Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select board approves purchase of Hitachi wheel loader from local dealer to replace aging unit
Summary
After comparing quotes, the select board authorized purchase of a 2024 Hitachi wheel loader from Chapel Tractor and approved up to $140,000 for the machine and required outfitting, citing vendor proximity and savings over a Deere option.
The Brentwood select board voted unanimously to buy a Hitachi wheel loader from Chapel Tractor, accepting a recommendation from Highway Department staff and a town official who said the proposal would save roughly $30,000 compared with the John Deere option.
Highway Superintendent Wayne reviewed the John Deere offer and noted it came with a five‑year warranty and an optional service plan. Public Works committee member Jim Michaud reported that Chapel Tractor, a long‑time local dealer, offered a lightly used 2024 Hitachi with low hours, a six‑year/3,000‑hour warranty and an estimated delivered price of about $131,000 before optional rear camera, fenders and strobes — roughly $6,000 more for those items. Chapel agreed to a $25,000 trade‑in allowance for the town’s older loader.
Michaud and Chapel representative Alex Higley argued the Hitachi would be larger than the Deere proposal, use a proven Cummins engine and be easier to maintain through a dealer located in town. "We're saving a decent amount of money for the town and we're getting more bang for our buck," Michaud said.
Board members authorized the purchase and build‑out with a motion that set a not‑to‑exceed cap of $140,000 to allow modest transport or outfitting charges. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote; the town will handle final negotiation of any transportation or rental charges with Chapel Tractor.
Why it matters: The highway department’s current loader is at the end of its useful life and parts are increasingly unavailable; replacing it with a more serviceable, locally supported machine reduces downtime risk for road and winter operations.
What happens next: Chapel Tractor will finalize the sale and add the selected accessories. The highway department will seek to minimize rental/transport costs and apply the $25,000 trade‑in credit received from Chapel.
