Using materials and bicycle parts all found in the garbage, we have built a pedal-powered compost turner. Composting is perhaps the best way to reduce household waste. While harnessing the mechanical power of the pedals and cranks, a person is able to turn up to 500 pounds of compost with minimal effort using this pedal powered compost turner.
I was given 2 plastic barrels that were used to store diesel fuel. Is there a way to completely clean the diesel fuel out of these barrels?
Comment by TheMysteryGardener — May 27, 2010 @ 5:27 am
Could a soil tromell/screener be made out of a washing machine/dryer’s barrel and another circular mesh around it? That would also be useful if pedal powered.
Comment by pyromohanzed — May 27, 2010 @ 5:35 am
Legs are easier to use than hands.
Comment by pyromohanzed — May 27, 2010 @ 5:53 am
So cool. And, a very good workout too.
Comment by lesandnate — May 27, 2010 @ 6:21 am
Actually, I can build one, now that I understand gear reduction, torque is inversely proportionate to the reduction. Here it looks like they have a 4 stage gear reduction system. Also, it looks like they have not done any welding, which makes it a bit easier, just need several throw away bikes.
Comment by 1too3fore — May 27, 2010 @ 7:03 am
you can adapt it to make a pedal powered washing machine, I want the plans!!!
Comment by 1too3fore — May 27, 2010 @ 7:34 am
Having built a pedal powered sewing machine, I can certainly appreciate the engineering and effort that went into this, but is it really necessary? How often would the compost need to be turned and for how long? Seems to me that a simpler hand crank system would serve the purpose.
Comment by awizardalso — May 27, 2010 @ 7:55 am
Nice going!! I helped make a pedal powered drill press years ago and built a recumbent frame with it. I’m now making a pedal powered rolling stage with 3 “cars”-7 person power, 32 ft long.
Comment by edwardreid — May 27, 2010 @ 8:12 am
you don’t have to turn compost piles, and there won’t be any smell. Get your facts straight!
Comment by 1too3fore — May 27, 2010 @ 8:45 am
Why did that guy start jerking off after the other one entered the barrel at like 1:47!?!?
Comment by chaji18 — May 27, 2010 @ 9:11 am
I would like to see plans to build one of these. Are they online somewhere? What is the big blue tub exactly and do u need tools for welding to turn it into a composter?
Comment by sophia071 — May 27, 2010 @ 9:23 am
Sell it to your local city, everybody wins!
Comment by TheGlassCleaners — May 27, 2010 @ 10:03 am
Very nice. Where did you get your compost bin (blue)???
Comment by neilzmail — May 27, 2010 @ 10:54 am
I LOVE IT!! WHERE DO I GET ONE!!!
Comment by CrazyBannnahHannah — May 27, 2010 @ 11:53 am
You guys are my heroes!
Comment by CaptJackSavvy — May 27, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
Why the overkill with the pedal-powered stuff? Just put a couple of handles on this and really turn it by hand. I know the bike part is cute but not really needed.
Comment by hiramcook — May 27, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
This is so funny! You go dude! Good idea…
Comment by muggyruggy — May 27, 2010 @ 12:40 pm
What did you use for the bin part?
Comment by tudr46 — May 27, 2010 @ 1:38 pm
this looks amazing! i am a market gardener and this would work perfectly for the amount of compost we make currently make with forks and a bad back. is there any chance you could send me details or drawings of what went into it, i would love to give it a try and pass on the word. ad
Comment by sponsu — May 27, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
I would love to see pictures of the gear setup and how to put it together. Love it!!
Comment by NOSMOJEFF — May 27, 2010 @ 2:06 pm
this large bin is actually moving to a local community garden to be used by everyone in the neighborhood. Approximately 150 people use the space and contribute to the composting.
Comment by tonyinmontreal — May 27, 2010 @ 2:31 pm
That’s a huge compost bin. You guys must eat well! Love the shot of the gear reduction system. I also like how the frame floats about 4 feet about the ground, kind of like a tall bike. Funny ending too. Nice submission!
Comment by fossilfool — May 27, 2010 @ 2:33 pm
This is very interesting. I have a compost area in my back yard, but I never use it because I don’t know how or when to properly turn it.
Comment by ryantmulligan — May 27, 2010 @ 3:26 pm