How the FAE RCU55 Remote-Controlled Mulcher Makes Brushworks the Leader in Hillside and Steep Terrain Clearing
Steep terrain is one of the biggest challenges in land clearing—and most contractors simply refuse to touch it. But at Brushworks, we invested in one of the most advanced hillside mulching machines in the world: the FAE RCU55, a fully remote-controlled tracked unit purpose-built for extreme slopes, creek banks, ditches, and retention areas where traditional equipment cannot safely operate.
What truly sets Brushworks apart isn't just owning this machine—it's having Zach, Ohio's most experienced RCU55 operator, with thousands of hours of real-world hillside clearing under his belt. This combination of cutting-edge equipment and elite operator skill allows Brushworks to tackle land that others can't touch.
Why Hillside Clearing Is a Specialized Service
When property owners face overgrown hillsides, creek banks, or steep retention areas, traditional land clearing equipment simply doesn't work—and can be outright dangerous.
Standard skid steers and compact track loaders are prone to rollover accidents on slopes, cause severe turf damage, and increase erosion risks due to their weight and aggressive track patterns. Most contractors refuse steep jobs entirely because they lack the equipment and training to handle them safely.
This leaves homeowners, HOAs, municipalities, and commercial property managers stuck with overgrown terrain that threatens stormwater management systems, creates fire hazards, blocks sightlines, and degrades property value.
That's where Brushworks comes in. With our FAE RCU55 remote-controlled mulcher and expert operator, we safely reclaim hillsides and steep terrain that no one else will touch.
Introducing the FAE RCU55
The FAE RCU55 is a purpose-built, remote-controlled tracked mulching carrier designed to clear vegetation on slopes up to 55 degrees—terrain that would be impossible or deadly for traditional equipment.
Key Features:
- Fully remote-controlled operation for maximum operator safety
- Low center of gravity and steel track design for extreme stability
- High-flow mulching head capable of clearing trees up to 8" diameter
- Minimal ground disturbance compared to bulldozers or excavators
- Can operate on slopes, creek banks, ditches, and retention ponds
This machine allows vegetation to be ground into erosion-preventing mulch in place, without hauling debris off-site or causing catastrophic soil disturbance.
Why the Operator Matters More Than the Machine
Owning a $250,000+ piece of equipment is one thing. Knowing how to maximize its efficiency, safety, and end-result quality is another entirely.
Meet Zach McCullar, Brushworks' lead remote mulcher operator and one of the most experienced RCU operators in the country.
Zach's Experience:
- Former dealer and trainer for remote-controlled mulching machines
- Has logged more hours on RCU machines than anyone else in Ohio
- Specialized in extreme terrain clearing for residential, commercial, and government projects
- Trained other operators across the United States on safe and effective hillside clearing techniques
When you hire Brushworks for hillside clearing, you're not just renting access to a machine—you're hiring unmatched expertise that ensures your project is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.
Customer trust: you're not just hiring equipment—you're hiring a proven professional with a track record of successful projects across Ohio.
Real-World Applications
Creek Bank Clearing
Prevent erosion and restore access to waterways while preserving riparian buffers and water quality.
Retention Pond Maintenance
Keep HOA and commercial stormwater systems clear and compliant with minimal disruption.
Highway Embankment Clearing
Safely restore sightlines and manage vegetation along road infrastructure without road closures.
Pipeline & Utility ROW Management
Maintain utility corridors and right-of-ways on steep terrain with precision and safety.
Hillside Residential Reclamation
Transform overgrown hillside properties into usable, beautiful, and safe outdoor spaces.
Fire Risk Reduction
Remove dense brush and dead vegetation from slopes to reduce wildfire hazards.
Environmental and Safety Advantages
Unlike bulldozers, excavators, or traditional clearing methods, the FAE RCU55 offers significant environmental and safety benefits:
- No dozing or grading required – Vegetation is mulched in place, preserving topsoil structure
- Minimal ground disturbance – Steel tracks distribute weight evenly, reducing compaction and erosion
- Erosion control – Mulch acts as a protective layer that prevents soil washout during rain events
- Operator safety – Remote operation keeps the operator at a safe distance from hazardous terrain
- Wildfire risk reduction – Removes dead, dense vegetation that fuels fires
- Improved sightlines and property access – Restores visibility and usability without destroying the land
This approach allows Brushworks to restore hillsides responsibly—without causing the environmental damage associated with traditional heavy equipment.
What to Expect with a Brushworks Hillside Clearing Project
1. Assessment Process
Every hillside project begins with a thorough site evaluation. We assess slope angle, vegetation density, access points, and any environmental considerations (creek buffers, protected species, erosion risks). This allows us to provide an accurate, transparent quote and set clear expectations.
2. Safety Protocols
Safety is non-negotiable. Our remote-controlled operation keeps Zach at a safe distance while maintaining full control of the machine. We follow strict protocols for steep terrain work, including slope analysis, machine positioning, and emergency procedures.
3. Before/After Results
When the job is complete, your hillside will be transformed from overgrown and inaccessible to clean, mulched, and ready for maintenance. The mulch finish left behind prevents erosion, retains moisture, and can be maintained long-term with a Ventrac mower or similar equipment.
You'll have full visibility, reduced fire risk, improved stormwater management, and restored property value—all without the environmental destruction caused by traditional clearing methods.
Why Brushworks Is the #1 Hillside Clearing Provider in Ohio
Most land clearing companies in Ohio don't own hillside equipment—and the few that do don't have operators with Zach's level of experience.
What Makes Brushworks Different:
- Only company in Ohio with both the FAE RCU55 and a nationally-recognized expert operator
- Transparent project-based pricing – No daily rate gimmicks or surprise charges
- Proven track record with residential, commercial, HOA, and government projects
- Elite operator skill that maximizes machine efficiency and project outcomes
- Environmental responsibility – We restore land, not destroy it
When steep terrain needs clearing, there's only one company in Ohio with the machine, the operator, and the track record to get it done right: Brushworks.
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Brushworks has the machine—and the operator—to reclaim it safely and professionally.