General 

What is the Twister T-Zero? 

The Twister T-Zero is the world’s largest and most reliable, commercial cannabis trimmer.  

Who makes the Twister T-Zero?  

The T-Zero is made by Twister Technologies. 

Who uses the Twister T-Zero? 

T-Zeros are used by the largest, most premium commercial cannabis producers. They’ve been installed around the world; specifically in Europe, Australia, North and South America. 

How long has the Twister T-Zero been around for? 

The vision of the T-Zero began in late 2016, when 2 of Canada’s largest commercial cannabis producers both approached Twister, and asked for a machine bigger than the industry leading T2. We took that and ran with it, completing the first prototype in mid-2018, and shipped the first 6 machines on New Years Eve, 2018.  

How big is the Twister T-Zero? 

The T-Zero is the largest trimmer offered by Twister Technologies. The trimmer is roughly 8’ long, 5’ tall and 3’ deep.  

What is the Twister T-Zero’s footprint? 

The T-Zero’s components can be moved and customized to suit most facilities, but the overall footprint of the machine to effectively operate is roughly 400 ft2.  

Where can I get a Twister T-Zero? 

T-Zero machines are ordered directly from Twister Technologies. 

Where are Twister T-Zeros available? 

T-Zeros are shipped from Surrey, BC Canada to locations around the world, and currently operating on 4 continents. 

Where are Twister T-Zeros built? 

T-Zeros are all built in Surrey, BC. 

How long does it take to get a Twister T-Zero? 

T-Zeros are built to order, with a lead time of roughly 12-18 weeks depending on production capacity 

How many Twister T-Zeros are there in the world? 

There are 65+ T-Zeros operating around the world. 

How much cannabis should I have when considering a Twister T-Zero? 

A general rule for considering a T-Zero would be a minimum processing rate of 400 lbs dry, or 2000 lbs wet, per week.   

How many people do I need to operate a Twister T-Zero? 

A typical producer will have 1 person operating a T-Zero,1 person managing flower to and from the system, and 2-6 people on the output doing quality control and hand touch-ups. 

What’s the difference between the Twister T-Zero PRO and SE? 

Think of the T-Zero PRO and SE as you would a Cadillac and a Chevrolet, or the latest iPhone and your first cell phone. They both get you the desired outcome, but one has many more bells and whistles to do it easier, with more control and more comfort. Both the T-Zero PRO and T-Zero SE operate the same way with the same capacities and trim quality, have the same cyclone separator design, and have the same materials touching the flower’s product path. From there, they diverge. The PRO is constructed primarily of stainless steel, has a remote touchscreen HMI, and much more adjustability and automation capabilities. The SE is constructed primarily of anodized aluminum and powder coated mild steel, uses a fixed control panel and has some adjustability. The PRO has a dual stage HEPA Filter Stack to control dust from post-harvest, allowing producers to recirculate air during the trimming process, while the SE doesn’t and requires air to be directed outdoors. The PRO comes standard with Oracle, a laser metering device that controls and maintains the flow of product into the machine, while the SE requires users to manually ensure that the machine is properly loaded. The PRO has the ability for Twister Support to remotely connect to the system to diagnose and troubleshoot issues, while the SE doesn’t. The PRO uploads performance metrics to Twister’s online user portal T-Cloud, while the SE doesn’t. The PRO has an improved safety system using dual monitored, IP69K interlocks, while the SE uses mechanically secure guards and doors. 

Should I buy a Twister T-Zero PRO or SE? 

The T-Zero PRO is typically used for indoor, greenhouse, and some outdoor producers, and is typically installed indoors. The SE is typically only used for outdoor producers, and should be installed outdoors, or indoors with good air quality and filtration. The PRO is approximately twice the price of the SE, so perpetual harvesters typically have better ROI when investing in a PRO than outdoor producers who harvest once per year. 

How can you tell if cannabis was machine trimmed? 

Not all machine trimmers were created equal and their outputs are far from the same. For some machines, the difference is very clear. These are often machines that have the flower buds in close contact to the cutting mechanism. This results in buds themselves being shaved down, even polished, vs the flower supported and just leaves trimmed off. 

Having said that, it is difficult to tell if cannabis was machine trimmed through the T-Zero as the cutting mechanism is positioned at an optimized distance from the bud structure relative to other machine trimmers. This helps to preserve the unique characteristics of each bud, and prevents over-trimming and rounding of buds, as well as scarring (or knicking) – the bright green spots left behind a trimmed foxtail commonly found with other trimming machines. 

