Cannabis trimming machines are a key piece of the modern supply chain. Producing exceptional flower is an art, but how it’s presented often determines its value at retail. Skilled bud trimmers can ensure nugs look their best before hitting dispensary shelves, but the realities of price compression have pushed many cultivators to seek faster production methods that don’t completely sacrifice quality.
While many craft brands will continue to rely on hand-trimming to manicure top-shelf buds for loyal customers, trimming machines are becoming a necessity to compete at scale. Some manufacturers, like Twister and Green Broz, have dominated the market for years. But other companies, including as Mobius and Sunflower, continue to innovate and gain ground. No machine can provide the same quality as a skilled human hand, but many of today’s best bud-trimming machines do more than an adequate job trimming as much as 10 pounds per minute.
Wet vs dry trimming
There are pros and cons to both wet and dry trimming. Those who opt to trim wet find the plant material easier to work with, resulting in a quicker job overall. Dry trimming, while more tedious because of shriveled sugar leaves, tends to result in a better quality bud as more terpenes are preserved in the process.
The vast majority of commercial cannabis trimming machines are capable of both wet trimming and dry trimming. However, there are some machines specifically designed for one or the other.
When deciding which method to deploy, cultivators should consider their space restraints. Dry trimming requires more drying space, which some growers simply don’t have. However, a dry trim could lead to a better price per pound, meaning the extra space could be worth the added investment.
How important is automation?
Automation has become increasingly crucial for commercial cannabis cultivation to boost efficiency and lower costs. It also reduces the risk of human error and helps ensure standard operating procedures are followed. While the decision to opt for an automated trimming machine likely won’t make or break an operation by itself, it’s certainly a nice touch that’s increasingly important at larger facilities in mature markets where wholesale prices are lowest.
Twister T-Zero PRO
- 125 pounds per hour dry or 600 pounds wet
- Dry or wet trimming
- Contact for pricing
The Twister T-Zero PRO features patented trimming technology designed to ensure a clean, precise trim while preserving flower quality. The low-impact operation minimizes agitation, reducing the risk of losing terpenes, cannabinoids, and trichomes. Its gentle drum design and minimal handling help maintain the flower’s natural appearance and potency.
Ideal for large-scale operations, the T-Zero PRO offers a modular design, 24-hour run time, easy cleaning, and quiet operation, making it perfect for growers who demand high-quality results.
CenturionPro 3.0
- 25 pounds per hour dry or 125 pounds wet
- Dry or wet trimming
- Starting at $10,995
The CenturionPro 3.0 is built for large-scale cannabis operations. It is equipped with 11 Toro hardened steel blades that deliver precision trimming, removing leaves efficiently while preventing bud damage to help preserve cannabinoids and terpenes.
The machine’s powerful vacuum system provides clean, continuous operation, efficiently collecting trim for use in extraction. Made from anodized aluminum and stainless steel, it’s durable and easy to clean thanks to the tool-free disassembly. Ideal for commercial and industrial growers, the Centurion 3.0 offers impressive throughput and consistent, high-quality results.
Mobius MD48
- 25 pounds per hour dry
- Dry trimming
- Starting at $28,000
The latest addition to the Mobius line is designed for dry trimming with a clamshell lid for easy loading. A proprietary auto-tensioning shear band system eliminates the need for vacuums or lubricants, keeping trichomes connected to the flower. A digital touchscreen with programmable settings makes operation a breeze for any employee while oscillating technology allows for peak efficiency and a quicker turnaround. The Mobius MD48 is slated to launch sometime during the first quarter of 2025.
Trimpro Automatik XL
- 40 pounds per hour wet
- Wet trimming
- Starting at $10,495
The Trimpro Automatik XL automates trimming with powerful suction, rotating blades, and a large tumbler. Its vacuum system pulls leaves away from buds, guiding them toward high-speed adjustable blades for precision trimming. It can process large volumes of fresh material efficiently with minimal manual labor. Its durable construction and simple design make it a reliable choice for commercial growers seeking efficiency and quality in their post-harvest process. For discount-seeking shoppers, Trimpro also sells refurbished trimmers previously used as demo machines for trade shows.
Zoom Technologies Pro
- Up to 50 pounds per hour dry or 150 pounds wet
- Dry or wet trimming
- Starting at $30,800
The Zoom Pro utilizes a patented spiral barrel system that gently trims buds, minimizing damage and preserving trichomes, cannabinoids, and terpenes. This gentle approach ensures flower quality is maintained throughout the trimming process, reducing the risk of over-trimming and material loss.
This American-made bud-trimming machine features adjustable barrel speeds, allowing users to optimize for different strains. Additionally, it’s built for low maintenance with easy disassembly and cleaning, reducing downtime and keeping operations efficient. It’s also possible to connect two Zoom Pro units to double the output for up to 300 pounds per hour wet and 100 pounds per hour dry.
Sunflower Trimmer Automatic Trimmer XL 2.0
- 35 pounds per hour dry or 11 pounds wet
- Dry or wet trimming
- Starting at $9,500
The updated tumble-style weed-trimming machine from Sunflower Trimmer offers three changeable barrels, perfect for everything from popcorn nugs to prize cola tops. An integrated ventilator prevents workers from inhaling dust particles, boosting workplace safety and minimizing downtime. This robust, automated trimming machine is crafted from stainless steel in the Czech Republic and is built to go the distance with a five-year warranty. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, so smaller brands and startups will see a return on their investment faster.
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