Council approves purchase of crane service truck for utilities to speed pump and hydrant work
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Summary
Council approved buying a crane service body truck (buy‑board purchase) for up to $165,730 to help utility crews lift pumps, motors and hydrant assemblies; staff said the truck’s crane reaches 30 feet with a 1,565‑pound full‑reach capacity and is expected to reduce annual contractor costs.
The Manor City Council approved the purchase of a crane service body truck for the utilities department at a buy‑board price not to exceed $165,730.
Utility staff described the truck as useful for routine and emergency lifts: removing lift‑station pumps (800–1,000 pounds per pump), handling fire‑hydrant assemblies (600–700 pounds), 16‑inch gate valves (~900 pounds) and joints of ductile‑iron pipe (about 1,200 pounds). Staff said the crane has a roughly 30‑foot reach and a full‑extension capacity of about 1,565 pounds and that the unit is a 2024 model with roughly 500 miles.
Staff estimated the truck could reduce annual external crane/contractor costs by roughly $27,000–$32,000 based on typical pump and repair calls. Warranties noted in the packet included manufacturer warranties (three‑year bumper‑to‑bumper; five‑year/60,000‑mile powertrain; five‑year structural warranty for the crane). Staff told council the vehicle is budgeted and available now as a used/new trade option, while new builds would be 6–9 months out.
Council approved the purchase on a motion by Councilwoman Wallace; the motion passed after a second. Council members asked about operator training, backup operators, storage/garage space and preventive‑maintenance benefits; staff confirmed operators are trained, a backup will be trained, the vehicle will be accommodated in fleet storage and the truck will permit more routine preventive maintenance at lift stations and hydrants.
Staff added the purchase will allow crews to respond more quickly, reduce contractor callouts and support a preventive‑maintenance program to avoid larger failures.