April 13, 2011
New loader for PW
department
by Vance Gutzman
Unfortunately, it no longer runs like a deer.
That's why Deep River council gave the green light last week to
purchase a new loader for the town's public works department.
The town currently has a John Deere loader which has done yeoman's
work, but its age is starting to show.
The piece of equipment is 29 years old and certain mechanical and
structural problems are starting to make their presence felt.
The loader is in need of repairs to its hydraulics and pump leaks
need to be fixed. Its central pin is also wearing out and there's an
overall need for overhauling and reconditioning of its parts.
That was the news handed down last week by public works director Khizar
Hayat, as he sought council's pre-approval to buy a new loader, in
light of the deficiencies found in the old one.
Hayat was seeking pre-approval (ahead of council's passage of the
town's 2011 overall budget) in order to take advantage of cost savings
that are currently available.
Hayat's department went and looked at two loader models, a Volvo from
Strongco in Stittsville and a John Deere from Nortrax in North Bay.
Each company submitted almost identical quotes for the cost of their
machines, with the John Deere price of $147,231, plus HST, just $19
less than the $147,250 quote for the Volvo.
Both quotes remained valid for 30 days from their February 2 submission
date, and extensions to hold pricing were granted on both quotes after
that.
As well, both firms arranged for two demonstration loaders to be loaned
to the town so the public works department could put them through their
paces for comparison purposes.
Hayat told council that the John Deere won over the department's favour
for the simple fact that, for an additional $1,500, it can come with a
four-differential lock, wherein at the flick of a switch all four
wheels will turn in sticky situations.
"This feature makes John Deere a superior machine to work better in
winter and in public works operations, Hayat stated in his report,
adding that feature is currently not available as an option on the
Volvo.
Adding the dual differential lock option does bring the price of the
John Deere up to $148,731, plus HST, but $158,922.80 has also been
allocated in the town's capital works asset replacement reserve for
just such a purpose.
That made council's decision last week all the more easier to make.
"It's the oldest piece of equipment they have, so it makes sense that
it be replaced," said Councillor Ron Desrochers.
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