Efficient grass cutting has long been a challenge for both agriculture and solar power plants. While mowing itself does not directly generate revenue through harvest or electricity, failing to control fast-growing weeds can reduce solar panel efficiency, damage components, and raise maintenance costs significantly.
Limitations of Ride-On Mowers
Ride-on mowers are widely used in Japan as a quick and efficient solution for large areas. However, their design makes them unsuitable for steep slopes or narrow terrains.
For example, the space beneath solar panel arrays is often too small for a ride-on mower to operate. Steep slopes also present serious safety risks for workers. As a result, most solar farms rely on a hybrid approach: ride-on mowers for open areas, and handheld grass trimmers for under-panel and slope maintenance.
Yet, handheld trimmers—usually limited to about 2 meters in reach—force workers to crouch, crawl, or cut directly on unstable slopes. This slows productivity and increases physical strain.
The Shift Toward Remote Controlled Lawn Mowers
Faced with these challenges, the solar industry has turned to remote controlled lawn mowers as a safer and more efficient alternative. Until recently, most available models were produced in Europe, designed for large sloped landscapes, and priced so high that they rivaled premium imported ride-on mowers.
Now, Japanese manufacturers have entered the market with smaller, more affordable industrial mowers for solar farms.
A Powerful Solution for Solar and Industrial Sites
In July, the MC700 Remote Controlled Crawler Mower was introduced as a powerful solution for industrial mowing in solar farms, airports, and large-scale facilities. Unlike smaller consumer models, the MC700 is designed for heavy-duty performance in challenging terrains.
- High-performance engine: Powered by a 15.5 kW Honda gasoline engine combined with a 3 kW electric motor, delivering strong cutting capability for continuous operation.
- Crawler track system: Tank-style tracks ensure excellent traction and stability on uneven ground, mud, and steep slopes.
- Slope performance: Capable of safely climbing and mowing on slopes up to 45 degrees, making it ideal for solar power plants and hilly landscapes.
- Cutting capacity: With a blade speed of 3,600 rpm, the mower can cover up to four acres per hour, improving efficiency compared to manual or ride-on mowing.
- Adjustable cutting height: Flexible cutting range allows operators to adapt to different vegetation densities and site requirements.
- Safety protocols: Built-in systems include automatic emergency stop, anti-rollover protection, collision detection, and remote monitoring for safe operation.
- Remote control operation: Industrial-grade remote system with a working range of up to 300 meters, giving operators full control of speed, steering, and blade height from a safe distance.
With its combination of power, safety, and adaptability, the MC700 is one of the most advanced industrial lawn mowers available for professional use in demanding environments.
Benefits in Solar Power Applications
While designed with agriculture in mind, the Spider Mower RC was also tested in solar farms before release.
Key benefits included:
- Accessibility: Its compact size allows it to pass through narrow gates and steep access roads where only handheld trimmers were previously feasible.
- Operator safety: Workers can mow safely from a distance, avoiding direct contact with bees, snakes, and other hazards. During tests, bees attacked the mower instead of the operator.
- Uninterrupted control: The mower complies with radio frequency standards, ensuring smooth operation even near solar power equipment.
Conclusion: Smarter Grass Management for Solar Efficiency
Weeds remain a hidden but serious challenge for solar power plants, potentially cutting electricity generation by up to 15% if left unmanaged. With compact, remote controlled lawn mowers like BotusMov MC700, operators can now maintain difficult terrains, steep slopes, and under-panel areas more efficiently and safely—while reducing labor costs and improving long-term solar output.
Remote controlled industrial mowers are no longer a luxury but a necessary tool in sustainable solar farm management.
