Gator Getter Debris Removal Tool
- Equipment
Innovation
MoDOT wanted a way to remove debris from the roadway that was safer for both motorists and highway workers, while also avoiding lane closures.
The device collects all debris from general trash, remnants of blown-out tractor-trailer tires and car tires, and animal carcasses. The Gator Getter travels with traffic so MoDOT no longer has to provide traffic control or close lanes for debris removal.
The Gator Getter is custom built to attach to MoDOT's heavy duty trucks.
Benefit and Implementation
Increased safety to motorists and highway employees by using a truck for trash and debris pickup instead of a highway crew working alongside traffic. Because the Gator Getter operates in the midst of traffic, MoDOT no longer has to provide traffic control or close lanes while removing debris. Workers normally assigned to debris removal can be used on other maintenance jobs. Debris removal jobs that used to require four people now require only one. The Gator Getter is also helping MoDOT with their recycling efforts by using the tires and tread collected as tire-derived fuel for power plants or in construction projects. Since 2005, MoDOT has collected over 256,000 tires.
