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Wayne County seeks to replace four decades‑old graders; equipment division says fleet aging is driving purchase
Summary
County equipment division described a request to buy four Caterpillar graders to replace units as old as 1987; commissioners asked about electric options, warranties and staffing at the county garage.
Wayne County staff told the Committee on Public Services that the Department of Public Services is requesting commission approval to buy four Caterpillar graders from McAlester Machinery Co., d/b/a Michigan Cat, to begin replacing an aging fleet.
Angelia Miller, division director of equipment, told commissioners the county currently operates eight graders with model years ranging from 1987 to 2014 and that the 2014 unit is the newest. The department expects to auction three older units (identified in committee as 1994 and 1998 models) this year. “The average life of a grader can range in between 10 to 15 years,” Miller said, explaining the need to refresh the fleet.
Cost and financing: Commissioners heard an approximate cost figure: one commissioner said four new graders would be “almost 2 and a half million dollars.” Staff did not provide a full funding breakdown in committee; the transcript records the price estimate but not a motion or vote on funding at this meeting.
Technology and grants: Commissioners asked whether the county is considering electric equipment. Miller said the department has not yet investigated electric heavy machinery for graders but is pursuing a federal grant to pilot electrified SUVs or small pickup trucks. The department will continue to explore grant opportunities for specialty equipment, she said.
Staffing and warranties: Miller said the equipment division has increased staffing through higher pay and collective bargaining and has 15 full‑time mechanics, one part‑time mechanic, a tire repairer and a machinist; two additional positions were in recruitment. She said typical warranties on new heavy equipment run about two years, with some parts covered longer, and that extended warranties are available.
Next steps: Staff said the old graders will go to auction as part of a phased replacement program. The committee did not record a formal vote on the purchase request in this meeting; staff said they would take procurement actions consistent with county purchasing rules and planned cooperative purchasing agreements.
