Construction

• Crank-operated tumblers have a drum mounted on a frame with a crank handle that turns the drum. Center axle drums feature a vertical drum that rotates on an axle in the center of the drum. Rolling drums are horizontal drums rolled on a ground-level platform. Rolling spheres are large balls you fill with compost and manually roll around the yard.
  
  

Features

• The doors on a compost tumbler are features to consider, as are the number of openings and where they are located. Some designs feature openings on each end with hinged doors that make loading and unloading easier. Other models have one opening with a removable door that is held in place with latches or screws. These types are more difficult to open, close, load and unload.
  
  

Size

• Compost tumblers range in size and capacity from a few gallons to 75 gallons or more. The larger sizes make more compost at one time but are heavier and more difficult to turn.