Replacement addresses aging road grader and improves gravel road maintenance
DRUMMOND/NORTH ELMSLEY — The township is preparing to replace one of its aging road graders as part of its long-term equipment replacement plan.
Public Works Manager Clint Bron recommended the purchase of a new Caterpillar 140LVR4-B road grader from Toromont CAT at a cost of $439,900, plus tax.
The purchase would replace a 2002 Volvo 740 grader that has reached the end of its useful life. The township operates two graders, one assigned to each ward, and the machines are essential for maintaining gravel roads.
Staff obtained pricing through the Canoe Procurement Group, a Canadian cooperative buying program that secures preferred pricing for municipalities. Quotes were received from Toromont CAT and John Deere, with the Toromont bid coming in lower.
The grader purchase had been budgeted at $549,750 in the 2026 capital plan, which included the potential addition of a rear-mounted roller packer. Staff ultimately recommended against purchasing the packer, citing limited benefit and concerns about added weight and manoeuvrability on narrow roads.
Because the final price is about $109,850 below the budgeted amount, the impact on the township’s vehicle and equipment reserve will be lower than originally anticipated.
Council is moving to sell the township’s 2002 Volvo grader through the GovDeals auction site once the new machine is delivered.
Staff estimate the useful life of the new grader at about 20 years.
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