 

Value 

How much does the Twister T-Zero cost? 

The T-Zero PRO costs $600,000 – $800,000 USD, while the T-Zero SE costs $300,000 – 375,000 USD. 

What is the ROI on the Twister T-Zero? 

The ROI on a T-Zero depends heavily on the amount of flower you need to trim, the value of the flower and your labor rates. However, most customers experience a return within 6 months. Connect with Twister Technologies for a detailed ROI analysis of your situation.   

When does a Twister T-Zero investment breakeven? 

Most customers breakeven on their T-Zero PRO investment after trimming roughly 12,000 lbs (dry), and 6000 lbs (dry) with the SE, when compared with hand trimming. The breakeven on a T-Zero vs other machine trimmers will vary based on those machines’ cost, maintenance requirements, yields, the flower prices in your region and local labor rates. Connect with Twister Technologies for a detailed breakeven analysis of your situation.   

 How much does it cost in labor to operate a Twister T-Zero? 

A T-Zero PRO will cost ~$0.84 to trim 1 lbs of dry flower in labor for the machine. By comparison, hand trimming will cost ~$84 to trim 1 lbs of dry flower. 

 How many hand trimmers does a Twister T-Zero replace?  

A T-Zero can typically do the work of 375 hand trimmers. 

 

Operation 

How does the Twister T-Zero work? 

The T-Zero trims flower by passing a rotating blade across a stationary blade to create a shearing action like a pair of scissors. Untrimmed flower is carried across the blades above, while rotated, by a perforated drum (tumbler). The tumbler’s slots allow the leaves to pass through it, where they are cut off by the blades below. A vacuum is used to pull the leaves through the tumbler slot and towards the blades to increase this trimming effect. The trimmed flower rolls out the end of the tumbler, while the leaves are carried away from the tumbler and blades with the air from the vacuum. The leaves are then separated out of the air stream through the cyclone separator, and ultra-fine dust is collected in the Filter Stacks.  

Is the Twister T-Zero hard to use? 

Yes and no. Is it easy to turn on and start trimming – yes. Is it easy to turn on and start trimming with immediate great results – no, there is a learning curve to operate it well. That’s why Twister provides specific training for T-Zero operations, on-site post-harvest consulting, and industry leading support to get you up to speed. A lot like handing the keys to your Ferrari over to your 13 son without any driver training – it can be done, but not recommended. We’re here to help! In addition, we’re constantly working on improvements to make the machine easier to use – things like Oracle, catched trays, and feed conveyors that rise-up with the machine. 

How much can the Twister T-Zero process? 

The T-Zero’s capacity is highly dependent on the quality of the flower being trimmed. Moisture content, leaf content, and overall flower density all play significant roles in the capacity of the T-Zero. That said, most T-Zero indoor and greenhouse producers trim at 100 – 200lbs/hr, dry. 

Does Twister guarantee the Twister T-Zero throughput? 

Yes. Together with each client, Twister will develop a Performance Guarantee for the T-Zero which will guarantee the machine’s capacity relative to the client’s quality standard. Connect with Twister Technologies to develop a Performance Guarantee for your situation. 

How long does Twister’s Performance Guarantee last for? 

Unlike some competitors who offer a 1-day money back guarantee, or no guarantee at all, Twister’s Performance Guarantee lasts the life of the product’s warranty. If at any time you are unable to achieve the performance targets we’ve established, you can return your system, and you’ll be refunded the cost of the machine.  

Can the Twister T-Zero trim wet and dry cannabis? 

Yes, the T-Zero can trim both wet and dry cannabis.  

Does the Twister T-Zero work better on wet or dry weed? 

The T-Zero works well on both wet and dry flower. The decision on which to use ultimately depends on the producer, their production capabilities, and their goals. With that said, most customers get better results by trimming dry flower – it’s faster, cleaner and has a better nose. 

What is yield in terms of a cannabis trimmer? 

The flower to trim ratio, flower to trim yield, or just yield, is the percentage of finished, trimmed flower relative to the leafy input flower. Let’s assume 100 lbs of leafy, untrimmed flower is trimmed. If after trimming, 70 lbs of finished flower and 30 lbs of trimmed leaf is recovered, that process on that flower would have a 70/30 yield, (70% is flower, 30% is trim). Since flower is more valuable than trim, the goal is to increase the flower to trim yield, or yield.  

What is the yield of a Twister T-Zero? 

