A new way to tackle windblown waste collection

Great solutions often stem from difficult problems. This was certainly the case when Terramac developed its rubber-tracked debris collection system. Windblown waste is a common issue among landfills and is easily worsened by severe weather. Collection of this lightweight debris traditionally has been done by deploying crews on foot. While once sufficient, this method was never the most cost-effective or efficient. And when labor shortages began impacting the industry, the problems with windblown waste collection were exacerbated by the added challenge of finding adequate personnel.

Equipment solution

Quick to react, Terramac, a U.S.-based crawler carrier manufacturer, produced a welcome solution proven to dominate windblown waste collection by reducing manpower and labor requirements while saving time and money.

Terramac’s debris collection system features a powerful 74-horsepower vacuum engine that provides 12,000 CFM of airflow for suctioning the windblown waste from fence lines and highways. Debris travels up the boom before being pushed through a 28-inch impeller fan, which mulches the trash as it enters the 10-cubic-yard hopper. The machine is operated by a single person who can control the hoist system, boom, and winch from within the cab for added operator safety.

“It’s extremely exciting to see manufacturers like Terramac producing innovative equipment that simplifies work and solves an industrywide problem,” says Dan Burget, Vice President of South Region at Power Motive Corporation. “This one machine takes the place of a three-man crew, making it an asset for our landfill customers working to keep up with lightweight waste collection.”

Terramac’s signature feature, low ground pressure, is ideal for this application, allowing operators to maneuver effortlessly along fence lines no matter how narrow the path or challenging the terrain. Fully loaded, the unit exerts 5.3 PSI.

Multipurpose use

The debris collection system attaches to Terramac’s crawler carrier with a hooklift-mount configuration. This method provides advanced versatility with the ability to quickly change various bed styles and support equipment to increase overall carrier utilization. Therefore, the carrier can be repurposed with a dump bed for hauling daily cover, a hydroseeding unit for applying alternative daily cover and so much more.

“What’s great about this unit is that its versatility is endless,” explains Matt Slater, Terramac vice president of business development. “Today a landfill may need it for debris collection, but when priorities shift, they can continue to utilize the carrier for other tasks.”

The carrier’s hooklift, which supports the debris collection system, is also interchangeable with most truck-mounted attachments already being used on landfills. Thus, when ground conditions are poor due to leachate or weather, the carrier can pick up where trucks leave off to keep projects on schedule.

Terramac carriers are assembled in the U.S. and supported by an expansive dealer network with more than 200 branch locations. Parts, service, and operator training are readily accessible, ensuring landfill managers have safe and reliable equipment as well as the know-how for maximizing its utilization. For more information on Terramac’s landfill solutions visit www.terramac.com/landfill-management.