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Daniels County discusses buying larger skid steer, weighs warranty, downtime and financing
Summary
County commissioners heard vendor proposals that favored a heavier skid steer for lift capacity and resale value; commissioners discussed DEF/regeneration downtime, trade-in strategy, and financing options including manufacturer programs and borrowing from the road fund.
Daniels County commissioners discussed replacing aging equipment and heard a detailed sales presentation on options for a new skid steer.
A vendor/presenter outlined two main options: a smaller 70-horse unit and a heavier tracked machine. The vendor said the larger machine offers greater lift, higher resale value and an extended warranty; commissioners pushed back with questions about exhaust-regeneration (DEF) systems, potential downtime and transport logistics.
“One thing about it is that we have all of the software and stuff to regen and to troubleshoot,” the vendor said, adding that local technicians and a trade-cycle plan could limit downtime and long-term cost. Commissioners asked whether the county has the trailer and capacity to haul a larger unit; staff said existing county trailers could handle the load.
Financing was a central focus: the vendor offered to run CNH Capital financing scenarios and explore pool funds to buy down interest, and commissioners discussed using a mix of FEMA funds, road-fund borrowing or a bank loan. One vendor estimate used the rental-comparison method: at $150 per day, a 90-day rental would total about $13,500, a figure used to compare long-term costs and trade-in timing.
Why it matters: equipment purchase affects county operations (roads, solid waste and emergency response) and long-term costs. Commissioners emphasized planning a trade cycle (3–5 years) to preserve resale value and keep repair bills down.
What’s next: staff will ask the vendor for formal cost and financing proposals, run CNH Capital scenarios if appropriate, and return a financing recommendation to the commission before final purchase authorization.