A T-Zero can often produce yields in the 70/30 range, even 80/20, for indoor and greenhouse producers, and 60/40 or 50/50 for outdoor producers. The yield is highly influenced by the flower quality, structure, and fan leaf content (often dictated by the defoliation processes prior to harvest).  

It’s always best to start with what’s possible – take a small sample, 10-20 grams, trim it carefully by hand, and measure the yield. This hand trim sample will give you the best possible yield results and no machine will produce a higher yield with equal quality. From there, work backwards. The T-Zero yield is typically 5-8% lower than the hand trimming, and 5-10% higher than many competitors.   

How does Twister T-Zero produce higher yields than competitors? 

Low yields are often a result of over trimming, high suction and poor flower quality.  

*These factors influence dry flower yields much more than wet flower* 

Since flower quality won’t change from machine to machine, we can only focus on what the machine can do. For a trimmer, these factors are highly influential – tumbler design, tumbler location, blade design, airflow, pitch control, and feed rate control.   

Tumbler design: The tumbler plays a few critical roles in the trimming process – it not only carries and exposes the flower across the blades below, its slot size also determines how much of the flower is exposed to the blades. The slots are holes cut in the tumbler that allow the flower leaves to access the blades. Wider slots allow the flower to sit lower and closer to the blades, removing more leaf and bud structure, while narrower slots allow the flower to sit higher and further from the blades, removing less leaf and bud structure. Many machines have fixed tumbler slots that can kill yields, especially on small-structured flower and over-dried, brittle flower.  

The T-Zero has multiple different slot width options that allow a producer to optimize the yield and trim quality by adjusting how deep the flower sits in the tumbler slot.  

Tumbler location: In addition to the tumbler slot size, the tumbler location is also vital to adjust for improving yields. Some machines have a close, fixed distance between the blades and the tumbler which puts the blades in direct contact with the actual flower and not just the leaves. This close distance, in combination with the fixed slot, shaves off the actual flower structure. The T-Zero allows users to adjust this distance to always optimize how much flower structure can contact the blades vs strictly leaf. 

Airflow/Vacuum Control: Critical to pulling the leaf through the tumbler and close to the blades is the airflow created by the vacuum. Some machines have a fixed amount of airflow that can be too rough on many genetics and over-dried flower. Those machines tend to pull flower too close to the blades, and trim off too much bud structure. Equally influential to poor yields is the airflow’s ability to pin the flower against the tumbler walls and not allow the flower to exit the machine. When this occurs, the flower becomes over-trimmed and yields suffer. Having the ability to reduce airflow puts the operator in the driver’s seat and allows the flower to exit the machine once enough trimming has taken place. 

Pitch Control: Many machines have a fixed pitch – the angle relative to the ground that the machine is positioned. Since most cannabis trimmers rely on gravity for the flower to pass through the machine, the pitch sets the stage for the machine’s throughput. A steeper pitch will result in less time spent in the machine, faster processing, lower trim quality, and higher yields. A lower pitch will result in more time spent in the machine, slower processing, tighter trim quality (over-trimmed in many cases), and lower yields. Not having control here is like driving a car without a gas pedal – there is no control, and yields will suffer. 

Feed Rate Control: Controlling the speed of the conveyor has been a minimum requirement since Twister introduced our conveyors over 10 years ago – this feature is now table stakes. The Twister team built on that concept in 2020 by introducing Oracle, a device that measures the volumetric flow on a conveyor belt using laser triangulation – nerd speak for volumetric feeding using cameras with fricken laser beams attached to their heads. Oracle allows users to set and forget the volumetric flow rate of their process – not just the speed of a conveyor – to gain precise control over how much flower flows through the machine. Once the machine settings are dialed in and throughput, trim quality, and yields are optimized, “flower in = flower out + trim out”. Oracle locks that “flower in” setting, and in turn maintains throughput consistency and prevents high/low yield fluctuations. It also allows users to batch feed the machine from large totes and walk away without worrying about overfeeding. 

To further increase yields, Twister will integrate Marvel into the process, having AI make intelligent decisions on the trim quality of every flower, significantly protecting yields and boosting your top line. 

How is Oracle any better at controlling the flow rate than just a conveyor belt? 

Think of a conveyor belt as the gas pedal and Oracle as the cruise control – you can try to hold the gas pedal steady, but sooner or later, your mind will wander, and you’ll be doing 55 in the 65 mph lane. Over time, you’ll be way behind and add hours to your trip. Feeding a T-Zero is no different. 

