DeKalb County’s highway superintendent told commissioners Nov. 24 that a used Leboy 4‑speed loader demoed from Hoosier Equipment would substantially increase productivity and reduce wear on existing trucks and loaders. The vendor offered the machine for $25,000; the superintendent reported parts and rebuild costs of about $9,879.10 — bringing expected total cost to approximately $35,000.

"We can load a truck in less than two minutes," the superintendent said, noting the machine cut material‑loading time and increased the miles of road the crew can process per day from about two miles previously to as many as eight miles in some conditions.

Commissioners approved the purchase and also voted to advertise the highway department’s 2026 annual bids (advertisement scheduled in December with a bid opening on Dec. 22). The superintendent said the loader purchase is a cost‑effective investment given the expected equipment savings and production gains.

Next steps: Superintendent will complete purchase paperwork, secure parts to rebuild the front assembly, and proceed with the 2026 bid advertisement schedule.