Composters Built From Old Fuel Tanks

Composters Built From Old Fuel Tanks MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 30-6-28 Ben King turns old fuel and water tanks into "continuous fill" compost tumblers that turn out fully composted material in just 7 to 10 days. At about 5 ft. in diameter and 12 ft. long, King's average tumbler isn't as big as some commercial compost makers. But once it's up and running it puts out a continuous half yard of finished compost a day from roughly twice as much raw material. "You fill it from one end, and as you rotate it, the material works to the other end," says King. He usually rotates his tumbler twice a day. Compost time depends on the materials, how much is added, and how often it's turned. King's tumblers are mostly recycled 2,000-gal. tanks. He cuts holes in both ends, installs flighting and discharge paddles inside, and mounts them level on a steel frame with wheels that follow tracks on the tank's sides. He uses either electric or hydraulic motors to turn the tumblers. Buyers of the tumblers install augers or elevators for filling the unit. At the discharge end, setups vary depending on end use and storage options. "Some drop it into a conveyer, and it goes into a forage wagon or other vehicle," says King. "Others drop it into a container on a pallet and haul it away when it's full." King has custom built larger tumblers, including an 8 by 26-ft. unit at a New York vineyard and winery. The largest was 10 by 30-ft. He says his smaller units are ideal for stables or homesteads with a few cows. They are sized right to handle about three wheel barrels per day and sell for $2,000. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ben King, 192 West Millport Road, Littitz, Penn. 17543 (ph 717 626-5809).

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