The T-Zero, and any other throughput style trimming machine, work best when they are fed with steady streams of flower, all day, everyday. High and low volume fluctuations impact throughput and yield, much like high and low speeds will impact your fuel consumption and your travel time. When too little flower is fed into the machine, the flower will spend too much time in the machine and become over-trimmed and yields will suffer. When too much flower is fed into the machine, quality will suffer. There is a happy, harmonious balance – when throughput, quality, and yields remain high – and Oracle keeps you there.  

Does the Twister T-Zero produce high-quality trimmed flower? 

Yes, the T-Zero produces high-quality trimmed flower. Trim quality must work in harmony with yield – higher trim quality can often result in lower yields and vice versa. Since the T-Zero can manage yields well through many controllable features, high quality trimmed flower is controllable too. 

Does the Twister T-Zero create small flower? 

It’s possible, but under normal circumstances, no, the T-Zero will not create small flower. Smalls are typically a result of under-developed flower, or low-density strains, over drying, and/or over trimming. If the genetics are of good quality, the flower is trimmed at water activity above .58, and the flower is not over-trimmed, the T-Zero should not create additional smalls. 

Is the Twister T-Zero adjustable? 

Yes. Both the T-Zero PRO and SE have adjustable tumbler and conveyor speeds; the PRO comes standard with adjustable pitch control and an option on the SE; water misters are options on both; and only the PRO has adjustable blade speed, vacuum speed, and flow rate control with Oracle. 

Can I adjust the settings on the Twister T-Zero to improve quality? 

Yes. There are many settings on the T-Zero that can help improve the trim quality. Pitch, conveyor, vacuum, and tumbler speeds can all be adjusted to fine tune your trim quality.  

How can I improve, or dial in, my Twister T-Zero on different strains and moisture levels? 

It’s always best to start with what’s possible – take a small sample, 10-20grams, and trim it by hand. This is your baseline. From here, begin making small changes to the pitch, feed rate, vacuum speed and tumbler speed, in that order. Make changes slowly, allow time for those changes to propagate through the machine, and record the results to track your progress. Connect with Twister Technologies for on-site optimization and post-harvest support. 

Can the Twister T-Zero handle large, sticky, or dense buds without jamming or clogging? 

Yes. The T-Zero was built for large, sticky, dense buds! It has the horsepower to manage the toughest harvests for hours, while being gentle enough for the highest quality craft producer. 

Can the Twister T-Zero manage a lot of fan leaf? 

Yes, fan leaf management was critical in the design of the T-Zero. The large 13 ¾” tumbler and variable vacuum speeds allow fan leaves to really separate from the attached flower and align to the tumbler slots and blades below. Smaller diameter tumblers with less volume naturally force the leaves to wrap themselves around the flower and often exit the machines untouched. For fan leaf, the bigger tumbler diameter, the better. As a general rule, the tumbler diameter should be twice as large as the length of the longest fan leaf. 

Will a Twister T-Zero eat my weed or cause excessive product loss? 

No, eating weed is another way of saying low yields, and is a result of aggressive, over trimming over-dried, low-density flower. The T-Zero has control over the settings that will cause this to minimize low yields.  

Do tumbler trimmers damage cannabis flower? 

They can, but when operated properly, the T-Zero won’t. In fact, any trimming style – yes, even by hand – can damage cannabis flower if not operated properly. It’s possible to feed 100 lbs into a machine, and have 20 lbs come out (dismal yield) or 80 lbs came out (perfect yield). Understand how to operate the equipment and any damage will be minimal, if at all.  

Does the Twister T-Zero damage cannabis? 

It can, but when operated properly, it won’t. 

Do other Twister trimming machines damage cannabis? 

They can, but when operated properly, they won’t. 

Does the Twister T-Zero lower potency or damage trichomes? 

Any machine trimmer can lower potency or damage trichomes, similar to how any hand trimmer can lower potency or damage trichomes. However, hand trimming remains the golden standard for comparisons since, done carefully and correctly, with ideal drying and post-harvest conditions, leads to the best trichome preservation.  

With that in mind, numerous lab tests from different labs have been performed on T-Zero vs hand trimmed flower and the potency gap remains small – a 0.6% THC and 0.005% CBD reduction with trained staff and good drying and post-harvest practices, and can expand to a 3.5% THC and 0.014% CBD reduction on bone dry flower and poor trimming practices. It is worth acknowledging that there is often a +3% swing in THC content from flower on the same plant, depending on where it was clipped off. The end result is that potency changes from T-Zero or other Twister trimming machines remain negligible, and often within the ranges found on a single plant. 

