We now have quick change screen inserts that include perforated aluminum screen panels with a frame that are inserted into the screen carrier and fastened with 4 bolts. Now a user can change between nightcrawler and red worm screens or a larger grid screen for pre-screening bedding to get sticks and clumps out. Takes about 4 minutes.
We are happy to say that the Worm Shi*fter is now an international product. We shipped one to Queensland, Australia that is now in use at one of the growers for the largest worm farm in Australia, Kookabura Worm Farm. The owner is "completely stoked" with it. It has cut his labor by 90%. He now does in 4 hours what used to take him 40 hours; this is normal. Next week we are shipping one to the Philippine Islands and another to Germany. Vermiculture is a worldwide industry in its infancy.
We are now using custom cut perforated aluminum screens instead of woven wire hardware cloth because it is flat and smooth and easier to clean and keep clean. This change was made in the 2nd half of 2012. We also offer screen replacement inserts for those wanting to change from night crawlers to red worms and back.
Your worm bedding seems much drier than mine. What do you use for bedding and is this machine adjustable to deal with the different moisture levels of bedding?
Excellent question. The Worm Shi*fter was designed to be used for bucket systems as shown in the video. Flow through systems are not normally sifted every two weeks. Depending on the type worm, cocoon collection can be a challange in a flow through. I don't have a good answer because I lack the experience of cocoon collection in flow through systems.
If the Shi*fter is on a level floor it will not creep because it is on four wheels with equal forces applied in both directions. We have been using the 4 wheel design on our Shi*fters for over 12 years with no problem of a creeping machine.
Not as many as you may think Dan, a very small percentage of castings make it past the castings chute, an insignificant amount. Our customers are very satisfied with the seperation results. Visit our website for contact information of actual users.
We are now offering a 1/8 mesh screen for separating red worms from castings and eggs. So far no one has come up with an effective method of separating red worm castings from eggs with a sifter.
Hi Harry, what height is the top of the bed (I am a tall guy), and what slope/angle is the screen running at or can it be adjusted? Looks like a great invention.
Thank you Alan I appreciate your comment and you are correct but this system isn't designed as a vermicompost solution. This is a commercial system designed to supply the market with much needed castings, cocoons and worms. This process is designed for those who want to save time and labor raising worms and harvesting their output for profit.
The bedding in the video is pre-screened dirt; sticks and stones are removed. The Shifter was designed with the help of an UNCO African Night Crawler farmer. The UNCO system is more of an exacting science where bedding, feed and moisture are under tight control. The Shifter will not work well with wet, muddy bedding. No adjustments are necessary for the machine when the bedding meets the moisture standards set by UNCO and is pre screened. Thank you for your question.
The Worm Shi*fter cannot be ordered on line. I will only take orders on the phone or in person because I want to make sure that the Worm Shi*fter is a product that will work for the purchaser operation. It won't work with mud or muck so I wouldn't recommend it for that environment.
these are 3.5-gallon buckets supplied by UNCO with the holes already drilled. Many people purchase larger buckets available at Lowes and drill their own holes.
The Video shows the UNCO feeding system in use. I am not an UNCO dealer and I have no knowledge of the mixture. I'm sorry I couldn't answer that question.
+Harry Hopkins We have just modified the Quick change inserts to make them even quicker. We have replaced the (4) 1/4" x 2" bolts with 1/4" x 2" linchpins and clips. The screen insert can be changed in about a minute now. These inserts are optional at $170.00.
be honest to you!you only show dry compost demo?:show the real wet /moist compost.can your machines separates the WORMS and the WET composts.it might clog lol
No sifter can do what you ask without clogging. The Worm Shi*fter is designed to use with worms in bedding with a moisture content of 70 to 75 percent.
We now have quick change screen inserts that include perforated aluminum screen panels with a frame that are inserted into the screen carrier and fastened with 4 bolts. Now a user can change between nightcrawler and red worm screens or a larger grid screen for pre-screening bedding to get sticks and clumps out. Takes about 4 minutes.
The feed is a special grain mix feed mixed with the peat moss bedding. Thanks for asking.
