The mulch coloring equipment you use is critically important because it impacts so many different aspects of your business. From the quality of your colored mulch products to the use rates for colorant and water that affect your overall profitability, your machinery makes a difference. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your equipment you want to make sure you’re getting the right kind of machine for your needs. But how do you decide what makes the most sense for your business? Here are some things to consider to make sure you are getting the right mulch coloring equipment for your operation.
Production capacity
Are you running a small mulch yard that primarily serves the local area, or are you a major supplier in the market? Choosing the right piece of equipment often comes down to how much colored mulch you need to produce. Smaller machines that color 150 yards/hour are perfectly suited for more modest operations, while equipment that can churn out 400 yards/hour are ideal for large-scale production. More throughput on your machines will also provide greater flexibility in how you manage labor resources, potentially creating new opportunities and efficiencies in your overall operation. So, determining your production needs is often the first step in choosing the right mulch coloring equipment for your operation.
Ease of use
The quality of your finished product largely depends on the person operating your coloring equipment. They need to calibrate water and colorant usage and adjust for various types of wood fiber and other variables. When you have inexperienced staff acting as operators, the consistency and quality of your colored mulch can suffer, or you can waste resources with inefficient coloring practices. A machine that allows you to automate operations with programmable inputs can help you achieve greater predictability for both total costs and product performance. If you desire flexibility in your operation, and want to allow a range of employees to easily operate your mulch coloring equipment, consider looking for a machine with advanced automation capabilities.
Personal safety
The safety of your employees should always be top priority. That means providing them with the tools and equipment they need to not only get the job done, but to go home to their families safe and sound each night. So, the right mulch coloring equipment is also the safest one. Look for machinery that is designed to limit fiber bridging and uses fewer moving parts to avoid personal injury to your employees.
Water use rates
Water use represents a significant cost when it comes to producing colored mulch. So, systems designed to conserve water can also help protect your budget. If water conservation is important to you, look for a machine that can minimize water usage while still producing vibrant, long-lasting colored mulch.
Colorant use rates
Similar to water use, maximizing profits comes down to figuring out how you can calibrate your coloring system to use the least amount of colorant possible while still achieving full color coverage and exceptional performance. The design of mulch coloring equipment and the specific components used to inject colorant can have a direct impact on your colorant usage. So, if you want to use less colorant and still produce premium-quality colored mulch, look for equipment that can minimize colorant use rate and maximize efficiency.
Availability
If your coloring equipment is broken and beyond repair, the right machine for you is the one you can get quickly. Ask any supplier of mulch coloring equipment how long it will take to deliver and set up a new machine. Also, inquire about their support services and how they can help you minimize downtime in the future. A true partner will be able to offer guidance and support after the sale to further enhance your business.
The perfect fit
Mulch producers have options when it comes to mulch coloring equipment. But the right machine is the one that not only fits your budget, but also your operational goals and unique business needs. By thoroughly investigating each piece of equipment and asking the right questions, you can find the ideal machine and make the right choice for your company.
Ready to find the right mulch coloring equipment for your business? Contact ChromaScape today to see why our series of ColorTrom equipment offers the perfect match for your needs and your budget.
