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Commission approves rebuild of county motor grader after presentation on costs and lifespan
Summary
After a presentation from road maintenance staff and vendor representatives, the board approved a certified rebuild of a 770D motor grader rather than purchasing a new unit; commissioners said the rebuild should extend service life about five years and vendor offered parts discounts and maintenance packages.
County road department staff and representatives from Murphy Tractor presented details and a cost estimate for a certified rebuild of the county's 770D motor grader, which staff said has more than 18,000 hours and is a good candidate for full powertrain and frame refurbishment.
The presenters described parts and price drivers: an engine core and remanufactured engine were cited at about $48,000; major transmission components were listed around $33,000. Murphy Tractor representatives said they typically source remanufactured engines, transmissions and pumps from John Deere Revance and would provide a rebuild that includes engine, transmission, hydraulic pumps, wiring harness replacement, cab refurbishment and a full repaint.
A road‑department speaker said the machine has no outstanding debt and is mechanically sound enough to justify rebuilding. "This is gonna keep it in our possession without, going to a newer unit," a county road representative said, describing the fiscal rationale for a rebuild.
Commissioner Ryan Fine moved to authorize staff to proceed with Murphy Tractor for the certified rebuild of the 770D motor grader; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous voice vote. Commissioners recorded "Aye" and the chair said, "Motion carries."
Vendor staff noted potential discounts (an example 10% parts discount cited on high‑cost components) and offered to perform periodic preventative maintenance oil sampling and inspections at 500‑hour intervals. County staff said they would schedule pre‑service inspections and expect the rebuild to keep the grader in service for roughly five additional years under current usage patterns.
The board directed staff to receive a firm written cost estimate and return any final purchase documentation to the commissioners; a motion at the meeting authorized staff to begin the rebuild process pending final paperwork.
