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Port Washington to buy 2025 Scarab Maven 65 street sweeper after staff demos
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Summary
Staff recommended and the Board of Public Works approved purchase of a Scarab Maven 65 street sweeper citing superior visibility, a third gutter broom and quieter operation compared with the city’s current sweeper.
The Port Washington Board of Public Works voted to buy a 2025 Scarab Maven 65 street sweeper after staff testing showed better performance and operator visibility than the city’s current machine.
JD, a public works staff member, told the board the city bought an Elgin Regenex sweeper in 2021 that has not met expectations for removing heavier debris and construction material: “we're just really not happy with the results that we're getting.” He said the Regenex often requires multiple passes and loses suction when partially filled during catch-basin cleaning.
Staff demoed multiple machines and narrowed the choice to two pure-vacuum sweepers: a Scarab and a Bucher. JD described advantages of the Scarab Maven 65: cab-over chassis for improved operator visibility and a shorter turning radius, an available third gutter broom that helps sweep through 90-degree turns without driving over curbs, a top-mounted wandering hose that permits work around the full perimeter of the truck, and quieter operation (a max of 615 rpm), which staff said reduces downtown noise complaints.
Two vendor quotes were presented: EnviroTech Equipment quoted a Bucher at $379,520; Surway Implement quoted the Scarab Maven 65 at $377,388. Staff said Surway offered a $200,000 trade-in on the current sweeper. Board members asked about expected service life and labor savings; staff said modern machines typically last about 15–20 years and estimated the newer machine would reduce operator hours because of greater efficiency.
Alderman Gasper moved to approve the Surway Implement quote; Cam seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.
Staff will finalize the purchase order and arrange the trade-in. The Street Department will track operational hours and maintenance metrics after delivery to confirm the projected efficiency gains.
