They Make Aerators For Any Size Compost Operation

They Make Aerators For Any Size Compost Operation Brown Bear Manufacturing has an aerator to fit every size compost operation. “Our aerators don’t go over the top of the windrow like most do,” says Phil Brown of Brown Bear Manufacturing. “We work everything in line with a cutting edge at ground level. Straddle-type aerators leave from 1 to 3 in. unturned. Ours turns the entire windrow down to the concrete.” One benefit of the total turn feature is that it eliminates the need to leave an alleyway between the windrows. Brown’s aerator moves the entire windrow to one side. “With our aerator, you can add an extra windrow for more effective use of space,” says Brown. The company began in the drainage business, backfilling trenches after a drainage tile was laid. In the early 1980s, the company began working with the University of Nebraska to explore using its auger system to aerate compost. Brown developed self-contained compost aerators that turned organic materials and windrowed them. Over time, demand grew for smaller skid steer and tractor-mounted compost aerators. “We build aerators for skid steers and tractors from 30 to 60 hp and 100 to 160 hp,” says Brown. “They’re used for composting municipal and commercial yard waste, as well as dairy, beef and poultry waste. Wherever there’s organic waste, our aerators are working.” According to Brown, the aerators serve dual purposes in feedlots. They reduce volume and stabilize nutrients through composting. However, when feedlots get wet and sloppy, they’re used to scrape away the mud. “Our cutting edge lets the operator get down to solid ground, scraping the mud into a windrow that can be scraped off and stacked,” says Brown. “As it dries, it gives the cattle an area to stand.” The base price for the company’s aerators starts at around $42,000 to $44,000 for the smallest unit. A 20-gal. oil reservoir is mounted to the rear 3-pt. hitch. Fluid from the PTO-mounted pump travels to the aerator/windrower mounts on the tractor’s loader arms or to a front 3-pt. hitch. Brown Bear also manufactures heavy-duty tractors for use with their attachments, ranging from 148 to 375 hp. They feature hydrostatic drive systems for motive power and implement drive, front and rear. In addition to compost aerators, compatible front-mount attachments include augers, snowblowers and forklifts. Common rear attachments include backhoes, winches, scarifiers/rippers and towable implements. The company also manufactures all-terrain carriers (415 hp) and brush cutters/mulchers. The latter range from use with 25 to 55 gal. per min. skid steers and front and rear-mount tractors from 85 to 160 hp, to one that requires the company’s 350-hp tractor and can be customized to the end use. Brown Bear Manufacturing is a subsidiary of Broyhill Company. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Brown Bear Manufacturing, Dakota City, Neb. 68731 (ph 402-987-3412; sales@broyhill.com; www.brownbearmfg.com).

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