The History

1982

Composting agricultural waste products in plastic film tunnels, self-built by the present day company owner Friedrich Backhus.

1984

Bagging the finished compost in sacks, using specially developed bagging machines.

1985

Formation of the BACKHUS Kompost-Technologie. Construction of the first commercial turning machines.
The BACKHUS composting plant with a roofed-over area of more than
4000 m² goes into production.

1988

The first diesel engine-powered BACKHUS caterpillar tracked turning machine is commissioned. This is the basis for modern day turning technology. Visit of the minister for the environment Klaus Töpfer.

1989

In addition to national sales in Germany, the export business is launched and the first machines are shipped to Japan.

1990

Development of a mobile bagging machine.

1991

Development of the BACKHUS 3.37 and BACKHUS 3.47 with a maximum working width of 4.70 m.

1992

Opening up professional large-scale composting with the BACKHUS 4.70 with a working width of 7.00 m and a turning capability of approx. 4.000 m³/h.

1993

Opening up composting for emerging markets with the less complex BACKHUS 4.32 with one-hand joystick.

1994

Consequent introduction of the hydraulically driven rotor in the BACKHUS 
5-series. Quality, performance and ergonomics set the standards once again.

Unveiling of the first line and tunnel turning machine, the BACKHUS 9.30, at the ENTSORGA trade fair in Cologne.

1995

Delivery of the biggest turning machine to date. The BACKHUS 4.80 allows a turning performance of 5.000 m³/h with a working width of 8.00 m. Commercial launch of the BACKHUS 5.75.

1996

Introduction of high-end turning technology for all areas of use in the shape of the BACKHUS 15-series with water-cooled engines.

1997

Series production of the most successful turning machine to date, the BACKHUS 15.50 and the introduction of Cummins engines.

1998

Development and presentation of the first trapezoid turning machine, the BACKHUS 10.10, at the ENTSORGA trade fair in Cologne/Germany.

2000

Introduction of the innovative side conveyer, the BACKHUS SV, for the 5- and 15-series.

2001

Realisation of the trendsetting BACKHUS 9.45 for open line composting.

2002

Fully modular construction was introduced with the 16-series, which simultaneously replaced the 15-series.

2003

The proven technology of the 16-series qualifies the BACKHUS 10.30 for continuous operation in large-scale windrow composting.

2004

Deployment of the BACKHUS 6.75 as the biggest turning machine currently in use in large-scale composting and soil reclamation plants.

2005

Realisation of the first fully-automatic BACKHUS LT as successor to the BACKHUS 9.45 in a closed system. Foundation of BACKHUS North America.

2006

Presentation of the innovative 17-series in the shape of the BACKHUS 17.55 as the 500th machine worldwide at the ENTSORGA trade fair.

2007

Introduction of the BACKHUS 11.30 with steer-by-wire technology – the fully electronic control system.

Currently

Ongoing further development of the innovative BACKHUS technology, to improve the quality of life within the community at national and international level.