Commission approves brush-cutting mower and grapple for skid steer; staff discuss transport and replacement plans
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Summary
Commissioners approved purchasing a commercial brush cutter and industrial grapple for the county skid steer and discussed needs for a heavier trailer, spare skid steer planning and financing; motion to buy mower and grapple passed.
Chase County commissioners on Aug. 29 approved purchasing a commercial-grade brush cutter (mega mower) and an industrial quick-attach grapple for the county's skid steer, following a detailed presentation from road-and-bridge staff about failed or aging attachments.
Road and Bridge staff described a sequence of worn or broken attachments: a gravel bucket that was home-built and failed, a brush mower that required repeated repairs and is now beyond economical repair, and no longer-available grapple attachments. Staff presented quotes for commercial replacements, including a Skid Pro commercial mower and a heavy-duty grapple from an Illinois vendor; combined pricing for a commercial mower and grapple quoted at roughly $12,000+ for a commercial set or higher depending on vendor and warranty.
Staff told commissioners the county does own a skid steer (a 2020 model) that has utility across departments but is nearing the end of its planned service life; members discussed whether to keep the existing machine and acquire attachments or to plan for a replacement skid steer in the next one to two years. Commissioners and staff discussed scheduling conflicts between Road & Bridge and Noxious Weed operations, noting both programs use the same machine for different seasonal work.
Transport and trailer capacity were a recurring concern. Staff recommended a heavier gooseneck/equipment trailer (24-25 foot with dual 10,000-lb axles and dual wheels) rather than the lighter trailer previously used. Commissioners explored interim solutions, including using an employee's implement trailer or county pickups and discussed the possibility of purchasing a used single-axle dump truck from a nearby city to help with winter operations and transport.
The chair moved, and the commission seconded, a motion to purchase the mower and grapple from a quick-attach supplier; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff were directed to continue collecting transport pricing and to return with financing or procurement options for trailers and, if needed, a future skid-steer replacement plan.