REDDING – Caltrans continues to explore innovative ways to enhance efficiency and safety for its crews and the traveling public. One recent improvement involves the use of remote-control mowers for roadside vegetation management—particularly on steep slopes where traditional equipment and methods fall short.
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.
With the addition of a remote-control mower, District 2 crews can now 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.
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. The remote-control mower is just one of the many tools Caltrans is using to modernize operations and reinforce its commitment to safety and innovation.
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