One 2006 Felling trailer for Engineering and Public Works (EPW) is due for replacement. This trailer is the primary trailer used to transport the Water Division’s excavator as well as necessary attachments to job sites and is essential to EPW operations. The unit has 25 points as shown on the attached scorecard, putting it into the category “Qualifies for Replacement.”
EPW intended to bring a like-kind replacement request as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 23/24 vehicle replacement plan, however, EPW has an opportunity to purchase an excavator early, and the new excavator’s weight will put the current trailer over capacity with the unit and attachments. As a result, the Water Division will have to transport attachments in their shoring trailer, as needed, until the new trailer arrives.
Delivery of the new trailer will take between six to nine months. The lead time is due to the fact that Towmaster will custom build the trailer with electric brakes instead of air brakes that would normally be equipped on this type of trailer. Staff requested electric brakes as it would not require air brake connection at the back of the truck. Additionally, this trailer is a "double break" trailer, consisting of multiple approach angles to ease equipment, such as the excavator, onto. A trailer unit like this is not available as stock.
Rather than waiting until May EPW Committee, staff is recommending approving this purchase early and getting this trailer ordered in FY 22/23 to be delivered in FY 23/24.
This purchase will be made through McCann Industries utilizing Sourcewell Contract #121918-MNR.
EPW staff discussed this option with the Finance Department. Sufficient money is currently budgeted and available in the FY 22/23 Vehicle Replacement Fund.
Staff recommends purchasing the trailer from McCann early to reduce the length of time the Water Division will have to transport attachments with another unit. Upon receiving the new trailer, the old trailer will be a trade-in to McCann. The vendor still needs to inspect the current trailer before providing a trade-in discount value.