Wilson Ag, based in Shafter, California, leads the way in full-service orchard and vineyard removal, providing complete redevelopment solutions across the state. Running multiple CBI 6800CT Horizontal Grinders purchased from Powerscreen of California, Nevada, & Hawaii to power their grinding process, breaking down removed orchard material quickly and efficiently to prepare the land for replanting. 

With decades of experience and a deep respect for the land, Wilson Ag has become a trusted name for growers across the state, offering complete “cradle to grave” redevelopment services that span the entire lifecycle of an orchard, from removal to restoration. At the heart of their success are their CBI 6800CT Horizontal Grinders, these machines play a vital role in Wilson Ag’s operations by breaking down large volumes of orchard material, such as whole trees, stumps, and branches into smaller more manageable sized pieces. The material is fed through the 60” x 40” rotor which processes material down, then passes it through a large screening area to deliver consistent and precisely sized material.

Tradition of Farming and Forward Thinking

Founded in 1965, Wilson Ag is one of California’s longest-standing orchard removal companies. Their leadership team includes generational farmers, giving them a unique understanding of what growers need when it’s time to remove or redevelop aging orchards and vineyards. This background informs their meticulous approach, not just removing trees, but ensuring the land is clean, prepped, and ready for the next crop to take root.

According to Michael McManus, Orchard Removal and Redevelopment Manager, this isn’t just a job, it’s stewardship. “We’re farmers at heart,” he shared. “We know how important it is to treat the land with respect and get it in the best shape possible for the future.”

Their reputation for clean removal and efficient turnaround has earned Wilson Ag projects across the entire state. During the visit with Wilson Ag, the team was working a 260-acre almond orchard between Shafter and Lost Hills, grinding trees to make way for the next planting season.

The Right Machine for California’s Demands

To support their large-scale operations, Wilson Ag runs multiple CBI 6800CTs, the flagship grinder from CBI. Designed to outperform every horizontal grinder before it, the 6800CT is the gold standard for companies in land clearing, wood waste processing, and biomass production.

Michael chose the 6800CT for very specific reasons. “This machine checked every box we needed for operating in California,” he said. The 6800CT is a tracked horizontal grinder, meaning it moves easily across large, uneven orchard terrain. Once tree debris such as trunks, limbs, and stumps are fed into the grinder, a large 60”x40” spinning rotor with metal teeth grinds the material into smaller pieces. The “upcut” design means the rotor pulls material upward as it grinds, helping to process it more efficiently. Inside the machine, a built-in screen ensures only material that reaches a certain size passes through, while anything too large is sent back for more grinding. This screening system is easy to access, giving Wilson Ag’s crews better control over output size and simplifying maintenance when adjustments are needed.

CBI’s 6800CT features a 15% larger screening area than the previous generation 6800CT, with a design that wraps more than 190° around the rotor. This allows the machine to process over 200 tons per hour in high volume applications. Powered by a CAT C27 1050hp engine, with an optional CAT C32 1200hp configuration for even greater throughput.

The offset helix rotor is another standout feature. Minimizing energy loss and distributing material evenly across the 24 hammers, ensuring lower fuel consumption while maximizing output. With a rotor size of 60” width by 40” diameter, and a heavy duty 8” shaft, the 6800CT is built for power, precision, and durability.

Efficient Operations, Impressive Results

Since adding the 6800CT grinders to their fleet, Wilson Ag has seen measurable performance improvements. “We’ve experienced about a 15% increase in production compared to the machines we used previously,” Michael noted. “We’re seeing .3 to .5 more acres per hour, depending on the site, and tonnage is averaging around 40 tons per hour.”

That increased efficiency means more ground covered in less time and for Wilson Ag’s customers, it translates to faster project completion and reduced downtime between crop cycles. The 6800CT grinders allow the team to keep pace with their ambitious schedule and maintain the high standards that have defined their name for nearly 60 years.

Beyond the specs, Michael brings a unique perspective to equipment evaluation with his background as a mechanic. “Coming from that side of the industry, I could immediately tell how service-friendly these machines are,” he said. “It’s easy to get in and do what needs to be done, which keeps our downtime minimal, and our uptime maximized.” That ease of maintenance and smart design has been a significant asset for a company like Wilson Ag, where time in the field is critical and every minute counts.

Partnership That Drives Success

Wilson Ag’s relationship with Powerscreen of California, Nevada, & Hawaii has also been a key part of their positive experience. From sales to service, support has been reliable and local. “It’s been great working with Powerscreen of California,” Michael shared. “Our rep is close by, the new Taft service center is only a short drive away, and parts availability has been excellent. We’ve never had to wait long when we needed something.”

Michael gave special praise to Randy Wyrick, CBI Specialist with Powerscreen of California. “Randy checks in with us almost every day,” he said. “That level of communication means a lot. I know that if something comes up, I can call and get help right away. It really is a partnership.”

As the agricultural landscape in California continues to evolve, Wilson Ag remains firmly rooted in its mission of supporting farmers and landowners across the state. With a fleet of CBI 6800CTs and a trusted partner in Powerscreen of California, they’re equipped to lead the charge in sustainable, high-performance orchard redevelopment.

From almond orchards in Kern County to vineyard removals in Northern California, Wilson Ag is setting the bar for what orchard removal and land prep should look like…fast, clean, efficient, and ready for what’s next.