The new loader at the District of Houston is complete with various multifaceted functions to reflect the jobs and tasks of the equally multi-talented public works employees.
The cost of the new loader was $192,000. It has a five year warranty, which means no cost to the town for its maintenance check ups and repairs over those five years. The dealers that get sent out to do the repairs are local businesses, meaning the money will be recirculated back into town.
“[It] came with a new snow removal blade which will increase productivity with snow removal,” commented Don Hounsell,Manger of Engineering and Operations for the District of Houston.
The previous loader was bought in 1997 with its active years of service being 10.
“So it’s been 10 years plus past the replacement due [date],” commented Tom Head, mechanic for the District of Houston.
It was decided that the best financial and economical approach would be the replace the previous loader entirely, rather than bring it up to winter status by replacing tires, rims, pins, etc.
“You’re looking at $25,000 for tires and rims, to start,” said Head.
The previous loader is not being thrown away. It is going to be utilized at the Houston airport for snow clearing.
The new loader is also set up to take all the attachments of the previous loader.
“It’s basically all singing and all dancing,” commented Head.
“We’re trying to work smarter, not harder. We’re trying to get the equipment adapted to do more things, so that you don’t have to do multiple trips home,” said Head.
Thereby saving massively economically and on employee time.
