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Board backs purchase of Bobcat mini excavator to replace aging backhoe

City of Washington Board of Public Works · October 29, 2025

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Summary

The board approved forwarding a purchase of a Bobcat mini excavator — the low bid at about $136,406 — to city council and will dispose of the 2007 John Deere backhoe (high repair costs) via auction. Staff said the purchase is budgeted and comes in under the allocated $150,000.

Kevin (public works staff) told the board the department has relied on a 2007 John Deere backhoe since 2007 but the machine is now costly to operate and repair (staff cited a $14,000 minimum brake repair and additional hydraulic concerns). Rather than invest in the old machine, staff recommended replacing it with a large mini excavator.

Bids were received from Bobcat, Takeuchi (transcribed in the record as 'Fabik') and Kubota; staff reported Bobcat submitted the lowest responsive bid at about $136,406 and noted that the parks and street departments already operate Bobcat equipment and accessories that could be shared. The purchase was budgeted at $150,000, so staff said the bid is below budget.

Board members moved, seconded and approved forwarding the Bobcat purchase to city council for final approval. Staff said the current backhoe will be offered for sale (Purple Wave auction) and the street department's mini excavator resources will remain available for backup as needed.

Ending: The board approved the procurement and directed staff to send the purchase request to council; staff will coordinate disposal of the old backhoe.