Browse straddle compost turners for sale from SCARAB, Wildcat, Frontier, Backhus, Komptech, and more. A straddle compost turner is a self-propelled machine that drives over the windrow and turns it from above. It is the fastest and highest-capacity configuration for commercial composting operations. GrinderCrusherScreen has been helping operators find the right composting equipment since 1973. Browse our inventory below or call 770-433-2670 for pricing and availability.

Why Choose a Straddle Compost Turner?

A straddle compost turner has its own engine, drivetrain, and turning drum mounted between the wheels or tracks. The machine drives over the top of the windrow while the drum underneath lifts, mixes, and re-forms the material in a single pass. No tractor is needed. One operator runs the entire machine.

The main advantage is throughput. Straddle turners move faster, handle larger windrows, and process more cubic yards per hour than any towed configuration. For high-volume operations, the labor and time savings pay back the higher purchase price.

Straddle compost turners are the preferred choice for:

• Large-scale composting facilities:operations processing tens of thousands of cubic yards per year
• Food waste and biosolids processors:high-volume programs that require frequent turning on a tight schedule
• Contract composters:operators who sell turning services and need maximum throughput to stay profitable
• Municipal and regional composting programs:cities and counties processing yard waste, food waste, or biosolids at centralized sites

If your operation processes high volumes and you need to turn windrows quickly without tying up a tractor, a straddle turner is the right machine.

Straddle vs. Elevated Face Compost Turners

The choice comes down to throughput requirements and budget.

• Straddle compost turners are self-propelled and drive over the windrow. They handle larger windrows (up to 12+ feet wide and 8+ feet tall on some models), move at faster ground speeds, and do not require a tractor. The trade-off is a higher purchase price, more complex maintenance, and higher operating cost per hour.
• Elevated face compost turners are towed behind a tractor and turn from alongside the windrow. They cost less upfront and are simpler to maintain, but they process material more slowly and tie up a tractor during operation.

For operations turning more than 10,000 cubic yards per year, a straddle turner typically delivers a lower cost per cubic yard turned despite the higher equipment cost. Below that threshold, a towed elevated face machine often makes more economic sense.

Brands We Commonly See

The straddle compost turner market has a handful of well-known manufacturers. Here is what we typically see in our inventory:

• SCARAB:one of the most recognized names in straddle turners. Known for heavy-duty construction and high windrow capacity. SCARAB machines show up frequently on the used market.
• Wildcat:compact straddle turners popular with mid-size facilities. Good balance of throughput and maneuverability.
• Frontier:durable machines used in large-scale composting and contract turning operations.
• Backhus:a European manufacturer with a strong reputation for engineering quality. Common in biosolids and municipal composting.

We also see Komptech, Aeromaster, and other brands from time to time. If you are looking for a specific make or model, call 770-433-2670 and we can check current availability or help locate one.

What to Check on a Straddle Turner Before You Buy

The engine and hydraulic system are the two most important things to evaluate. Check engine hours, oil condition, and service records. Straddle turners run hard, and a well-maintained engine with documented service history is worth a premium over a neglected one.

Inspect the hydraulic system for leaks at every hose, fitting, and cylinder. The turning drum, ground drive, and steering all run on hydraulics, so any weakness in the system affects the entire machine.

Then check the turning drum. Look at the teeth, paddles, or flails for wear. Inspect the drum bearings and drive components. A drum rebuild is one of the more expensive maintenance items on a straddle turner, so knowing the condition before you buy matters.

Finally, inspect the wheels or tracks, frame, and overall structural condition. Straddle turners are heavy machines that operate in corrosive environments. Look for rust, cracking, and any signs of structural fatigue.

We help coordinate inspections so buyers can evaluate a machine before committing. Call 770-433-2670 and our team can walk you through what to look for.

Find the Right Straddle Compost Turner

Browse our current straddle compost turner inventory below, or call 770-433-2670 to talk with our team. We can help match you to the right machine, arrange financing, and coordinate delivery anywhere in North America.