What’s the best way to feed a Twister T-Zero? 

Smooth and consistent is the name of the game. A T-Zero is best fed with a conveyor with an even volume of material, and the longer the better! It will process a 10 lbs tote of dry flower in 2-4 minutes. The T-Zero PRO and SE both come with 10’ long FDA compliant conveyors, making them perfect for most producers. In addition, the T-Zero PRO comes standard with Oracle to maintain consistent, effortless feeding. 

What are the biggest mistakes made by Twister T-Zero operators? 

The biggest, most costly mistake by most operators is over trimming dry flower. This occurs when the machine pitch is too low, the feed conveyor is too slow, the suction is too high, and the tumbler is too fast. Slowly increase the pitch, slowly increase the feed, slowly reduce the vacuum and slowly reduce the tumbler speed. Allow these changes to propagate through and monitor how your changes impact the output. Make the necessary changes again and continue to improve. 

How can I get the best results from a Twister T-Zero? 

Read this entire FAQ! Understand your flower, and what is achievable by having hand trim samples available and often. Slowly make the tweaks necessary to approach the hand trim sample, monitor and improve. Connect with Twister Technologies for a additional support or Post-Harvest Consulting. 

Does the Twister T-Zero have a water mister? 

Yes. The water mister is optional on both the PRO and the SE. Water misters are used exclusively for users trimming wet flower.  

What is the best tip for wet trimming with Twister T-Zero? 

Keep your trimming environment cold, don’t allow your flower to wilt in a warm room, and keep the water misters misting. All too often producers overlook the effects of a warm environment on wet flower, or, tap into hard water sources that are full of impurities that clog misters and create huge messes with resin buildup. Keep the flower cold and surfaces clean. 

What is the best tip for dry trimming with Twister T-Zero? 

Dial in your water activity, or, moisture content, and don’t over-dry flower. “Leaves are crispy, and stems don’t snap.”  

Over-drying reduces terpene profiles, makes flower and trichomes brittle resulting in lower yields and potency. From there, dial in your trimming parameters – pitch, conveyor speed, vacuum speed and tumbler speed. 

What should my moisture content be at for Twister T-Zero? 

On the macro scale, the best results trimming with T-Zero are achieved with 10-13% moisture content, or 55-58% water activity. On the micro scale, as you continue to dial in processes, the goal is to reduce moisture content on the leaves while maintaining moisture content within the flower. “Leaves are crispy, stems don’t snap.” 

 Is the Twister T-Zero hard to clean? 

With the right equipment, the T-Zero is a breeze to clean. It was designed to be a washdown piece of machinery – like equipment used in poultry, dairy and other food processing facilities – with stringent hygiene regulations. It typically takes 1 person 90 minutes from start to finish to clean the nastiest of machines. Ensuring this is done after every session will significantly reduce the time taken to complete the task, with the added benefit of prolonging the life of the equipment. 

Is the Twister T-Zero waterproof for cleaning? 

Yes! The T-Zero was designed for washdown with IP65 components. Bring on the water! Gone is the risk of damaging proprietary electrical components, a common problem with competitor machines. 

 How do I clean a Twister T-Zero? 

A T-Zero is blown/swept off, and given a quick, light scrape to remove the lose bits and pieces that have accumulated. The next step is generally a quick spray down with a detergent or mild degreaser and left to soak for 5-10 minutes. From there, pressure wash the majority of the components – ideally using a hot water pressure washer – and a final hit with 70% IPA to sanitize.  

Producers trimming dry can often skip the pressure washing, but it definitely makes the job easier and less time consuming. 

Some components – such as tumbler brushes and conveyor belts – require a little more finesse and are often wiped down with a cloth, blown free of debris, or soaked in IPA to loosen resins, and rinsed with clean water. 

Do I need to stop trimming during the day to clean a Twister T-Zero? 

In most cases, and especially when trimming dry, no, you do not need to clean the machine throughout the day. Cleaning during the day is typically a regulatory requirement between batches and strains, not a machine requirement. Prior to T-Zero, and still with many competitor machines, trimming wet would require machine cleanings throughout the day as resins built up, but with the onboard water misters for wet trimming, and 20HP blade motors, this isn’t a problem. There are many producers who operate their machines trimming wet, non-stop for 20-hours per day, at up to 600lbs/hr. 

Does the Twister T-Zero create dust or kief? 

