By: Anna Wiest
Source: The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa. (TNS)
Jul. 22—MAHONING TOWNSHIP — Mahoning Township officials will purchase a backhoe for $75,600 to avoid rising rental fees.
Lloyd Craig, of the township’s Department of Streets and Infrastructure, asked the board to consider the purchase Monday night and said the possibility of purchasing the equipment has been a topic of conversation among the department for some time.
Having rented a mini excavator several times over the past 10 years, Lloyd said it seems rental prices are increasing. He said it costs the township an estimated $4,200 to rent for a month.
“I understand it’s not in the budget this year, but I think it’s time to have a discussion about saving money moving forward,” Lloyd said.
The streets and infrastructure official presented the board with four models ranging in price from around $70,000 to nearly $86,000. Craig said he chose the four models considering their operating weight, lift capacity, reach, dump height, travel speed and more.
Craig’s top pick of the four options was the Takeuchi TB240 which sells at $75,600. The Bobcat E40 was the only cheaper option, though Craig was wary because it was a new model. Supervisor Bill Lynn agreed.
“I wouldn’t buy anything the first year out personally,” Lynn said.
Township Treasurer Ken Houck said Mahoning was in a financial position to make the purchase out right.
“If you want to do it, I’d say cut a check,” Houck said.
The decision to purchase the backhoe was unanimous.
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