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Farmington to sell aging backhoe 'as is' after structural concerns raised by contractor
Summary
Following an inspection by Lakes Region Hydraulics, selectmen voted 5-0 to sell the town’s backhoe 'as is, where is' after the contractor said the frame corrosion posed a structural liability; DPW will assemble it for transport, disclose defects, and seek replacement quotes.
The Farmington Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Feb. 19 to sell the town’s aging backhoe "as is, where is" after Lakes Region Hydraulics' Les Leary told the board that the machine’s frame corrosion presented an unacceptable structural and liability risk for repair.
Leary, who provided inspection work for the town, told selectmen the rust is more significant on the inside of the frame than visible from the exterior and that cutting or welding the frame could cause twisting or buckling. "Once you start cutting that open it's going to twist, buckle ... it's time to get away from that machine," Leary said. He agreed to finish work already underway—bolting the rear axle back in and installing a replacement cab window—but rescinded further repair work that would put his company at risk.
Selectman John Scruton moved and the board approved a motion directing staff to sell the backhoe "as is, where is with adequate disclosures as to its condition, assemble it back together again but not put any more money than we have to into it at this point." The motion passed 5-0.
DPW Supervisor Ed Brannan confirmed the department will reassemble work completed to date, address the boom droop to the extent of a short diagnostic labor effort, and install the ordered cab window to protect the cab. Town staff said parts already purchased may be sold with the unit. Selectmen instructed staff to disclose known defects, provide a description of parts and repairs performed, and advertise the machine for sale; buyers will be responsible for post-sale repairs.
The board also discussed replacement options and noted a quoted price for a new backhoe in the meeting packet but will obtain multiple, apples-to-apples quotes before proceeding with a purchase decision.
Next steps: DPW will complete limited assembly work necessary to allow transport, post the unit for sale with full disclosures, and return to the board with replacement quotes for consideration.