Wet trimming, no. Dry trimming, it can – similar to any movement of your flower. The extent to which dust is created is highly dependent on how dry the flower is. Flower that has been optimally dried and sits at ideal water activity will generate minimal dust when trimmed with a trimming machine. Flower that has been over-dried with brittle trichomes will generate more dust.  

Does the Twister T-Zero have a dust or kief filter? 

Yes, the T-Zero PRO filters dust, kief and trim in 4 stages: 

Stage 1, the cyclone separator: the cyclone separates solids within an airstream through centrifugal forces, collecting trim and kief down to 20 micron in size.-This stage collects 96% of all particles into a stainless steel trim bin for use in byproducts. Nerd translation, it is 96% efficient for particles with a D10, D50 and D90 size distributions of 15, 75 and 240 micron, respectively.  

Stage 2, primary Filter Stack module filter bags: these 40 micron filter bags are the first line of defense inside the T-Zero’s Filter Stack. These bags are placed over the primary cartridge filters and collect anything that made it past the cyclone that is larger than 40 micron. This volume number will remain low due to the cyclone’s 96% efficiency.  

Stage 3, primary Filter Stack module cartridge filters: the primary Filter Stack module’s main filtration is through cartridge filters. Cartridge filters capture 99.99% of particles down to 0.5 micron.  

Stage 4, secondary Filter Stack module filters: the secondary module of the Filter Stack contains HEPA filters, that filter 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 micron.  

Twister’s Engineers have done extensive testing on particle sizing of cannabis kief. We’ve found a mere 5% of kief is under 20micron in size, meaning that we capture over 96% of all airborne kief within the cyclone separator. The remaining 3-4% of kief will be captured in the Filter Stack. Competitors’ equipment, if they even have a separator, is often less than 70% efficient at these same particle sizes, with no additional filtration. That lost 30% of the kief will be recirculated through their impellers and enter back into the room. 

The T-Zero SE captures dust and kief only through stage 1, the cyclone separator. The exhaust of the cyclone separator should directed outdoors. 

Does the Twister T-Zero capture trim? 

Yes. The T-Zero’s cyclone separator gently collects trim, depositing it into a stainless-steel drum, or through a rotary airlock and dispensed onto a conveyor belt. The T-Zero PRO’s cyclone is made from 304 Stainless Steel, while the SE’s cyclone is made from FDA compliant, epoxy coated mild steel. 

Does the Twister T-Zero damage trim? 

No. The T-Zero collects trim after being cut from the flower and gently separates it from the airstream inside the cyclone separator. 

What should my water activity be at for Twister T-Zero? 

For dry trimming, target 55-58% aw. It’s possible to have higher water activity, and still produce well-trimmed cannabis, provided the leaves are crispy and don’t wilt. “Leaves are crispy, stems don’t snap.”  

What strains or genetics work best with Twister T-Zero? 

Dense, heavy strains work best in most trimming machines, including T-Zero. This is also mainly true even with hand trimming.  

Indica dominant genetics typically exhibit denser structure than more loose structures associated with traditional sativa strains. The denser flowers have less loose leaves and are easier to clip off. 

 

Construction, Maintenance/Warranty, Utilities 

What is the warranty on the Twister T-Zero? 

The T-Zero comes with a 1-year warranty, and unlimited remote support. 

 What does the Twister T-Zero warranty cover? 

The T-Zero warranty covers all manufacturing defects on any component for the 1-year warranty period.  

How do I install a Twister T-Zero? 

The T-Zero is a specialized piece of equipment, and installation is best left with the Twister Team. Connect with Twister Technologies if you need to install a machine. 

What materials is the Twister T-Zero made of? 

The PRO is constructed primarily of 304 Stainless Steel, while the SE is constructed primarily of anodized aluminum and powder coated mild steel. Both machines use the same 304 Stainless Steel tumblers. Both machines also use FDA compliant nitrided, carbon steel helix blades and hardened, nitrided, 4140 bedknives. All ducting components are made from 304 stainless steel and FDA compliant urethane. The PRO’s cyclone is 304 Stainless Steel, while the SE uses an FDA compliant epoxy enamel coated on mild steel. The PRO’s Filter Stack is constructed of powder coated mild steel, while the SE doesn’t have a Filter Stack. The PRO conveyors are constructed of 304 Stainless Steel, while the SE uses anodized aluminum – both systems use FDA urethane conveyor belts.  

Is the Twister T-Zero reliable? 

