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Muskegon County approves purchase of new Kenworth tractor and dump trailer to reduce hauling costs
Summary
The board approved purchase of a 2027 Kenworth day cab tractor (about $191,935) and a 2027 Mac dump trailer ($96,000) to move soil and materials in-house, which staff said will save on repeated contractor hauling costs estimated at roughly $300,000 for a large material pile.
The Muskegon County Board on March 12 authorized two related equipment purchases intended to reduce the county’s reliance on outside hauling contractors.
Public works director Wade Vanden Bosch recommended buying a 2027 Kenworth day cab tractor for $191,935.04 with an allowance of $19,000 for a wet kit and related accessories. He said staff calculated that hiring a contractor to move a large material pile (about 62,000 yards) could cost roughly $300,000, and that owning a spec-built tractor and trailer would provide long-term savings and operational flexibility. “We feel that there’s certainly a cost, but we think overall, it’s gonna be a cost savings for us to have our own vehicle,” Vanden Bosch said.
Commissioners asked whether used equipment had been considered; Vanden Bosch said staff did look but could not find used units that met the county’s specifications and warranty preferences. Commissioners also asked about mileage and whether the county has operators with Class A CDLs; Vanden Bosch said county operators hold Class A CDLs and basic maintenance can be performed by staff but the county does not have a full-time diesel mechanic for high-end repairs.
The board voted to award the tractor purchase by roll call. Immediately afterward the board considered and approved a matching 2027 Mac AR 500 quad M dump trailer for $96,000; staff said the trailer has a standard fifth wheel and could be used with other county trucks. The trailer vote recorded one dissenting vote.
Taken together, the purchases total roughly $306,935.04 (truck list price plus allowance and trailer price). Staff said the trailer is sized at approximately 18 cubic yards and that owning the equipment will allow the county to use its own operators for hauling and related tasks.
Both motions carried and procurement will proceed to finalize award and delivery arrangements.
