Harvey County to buy 2025 Ford F‑550 for Road & Bridge after staff report of engine and transmission wear
Summary
Road & Bridge staff told commissioners the 2016 sign truck shows piston wear, ignition and transmission problems; commissioners waived purchasing rules and approved a $56,775 purchase of a 2025 Ford F‑550 to maintain operations.
Road & Bridge staff told the Harvey County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 21 that a 2016 Ford F‑550 sign truck has reached a level of mechanical deterioration that makes continued use risky and expensive.
Jim (Road & Bridge staff) said the truck "has served us well and has reached a certain condition that has caused us to begin conversating about the replacement of it," and described persistent maintenance problems: burning spark plugs, piston wear and overheating. Mechanic Alan Bridal said, "We've got some transmission troubles too," and noted a borescope inspection showed significant piston damage and valve-train issues; the cost of an engine overhaul was estimated at about $7,000–$8,000 while some manifold repairs were quoted at about $5,000.
Staff located a matched 2025 Ford F‑550 Super Duty at Rusty Eck Ford with the correct wheelbase and configuration and recommended buying it now rather than waiting for the scheduled 2026 replacement. Speaker 2 moved to waive the purchasing policy and accept the quote of $56,775; Speaker 5 seconded and the board approved the purchase on a voice vote. Staff said they plan to transfer the existing utility bed, sandblast and repaint it, and outfit the new chassis for sign maintenance work.
