Best Compost Turner Brands: Vermeer vs SCARAB vs Wildcat vs Frontier
Picking the right compost turner brand is one of the highest-dollar decisions a composting operation will make. The wrong machine for your windrow size, site layout, or material type will cost you in fuel, downtime, and lost throughput. The right one turns compost faster and pays for itself.
We have been selling compost turners and composting equipment since 1973. We work with municipal composters, organic farms, landscape material producers, and large-scale commercial facilities. We carry or broker machines from Vermeer, SCARAB, Wildcat, Frontier, Brown Bear, Backhus, and Komptech. This guide breaks down what each brand does well, where each falls short, and which brand fits which operation.
If you are still deciding what type of compost turner you need, start with our compost turner buying guide. That article covers types, sizing, and key specs. If you already know you want a windrow turner, our windrow compost turner guide goes deeper on that category. This article assumes you have narrowed it down to a brand decision.
Vermeer Compost Turners
Brand Overview
Vermeer is an American manufacturer based in Pella, Iowa. They are one of the most recognized names in the compost turner market worldwide. Their CT series is purpose-built for windrow composting and covers small, mid-size, and large operations.
The Vermeer CT series uses a drum-style turning mechanism. The machine straddles the windrow and a large rotating drum lifts, mixes, and aerates the compost as it drives forward. This is the classic windrow turner design, and Vermeer has refined it over decades of production.
Three models form the core lineup. The CT612 handles windrows up to 6 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The CT718 handles windrows up to 7 feet tall and 18 feet wide. The CT820 is the largest, built for windrows up to 8 feet tall and 20 feet wide. All three are self-propelled with dedicated diesel engines.
Key Specs and Strengths
The CT series is built heavy. Frame construction, drum assemblies, and drive components are engineered for daily use on abrasive, heavy compost material. Vermeer's dealer network is one of the strongest in the equipment industry. Parts availability and service support are fast across North America.
Drum speed is adjustable on CT series turners, which lets operators match turning intensity to material condition. The CT820 can process over 3,000 cubic yards per hour under good conditions.
Vermeer also offers strong resale value. A well-maintained used Vermeer compost turner holds its price better than most competing brands.
Where Vermeer Falls Short
Price is the primary barrier. Vermeer CT series turners are premium machines with premium price tags. A new CT820 can exceed $350,000. For smaller operations that compost seasonally, that investment is difficult to justify.
The CT series is also limited to windrow composting. These machines straddle the windrow and process it in place. If your site layout requires an elevated face turner, Vermeer's lineup does not cover that.
Best For
Mid-size to large municipal and commercial composting operations that run windrow turners daily or near-daily. Operations that value strong dealer support, proven reliability, and high resale value. Facilities processing 10,000 to 100,000+ cubic yards per year.
SCARAB Compost Turners
Brand Overview
SCARAB is an American manufacturer that takes a fundamentally different approach to compost turning. Their machines use an elevated face design. Instead of straddling a windrow, a SCARAB turner drives alongside the compost pile and turns material from one end of the windrow face.
The elevated face design picks material from the face of the pile, lifts it through a rotating drum, and deposits it behind the machine. Each pass moves the entire windrow forward. This design works especially well in operations where pad space is limited or where the compost needs to move in a defined direction.
SCARAB offers models sized at 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 27 feet (the number refers to the windrow width the machine can handle).
Key Specs and Strengths
The elevated face design is the main differentiator. SCARAB turners do not need the long, straight windrow runs that straddle turners require. They can work shorter piles and tighter sites. The machine builds a new windrow as it turns, which gives operators control over windrow placement and direction.
SCARAB turners handle wet, heavy material well. The elevated face approach avoids compaction problems that straddle turners can cause on soft, saturated piles. Throughput on SCARAB's largest models reaches 2,500 to 3,500 cubic yards per hour.
SCARAB is manufactured in the US with domestic parts sourcing. Lead times on common wear parts are reasonable. The company has a reputation for responsive customer service and technical support.
Where SCARAB Falls Short
Elevated face turners are slower per pass than straddle turners on long, straight windrows. If you have a large open pad with 200-foot-long windrows, a straddle turner like Vermeer will cover more material per hour.
The elevated face turning method is less familiar to operators who have only run straddle-type turners. There is a learning curve to operating a SCARAB effectively.
Best For
Operations with limited pad space that cannot accommodate long windrow runs. Composting facilities that need the windrow to move forward through the process in a defined direction. Municipal and commercial composters processing wet, heavy material like biosolids or food waste.
