Steep slopes introduce one of the most serious safety risks in right-of-way (ROW) clearing. Uneven terrain, sudden grade changes, and hidden ground hazards can quickly turn routine mowing into a rollover scenario if the work is not planned and executed correctly.
In hillside environments, safe ROW maintenance is not just about skill in these environments. It is also about understanding slope limits, choosing the right equipment, and taking a deliberate, methodical approach to risk.
At Lanracorp, steep slope ROW mowing is handled with specialized tools, detailed planning, and safety controls designed specifically for these conditions.
Why Steep Slopes Increase Rollover Risk During ROW Clearing
ROW clearing on flat terrain already requires attention to ground conditions. On slopes, those risks multiply.
Even a slight change in terrain can significantly impact equipment stability. A hidden hole, erosion, or soft ground masked by vegetation can cause a sudden shift in grade that exceeds safe operating limits.
Common slope-related hazards include
- Sudden drop-offs caused by sinkholes or erosion
- Inconsistent ground firmness hidden beneath the brush
- Limited room to reposition equipment safely
Without the right safeguards in place, these conditions increase the likelihood of rollovers and operator injury.
Monitoring Slope Limits Before Risk Escalates
Understanding slope angle in real time is critical to preventing accidents. Lanracorp equips its tractors with onboard inclinometers that continuously measure operating angles.
How slope monitoring improves safety
- Equipment is operated within its rated limits
- Audible alerts notify operators when slopes approach unsafe thresholds
- Decisions are made before conditions become dangerous
When slope angles reach approximately 25 degrees, work is stopped and the approach changes. This prevents operators from being pushed beyond safe limits.
Transitioning to Specialized Equipment for Extreme Slopes
When slopes exceed the capabilities of traditional mowing equipment, a different solution is required.
Lanracorp deploys remote-controlled brush mowers designed specifically for steep terrain. These machines are rated for slopes up to 60 degrees and allow operators to remain at a safe distance while work continues.
Advantages of remote-controlled slope equipment
- Significantly reduced rollover risk
- Improved operator safety through remote operation
- Access to terrain conventional equipment cannot safely handle
In areas that exceed even these limits, vegetation is addressed using controlled hand-clearing methods to maintain safety.
Identifying Hazards Before Equipment Enters the ROW
Steep slope work begins long before mowing starts. Prior to any operation, Lanracorp crews walk the ROW to identify conditions that may not be visible from equipment.
Pre-work evaluations focus on
- Flagging easement boundaries over the pipeline
- Identifying sinkholes or sudden grade changes
- Locating areas where vegetation conceals unstable ground
These hazards are marked, documented, and incorporated into the work plan so operators know exactly where added caution is required.
Using GIS to Improve Long-Term Slope Management
Steep slopes are not temporary challenges. They require ongoing awareness across future maintenance cycles.
Lanracorp documents slope grades and identified hazards within its GIS system, providing operators with long-term visibility into corridor conditions.
GIS mapping supports
- Accurate identification of high-risk slope segments
- Better planning for future ROW maintenance
- Consistent use of appropriate equipment in known hazard areas
This data-driven approach reduces uncertainty and improves safety over the life of the ROW.
Taking the Right Approach to Steep Slope ROW Mowing
Steep slope ROW mowing cannot be rushed or approached with standard equipment alone. It requires patience, specialized tools, and a clear understanding of terrain limitations.
By combining slope monitoring, remote-controlled equipment, detailed site evaluations, and GIS documentation, Lanracorp helps pipeline operators safely maintain ROWs in challenging hillside environments. Reach out to us today!
For operators struggling with steep slopes and limited access, having the right partner and the right equipment makes all the difference.