Is the white insulating foam fragile, e.g., can a shovel puncture or otherwise damage it?
1552156
Yes, the foam could definitely be damaged by a sharp metal instrument or garden tool. I wouldn't recommend using a shovel inside the cavity. Because of the unique design and the rotational process, the contents are turned every day and don't, as a rule cling to any great extent. If necessary, reach in with a hand and scrape out with fingers. Composter contents can be tipped from the open hatch directly below into a waiting wheelbarrow.
1552157
It seems pretty sterdy but I would think a shovel would cause some damage. In the other hand, I don't see a need to use a shovel in the unit, if you continue to turn it, it stays very loose.
1552158
As opposed to others who have answered this question, I DO use a (rounded) shovel to help remove the contents from the tumbler. The foam is dense and sturdy and as far as I know I have not nicked or cut it. I had not really considered that the foam could be damaged, so I haven't been particularly careful.
1552159
You could probably damage it if you tried, but it can be emptied by putting you. I Rainer underneath and using gravity. There is no need to put a spade inside the barr.
243727
Yeah I guess. Its not very thick. As I said its regular foam so shouldn't be an issue.
1806160
It won't protect it from a shovel or pitchfork but should protect it from the weather
1140383
I'd say it's somewhere in between to be honest. Definitely not super soft but not brittle either. I live in AZ so I'm not sure how it would do in the cold.
656885
It's well padded, I've hit it into walls without a problem. Dropping it would be more problematic, since there's no hard exterior to distribute the impact.
1723522
It is a very delicate model and it will break if labded hard.but it is also relitivly easy to repair with foam safe ca glue. I recomend flying over shin high grass that way your firs few landings will be less likly to break the model.
1257913
I have had the same problem and it will ruin the shovel if not dealt with. I had a guy bend me a piece of metal and put it on with long rivets. Ideally it would be good if the company would sell some sort of replacement blade but I am not aware of one. The blade is the one flaw of the shovel that makes you buy another one or say you will never buy another one because of the worn blade.
1953614
I have not. It appears to be sturdy enough for craft foam but I can't vouch for it.
2020939
Sorry never used it in the park as yetI would imagine it could wreck the underground piping....if you are extremely unlucky :(
30190
So you broke your handle throwing it eh? Shovels are for digging not throwing, goofus. It looks like most vendors show out of stock, back order, discontinued, etc. But you may find one if you google the Cold Steel part number for replacement handle H92SF. You'll probably end up making one with a 2x4, saw, rasp and sandpaper. Next time, don't throw your shovel.
1133617
It's something kind of foam. It's not hard plastic or anything like that. Stabbing will go through. Slashes I don't know maybe. For blunt objects it cushions the impact. But it will still hurt.
1775773
Sure. And what works best IMHO is an electric carving knife. Cutting foam with those is the only reason I keep one around.
1456803
Right now I'm contemplating that very thing... and a small shovel is my best guess other than picking it up and shaking it out. If I had it to do over I'd get something else on a stand with a hand crank to tumble it. Dave
738548
I'd be careful of that ... it is an air mattress after all. Any sharp edges will damage it.
543707
No, not unless you throw it, drop it from a second story, or something like that. It's fairly durable.
561667
My foam disintegrated too but I choose not to replace it. Haven't noticed any problems whatsoever.
511497
I would check with the manufacturer to be safe, but I'm sure it wouldn't mess up the composition/effectiveness of the foam.