Maximize Winter Work: Top Revenue-Generating Jobs, Equipment for Land Management Pros

Tue December 17, 2024
Diamond Mowers

For land clearing contractors, winter often brings a slowdown in work, especially in regions where vegetation management takes a backseat during colder weather.

However, with the right strategy and equipment, winter can present an opportunity to take on new jobs. By offering specialized, seasonally tailored services, contractors can maintain consistent revenue streams and even grow their client base.

Diamond Mowers' versatile attachments are designed to help professionals tackle a wide range of winter jobs with efficiency and precision. Following are six revenue-generating opportunities to keep contractors' businesses thriving all year long:

Winter Storm Cleanup

Winter storms can wreak havoc, leaving behind fallen limbs, tree trunks and debris that obstruct roads and pathways. By offering prompt storm cleanup services, contractors can address urgent community needs while generating valuable revenue.

Assisting property owners and municipalities in clearing hazardous obstructions not only restores safety but also reinforces their role as a reliable resource in times of crisis.

"When severe winter weather strikes, it can leave a trail of destruction and debris that clutters the landscape and creates significant issues for landowners. Quickly clearing this debris is essential for ensuring safety, supporting sustainability and restoring the land's functionality and appearance so landowners can get back to work," said Jordan Hagena, new product specialist at Diamond Mowers.

With the right equipment, storm debris can be efficiently broken down and removed. For example, Diamond offers disc mulchers engineered for use with skid steers and excavators that can cut through trees and brush up to 14 in. diameter and shred material up to 6 in. diameter.

Diamond's drum mulchers are compatible with skid steers and excavators, too. For skid steers, the mulchers come in open and depth control models and are designed to continuously mulch material up to 9 in. in diameter. For excavators, Diamond offers 30 in. and 50 in. depth control options, delivering powerful, versatile solutions for storm cleanups of all sizes.

Photo courtesy of Diamond Mowers

Diamond's skid steer disc mulcher BD Pro X is perfect for processing heavy-duty vegetation.

Agricultural Field Preparation

Winter is ideal for agricultural operations to prepare fields for spring planting because clearing stumps, brush and other vegetation during the off-season helps to lay the groundwork for a productive growing season.

"Offering winter field prep services can be a highly profitable niche, especially for farms and agricultural operations looking to maximize their spring yield," Hagena said. "Starting early provides more time to thoroughly assess and prepare a property for planting or construction."

A brush cutter is an excellent tool for efficiently cutting through thick grass, shrubs, branches and small trees. This versatile, all-in-one attachment combines power and adaptability, making it ideal for reclaiming property, controlling overgrowth and managing unwanted vegetation.

For large-scale land clearing, Diamond's skid steer disc mulcher BD Pro X is perfect for processing heavy-duty vegetation due to a two-speed motor that delivers industry-leading torque for optimal performance and productivity, according to the manufacturer. Additionally, the drum mulcher DC Pro is designed for small to mid-size skid steers and features a bent-axis piston motor for faster spool-up and greater force to tackle larger and denser material with ease.

Photo courtesy of Diamond Mowers

The drum mulcher DC Pro is designed for small to mid-size skid steers and features a bent-axis piston motor for faster spool-up and greater force to tackle larger and denser material with ease.

Vegetation Control for Wildlife Management, Trail Maintenance

The cold months present an ideal time for landowners to manage their properties for wildlife, whether preparing for hunting season or supporting conservation efforts. Controlling overgrown vegetation improves access for wildlife and helps sustain a healthy ecosystem.

"Removing dead or diseased trees is more efficient during winter because the frozen ground minimizes disruption caused by heavy equipment, and the hardened sap in trees makes them easier to cut and mulch," said Hagena.

For large brush and tree removal, a depth control drum mulcher is a highly effective tool. Designed to pull entire trees into its deck, this robust attachment is built to withstand heavy ground engagement, making it ideal for demanding land management tasks.

