Commission approves $70,600 forklift purchase to replace 40‑year‑old warehouse unit

The Hibbing Public Utilities Commission voted March 20 to purchase a Lindy H25T‑12 O5 forklift for $70,600 to replace a nearly 40‑year‑old Clark forklift used in the utility warehouse.

HPU staff described the existing forklift as having reached the end of its useful life and said keeping a dedicated forklift at the First Avenue storage annex will reduce response time for outages and improve safety when moving heavy transformers and other line equipment. "The current forklift that we use in the warehouse is almost 40 years old, and it's had it's lived its useful life," Mr. Peterson said. He said the Clark currently will be moved to the First Avenue storage facility where it is better suited for heavier transformers while the new Lindy will operate in the warehouse’s tighter spaces.

Peterson said staff sought two quotes and selected the Lindy over a Komatsu for improved operator visibility, energy efficiency and a four‑year warranty; delivery was expected in about 26 weeks rather than 52 weeks for alternatives. Commissioners asked about the used-market options and the staff response was that used forklifts were competitively priced but generally lower expected life and reliability than a new Lindy.

Motion by Commissioner Stokes, second by Commissioner Sandstedt, to approve the purchase carried on voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the minutes.