Agenda Packets - 2001/03/26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Mounds View Staff Report August 29, 2018 Page 4 MEMORANDUM TO: Mike Ulrich, Director of Public Works FROM: Steve Dazenski, Parks Foreman DATE: March 20, 2001 SUBJECT: Mower Replacement In 1989 the City of Mounds View purchased a Howard Price rotary mower, for mowing the parks. This mower was scheduled to be replaced in 1996 but was not; it is now due for replacement. I have looked into several different brands of mowers to replace our current Howard Price. I have contacted eleven (11) cities that are currently using a TORO brand and they all highly recommend the model 580 for their mowing needs. I have included the mowers specifications as well as the cost of the mower on the state bid in this packet. I will recap the unique features that I believe to be important when considering the purchase of this replacement mower. • Break-away decks for both safety and saving on repairs. • Data log system for automated control and electronic diagnostic system for forecasting problems. • Unique hydraulic hose reduction system for fewer repairs. • Triflex cutting unit with quick access feature for servicing. • Complete safety system with safety shutoffs for high heat, low fluid sensors. • OSHA approved air handling and cab system for all weather operation and to prevent dust exposure to the operator. • Automatic weight transfer for safety on steep hills and reduces scalping on mounds. • Swept back decks that allow operators view to be unimpaired while transporting. • Complete road ready package includes lights, flasher, two speed gearing. The 2001 budget amount is $70,000.00 for a mower replacement. This was an estimated price from several vendors and costs have increased since the initial estimate. The following is a breakdown of the mower costs including the trade-in of the Howard Price: TORO 580D Groundmaster $64,534.00 OSHA approved all steel cab w/ROPS 5,875.00 OSHA approved air handling system 5,980.00 Trade-in for Howard Price (3,500.00) Subtotal $72,889.00 MN State Sales Tax 4,738.00 TOTAL COST $77,627.00 My recommendation is for the TORO 580D Groundmaster mower for many reasons. TORO has a long history of fewer breakdowns and higher performance than its competitors in all of the cities I surveyed. TORO holds its value for possible future trade-ins but due to the additional features not available on other brands, I would expect the mower to perform with fewer incidents of repairs. I have also discovered that this mower is user friendly and will reduce the amount of training time necessary and it will be safer for the seasonal employees to operate.