel work safely.
The main question to ask is the
one to you. Can you make your material and site fit a particular size Windrow
Turner and the cost of it?
Questions? Dave
Whitelaw grindergu@askthegrinderguy.com
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