Wildcat Compost Turners
Brand Overview
Wildcat manufactures straddle-type compost turners designed to drive over the windrow and process it from above. Wildcat turners handle windrows 8 to 16 feet wide depending on the model. The machines are self-propelled with heavy-duty diesel engines and four-wheel drive.
Key Specs and Strengths
Wildcat turners are built for rough conditions. The four-wheel-drive system handles unpaved composting pads, soft ground, and uneven surfaces. Frame construction is heavy steel designed to absorb the vibration and impact of turning dense, rocky, or debris-laden compost.
Wildcat has gained market share among operations that need a straddle compost turner at a lower price point than Vermeer. For facilities processing 5,000 to 50,000 cubic yards per year, a Wildcat straddle turner delivers solid performance without the premium price.
Where Wildcat Falls Short
Wildcat has a smaller dealer network than Vermeer. Depending on your location, parts and service may require direct coordination with the manufacturer rather than a local dealer visit. Resale value on Wildcat turners is also lower than Vermeer.
Best For
Small to mid-size composting operations that need a straddle-type windrow turner without the premium pricing of Vermeer. Operations on unpaved pads that need strong traction and ground clearance.
Frontier Compost Turners
Brand Overview
Frontier Industrial Corp is an independent manufacturer based in Woodburn, Oregon, specializing in compost turners. Instead of a dedicated self-propelled machine, a Frontier turner is a tow-behind unit that connects to an agricultural tractor and uses the tractor's power take-off to drive the turning drum.
This design makes Frontier one of the lowest-cost entry points into mechanized compost turning. Frontier turners handle windrows 10 to 16 feet wide and 3 to 5 feet tall depending on model.
Key Specs and Strengths
Cost is the standout advantage. A new Frontier PTO-driven compost turner can cost $15,000 to $40,000 depending on the model and width. Compare that to $150,000 or more for a self-propelled machine. For a farm or community composting site that already owns a 50 to 100+ HP tractor, this math works.
Maintenance is simple. The turner itself has few moving parts beyond the drum and bearings. When compost season ends, it unhooks from the tractor and parks in a corner.
Where Frontier Falls Short
Throughput is the limitation — 500 to 1,500 cubic yards per hour is adequate for small volumes but cannot keep up at larger facilities. Windrow size is also limited. If your operation grows beyond small windrows, you will outgrow the Frontier.
Best For
Small farms, community composting sites, and landscape companies composting under 5,000 cubic yards per year. Budget-conscious buyers testing whether mechanized compost turning makes sense for their operation.
Brown Bear Compost Turners
Brand Overview
Brown Bear is an American manufacturer that offers both PTO-driven and self-propelled compost turners. This dual lineup gives buyers flexibility. Smaller operations can start with a tractor-pulled Brown Bear and upgrade to a self-propelled model as volume grows.
Brown Bear self-propelled turners handle mid-size windrows and are built for daily use at commercial and municipal composting sites.
Key Specs and Strengths
The range of options is Brown Bear's strongest selling point. They cover the market from small PTO-driven units for farms up through self-propelled machines for mid-size commercial operations — a buyer can stay within the Brown Bear brand as they scale up.
Build quality is solid for the price point. Pricing on Brown Bear turners sits between budget PTO-driven options and premium self-propelled brands.
Where Brown Bear Falls Short
Brown Bear does not have the market presence or brand recognition of Vermeer. Resale values are lower. The largest Brown Bear self-propelled models do not match the capacity of a Vermeer CT820 or SCARAB's largest models.
Best For
Operations that want flexibility to start small and grow. Composting facilities in the mid-size range that need a capable machine without premium pricing. Buyers who value US manufacturing and straightforward, maintainable design.
Backhus Compost Turners
Brand Overview
Backhus is a German manufacturer that builds premium compost turners for large-scale operations. Their machines handle windrows up to 20+ feet wide and 10+ feet tall. Engine power on the larger models exceeds 500 horsepower.
Key Specs and Strengths
Engineering quality is the defining characteristic. Backhus turners are built to European industrial standards with heavy-gauge steel, high-specification hydraulic components, and precision-manufactured drum assemblies. Throughput on the largest models reaches 5,000 to 7,000+ cubic yards per hour.
Backhus also offers enclosed cab options, advanced controls, and emissions-compliant engine packages for facilities operating under strict environmental permits.
