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Patrick County approves replacement tractor for transfer station after breakdown; selects used 2018 International with warranty
Summary
After an emergency drivetrain failure left the county transfer station without its tractor, the board approved buying a used 2018 International day cab and a warranty covering engine, transmission and rear differential.
Patrick County supervisors approved purchasing a used 2018 International day cab and a warranty to replace a county transfer‑station tractor that experienced a critical drivetrain failure on Oct. 6 and would have left the facility unable to move loaded trailers.
County staff briefed the board on four options: repair the county’s existing 1997 Freightliner (estimated repairs roughly $10,000 but with ongoing reliability risk); buy a used truck “as is”; purchase a used truck with a rebuilt engine/repaired rear end; or buy a road‑ready used day cab (the option staff recommended). The county said Jamie’s Recycling provided a temporary tractor on short notice to keep operations running and that the vendor’s assistance averted service interruption.
Scotty Hilton, transfer station manager, and county staff reviewed vendor quotes and recommended a 2018 International single‑axle day cab priced at $15,000. The board discussed trade‑offs — axle configuration, diesel versus other engines, warranty length and likely use inside the transfer station yard rather than long‑haul driving. County staff recommended a warranty covering the engine, transmission and rear differential (a warranty option quoted at about $6,495), citing repair costs and limited county maintenance capacity.
Supervisor Marshall moved to approve purchase of the 2018 International day cab with the engine/transmission/rear‑differential warranty; the motion passed unanimously (Marshall, Kendrick, Perry, Overby and the chair all voted aye). The board also directed staff to send a thank‑you letter to Jamie’s Recycling for the temporary loan of equipment.
Why it matters: the transfer station’s ability to move loaded trailers is essential to uninterrupted solid‑waste operations. The board balanced short‑term costs against service continuity and longer‑term reliability concerns.
What’s next: county staff will complete purchase paperwork and arrange delivery and warranty activation; the board asked staff to supply inspection and DOT documents once the vehicle is in county custody.
