DETROIT (WWJ) -- The landscaping along freeways in the City of Detroit is receiving a high-tech haircut, thanks to a series of newly-deployed remote-controlled lawnmowers.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Jon Hewett there are now five of these "robot" mowers in use by the city — helping to mow the grass along the more than 240 miles of freeway that Detroit's General Services Department must maintain.
Terry Payne, Director of Payne Landscaping, which contracts with the city, says his fleet of RC mowers offers a distinct safety advantage.
"In the past I've had guys, when we had riding mowers, they actually fell over in the freeway," Payne said. "This is more comfortable; you just walk behind it and you just follow the machine."
"You could be safe 50 feet from it and you still can operate it."
It was two years ago that the city took over highway maintenance from the State of Michigan, and Hewett says the new RC mower fleet is being credited with helping the level of service provided.