City of Lawrence

Central Maintenance Garage

MEMORANDUM

DATE:	11/11/2009
TO:	David Corliss, City Manager
CC:	Jonathan Douglass, Assistant to the City Manager Charles Soules, Director of Public Works Mark Hecker, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Bob Yoos, Solid Waste Division Manager
FROM:	Steve Stewart,  Fleet Manager
RE:	Tub Grinder Repair

Background

Unit 5201 is a tub grinder (1998 Vermeer). This unit is used to grind trees and limbs into mulch and grind grass and leaves to produce compost. The operation of this machine in the City compost site operation reduces our land fill fees and produces products that are used by the Parks and Recreation Department and sold to the public.

Current Status:

Significant maintenance is needed to keep the equipment operational and extend the life for approximately 5 years.  After eleven years of use, the hammer mill, screens and tub deflector need to be replaced. Additional work to tub rollers, chains and conveyors needs to be done. All of these are normal wear items and the over all condition of the machine is very good.

Internet and phone research has determined that the majority of the parts required will have to be supplied by the manufacturer through their dealer network. The component cost is estimated to be $48,520.00. The work can be completed by technicians at the Central Maintenance Garage.  A replacement machine would be in the $330,000.00 range. Rebuilding the machine now should give the City several more years of use and better residual value when it is replaced.

Funding: 

The repairs will be funded through the maintenance budgets of Solid Waste and Parks and Recreation Department.

Action Request:

Approve the purchase of parts for the repair and maintenance of the tub grinder from Vermeer Sales and Service in the amount of $48,520.