Where Backhus Falls Short
Price puts Backhus out of reach for most small and mid-size operations — $400,000 to $600,000+ new. The dealer and service network in North America is more limited than Vermeer's. Some parts ship from Europe, adding lead time.
Best For
Large-scale municipal and industrial composting facilities processing 50,000+ cubic yards per year. Operations demanding the highest throughput with strict environmental compliance requirements.
Komptech Compost Turners
Brand Overview
Komptech is an Austrian manufacturer that produces the Topturn series of compost turners. The Topturn series includes straddle-type and side-turning models. Diesel and electric drive options are available on select models.
Key Specs and Strengths
The availability of electric drive options sets Komptech apart. For enclosed composting facilities, an electric compost turner eliminates diesel exhaust inside the building — a significant advantage when composting food waste or biosolids in covered structures.
Komptech Topturn turners are built for long service life with heavy-duty frames and advanced hydraulic systems. Throughput reaches 2,500 to 5,000+ cubic yards per hour.
Where Komptech Falls Short
Premium European pricing — $300,000 to $500,000+ new. Parts lead times can be longer than domestic brands. While Komptech has improved North American parts stocking, some components still require international shipping.
Best For
Large-scale commercial and municipal composting facilities. Indoor composting operations that require electric drive turners. Buyers who want European engineering quality.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Brand Origin Turner Type Windrow Width Throughput New Price (Approx.) Best For Vermeer CT USA Straddle 12-20 ft 1,500-3,500+ CY/hr $150,000-$400,000+ Mid-large municipal/commercial SCARAB USA Elevated face Up to 27 ft 2,000-3,500 CY/hr $150,000-$350,000+ Constrained sites, wet material Wildcat USA Straddle 8-16 ft 1,000-2,500 CY/hr $100,000-$250,000 Small-mid, unpaved pads Frontier USA PTO pull-behind 10-16 ft 500-1,500 CY/hr $15,000-$40,000 Small farms, under 5,000 CY/yr Brown Bear USA PTO and self-propelled 6-14 ft 500-2,500 CY/hr $30,000-$200,000 Farm to mid-size commercial Backhus Germany Straddle Up to 20+ ft 3,000-7,000+ CY/hr $400,000-$600,000+ Large industrial, 50,000+ CY/yr Komptech Topturn Austria Straddle/side-turn Up to 18+ ft 2,500-5,000+ CY/hr $300,000-$500,000+ Large commercial, indoor facilities Throughput varies significantly based on material type, windrow dimensions, and operating conditions. Contact us for current quotes.
Which Brand for Which Operation Size
Small Operations: Under 5,000 Cubic Yards per Year
Start with a PTO-driven turner. Frontier and Brown Bear both make tractor-pulled models that handle small windrows at a fraction of the cost of self-propelled machines. If you already own a tractor with 50+ HP and a PTO, you can be turning compost for $15,000 to $40,000. Browse our compost turners for sale to see current PTO options.
Mid-Size Operations: 5,000 to 25,000 Cubic Yards per Year
This is the sweet spot for Wildcat straddle turners and Brown Bear self-propelled models. Vermeer's CT612 also fits this range. Budget $100,000 to $250,000 for a new mid-size self-propelled turner.
Large Operations: 25,000 to 75,000 Cubic Yards per Year
Vermeer CT718 and CT820 dominate this range. SCARAB's larger elevated face models are strong alternatives, especially on constrained sites. Budget $200,000 to $400,000 for a machine that can handle this volume.
Very Large Operations: 75,000+ Cubic Yards per Year
Backhus and Komptech are built for this scale. At facilities processing 100,000+ cubic yards per year, the throughput of a Backhus or Komptech Topturn justifies the $400,000 to $600,000 price tag. Vermeer CT820 also competes at the lower end of this range.
Pricing Tiers
Budget Tier: $15,000 to $50,000 — PTO-driven turners from Frontier and Brown Bear. The right choice when composting is a side operation, not the core business.
Mid-Range Tier: $100,000 to $250,000 — Self-propelled turners from Wildcat, Brown Bear, and Vermeer's entry-level CT612. Covers the majority of commercial composting operations in North America.
Premium Tier: $250,000 to $400,000 — Vermeer CT718/CT820 and SCARAB's larger elevated face models. Built for large-scale operations that run the turner as a primary production tool.
Enterprise Tier: $400,000 to $600,000+ — Backhus and Komptech Topturn series. Reserved for the largest municipal and industrial composting facilities.
Parts and Support Availability
Vermeer has the strongest parts and service network in the compost turner market for North America. Common wear parts are typically available within one to two business days.
