The windrow compost turning machine is a mainstream self-propelled machine for organic fertilizer fermentation. Utilizing a crawler chassis for all-terrain operation, it integrates turning, aeration, and crushing processes for livestock manure, crop straw, and sludge, making it a widely used component in complete organic fertilizer production lines. Drawing on over two decades of practical experience in the field, Huaqiang Heavy Industry has optimized this model to balance adaptability to muddy outdoor sites with high fermentation efficiency. It offers lower civil engineering costs than trough type turners and superior traction and maneuverability compared to wheeled models, making it the preferred fermentation equipment for small-to-medium-sized organic fertilizer plants and large-scale livestock farms seeking to repurpose manure.
The working principle of the windrow compost turning machine is based on the biological requirements of aerobic fermentation. The machine turns, aerates, and shifts the material pile using a rotating blade shaft; it also integrates a crushing function to break up clumps formed during fermentation, thereby improving the uniformity of the compost.
The specific operational process is as follows: A diesel engine provides power, driving the rotation of the turning drum and the movement of the crawler tracks via a hydraulic transmission system. The machine straddles the windrow (elongated pile), with the blades or tines on the drum penetrating the material to lift, break up, and mix the bottom-layer material while simultaneously shifting it laterally, creating a three-dimensional convective effect. During the turning process, the material comes into full contact with the air, activating aerobic microorganisms and facilitating efficient exchange of temperature, moisture, and oxygen between the pile interior and the external environment.
This process not only turns and aerates the material but also performs crushing simultaneously; as the material gradually dehydrates, the blade shaft effectively breaks up clumps formed during fermentation, eliminating the need for additional crushing equipment.
Windrow compost turning machines have a wide range of applications, meeting the organic waste fermentation needs of various industries:
Organic fertilizer production: Suitable for windrow fermentation and turning of raw materials such as livestock and poultry manure (chicken, cattle, pig, etc.), crop stalks, spent mushroom substrate, and herbal medicine residues; adaptable to both large-scale and small-to-medium production.
Large-scale livestock farms: Can operate directly around animal housing to process manure and waste, eliminating the need for transport and enabling on-site fermentation to resolve environmental compliance issues.
Environmental protection industry: Used for the fermentation and turning of waste such as municipal sludge and kitchen waste, facilitating waste reduction and resource recovery.
Agricultural waste treatment: Suitable for composting agricultural and forestry waste, such as crop stalks and spent mushroom substrate.
The equipment can be put into operation without site modification and is adaptable to various settings, including open-air areas, greenhouses, and livestock housing.
The windrow compost turning machine is dedicated solely to the fermentation and decomposition stages; a complete organic fertilizer production line requires the coordination of upstream and downstream processes. There are two standard configuration pathways:
Simplified line for powdered organic fertilizer: Front-end loader feeding ——Twin-shaft paddle mixer blending —— Crawler-type compost turner fermentation/decomposition——Rotary screen impurity removal——Automatic bagging machine. This entire process is suitable for producing only powdered organic fertilizer, featuring low investment and a short workflow.
Granular organic fertilizer production line: Raw material crushing ——Crawler-type compost turning and fermentation—— Ingredient proportioning and mixing——Granulation (via disc granulator or double-roller extrusion granulator) —— Drying and cooling ——Screening and packaging. Fermented and decomposed material offers superior granulation stability and a higher granule formation rate.
As a manufacturer with years of experience in fertilizer equipment, Huaqiang Heavy Industry processes all windrow compost turners in-house——rejecting OEM outsourcing. Every unit undergoes a two-hour no-load factory test, including comprehensive checks of hydraulic, drive, and turning functions, and comes with a certificate of conformity and a parts list. Technicians provide on-site, hands-on training for operation and maintenance, making the equipment suitable even for livestock farmers with no prior mechanical experience.
The machine comes with a one-year warranty, and wear parts are supplied at cost price for the long term; after-sales service centers are located across multiple regions, ensuring a response to issues within 24 hours.
Free on-site site surveys are available to plan the composting layout and select the appropriate model based on the customer's site dimensions, material types, and daily processing volume.
| Model | HQ-FD 2500 | HQ-FD 2600 | HQ-FD 3000 |
| Width(mm) | 2500 | 2600 | 3000 |
| Height(m) | 500-1000 | 500-1100 | 500-1200 |
| Stack spacing (m) | 1.0-1.2 | 1.0-1.2 | 1.0-1.2 |
| Max Particle Size (mm) | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Power | R4102 Turbocharged 90HP Diesel Engine |
R4105 Turbocharged 105HP Diesel Engine |
R6105 Turbocharged 136HP Diesel Engine |
| Rated power speed(r/min) | 2200 | 2200 | 2200 |
| Working speed(m/min) | 6-18 | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Driving speed(m/min) | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Processing capacity(m3/h) | 400-600 | 600-800 | 1000-1200 |
| Overall size(m) | 3.64×2.6×2.7 | 3.75×2.6×2.7 | 4.36×2.75×2.95 |