Yes. The T-Zero is very reliable, with many machines operating for 20-hour days non-stop for months on end with basic maintenance.  

How long can the TwisterT-Zero run for? 

The T-Zero was designed to operate for continuous 24-hour duty cycles. Provided the machine hasn’t built up with excessive resins leading to reduced trim quality, it can run steady, non-stop for hundreds of hours. 

Is the Twister T-Zero difficult to maintain? 

For the most part, the T-Zero is easy to maintain – it was designed with maintenance simplicity in mind. A typical maintenance technician at your facility will have everything they need to keep your machine in top shape. However, we do offer regular service and maintenance through our Twister Performance Advantage. Connect with Twister Technologies for more information. 

Are parts for the Twister T-Zero expensive? 

The T-Zero was built to last, so most parts are quite robust and can have higher price tags – the good news is most customers don’t break those parts. The average annual maintenance and spare parts costs for T-Zero customers over the 7 years in service has been $17,000 USD/year/machine. That equates to $0.05/lbs vs some competitor machines, whose annual maintenance costs per machine are $41,600 USD/year, or $0.80/lbs. 

How can I get my Twister T-Zero serviced? 

Twister’s Support team offers on-site service. We have a 232-point inspection on the machine that ensures you keep running day after day. Twister offers 3 tier service contracts, Gold, Platinum and Diamond coverage. Connect with Twister Technologies for further information on our service packages.  

Does Twister offer field service for the Twister T-Zero? 

Yes, connect with Twister Technologies for further information on our service packages. 

Does Twister offer free technical support for Twister T-Zero? 

Yes, Twister’s Support team offers free technical support, 12/7. Reach out to support, or call 1-888-254-3204  

What are the power requirements of the Twister T-Zero? 

The Twister T-Zero PRO: 

• USA – 3-phase, 480V, 80A service 

• Canada –  3-phase, 600V, 60A service 

• ROW – 3-phase, 400V, 100A service 

T-Zero SE 

• USA & Canada – 3-phase, 480V, 80A service 

Where can I get replacement parts for my Twister T-Zero? 

Contact our order desk or 1-888-254-3204 

 

Regulatory, Certification, Validation 

Is the Twister T-Zero safe? 

Yes. The T-Zero is CSA, UL, and CE compliant, and maintains a SIL 3 safety rating 

Is the Twister T-Zero OSHA compliant? 

Yes. The T-Zero complies with all safety requirements, and industrial hygiene requirements around dust.  

Is the Twister T-Zero GMP and/or cGMP? 

Yes, the T-Zero is GMP and cGMP compliant, with several customers world-wide using T-Zero PROs in the GMP process. 

Does Twister provide GMP documentation, such as IQ/OQ, URS and PQ documents? 

Yes, connect with Twister Technologies to discuss your GMP needs in detail.   

Does the Twister T-Zero leave metal shavings on the cannabis? 

No, although it is a popular misconception with helix blade trimmers. Twister’s Engineers have done extensive testing on T-Zero trimmed cannabis and have concluded that the machines do not add metal shavings to the flower. Several hand trimmed samples and machine trimmed samples of flower and trim were collected and analyzed for iron content (blades being ~98.5% iron) and found a larger variance of iron in hand trimmed samples of flower than machine trimmed samples. This indicates that, even if the machines were to add metal shavings, those amounts are indistinguishable from iron found within the plant itself, absorbed during the growing process.  

How loud is the Twister T-Zero? 

At the maximum speeds for all motors the T-Zero operates at 90 dB. With the Filter Stack silencer installed and blade speeds reduced to 80%, the system operates at 80 dB. 

 

Competitor Machines 

How is the Twister T-Zero different from other Twister trimmers? 

The T-Zero is similar conceptually to other T-Line machines in the Twister line-up – the T2, T4 and T6. They are all single-piece flow, tumbler/helix blade style trimmers. It differs from these machines with it’s size, capacity, durability, adjustability, reliability and overall quality – it is more premium in every aspect. There are thousands of the T2, T4 and T6 machines in existence, and less than 75 T-Zeros. 

The T-Zero differs from Twister BatchOne trimmers, and other batch style trimmers, much more. Batch style trimmers don’t operate in a single piece flow process, and they rely on a flexible saddle in contact with the tumbler to perform the trimming action. This results in a limited range of moisture contents that they work for. Overall, batch machines are a much more economical machine, but struggle with fan leaf, stems, and overall trim quality.  

What machine is the biggest competitor to the Twister T-Zero? 

