DATE:
July 18, 2023
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Jeremy McDonald, Director of Public Works
Marc Morales, Management Analyst
SUBJECT:
Contract for a Swaploader Conversion
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with PB Loader Corporation for a not-to-exceed contract amount of $165,000, for a swaploader conversion on an existing City fleet vehicle.
BACKGROUND
The Streets Maintenance Division currently has three (3) freightliner dump trucks with one being inoperable due to catastrophic engine damage. These dump trucks are utilized for hauling and removing dirt, debris, class II base, etc. for daily operations. Also, during the winter months, a cinder spreader is secured in the bed of the dump truck that is utilized to spread cinder on icy roads, which eliminates the use of the dump truck during the winter season. This leaves one dump truck available for daily operations.
In addition, the division has two (2) asphalt patch trucks, where one is inoperable due to catastrophic engine damage. These are utilized for applying hot asphalt for road repairs throughout the City and with one patch truck available, there is not a backup asphalt truck in case one is down for service.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Public Works’ staff researched the cost for a new dump truck and for a new asphalt patch truck and determined swaploader conversion to an existing freightliner chassis is a cost-effective solution. The swaploader system utilizes a hook-lift system that is mounted to the truck chassis and an A-Frame mount that is fabricated on existing truck attachments. This allows different truck attachments to be hoisted and secured to the truck. In addition, Public Works’ staff requested a demo on the operation of the swaploader and determined this would be beneficial to the fleet.
For this swaploader conversion, an A-Frame will be mounted to the cinder spreader, dump bed, and asphalt patch bed. With this setup, a single truck can operate as a cinder spreader, asphalt patch truck, and a dump truck. For example, the cinder spreader can be used during the night/morning hours when roads become icy, detach, and hook up the dump truck or patch truck for other projects throughout the day. This gives versatility for a single truck to perform multiple operations, which can be done with a single operator.
Finally, part of this swaploader conversion will consist of reconditioning the existing asphalt patch bed, which is equipment from PB Loader Corporation and proprietary to PB Loader Corporation. This request is for a sole source exemption where “the commodity or service is required to match or be compatible with other furnishings, material, or equipment presently on hand and is to be purchased from the supplier of such on-hand items.” Since PB Loader Corporation will be reconditioning the asphalt patch bed with original manufacture parts, it is recommended that they also fabricate the A-Frame on the cinder spreader and dump bed. This will allow PB Loader Corporation to ensure all fabrication/modifications to the truck chassis and truck attachments are completed properly for the swaploader conversion.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funding is included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget.
ALTERNATIVES
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS
Cost Analysis
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members
Contract for a Swaploader Conversion