Diamond's drum mulcher DC Pro and Pro X are equipped with sharp planer teeth, which deliver maximum productivity and help to create an aesthetically pleasing mulch on the first pass.

The excavator disc mulcher processes material up to 12 in. in diameter to assist in forestry management and land reclamation, while a stump grinder is essential for clearing remaining trunks and roots once trees are removed.

Public parks, private lands and recreational areas also require maintenance during the winter to keep trails and pathways safe and accessible for hikers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. By providing these services, land management professionals equipped with the right tools can deliver significant value to park services and private landowners, creating an excellent off-season revenue stream.

Photo courtesy of Diamond Mowers

Diamond's drum mulcher open drum (OD) Pro X takes fire mitigation and cleanup a step further by efficiently mulching vegetation or the burnt remnants of previous fires, returning valuable nutrients to the soil and fostering a healthier ecosystem.

Fire Mitigation Services

Fire mitigation doesn't pause for winter. In wildfire-prone regions, the colder months provide an ideal opportunity to clear potential fire hazards, such as overgrown brush and dead trees, helping to reduce risks before the next fire season.

"Thinning or removing these fuels creates open areas that act as barriers, reducing the spread and intensity of fires and making it harder for them to encroach on valuable land," Hagena said. "Contractors can offer this essential service to landowners in fire-prone areas, such as rural regions or those susceptible to seasonal dry spells, as a proactive measure to protect homes, farmland and other properties from the devastating effects of wildfires."

Mulching heads and brush cutters are excellent for managing thick, flammable vegetation, helping to reduce fire risks before dry conditions set in. Diamond's drum mulcher open drum (OD) Pro X takes fire mitigation and cleanup a step further by efficiently mulching vegetation or the burnt remnants of previous fires, returning valuable nutrients to the soil and fostering a healthier ecosystem.

Outfitted with twin maul carbide teeth, the OD Pro X delivers exceptional durability and performance, excelling in heavy abrasion and ground contact while offering a significantly longer lifespan than traditional steel teeth, according to the manufacturer. These interchangeable teeth provide balance and adaptability across various terrains, including rocky landscapes and fire-prone areas. With reduced maintenance requirements, the OD Pro X is a dependable solution for rigorous applications like fire mitigation.

Photo courtesy of Diamond Mowers

The excavator disc mulcher processes material up to 12 in. in diameter to assist in forestry management and land reclamation, while a stump grinder is essential for clearing remaining trunks and roots once trees are removed.

Infrastructure Protection

Protecting roads, utility lines and other critical infrastructure from encroaching vegetation is a year-round priority. Winter provides a perfect window for this work as reduced foliage allows easier access to dense vegetation. Utility companies and municipalities often seek contractors equipped with brush cutters or mulchers for right-of-way maintenance to clear vegetation near power lines, roadways and pipelines. These services not only improve roadway safety and drainage but also reduce erosion and mitigate infrastructure risks during harsh winter conditions.

Site Preparation for New Developments

Winter is an ideal time for site preparation, offering land clearing contractors a chance to assist developers in clearing land for upcoming construction projects. The season's frozen, hardened ground is firmer, which prevents rutting, while reduced foliage improves visibility, making it easier to work and mulch efficiently. Additionally, the cold causes vegetation to harden, allowing it to shatter and process more easily during mulching.

"While most construction shifts indoors during the winter, site preparation and development can continue because contractors can take advantage of frozen ground and reduced foliage to streamline the process," said Hagena.

Winter doesn't have to mean a slowdown for land management professionals. With the right equipment, contractors can fill their winter schedules providing seasonal services that sustain steady revenue streams. From storm cleanup and fire prevention to agricultural field preparation and right-of-way maintenance, these winter projects diversify service offerings while maximizing the value of existing equipment investments. By seizing these opportunities, land management professionals can remain profitable and productive all year long.

For more information, visit www.diamondmowers.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.