The featured vehicle, a Massey Ferguson agricultural tractor, isn’t plowing fields or harvesting crops—it's reshaping and sanitizing Venice Beach. At 9.5 feet long and weighing up to 14 tons, the machine is designed for stability in the sand, with water-filled tires and additional weights ensuring traction. The 6.6-liter diesel engine delivers 720 pound-feet of torque, giving it the muscle to tow up to 14 tons of equipment.
Darrell Ihrig., a power equipment operator with the County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors, explained that beach cleaning crews start their day as early as 5:00 a.m., working to clear debris and level sand along three miles of Venice Beach coastline before most visitors even arrive.
Equipped with multiple attachments, the tractor can tackle a range of tasks:
- The Beach Tech removes dry sand debris.
- The Barber Surf Rake picks up damp seaweed and mixed trash.
- The Scraper Box levels the beach and fills in holes to maintain a smooth, safe shoreline.
One of the fleet’s most essential tools is the beach sanitizer, an 8-foot-wide cleaning device capable of processing 7.5 acres per hour by sifting sand through multiple screen sizes to remove debris while returning clean sand to the shore. The county’s efforts result in 10,000 tons of trash removed annually, including a staggering 10 tons from Venice Beach alone during the Fourth of July weekend.
Crews also navigate safety challenges, ensuring their attachments—some stretching up to 17 feet wide—avoid hazards like beachgoers and curious children drawn to the massive machinery.
For the operators, the work is more than a job—it’s a passion. “This is my meditation,” said Ihrig, who goes by the nickname “Nate Dog.” “I love what I do, and I wouldn’t prefer anything else.”
With these high-powered machines on duty daily, Angelenos and visitors alike can continue to enjoy cleaner, safer beaches. LA County’s ‘Meet the Fleet’ series offers a glimpse into the hard work and innovation behind essential public services.
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