Aeromaster PT-120
The Aeromaster PT-120 stands out as the compact, highly maneuverable option for small-scale stable waste management, offering a tight turning radius and low engine-hour consumption that reduce operating costs for small farms. Compared with the larger, dealer-backed Frontier and PTO-dependent Brown Bear models, the PT-120 trades some heavy-duty throughput for easier handling, faster startup and lower total cost of ownership for users prioritizing mobility and frequent, short turning cycles.
Compact footprint
Rapid aeration
Compact footprint
Rapid aeration
Review Summary
"Users report the Aeromaster PT-120 is reliable, easy to tow, and turns compost evenly with low maintenance; some mention it’s heavy and carries a higher upfront cost."
Barnyard ballerina
Tow‑behind design with a large drum suited for continuous turning of stable waste
Barnyard ballerina
Tow‑behind design with a large drum suited for continuous turning of stable waste
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Aeromaster PT-120 stands out as the compact, highly maneuverable option for small-scale stable waste management, offering a tight turning radius and low engine-hour consumption that reduce operating costs for small farms. Compared with the larger, dealer-backed Frontier and PTO-dependent Brown Bear models, the PT-120 trades some heavy-duty throughput for easier handling, faster startup and lower total cost of ownership for users prioritizing mobility and frequent, short turning cycles.
Compact footprint
Rapid aeration
Barnyard ballerina
Tow‑behind design with a large drum suited for continuous turning of stable waste
Hydraulically adjustable turning depth and angle to handle dense manure and bedding
Compact footprint
Rapid aeration
Barnyard ballerina
Tow‑behind design with a large drum suited for continuous turning of stable waste
Hydraulically adjustable turning depth and angle to handle dense manure and bedding
$30,000-45,000 CAD
Frontier CT1010 Compost Turner
The Frontier CT1010 Compost Turner is positioned as the market leader because it balances robust build quality with broad dealer support, delivering consistent performance on varied stable waste piles and stronger resale value than more niche makers. While not as compact as the Aeromaster or as inexpensive as the HCL, the CT1010’s proven reliability and parts availability make it a financially sensible choice for operators who want lower downtime and predictable lifecycle costs.
Easy hitch-up
Deep, even mixing
Easy hitch-up
Deep, even mixing
Review Summary
"Owners find the Frontier CT1010 efficient for small to mid-size operations and straightforward to operate, but note occasional weld/parts wear and limited manufacturer support in the long run."
Trailblazer charm
Compact tow‑behind unit that fits small tractors for on‑farm compost operations
Trailblazer charm
Compact tow‑behind unit that fits small tractors for on‑farm compost operations
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Frontier CT1010 Compost Turner is positioned as the market leader because it balances robust build quality with broad dealer support, delivering consistent performance on varied stable waste piles and stronger resale value than more niche makers. While not as compact as the Aeromaster or as inexpensive as the HCL, the CT1010’s proven reliability and parts availability make it a financially sensible choice for operators who want lower downtime and predictable lifecycle costs.
Easy hitch-up
Deep, even mixing
Trailblazer charm
Compact tow‑behind unit that fits small tractors for on‑farm compost operations
Rotor/tine configuration designed to break up clumps and promote aeration in manure piles
Easy hitch-up
Deep, even mixing
Trailblazer charm
Compact tow‑behind unit that fits small tractors for on‑farm compost operations
Rotor/tine configuration designed to break up clumps and promote aeration in manure piles
$12,000-18,000 CAD
Millcreek Row Mulcher 27
The Millcreek Row Mulcher 27 differentiates itself by combining compost turning with aggressive mulching capability, breaking down bedding and fibrous manure faster than standard rotors and making it ideal where material size reduction is important. It occupies a middle ground between the small, lightweight Aeromaster and the tractor-powered Brown Bear, delivering technical advantage for farms that need both shredding and mixing without stepping up to larger, more costly turners.
Row-friendly profile
Consistent mulching
Row-friendly profile
Consistent mulching
Review Summary
"Reviewers praise the Millcreek Row Mulcher 27 for aggressive residue breakdown and a robust build, though several users say it requires higher horsepower and can be rough on uneven ground."
