Title
Hook Lift Equipment Modification - Proposal
History
Public Works recently purchased three hook lift-chassis trucks that will maximize operational efficiencies. Public Works also purchased three V-box salt spreaders for the hook lift trucks. The V-box salt spreaders are equipped with an auger that moves salt from the V-box to a chute then to the salt spinner at the rear of the vehicle. Staff has made a critical observation over the past few winters that relates to augers during cold weather salting events. Augers are prone to jam in cold weather when they do not have the ability to move in reverse to dislodge potential salt jams. Hydraulically controlled reversible augers would prevent this issue which also equates to lengthy downtime needed to unclog the augers. The V-boxes can be modified for reverse auger capability. Bonnell Industries of Dixon, Illinois can provide the necessary modifications that will increase efficiency and reduce down time during snow/salting events.
The V-boxes are also equipped with a chute that channels the salt to the salt spreader. The chute currently must be physically lifted to an upright position for storage on the truck. The chute is extremely heavy and could cause injury to personnel. The Vehicle & Equipment (V&E) division is recommending that all three V-boxes be retrofitted with a manual hand-crank winch system to raise and lower the salt discharge chutes. The retrofit would enhance efficient operations and improve employee safety when the chute is both lowered and raised in its upright and stored position.
The manual crank winch and discharge retrofit has a cost of $698.00 each. The reverse auger function and associated plumbing can be installed and tested on the three hook lift trucks and V-boxes at a cost of $1,810.00 each.
On August 4, 2014, this item was reviewed by the Public Works Committee, recommended for approval and referred to the Village Board of Trustees for consideration.
Financial Impact
There ...
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