Reno County approves Caterpillar dozer powertrain rebuild for landfill, citing cost savings

Reno County commissioners voted unanimously to approve a certified Caterpillar powertrain rebuild for a 2019 dozer used at the county landfill, a measure presented as a cost-saving alternative to purchasing new equipment.

Megan Davidson, Reno County Landfill director, told the commission the machine has about 15,641 hours and is due for its first rebuild. She said Foley Caterpillar in Wichita performs the rebuilds, which replace interior components and provide new powertrain and hydraulic warranties. “This dozer in particular is ready for its first rebuild,” Davidson said. “We rebuild around 15,000 hours.”

Davidson said rebuilds can dramatically reduce cost compared with buying new machines; she gave an example that a rebuilt machine’s price is roughly half the cost of a new machine. In background material, Davidson said a rebuild cost is $626,000; during the motion the figure referenced was $626,700. County staff clarified the expense will come from the landfill’s enterprise (solid waste) fund and not from property-tax revenue.

Commissioners also asked how many counties use the Reno County landfill; Davidson said the county is contracted with five counties, though four actively use it (Harvey, McPherson, Rice and Stafford). Commissioners noted the program’s track record: Foley Caterpillar in Wichita has done many rebuilds over the past decade and the county was an early participant in the vendor’s rebuild program.

After brief discussion, an unidentified commissioner moved to approve the certified powertrain rebuild and a second was recorded. Abigail, who recorded the roll call, polled Commissioners Parks, Winger, Hurst and Bogner; all voted “yes” and the motion carried.

The county’s approval directs staff to proceed with contracting for the rebuild; no amendment or further budget action was recorded at the meeting.