Decatur considers remote controlled lawn mowers

Finding the best way to maintain the riverbank has been a point in discussion over the past several years. Within these conversations, it was realized that along with the riverbank, side ditches and retention ponds also posed similar challenges when it came to mowing. City Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert explained that in the past, they have tried taking a regular tractor to these areas, which often result in getting stuck and having to get the vehicle towed. He added that the steepness of the area as well creates a safety concern for the employees.

“If we are going to maintain these better and eliminate some of our site distance problems for motor vehicles and improve employee safety, we need to go with a little different technology than we have,” explained Gilbert. “The last couple years, going to different conferences, I have looked at some options and the only thing that is out there is an RC Mower.”

The RC Mowers are remote controlled mowers, which could operate on the steep slopes and soft grounds that give Gilbert and his crew troubles. The mower is a zero-turned and can have the proper blades attached to handle the different needs of the city. On the slopes, the mower can have an attachment that locks it into the top of a hill and then can wench it out if it gets stuck.

On April 26th, Gilbert and Mayor Rickord had the opportunity to demo one of these, and both were very impressed at its capabilities, especially as it pertained to employee safety. In the past they have contracted some of the bank and ditch work out and the companies have come back to them after completing the job saying that they would be unable to do the job in the future due to the challenges

unless the prices were hiked. Gilbert also noted that they have used county equipment in the past but doing that has put them at the mercy of their schedules.

“As you mow these areas, you are going to get rid of the weeds and the other stuff and the grass is going to have an opportunity to grow,” he stated.

The price of one of the mowers is $59,497.50 according to a source well state bid. The money for the equipment would come out of the storm water funds, since it will be used to maintain ditches and other waterways.

“When I watched it on the riverbanks, it was pretty amazing, in addition to the safety it brings to employees,” stated Rickord. “I think you will find a lot of places where you could actually use this. It’s low track, it weighs like 1800 pounds, so it doesn’t roll, it’s a pretty nice unit.”

The purchase of the equipment was motioned for by Craig Coshow and unanimously passed by the Board of Works.