Field whisperer
Narrow 27‑inch working width ideal for row and stall lane turning in tight spaces
Field whisperer
Narrow 27‑inch working width ideal for row and stall lane turning in tight spaces
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Millcreek Row Mulcher 27 differentiates itself by combining compost turning with aggressive mulching capability, breaking down bedding and fibrous manure faster than standard rotors and making it ideal where material size reduction is important. It occupies a middle ground between the small, lightweight Aeromaster and the tractor-powered Brown Bear, delivering technical advantage for farms that need both shredding and mixing without stepping up to larger, more costly turners.
Row-friendly profile
Consistent mulching
Field whisperer
Narrow 27‑inch working width ideal for row and stall lane turning in tight spaces
PTO‑driven mulching rotor that reduces particle size for faster composting
Row-friendly profile
Consistent mulching
Field whisperer
Narrow 27‑inch working width ideal for row and stall lane turning in tight spaces
PTO‑driven mulching rotor that reduces particle size for faster composting
$6,000-9,000 CAD
HCL Machine Works CT-12
The HCL Machine Works CT-12 is the budget-minded choice, offering straightforward mechanics and low initial purchase price that appeals to small operations focused on capital efficiency. Compared to premium dealer-backed options like Frontier, the CT-12 may require more hands-on maintenance, but its lower acquisition cost and simple parts profile make it a cost-effective option for buyers willing to trade some convenience for upfront savings.
Rugged frame
Quick windrow turns
Rugged frame
Quick windrow turns
Review Summary
"The HCL Machine Works CT-12 is seen as a cost-effective, simple compost turner that handles stable waste well, with users praising uptime but reporting routine adjustment and maintenance needs."
Stable-steel swagger
Small footprint mobile turner engineered for frequent on‑farm compost management
Stable-steel swagger
Small footprint mobile turner engineered for frequent on‑farm compost management
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The HCL Machine Works CT-12 is the budget-minded choice, offering straightforward mechanics and low initial purchase price that appeals to small operations focused on capital efficiency. Compared to premium dealer-backed options like Frontier, the CT-12 may require more hands-on maintenance, but its lower acquisition cost and simple parts profile make it a cost-effective option for buyers willing to trade some convenience for upfront savings.
Rugged frame
Quick windrow turns
Stable-steel swagger
Small footprint mobile turner engineered for frequent on‑farm compost management
Adjustable rotor speed and depth to tailor mixing for different stable wastes
Rugged frame
Quick windrow turns
Stable-steel swagger
Small footprint mobile turner engineered for frequent on‑farm compost management
Adjustable rotor speed and depth to tailor mixing for different stable wastes
$18,000-28,000 CAD
Brown Bear PTO Aerator PA25
The Brown Bear PTO Aerator PA25 leverages tractor PTO power to deliver high throughput and versatile aeration-turning capability, making it a strong financial value for farms that already own suitable tractors and want to avoid dedicated engine costs. It contrasts with self-powered models such as the Aeromaster by shifting capital expense toward tractor use rather than integrated power, offering lower purchase price and scalable power at the expense of requiring tractor availability and operator skill.
PTO-powered punch
Deep pore aeration
PTO-powered punch
Deep pore aeration
Review Summary
"Users consistently rate the Brown Bear PTO Aerator PA25 highly for solid build quality, dependable aeration and durability in heavy-duty use, while noting it’s heavy to transport and comes at a premium price."
Soil jazz hands
PTO‑powered aerator that penetrates and loosens compost windrows to boost oxygen flow
Soil jazz hands
PTO‑powered aerator that penetrates and loosens compost windrows to boost oxygen flow
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Brown Bear PTO Aerator PA25 leverages tractor PTO power to deliver high throughput and versatile aeration-turning capability, making it a strong financial value for farms that already own suitable tractors and want to avoid dedicated engine costs. It contrasts with self-powered models such as the Aeromaster by shifting capital expense toward tractor use rather than integrated power, offering lower purchase price and scalable power at the expense of requiring tractor availability and operator skill.
PTO-powered punch
Deep pore aeration
Soil jazz hands
PTO‑powered aerator that penetrates and loosens compost windrows to boost oxygen flow
Interchangeable tine or spike options to suit different pile densities and materials
PTO-powered punch
Deep pore aeration
Soil jazz hands
PTO‑powered aerator that penetrates and loosens compost windrows to boost oxygen flow
Interchangeable tine or spike options to suit different pile densities and materials
$7,000-11,000 CAD