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Council reviews failing new garbage truck; $250,000 purchase under warranty scrutiny
Summary
Council members reported the town’s recently purchased garbage truck is malfunctioning (limp mode, DEF issues, steering) after about 4,768 miles. Members said it's under warranty but towing/repair coverage is limited; they are pursuing dealer and local repair options.
Council members reviewed ongoing problems with a recently purchased garbage truck, reporting that the vehicle has about 4,768 miles and is repeatedly entering limp mode and producing diagnostic codes related to the DEF system and power steering.
"We spent a quarter million dollars on this thing, and it's not working," one council speaker said, describing multiple service calls and frustration with reliability. Council members recounted contacting the dealer and reviewing warranty options; an extended warranty package includes limited towing coverage and some dealer support, but that may not cover all needed work.
Council discussed practical next steps: using the dealer’s recommended towing vendor, pursuing available towing under the extended package, or contracting a local towing/repair provider if timely dealer service is not available. Members also discussed temporarily removing or swapping truck attachments (winch or other apparatus) to adapt the vehicle for winter operations and to preserve hoisting capability.
The council did not take a formal vote on repairs during the meeting but asked staff to verify warranty billing and towing arrangements and to follow up with the dealer and potential local vendors.
