How to Choose Attachments for Roadside Maintenance

There are many reasons to have a roadside maintenance program to keep roadsides and right-of-ways orderly.

Overgrowth and debris can threaten sightlines and drainage, causing safety problems.

Maintaining the area can be also be a challenge because of a mix of that overgrowth along with debris and unpredictable terrain.

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 control.

How to work safely with equipment attachments

The company has come up with a handy guide on the right attachments for specific roadside maintenance tasks.

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 can also help reduce operator fatigue and improve consistency throughout the workday.

Brush, limb, and tree control for roadside maintenance

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.

• DM360: Pairing attachment technology with the company's field-tested carrier platform, the DM360 offers enhanced visibility, a 360-degree rotating cab, three steering modes, and maneuverability for roadside and utility right-of-way work. This carrier pairs seamlessly 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.
• Drum Mulcher: The company'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 and depth control configurations, it maintains stability on uneven shoulders and ditch lines and quickly processes material up to 9 inches in diameter.

Learn more about brush clearing for land management

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 its disc-style blades to contour road edges, smooth transitions from road to ditch, and eliminate clumps and buildup that contribute to drainage issues.

Choosing a roadside maintenance 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.

Happy cutting!