On Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:02:48 -0500, Dan Espen
wrote:

As for some kind of large rotating bin, no thanks.
I'd spend all winter looking out the window seeing
a large plastic monstrosity.

Situate it on the OTHER side of your barn or garden windbreaks.
Problem solved! g

I have a couple of large piles (which include yet-to-be shredded tree
branches), plus a 50 gallon drum tumbler (that isn't a mass produced
type). The tumbler works quite effectively.

To the OP - while I've got plenty of upper body strength and have no
troubles turning my compost bin when full, perhaps a footpedal
mechanism (think treadle sewing machine) would be good - it may be
easier for some people to tromp their weight down on a pedal plate, so
long as it's situated such that they can get to it

If the composter is able to be emptied at something above ground
level, it'd be possible to dump the contents into a wheelbarrow to
move it to where it might be used - so perhaps plan for the height of
the chute (and access to same) to accomodate some standard sizes of
wheelbarrows. Alternately, consider something which you can dump
easily (and without making a mess) into a 5 gallon bucket (just how
full would be up to the discretion of the gardener)..