Running a small highway department? You don’t need a million-dollar fleet, but you do need the right tools to keep your roads safe and your crew productive. The good news is, with a solid core set of equipment, even the smallest towns can punch well above their weight when it comes to road maintenance. Here’s a look at the must-haves.

Dump Truck (or Two or Three or…)

If there’s one piece of equipment no highway department should be without, it’s a dump truck. Hauling gravel, sand, salt, millings, debris, you name it. Dump trucks are the workhorses of the yard.
Pro tip: a mid-size single-axle is a great place to start. If your budget allows, having a tandem axle in the fleet gives you more hauling power for big jobs.

Loader (Front-End Loader or Backhoe Loader)

When you need to move a pile of material, load trucks, or clear snow, a loader is your best friend. A backhoe loader gives you extra versatility. You can dig with it, trench, and do light excavation.
For general use, many small departments find that a loader with a bucket and forks attachment covers a lot of ground.

Grader or Grading Attachment

If your town maintains dirt or gravel roads, a grader is worth its weight in gold. Grading keeps the roads smooth, sheds water properly, and prevents washboarding.
Can’t justify a full-size motor grader? Look into a grading box or drag blade you can tow behind a truck or tractor.

Skid Steer

A good skid steer is one of the most versatile machines you’ll own. With the right attachments, it can:

• Clean sidewalks
• Patch potholes
• Sweep intersections
• Move materials
• Handle small snow removal jobs

Plus, they’re easy to transport and great for tight spots where a big loader can’t fit.

Mowers & Brush Cutters

Managing roadside vegetation is an ongoing job. At minimum, your department should have:

• A boom mower or flail mower for ditch banks and guardrails
• A rotary cutter or brush hog for wide-open areas

Keeping shoulders and ditches clear improves sight lines and drainage, and it helps prevent invasive species from taking hold.

Plow & Spreader Equipment

If you get snow , and most of us do, make sure your dump trucks are equipped with plows and salt/sand spreaders. Smaller plows for pickups are handy for parking lots and narrow roads.

Reminder: be sure to have authorization before purchasing new plow setups as they can add up fast!

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

These aren’t headline-grabbing machines, but they’re vital for keeping the operation running:

• Trailer: for moving your skid steer and other small equipment
• Compact roller: for asphalt patching and shoulder work
• Air compressor: for powering tools and inflating tires
• Portable generator & lights: for emergency and night work

Even a small highway department can stay highly effective with a well-chosen fleet. Focus on versatility – machines that can handle multiple jobs help you get more done without stretching your budget.

And one last thing: always make sure your purchases are approved and properly budgeted. No one wants to explain an unplanned $75K loader to the town board!