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Board approves arm‑mowing contract and moves to buy knuckle‑boom backhoe
Summary
Supervisors authorized a two‑pass arm‑mowing contract (not to exceed $18,560) using an outside contractor and approved purchasing a knuckle‑boom backhoe under state contract (approx. $16,733.34), with plans to sell the existing John Deere unit.
The township manager reported quotes for arm mowing township roads and recommended contracting two passes (using contractor equipment) at a cost not to exceed $18,560 for the year; the board authorized the manager to proceed.
Separately, supervisors considered replacement of a damaged John Deere backhoe. The board approved purchasing a knuckle‑boom backhoe (a Case 590 was discussed as the larger model that meets ditch‑grading needs) under state contract at an approximate price of $16,733.34 and agreed to sell the old John Deere once the new unit is in service.
Why it matters: arm mowing helps maintain sight lines and roadside safety without overworking township equipment, and reliable excavation equipment is critical for emergency road and storm‑water responses. Several supervisors noted frequent breakdowns of in‑house equipment and supported using contractor equipment for heavy mowing tasks.
Next steps: the manager will finalize the third contractor quote for arm mowing and execute a contract not to exceed the approved cap; staff will proceed with the state‑contract purchase and list the current John Deere for sale once the new unit is operational.
Quote: “Arm mowing is one of the most difficult jobs there is to do — it just beats the heck out of the equipment,” a supervisor said, supporting contracting out the work.
