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Marshall County officials back plan to rebuild two aged dump trucks to save on new-vehicle costs
Summary
County highway and commissioners discussed rebuilding two 2014 single-axle dump trucks as a test case, estimating about $107,000 per rebuild (worst-case) with an expected six-week turnaround and initial work funded from an equipment line item.
Marshall County commissioners and highway staff on Oct. 13 discussed a plan to rebuild two 2014 single-axle dump trucks rather than buy new vehicles, aiming to extend fleet life and control capital spending.
County Highway Superintendent Jason (surname not specified) and Commissioner (first name not specified) told the council two trucks from 2014 are candidates for a rebuild that would replace engines, address electrical corrosion under the cab floor, sandblast and repaint frames, rebuild hoists and front-end components, and refurbish seats and interior components. The worst-case cost estimate given was about $107,000; the motor alone could account for roughly half of that figure.
The county plans to use an equipment budget line in the department’s proposed FY2026 budget to pay for the first rebuild as a test case. Commissioners said the work should take about six weeks once funds are available and the truck is moved to the vendor; if the test proves cost-effective, the county may consider additional rebuilds but acknowledged it likely could not pay for a second rebuild from the same funding line without supplemental appropriation.
Why it matters: County leaders said the approach could stretch limited capital funds, keep other needed equipment purchases on schedule and allow reuse of relatively good aluminum beds that could be transferred to other chassis if necessary. Commissioners and staff emphasized this is a pilot; the county will evaluate the rebuilt truck’s reliability before committing to more rebuilds.
Supporting details: Commissioners said a new comparable dump truck would cost in the neighborhood of $240,000–$250,000, so a rebuild option could save substantial money even in a high-end scenario. The presented scope included potential transmission work (decision deferred until the unit is disassembled) and replacement or rebuilding of suspension components, u-joints, hoses and other drivetrain parts. Staff said brakes would be serviced as needed under normal maintenance schedules rather than replaced preemptively.
Next steps: If the council adopts the FY2026 budget as proposed, staff said they will move the first truck into service for the rebuild and report performance to the council before proceeding with further similar work.
Ending: Commissioners asked that staff return with results and any required supplemental appropriations if a second rebuild is proposed.
