Compressed Earth Blocks

While searching for plans for concrete block raised garden beds, I came across mention of compressed earth blocks (CEB).  Several companies make machines to make the blocks, which are constructed out of the local soil on-site.  That saves moving tons of concrete blocks around.  I have questions about the durability of the blocks, but the thermal mass should provide big cost savings.  AECT has fully automated machines, presumably at fairly high cost.  One blog notes that a Thai manufacturer produces a manual machine for under $1k, but getting it might be a nightmare, much less parts and support.