SCARAB benefits from US manufacturing. Parts ship domestically. Lead times are generally fast for common wear items.
Wildcat has a smaller dealer footprint than Vermeer. In remote locations, plan to keep common wear items on the shelf.
Frontier parts are readily available through agricultural equipment channels. Any farm equipment dealer can source bearings, belts, and PTO parts.
Brown Bear maintains domestic parts supply with reasonable lead times. The machines use commonly available components.
Backhus parts come through the Eggersmann Group's North American distribution. Common wear items are stocked domestically. Specialized components may ship from Germany, adding 5 to 10 business days.
Komptech has expanded its North American parts infrastructure. Common wear items are available through the US distributor. Lead times are improving but still longer than domestic brands for some components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which compost turner brand is the best overall value?
It depends on your operation size. For small operations under 5,000 cubic yards per year, Frontier offers the lowest entry cost if you already own a tractor. For mid-size operations, Wildcat and Brown Bear deliver solid performance at prices well below Vermeer. For large operations that need proven reliability and strong resale, Vermeer's CT series justifies the premium over time through lower downtime and higher resale returns. Browse our compost turners for sale for current availability across all brands.
What is the difference between a straddle turner and an elevated face turner?
A straddle turner drives over the top of the windrow. The turning drum hangs between the wheels and processes the compost as the machine moves forward. Vermeer, Wildcat, and Backhus all make straddle turners. An elevated face turner drives alongside the windrow and works the face from one end. SCARAB is the most well-known elevated face brand. Straddle turners are faster on long, straight windrows. Elevated face turners work better on shorter piles and constrained sites.
Can I start with a PTO-driven turner and upgrade later?
Yes. Many operations start with a Frontier or Brown Bear PTO-driven turner to test whether mechanized compost turning makes sense for their volume and material. If the operation grows, upgrading to a self-propelled machine from Wildcat, Vermeer, or SCARAB is a natural progression. Browse our compost turners for sale to see both PTO and self-propelled options.
How do Backhus and Komptech compare to Vermeer?
Backhus and Komptech are European brands built for very large operations. They offer higher throughput than most Vermeer models and feature engineering designed for continuous industrial duty. The trade-off is higher purchase price, longer parts lead times on some components, and a thinner US dealer network. Vermeer is the safer choice for most North American operations. Backhus and Komptech make sense when your volume exceeds what the Vermeer CT820 can handle efficiently.
What size tractor do I need for a PTO-driven compost turner?
Most PTO-driven compost turners from Frontier and Brown Bear require a minimum of 50 to 100 horsepower at the PTO, depending on the turner width and the material density. Always check the specific turner model's minimum PTO horsepower requirement and match it to your tractor's rated PTO output, not gross engine horsepower.
Are used compost turners worth buying?
A well-maintained used compost turner can save 30 to 50 percent compared to new pricing. Vermeer CT series turners hold value well and are the most commonly available used machines. Key items to inspect include drum teeth wear, bearing condition, hydraulic system health, engine hours, and frame cracks. We help buyers source and evaluate used compost turners from all seven brands. Call us at 770-433-2670 before you buy a used machine.
Do any compost turner brands offer electric or hybrid models?
Komptech offers electric drive options on select Topturn models — eliminating diesel exhaust, which is a requirement for indoor composting facilities. Backhus has also explored alternative drive systems for enclosed facilities. Vermeer, SCARAB, Wildcat, Frontier, and Brown Bear currently produce diesel or PTO-powered machines only. If you operate an indoor composting facility, Komptech is the brand to evaluate first.
Which brand handles the widest windrows?
Vermeer's CT820 handles windrows up to 20 feet wide. Backhus turners match or exceed that at 20+ feet. Komptech Topturn models reach 18+ feet. SCARAB's elevated face design handles a different windrow profile but can work faces up to 12 feet tall.
Ready to Compare Compost Turner Brands?
We have been helping composting operations find the right equipment since 1973. Whether you need a $20,000 PTO-driven Frontier turner for a small farm or a $500,000 Backhus for a large municipal facility, we can help you evaluate options and find the right machine.
We sell new and used compost turners from Vermeer, SCARAB, Wildcat, Frontier, Brown Bear, Backhus, and Komptech. Browse our current compost turner inventory or call us to discuss your operation.
Call 770-433-2670 or email Sales@grindercrusherscreen.com. We will give you a straight answer about which brand fits your volume, your site, and your budget.