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3/17/2026
Compiled by Bridget Dean, Associate Editor
Danella Rental Systems Inc. continues to offer the latest advancements in hi-rail vegetation management equipment, company officials said in an email. Notably, its mobile elevating work platforms assist rail crews with a variety of vegetation management, bridge and tunnel inspection, and overhead catenary installation and maintenance needs.
Danella’s mobile elevating work platforms are designed to be technically advanced, low-emission hi-rail access platforms capable of traveling at speeds up to 10 mph depending on track grade. The platforms feature 360-degree continuous rotation, 180-degree basket rotation, a 990-pound capacity basket and a working height of up to 52 feet.
The system also features a command control with a touch screen dynamic display featuring full diagnostic information.
The hybrid system offers a super battery with up to 50 hours of continuous power that only takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge, Danella officials said.
Knox Kershaw Inc. provides a powerful vegetation management solution by combining the rugged build quality of the KSF940 Snow Fighter with the proven cutting performance of the 60-inch Blue Diamond Open Front Extreme Duty Brush Cutter, company officials said.
Designed for seamless integration with ballast regulators and snow fighters, the attachment uses existing hydraulic systems to transform seasonal maintenance equipment into a versatile, year-round right-of-way vegetation tool.
At the heart of the system is the 60-inch Blue Diamond brush cutter head, Knox Kershaw officials said. Capable of tackling tall grass, dense brush, saplings and heavy overgrowth, the cutter head features heavy-duty blade carriers and uses bi-directional cutting action to maximize productivity while minimizing wear. The open-front design enhances material flow for cleaner, more efficient cutting in demanding conditions, company officials said.
A robust hydraulic boom assembly provides 165 degrees of forward and rearward articulation, enabling operators to precisely position the cutter head along embankments, ditch lines, around signal infrastructure and into encroaching canopy areas. This flexible range of motion ensures efficient vegetation control in hard-to-reach areas without the need to bring in additional equipment, company officials said.
Built for the rigorous demands of railway right-of-way maintenance, the integrated solution expands equipment capability beyond ballast regulating and snow removal, they added. The result is increased asset utilization, reduced capital investment for dedicated vegetation machines, and dependable performance for long-term right-of-way management, Knox Kershaw officials said.
RCE Equipment Solutions supplies hi-rail and dedicated on-track construction equipment designed to meet the evolving needs of railroad maintenance operations. Among its common configurations, RCE equips full-size RAILAVATOR® excavators with rotating drum mulching mowers, allowing crews to efficiently clear moderate-to-heavy brush while leaving finely processed ground cover, company officials said.
Recently, a railroad requested a similar mulching capability on a smaller hi-rail platform for work in tighter, hard-to-access areas. To meet this requirement, RCE selected the John Deere 50P RAILAVATOR®, a compact excavator known for its mobility and transport efficiency.
The 50P features an RCE-exclusive expandable undercarriage that allows the machine to straddle the rail for over-the-side stability, RCE officials said. This capability is critical when performing vegetation management near track structures, bridges, signal installations and embankments where clearance and footing are limited, they added.
For this application, the 50P was outfitted with a John Deere ME36 mulching mower. The lightweight ME36 operates on the same principles as mulching heads used on larger excavators and is precisely matched to the hydraulic output of the 50P, providing effective brush-clearing performance without sacrificing machine stability or control, according to RCE.
Weighing just under 16,000 pounds, the John Deere 50P RAILAVATOR® can be transported on most medium-duty tag trailers, allowing for efficient movement between job sites. The unit is available for purchase and as part of RCE’s rental fleet, offering railroads a flexible solution for vegetation management and right-of-way maintenance, RCE officials said.
Vegetation management along rail corridors remains a critical component of safe and efficient rail operations. Vancer continues to support railroads with purpose-built hi-rail excavators and attachment solutions designed to address a wide range of vegetation challenges on and around the track, company officials said.
Vancer’s hi-rail excavators are available in multiple models to accommodate varying horsepower and job requirements. The machines offer multi-tool functionality and can be paired with attachments for mowing, mulching, cutting and material handling.
Drum-style mulching heads grind trees and stumps, while mower decks efficiently handle grass and weeds along right-of-way areas. Chainsaw attachments with integrated grapple systems allow operators to quickly remove branches, and tow carts enable bulk material movement, Vancer officials said.
For applications requiring increased maneuverability, Vancer also supports vegetation management with skid steers and multi-terrain loaders equipped with tools for brush removal, mowing and mulching to maintain clear rail line paths.
Additionally, the Huddig 1260 and 1370 offer an articulating center pivot system and the ability to use multiple attachments, providing added flexibility for rail maintenance and vegetation control, Vancer officials said. Together, these solutions enable rail operators to tailor equipment to site-specific needs while maintaining productivity in demanding environments.