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The 1998 Budget contained an estimated cost of this combination jetter /vacuum truck at <br />$125,000. The current estimated cost for this type of equipment is $201,054. The primary <br />reason for this difference was poor initial estimating. <br />In an effort to reduce costs we looked at the possibility of sharing this equipment with adjoining <br />cities, but could not find anyone interested. We also looked into contracting this work out to <br />private companies. However, we determined that if we had our own jetter /vacuum truck we <br />could save enough excess contract costs each year to pay for this equipment in about 10 years. <br />The useful life on this type of equipment is 20+ years. <br />In an effort to save bidding costs and expedite the purchase of this jetter /vacuum truck, we <br />determined it would be advantageous to use the existing State bid. Two manufactures on this bid <br />meet our basic needs, see attached spreadsheet for bid costs. Discussion with state officials have <br />indicated that by using the State bid, we can save 3% to 5% compared to bidding this equipment <br />ourselves. City staff attended demonstrations of both the manufactures' equipment and reviewed <br />their specifications and costs. The following are our reasons why we picked the "Vactor" brand <br />jetter /vacuum truck: <br />1. Cost. The "Vactor" is $1,687 less than its competitor "Vac- Con ". This is comparing <br />general equipment and some desired/required options. This does not include the cost of <br />the truck and additional optional equipment city staff has determined they need to meet <br />the needs of the community. <br />2. The "Vactor" is the only machine that has the fan driven off an auxiliary engine. This <br />allows the truck to be moved without interrupting the vacuum process. <br />3. The "Vactor" water pump sits below the water tanks so you do not have to prime the <br />pump. The "Vactor" water pump is a single water pump which gives a pounding or <br />"hammering" effect when jetting which helps to drive the jetter through the most difficult <br />situations. The pump can also be run without water for up to 30 minutes without <br />damaging the pump. This is how they recomment purging the water from the system. <br />4. The "Vactor" also has an accumulator, a nitrogen filled shock absorber, to take the <br />pounding off thehose when it is not needed. <br />5. The "Vactor" offers a new, more flexible rodder hose that supposedly lasts three times <br />longer than the plastic hose that is offered by the other types of equipment. This hose will <br />fit on a smaller reel that provides better visibility and air flow allowing the truck engine to <br />cool better and the driver better sight distance. <br />6. The "Vactor" also has a level wind and tension mechanism on the hose reel that works far <br />better than any other that we have seen. <br />7. The hose reel swivels 270 degrees, but remains in front of the truck allowing added safety <br />for the operator and letting him/her work in tighter areas. <br />8. The "Vactor" has an adjustable multi -flow system that allows the operator to adjust flow <br />to the cleaning nozzle which will help prevent back - pressure build -up in the connecting <br />service lines. High back - pressure in the service lines can cause water to back -up into the <br />service (house). <br />9. The "Vactor" is sold and serviced by MacQueen Equipment, Inc. They have always <br />given us speedy and reliable service on all the equipment that they sell. "Vac -Con" is <br />sold by ABM Equipment, and the City has no real experience with them. <br />Page 45 <br />