When an EF4 tornado with winds reaching 185 mph (297.7 km/hr) devastated Greenfield, Iowa in May 2024, it left behind a trail of destruction that would require months of cleanup. The powerful storm destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure, leaving the community with mountains of mixed debris that needed efficient processing. For EIS Holdings, the environmental services company leading the cleanup, the Vermeer LS3600TX low speed shredder became an indispensable powerhouse in their disaster recovery arsenal — proving the critical importance of specialized disaster cleanup equipment in crisis situations.
Within 48 hours of mobilizing to Greenfield, EIS Holdings had deployed the LS3600TX shredder to process the mixed construction and demolition debris scattered throughout the community. This rapid response was crucial for a town reeling from the effects of a powerful tornado that devastated hundreds of structures across multiple counties.
Rapid response to catastrophic damage
Greenfield tornado impact at a glance:
- EF4 tornado with winds reaching 185 mph (297.7 km/hr)
- Over $31 million in property damage
- Hundreds of structures destroyed or damaged
- Five fatalities and 35 injuries reported
- 42.38 mi (68.2 km) path of destruction
“Time is of the essence in restoring the town to normalcy so that public safety can function effectively,” said Jeremy Boka, vice president of business development at EIS Holdings. “We began hauling bulk material almost immediately because the timing was critical to prevent the piles from accumulating too quickly, but we were able to have the shredders onsite within 48 hours of our mobilization and the start of that process.”
Meeting the challenge of mixed debris
The tornado cleanup presented extraordinary challenges due to the variety of materials requiring processing. Unlike vegetation-only disasters, tornado debris contains a complex mixture of materials:
Typical tornado debris processed by the LS3600TX:
- Wood structural components and framing
- Roofing materials and siding
- Furniture and household items
- Plumbing and electrical components
- Flooring, carpet and wallboard
“With the torque on the low speed shredder, we’re able to process material quickly and efficiently,” Boka noted. “Where the LS3600TX has been successful is we have mixed construction debris of anything you can think of – from commercial buildings to residential buildings, phone poles, all types of debris.”
The versatility of this disaster cleanup equipment proved essential, as traditional high-speed grinders aren’t designed to handle the contaminated waste streams common in tornado aftermath. Learn more about Vermeer recycling solutions for handling various types of materials.
Dramatic efficiency improvements
The impact of incorporating the LS3600TX into the cleanup operation was immediately measurable. EIS Holdings documented a remarkable 40% – 50% increase in load capacity after processing material through the shredder.
Key efficiency gains reported by EIS Holdings:
- Increased load capacity: 7 tons – 9 tons (6.4 mt – 8.2 mt) per truck before shredding → 13 tons – 15 tons (11.8 mt – 13.6 mt) after
- Reduced truck requirements: 3 trucks → 2 trucks for the same volume (30 tons/27.2 mt)
- Faster loading times: 20 minutes → 7 minutes per truck
- Better landfill compaction: 50% improvement measured over six weeks
“With landfills an hour and a half away in each direction, we had significant truck time,” said Boka. “By shredding the debris, we increased load volume by 40% – 50%. When running a time and materials project, that stretched our budget further so we could get more done without having to extend orders or request additional funding.”
This efficiency gain proved critical given the logistical challenges of the cleanup. Each truck trip saved represented significant cost reductions in fuel, labor and equipment wear — a true game-changer for disaster recovery economics.
Preserving landfill capacity
The shredding operation didn’t just benefit the cleanup crews – it also proved essential for the receiving landfills. Without processing, the sheer volume of material would have overwhelmed local disposal facilities.
Landfill benefits:
- Reduced daily truck traffic at disposal facilities
- Decreased airspace usage through better compaction
- Extended overall landfill lifespan
- Simplified handling and placement of debris
“Without shredding, we’d overwhelm their capacity — they’re not equipped to handle a hundred trucks a day,” Boka explained.
Streamlining the workflow
Beyond the increased load capacity, the LS3600TX dramatically improved operational efficiency throughout the cleanup process. The equipment’s design features and performance capabilities created multiple workflow advantages:
Operational benefits:
- Easier material handling: Processed debris was less stringy and more manageable
- Remote operation: Full-function remote control allowed convenient operation
- Site mobility: Tracked undercarriage enabled repositioning to optimize processing
“The mobility makes a big difference with the LS3600TX — we can move it. As we process piles, it’s automated and remote control so we can track it down with our excavators,” Boka said. “The more harmonious it is, the faster we can process the material.”
Equipment that makes a difference when disasters strike
As extreme weather events continue to increase in frequency and severity across the country, having the right disaster cleanup equipment is more critical than ever. The LS3600TX low speed shredder has proven valuable in some of the most challenging disaster recovery situations, from tornado cleanups like Greenfield to hurricane recovery operations.
Why choose the LS3600TX for disaster recovery:
- Versatility: Handles mixed construction and demolition debris that high-speed grinders can’t process
- Productivity: Helps increases load capacity, reducing truck trips and fuel consumption
- Durability: Designed with wear-resistant components and protection systems for contaminated materials
- Mobility: Tracked undercarriage allows for easy repositioning on complex cleanup sites
- Cost efficiency: Delivers measurable savings in transportation, labor and landfill expenses
Contact your local Vermeer dealer today to learn how the LS3600TX low speed shredder can enhance your disaster recovery capabilities and help the communities you serve recover faster.
This article contains third-party observations, advice or experiences that do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Vermeer Corporation, its affiliates or its dealers. Testimonials and/or endorsements by contractors in specific circumstances may not be representative of normal circumstances experienced by all customers.
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.
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