anyone use a drum or tumbler composter?

[44trxfun]

I've been "composting" with a wooden bin, but not really keeping after it in terms of maintenance. For my setup (volume, raccoons, intended use, etc.), I'm considering a drum or tumbler composter. I'd be grateful for any insight (good or bad) in terms of efficiency, durability, pests, etc. I realize much of the outcome depends on routine turning / agitation and the right mix of compostables. I'm really looking for your experiences with these types of composters.

As usual, thanks, in advance...

 

[BlueRidge]

Not personally, but a friend of mine has had one for 10+ years, and loves it. Says it works as advertised.

I made several from 55 gallon plastic barrels, but punched too many air holes, and succeeded in making some very effective vegetation driers....

Black plastic in the sun! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I plan to do that again, but will not punch ANY vent holes. There is plenty of ventilation from the lid not fitting perfectly, and the open bung holes. Mounted on a basic wooden frame, with casters mounted on the top of the frame. The barrel rests on the casters, and you just grab the thing and rotate it by hand.

 

[jeffinsgf]

I've got a Mantis tumbler that we bought late last fall. I added a little too much chipped mulch, and it got cold soon after we got it, so we haven't harvested our first batch yet, but it is working, doesn't smell and makes a convenient way to keep a vast load of kitchen waste out of our septic system.

 

[gotrocks]

I don't remember the brand name of mine, BUT the directions state "tumble" every day. I takes 45 cranks on the handle to roll the drum the specified number of turns. Too much too often for me. It is sitting in the back now unused for a long time. As already mentioned, getting the right ratio of green/brown mix was also a problem.

 

[Volfandt]

I've got one of those compost tumblers just sitting out in the field waiting for someone to come take it off my hands. I've had it about 10 yrs and after the 1st season I lost interest in it and never used it again. It just didn't work as advertised for me. I'd make sure I had the correct mixture of greens & browns and even tried compost starter, even emailed the manufacturer to make sure I was doing everything correctly. I got perhaps 3 loads of compost out of it in the same amount of time I should have got 20!

It was good in showing me the way to easily make compost though. Since it wasn't makeing any compost, my pile of clippings grew so much that I just started useing my FEL to turn it. I even added my leaves ro it. By early spring I had nice fluffy dark brown to black compost piled up next to the tumbler which was still trying to make a small load of it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Now adays I just make a large pile of everything my BX23 & Cyclone rakes picks up and turn it weekly with the FEL and I always have compost come spring.

I'll make a good price for anyone interested in picking up that compost tumbler /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
In the pic you can see the compost tumbler just to the right in the BX23 just behind a working compost pile /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Volfandt

 

[billbill1]

Volfandt, I had the exact same tumbler as yours. I also have the exact same feeling about it as you do. It was more work for little compost. I thought about putting a timer and electric motor to do the cranking but started using the tiller on my garden tractor to turn the pile, that worked good.