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Council conditionally approves purchase of used motor grader after mechanical checks
Summary
Facing a failed transmission on its 1992 grader, the city authorized a conditional purchase up to $62,000 for a used 2008 John Deere 770D from Martin Equipment pending oil-sample results and follow-up checks of the unit's transmission.
Council granted conditional approval on March 23 to acquire a used 2008 John Deere 770D motor grader from Martin Equipment for a maximum of $62,000, with an expected trade allowance of about $6,000 and the condition that oil samples and further inspection show no red flags.
Staff described the city’s 1992 grader’s transmission failure and presented a repair estimate of $57,535.20. They reported reviewing comparable used machines (auction results and dealer offers) and found a candidate unit with roughly 9,157 hours that staff had inspected and test-drove. To manage the emergency need and the risk of missing the available unit, staff requested authority to proceed conditionally while awaiting additional oil-sample results due later in the week.
Council discussed the purchase terms and approved a motion to authorize the conditional purchase; staff said if red flags arise, they will not complete the acquisition. To fund the purchase, staff proposed deferring other budgeted items (a $50,000 sign printer and a $10,000 pavement-rating purchase) if necessary.
Staff will finalize the purchase after receiving the remaining oil-sample results and confirmation from prior owners; council asked staff to return with any new information if the results indicate concern.
