Commissioners approve new attachments for skid steer to support winter brush and ditch work

Chase County commissioners on Aug. 29 authorized purchases of a commercial-grade brush cutter ("mega mower") and an industrial grapple to outfit the countys skid steer, citing a need for winter brush-clearing and ditch maintenance work.

Road and Bridge staff described a series of worn or broken attachments: the countys brush mower had repeatedly failed, an in-house-built grapple did not hold up to use, and a gravel bucket and other attachments are damaged or missing. Staff briefed commissioners on quotes they solicited, including a commercial set (brush mower and grapple) from a vendor described as Skid Pro and pricing from other vendors; the presentation noted a two-year warranty on a commercial combo and also mentioned a government discount through Foley for some equipment.

Commissioners and staff discussed transport and logistics: the county currently hauls equipment on an equipment trailer and rents a gooseneck for some moves; staff recommended heavier axles and dual wheels for a future trailer purchase. They also discussed the countys single skid steer, its hours and life-cycle replacement planning, and the practical difficulties of sharing one machine across duties (noxious-weed spraying, snow removal, and brush cutting).

Following the briefing, a motion passed to "move forward with the quick attach company for a mega mower brush cutter and a quick thaw industrial grapple," recorded in the minutes as carried by voice vote. Commissioners noted the county will need to arrange transport for the new attachments, consider trailer or truck options, and plan future equipment purchases and potential lease or bond strategies in subsequent budget cycles.

Staff said the county will seek prices for replacements (grapple, gravel bucket, transport trailer) and coordinate scheduling so the single skid steer meets multiple winter needs. The county will use an equipment-planning approach to avoid immediate large capital purchases before the end of the fiscal year.