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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Derrick Winston, Asst. Superintendent Fleet & Facilities Maintenance
DATE: April 24, 2019
SUBJECT:
A Request to Approve the Purchase of Two Replacement Utility Machines from Atlas Bobcat in the amount of $90,006.00.
PURPOSE:
To ensure that Fleet & Facilities Maintenance Division employees have dependable and efficient equipment.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora currently owns and operates Bobcat Toolcat utility machines to maintain the grounds at the transit centers, police headquarters, and Downtown Aurora. Spring through autumn primary maintenance functions include: loading, landscaping, hauling, watering, surface cleaning, and distribution of tablets for mosquito abatement. During winter months snow plows, brushes, blowers, brine sprayers, and salt spreaders are installed on the machines for snow and ice removal operations.
Standardization of the utility machines to the versatile Toolcat has resulted in efficient operations due to interchangeable attachments, employee familiarity and machine simplicity. Maintenance time and cost are also reduced due to uniformity.
The estimated service life of the Toolcat is approximately eight years on average but varies depending on care and operation. The two oldest machines were purchased new in 2012 and have performed well but are now seven years old. These machines are regularly operated in harsh conditions especially when spreading salt during snow removal events. Frequent exposure to salt has accelerated the corrosion and component wear of the machines which has reduced reliability and increased maintenance. As a result, both machines have been recommended for replacement.
DISCUSSION:
To increase longevity and reduce operating costs, vulnerable areas of new machines will be coated with corrosion inhibitor prior to delivery. To further prevent premature corrosion, a comprehensive cleaning program has been implemented which includes the regular application of a salt...
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