We are happy to say that the Worm Shi*fter is now an international product. We shipped one to Queensland, Australia that is now in use at one of the growers for the largest worm farm in Australia, Kookabura Worm Farm. The owner is "completely stoked" with it. It has cut his labor by 90%. He now does in 4 hours what used to take him 40 hours; this is normal. Next week we are shipping one to the Philippine Islands and another to Germany. Vermiculture is a worldwide industry in its infancy.
We are now using custom cut perforated aluminum screens instead of woven wire hardware cloth because it is flat and smooth and easier to clean and keep clean. This change was made in the 2nd half of 2012. We also offer screen replacement inserts for those wanting to change from night crawlers to red worms and back.
Your worm bedding seems much drier than mine. What do you use for bedding and is this machine adjustable to deal with the different moisture levels of bedding?
Excellent question. The Worm Shi*fter was designed to be used for bucket systems as shown in the video. Flow through systems are not normally sifted every two weeks. Depending on the type worm, cocoon collection can be a challange in a flow through. I don't have a good answer because I lack the experience of cocoon collection in flow through systems.
In case of a flow trough system, where/how can you harvest the cocoons?
How about the stress to the worms sir along the entire process?
If the Shi*fter is on a level floor it will not creep because it is on four wheels with equal forces applied in both directions. We have been using the 4 wheel design on our Shi*fters for over 12 years with no problem of a creeping machine.
Thanks for posting I enjoyed your video. Cheers.
Not as many as you may think Dan, a very small percentage of castings make it past the castings chute, an insignificant amount. Our customers are very satisfied with the seperation results. Visit our website for contact information of actual users.
We are now offering a 1/8 mesh screen for separating red worms from castings and eggs. So far no one has come up with an effective method of separating red worm castings from eggs with a sifter.
Hi Harry, what height is the top of the bed (I am a tall guy), and what slope/angle is the screen running at or can it be adjusted? Looks like a great invention.
It's 32 inches and the slope is 3 degrees. You can adjust both.
Thank you Alan I appreciate your comment and you are correct but this system isn't designed as a vermicompost solution. This is a commercial system designed to supply the market with much needed castings, cocoons and worms. This process is designed for those who want to save time and labor raising worms and harvesting their output for profit.
The bedding in the video is pre-screened dirt; sticks and stones are removed. The Shifter was designed with the help of an UNCO African Night Crawler farmer. The UNCO system is more of an exacting science where bedding, feed and moisture are under tight control. The Shifter will not work well with wet, muddy bedding. No adjustments are necessary for the machine when the bedding meets the moisture standards set by UNCO and is pre screened. Thank you for your question.
It seems kind fast._._._ how many shakes per minute?
The Worm Shi*fter cannot be ordered on line. I will only take orders on the phone or in person because I want to make sure that the Worm Shi*fter is a product that will work for the purchaser operation. It won't work with mud or muck so I wouldn't recommend it for that environment.
What's the new feed you are putting in ? It looks like dirt
Harry, how large are the buckets you're using? Did you drill the holes in them? Thank you!
these are 3.5-gallon buckets supplied by UNCO with the holes already drilled. Many people purchase larger buckets available at Lowes and drill their own holes.
What is the bedding /feed mix in your buckets?
The Video shows the UNCO feeding system in use. I am not an UNCO dealer and I have no knowledge of the mixture. I'm sorry I couldn't answer that question.
I don't even remember what I said. The comment seems to have been deleted. ??
That is a great sifter though.
How much is it
The basic machine costs $2695.00 plus shipping. Just call 812-837-9607 to order or inquire further
.
Harry
+Harry Hopkins We have just modified the Quick change inserts to make them even quicker. We have replaced the (4) 1/4" x 2" bolts with 1/4" x 2" linchpins and clips. The screen insert can be changed in about a minute now. These inserts are optional at $170.00.
be honest to you!you only show dry compost demo?:show the real wet /moist compost.can your machines separates the WORMS and the WET composts.it might clog lol
No sifter can do what you ask without clogging. The Worm Shi*fter is designed to use with worms in bedding with a moisture content of 70 to 75 percent.
where can you buy those black buckets
I think you can buy them from UNCO.
Home Depot
can I order online
No yes350yes, the Worm Shi*fter is not good with muddy mucky material.
Great for dirt not so great for muddy mucky vermicompost.