The California Department of Transportation District 2 announces the addition of a remote-controlled mower for roadside vegetation management. Crews use the mower to safely and efficiently clear vegetation on steeper slopes that were previously inaccessible to standard equipment. Operated from a safe distance, the mower reduces the risk of injury associated with rollovers or working near moving traffic.
Caltrans said the mower is one way it continues to explore innovative ways to enhance efficiency and safety for its crews and the traveling public. Trimming grasses and vegetation on highway embankments has historically required manual labor using handheld gasoline-powered weed eaters, especially in areas where conventional mowers can’t be used due to rollover risks. These manual operations pose safety hazards for workers, who must navigate uneven terrain close to active roadways.
This technology not only helps protect Caltrans employees but also allows more ground to be covered in less time, improving overall roadside maintenance and visibility for motorists, said Caltrans. The remote-controlled mower is just one of many tools Caltrans said it is using to modernize operations and reinforce its commitment to safety and innovation.
