When calculating the time required, the researchers assumed two turnings were adequate for the compost turner methods, while four turnings were necessary for the bulldozer and front-end loader methods. The researchers estimated that the time required to form the windrow pile takes about 6.8 minutes per ton of manure, with 20 minutes' setup time. The time needed to turn the piles for the first time varies, depending on the equipment used. A bulldozer takes the least time at 0.2 minutes per ton, followed by the compost turner at 0.8 minutes per ton, and the front-end loader at 1.5 minutes per ton. Although the bulldozer takes the least amount of time to turn the piles, this method is also the least efficient and requires more turning times, the researchers found.
Additional turnings require about half the time compared to the first turning.
Again, the researchers found the bulldozer was the quickest method, followed by the compost turner and the front-end loader. Annual operating costs. The researchers estimated equipment costs for composting. Although compost turner methods require the highest investment, they are also the most efficient way to make compost. Farmers who share equipment or hire custom help could significantly reduce this investment.