Vermeer Manufacturing Company’s pull-type CT670 compost turner with elevating face technology complements its current line of grinders and provides customers with a full line of compost equipment solutions.
“Vermeer has been engaged in the composting market for a decade with our tub and horizontal grinder line,” said Jason Andringa, environmental solutions segment manager of Vermeer. “We believe current industry trends and regulations will continue to divert organic matter from landfills to fulfill the public’s increasing awareness of environmentalism.”
After conducting extensive research in the compost market and in compost turning equipment technologies, Vermeer found the elevating face technology was the most effective turning method available. Vermeer acquired the design rights to the elevating face technology in 2006 from SCAT Engineering.
“Our elevating face technology features a combination of paddles and teeth that lift and tumble the compost material up the face of the compost turner and discharge the material at the rear of the machine,” said Jeff Bradley, environmental project engineer of Vermeer.
“This innovative process does not degrade the compost material and introduces more oxygen in the compost pile, which helps decrease cycle times.”
The CT670 can process up to 2,000 cu. yds. (1,529 cu. m) per hour and handles compost piles up to 12 ft. (3.6 m) wide and 6 ft. (1.8 m) high in two passes. The unit is fully self-contained, requiring no PTO or hydraulic hook-ups, and can be pulled with a low horsepower tractor or wheel loader. This design provides efficient horsepower transfer to the elevating face through a 48 hp (35.8 kW) 4-cylinder Cummins Tier III naturally aspirated diesel engine. The unit can travel at speeds up to 25 mph for road transport.
Vermeer has upgraded the hydraulic system to provide on-demand hydraulic flow for the elevating face, pivoting tongue and elevating face lift cylinder.
The tongue pivots/swings 35 degrees via a hydraulic cylinder that is operated from the tethered remote in the cab of the tow vehicle. This feature allows the operator to position the turner behind the tow vehicle for transporting around the yard, between the windrows or along roadways. Using the remote, the operator also can swing the tongue out, positioning the turner into the windrow and the tow vehicle along the side and clear of the pile during processing.
Operators also can use the tethered remote to raise or lower the elevating face via a hydraulic cylinder. This allows the operator to position the face according to ground conditions to help completely turn the compost pile thus providing maximum aeration of the compost.
The tethered remote control provides the operator with full control of the compost turner from the convenience of the tow vehicle. Once the engine is started, all operation can be done via remote control. The remote features an LCD screen to aid in operating the face, tongue swing and engine functions. It also provides real-time information on engine rpm, coolant temp and oil pressure.
Should the unit stall in the pile, the operator can simply reverse and restart the elevating face, unlike other models that may require the operator to stop the machine and dig out the drum.
The elevating face features hardened cup-style teeth held in place by grade 5 and grade 8 bolts. The grade 5 bolt acts as a shear point for the tooth should the teeth come in contact with contaminates, such as rocks and metals. The grade 8 bolt retains the tooth to the machine, so it is not lost in the pile.
Four adjustable metal vanes located at the rear of the elevating face help direct material flow off the face and back into a windrow. This feature helps keep the windrows narrow in size and helps eliminate the need for additional equipment to re-form the windrow after turning.
Vermeer plans to introduce a self-propelled unit in late 2007 and larger units based on industry needs and demands. The compost turning equipment will be sold and supported by the Vermeer worldwide dealer network.
For more information visit www.vermeer.com.
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