Equipment Spotlight: The Cold Weather Package 

Coloring mulch may not be so complicated when it’s 75 degrees and sunny. But many producers operate in regions where locals quip, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” The conditions may be volatile, but eventually winter’s grip lays hold.  

Sub-freezing temperatures generally require operations to pursue one of two options: either they shut down for the winter or they build a heated structure at considerable cost to protect the colorizing equipment from the elements.  

But a third path is available for the industry’s most efficient coloring system.  

“Every day you’re shut down costs money. And with the Cold Weather Package, we are here on a  snowy, 20-degree day, and we are 100% operational.” JUSTIN SMITH, CEO C&J Bark Haulers, Inc. 

Colorbiotics’ Sahara XP includes a Cold Weather Package as one of its customizable options. The add-on feature is purpose-built for the XP, and it enables producers to operate outside — even when the temperature plummets well below freezing. The heated box protects the color and water injection system from the elements. 

C&J Bark Haulers, Inc. in Hemlock, Michigan, added the package prior to the 2025-2026 winter season to meet growing demand for its colored mulch products.  

“When we started the business, we were able to produce enough material in the summer months here in Michigan for the entire landscape season,” said Justin Smith, the CEO.  

But the operation’s growth and eventual expansion into bagging led to more demand than was possible to meet in the warmer months alone. 

“The first couple of years bagging was a huge struggle,” Smith said. “We had to be very selective on the days we could run and do production because of the winter weather. Every day you’re shut down costs money. And with the Cold Weather Package, we are here on a snowy, 20-degree day, and we are 100% operational. That’s huge when it comes to the demands that we have to meet for all our bulk and bag customers.” 

The heater is designed to kick in automatically when the temperature falls to 45 degrees, but operators can adjust the auto start to their preference. It can be ordered on new machines or installed in the field. It also comes with a heated blanket to protect the high-pressure water pump from freezing. 

“A lot of operations have the business to keep working through the winter, so we designed a package to help them maximize that potential,” said Nick Lincoln, national sales manager at Colorbiotics. “The Cold Weather Package frees them to continue operating well below freezing.” 

For C&J Bark Haulers, it is the perfect solution for long winters. “When you have to shut down for three or four months in Michigan’s cold winters, that really hurts the bottom line,” Smith said. “Having the Cold Weather Package and being able to process year-round really improves business operations and profitability." 

NOTE: COLORBIOTICS RECOMMENDS CUSTOMERS CONTINUE TO DRAIN AND WINTERIZE THE EQUIPMENT IN CASE OF POWER LOSS. 

Learn more: https://www.colorbiotics.com/resources/winterizing-your-sahara