Choosing the Right Attachments for Safe, Efficient Roadside Maintenance

When sightlines, drainage and safety are on the line, the right roadside attachment can make all the difference. Crews face a constant mix of overgrowth, debris and unpredictable terrain that can quickly turn into hazards if the job isn't handled with the right equipment.

Overgrown brush can limit visibility, while erosion accelerates when drainage ditches are clogged and can't keep up," said Matt Nelson, director of development of Diamond Mowers. "Add in labor constraints and seasonal demands and operators are often asked to cover more ground with fewer resources. The right attachments help operators manage these risks with confidence."

Drawing on years of real-world experience designing and manufacturing roadside equipment, Diamond Mowers recommends that operators first consider what they're cutting, where they're working and the level of control and finish the job requires. Once these factors are defined, they can identify the best equipment for the work at hand both for productivity and operator comfort and control.

Right Tools for Every Job

Roadside maintenance demands versatility. While equipment options vary by carrier and region, most crews rely on a mix of mowing, mulching and ditching tools to stay productive across changing conditions. Following are key considerations to help operators choose the right tools for every task.

1. Wide-area and shoulder mowing: For grassy shoulders, medians and rights-of-way, clean cutting and dependable reach are essential, especially in high-traffic environments.

• Flail mower: Designed for fine-cut applications with minimal thrown debris and high-traffic areas, flail mowers are most productive on grass, weeds and light brush, making them go-to tools for parkways, boulevards, airports and other areas where clean results and safety come first.

• Rotary mower: Built for speed and power, a rotary mower is another strong choice for cutting grass, weeds and brush. Units with smart hydraulics can help stabilize temperatures and reduce chaff buildup, while those with durable blade and disc designs can improve longevity and reduce time spent on maintenance.

• Boom mower: Boom mowers add precision and stability for long mowing runs and uneven shoulders. If the head is mounted between the axles, operators can take advantage of a more balanced weight, improved traction and enhanced performance on slopes and soft ground. By extending reach and improving visibility from inside the cab, some boom setups also can help reduce operator fatigue and improve consistency throughout the workday.

2. Brush, limb and tree control: When roadside vegetation becomes dense and woody, mulching attachments offer the power and control needed to keep the right-of-way clear and can reduce the need for additional handling or cleanup. "Mulching is a practical option when crews need to process material on the spot and keep the work area cleaner and safer," said Nelson.

• DM360: Pairing Diamond's attachment technology with a field-tested carrier platform, the DM360 offers enhanced visibility, a 360 degree rotating cab, three steering modes and outstanding maneuverability for roadside and utility right-of-way work, according to Diamond. This dedicated carrier pairs with several Diamond attachments, replacing multiple pieces of equipment with a single unit. Stability and operator comfort also make it ideal for crews tackling long corridors or high-traffic environments.

• Boom drum mulcher: Designed for use in hard-to-reach roadside areas, a boom drum mulcher delivers one-pass cutting, processing and cleanup that can outperform skid steers and excavators. Diamond's model features an unobtrusive design that enhances visibility, while a high-capacity hydraulic motor, optimized infeed and optional bolt-on door provide controlled, contained mulching, according to Diamond Mowers.

• Drum mulcher: Diamond's drum mulcher is built from direct contractor input and designed to help reduce operating costs over time when paired with advanced tooth technology. Available in open drum (OD) and depth control (DC) configurations, it maintains stability on uneven shoulders and ditch lines and quickly processes material up to 9 in. in diameter, according to Diamond.

3. Ditch and drainage maintenance: Proper drainage is essential for preventing roadbed failure and erosion. Over time, sediment and debris can block culverts and fill ditches, creating standing water that weakens infrastructure.

• Boom ditcher: A boom ditcher clears ditch lines and culverts to help crews restore water movement quickly, reducing flood risk and protecting road surfaces.

• Gravel reclaimer: Ideal for removing berms, restoring shoulders and reclaiming gravel to improve runoff and enhance safety, a gravel reclaimer uses it's disc-style blades to contour road edges, smooth transitions from road to ditch and eliminate clumps and buildup that contribute to drainage issues.

Choosing the Right Boom Attachment

Selecting the right boom attachment depends on the type of vegetation and terrain being worked on, as well as the desired finish. Each one is engineered to keep operators safe and productive while delivering clean, consistent roadside results. In general:

• Flail mowers produce a fine finish, throw little debris and are ideal for removing grass and light brush near heavy-traffic areas

• Rotary mowers feature high torque speeds to power through dense brush and small trees, making them perfect for wide shoulders and slopes

• Drum mulchers offer maximum power for heavy brush and tree removal with controlled mulch output

"Every cut, pass and roadside mile depends on the right attachment doing its job," said Nelson. "By matching equipment to vegetation, terrain and safety needs, crews can work more efficiently, improve visibility, protect drainage and reduce risk without overextending operators or their machines."

Diamond Mowers offers a wide range of specialized vegetation management attachments compatible with most tractor, skid steer, wheel loader and excavator brands.

For more information, visit diamondmowers.com.