In the heart of California’s Central Valley, where agriculture, development, and environmental responsibility intersect, the County of Kern is setting the standard for efficient and sustainable waste management. At the forefront of this initiative is the Public Works Department, led by Maintenance Supervisor Patrick Davis, whose team oversees grinding operations of organic waste across multiple sites, from East Kern to the valley floor.

Supporting their mission are three powerhouse machines supplied by Powerscreen of California, Nevada, & Hawaii – one CBI 5800BT and two CBI 6800CT horizontal grinders. These machines are not just part of the fleet, they are the backbone of the County’s wood and green waste processing program.

Keeping Kern County Moving

Kern County’s Public Works grinding crew is responsible for processing material at both transfer stations and landfill sites throughout the region. The team operates on a rotational schedule, moving from one site to the next with speed and efficiency. When interviewing Patrick Davis, the crew was hard at work at the Shafter Landfill, where they had been grinding for the week before preparing to relocate to the Delano Transfer Station for the following week’s operations.

What makes this rotation feasible is the mobility of the CBI grinders. “One of the biggest advantages for us was how easy these machines are to transport and get back up and running,” Patrick said. “With very little downtime, we can stay on schedule and hit all of our sites without delays, keeping up with our region’s growing demands.”

The County’s operation is designed to serve both residential and commercial customers, collecting green waste and wood debris across the region. Once processed, the material is split between two primary uses, either delivered to composting facilities within Kern County or repurposed for slope coverage to prevent erosion at county landfills. It’s a sustainable system that relies heavily on performance and uptime which is where the County has found CBI grinders to shine.

Built to Outperform

When it came time to invest in grinding equipment, Kern County chose CBI for more than just the spec sheet. According to Patrick Davis, the decision was based on performance, mobility, reliability, and the strong working relationship they developed with Powerscreen of California.

“The machines speak for themselves,” Patrick explained. “But the support we get from Powerscreen, and especially Randy Wyrick, made a huge difference. It’s not just a business transaction…it’s a partnership.”

Randy Wyrick, a CBI Specialist at Powerscreen of California, brings years of experience to benefit his customers. His consultative approach helped the Kern County team get the most out of their equipment, whether through operator training, maintenance tips, or quick access to parts. That support extends beyond the initial purchase, forming a long-term relationship built on reliability and trust.

The CBI Magnum Force 6800CT is a powerful horizontal grinder designed to break down large volumes of wood waste and other materials into small, consistent sized pieces. Patrick’s operators load the wood waste into the 6800 where it is fed through a heavy-duty rotor that then grinds the material down using high speed, durable teeth. Once the material has been grinded down it then passes over a sizing screen which ensures only precisely sized material makes it through. Any oversized material is kept inside the grinding chamber until processed to the correct size. With the 6800CT’s 15% larger screening area compared to its predecessor, the 6800BT, and a screening capacity wrapping around over 190°, this grinder is sure to keep Kern County processing material at a faster and more accurate rate.

The grinder’s durability is equally impressive. A reinforced shaft and bearing system, paired with an optional 1200hp CAT C32 engine, allow it to process the toughest wood waste with ease. CBI’s signature offset helix rotor distributes material evenly and reduces energy loss, which means lower fuel consumption and higher output, exactly what a county operation needs. This setup helps the machine consistently produce high quality output, even in high demand operations like the ones that Kern County deals with, producing rates over 200 tons per hour.

The CBI 5800BT also holds its own, offering similar power in a smaller, more transport-friendly package. This upswing grinder is engineered with mobility in mind, making it ideal for contractors and agencies that must comply with transportation weight restrictions. Like its larger model, the 5800BT never compromises on strength or throughput, powered by a 765hp CAT C18 engine and designed with the same rugged efficiency CBI is known for.

Local Support That Makes a Difference

Another factor that solidified Kern County’s loyalty to Powerscreen of California was the recent opening of a new parts and service facility in Taft, California, just 30 minutes from their base of operations. For Patrick and his crew, this proximity means more than just convenience, it is a game changer.

“I was really happy when I found out they opened the Taft shop,” Patrick shared. “If I need a part, I can usually call and head over the same day. That kind of responsiveness keeps us up and running.” With demanding schedules and multiple locations to cover, minimizing downtime is critical. The availability of parts, combined with the mobile-friendly design of the CBI grinders, enables Kern County to operate at peak efficiency without sacrificing quality or production.

High Performance, High Satisfaction

For Patrick Davis and the Kern County Public Works Department, the investment in CBI grinders has more than paid off. The machines have not only met but exceeded expectations for throughput, durability, and ease of use. More importantly, the partnership with Powerscreen of California has ensured continued success through dependable service and expert guidance. “The production rates we’ve seen are outstanding,” Patrick confirmed. “We’re very happy with the machines and even happier with the support we’ve received.”

As Kern County continues to lead the way in sustainable waste management and public works operations, their grinder fleet, anchored by CBI and backed by Powerscreen of California, remains a key part of the equation.