There doesn’t exist a commercial cannabis trimming machine that can compete with the capacity, durability, adjustability, reliability, safety, value and overall quality of the T-Zero. There are competitors who claim to have a device, and customers who have tried them, but the T-Zero is truly in a league of its own. 

Which is better, Twister T-Zero or Mobius M108? 

This depends on your needs. The Mobius M108 is a decent choice for small-medium sized producers looking for a compact machine with pretty lights that produces a ton of kief. A T-Zero will typically replace 6-8 Mobius M108 machines (3-4 tandem lines) in shear throughput capacity and do it with higher yields, lower maintenance costs, and less labor.   

The Mobius lines will run a lower initial price point, especially when buying used, but savings quickly disappear due to the low flower-to-trim ratio, and high operational and maintenance costs. When buying new, the higher cost T-Zero PRO system will breakeven after ~10,000 lbs in most regions, and 25,000 lbs if you received those same 8 Mobius machines for free.  

Additional benefits of the T-Zero PRO are the robust stainless-steel design, common industrial automation that can be repaired by an average electrician, higher efficiency trim and kief separation, the HEPA Filter Stack that keeps kief out of places it shouldn’t be, world class support, and a Performance Guarantee to back it all up. 

Are Twister T-Zero tumblers made from aircraft cables? 

No. T-Zero tumblers are made from perforated, 304 Stainless Steel sheets that have been rolled, welded and passivated through electropolishing, and welded to solid, 304 endcaps. They are simple, robust, and easy to manage. They aren’t made with cheap plastics, and don’t harbor bacteria within the stands of braided cables.  

Do Twister T-Zero tumblers need to soak in water overnight? 

No. T-Zero tumblers are made from 304 Stainless Steel, not plastics that dehydrate during operation and become brittle.  

Is the Twister T-Zero more reliable than Mobius? 

Without doubt. A single T-Zero has replaced several mobius lines at multiple facilities strictly due to how unreliable the Mobius machines were. On average, a Mobius M108 will cost $0.80/lbs trimmed, while a T-Zero will cost $0.05/lbs. This doesn’t include the multiple hours spent on daily maintenance to keep the machines operating and the facility processing. T-Zeros are IP65 washdown rated, while Mobius machines often breakdown at the slightest hint of moisture. On the flip side, the nylon rings on the Mobius tumblers are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture to remain flexible. Unfortunately, they are also prone to drying out, and they become brittle, crack, and often get sucked into the blades of the machine, contaminating thousands of dollars in finished product. T-Zero tumblers are 100% 304 stainless-steel, and made without inferior plastics. The nylon bags on the exhaust of a Mobius machine to collect kief are also prone to tearing, resulting in massive dust clouds blowing throughout a trim room. T-Zero utilizes industrial grade cartridge filters to keep dust down.  

To see real results from customers who’ve experienced both systems, take a peak at a recent video: 

Connect with Twister Technologies for further case studies on the comparison.  

 

Which is better, Twister T-Zero or Centurion? 

Like the Mobius competitor, this also depends on your needs. Centurion machines operate with a similar concept to Twister and Mobius throughput machines, but that’s about where the similarities end. Centurion machines can provide great value for your dollar, while T-Zeros are 3-5 times more expensive – and there’s a good reason for that – they work and they won’t leave you stranded. T-Zeros are used by the most advanced, professional, highly respected cannabis producers in the world.  

Which is better, Twister T-Zero or Greenbroz? 

Greenbroz has a good reputation for having great support and they take care of their customers. However, Greenbroz machines operate on batch style processing vs single piece flow; have limited capacity compared to the T-Zero; and are prone to over-trimming. A single T-Zero would replace 10-14 Greenbroz Model M machines. They are quiet and compact, but they are slow, difficult to clean and they “rock polish” flower which reduces potency and yields.   

 Which is better, Twister T-Zero or hand trimming? 

Hand trimming is the gold standard for trimming cannabis. It is the most gentle, preserves the most cannabinoids, and results in the highest valued product. Unfortunately, it is the most expensive, most time consuming, and most difficult to accomplish at scale. A common approach is a bit of both – a rough machine trim to accomplish 70-90% of the effort, and then a hand finish for minor defects and that hand-trimmed look. This can be accomplished at a fraction of the cost, for a similar quality.    

Can a Twister T-Zero trim to a hand trim quality? 

Close, as close as any machine available, but hand trimming is the gold standard. Anyone who says that their machine produces hand trimmed, knows, or should know, that it isn’t true.