Staff recommends that Council approve the purchase of a hydro excavator from SWS Equipment, LLC in the amount of $538,727.

Public Works uses hydro excavators to clean sanitary sewer lines and excavate around water and sewer lines. The existing hydro excavator was purchased in 2011 and has almost 15 year of use so it needs to be replaced.  The new hydro excavator will have an on-board boiler and insulation so will be able to be used in all weather conditions. Due to the leaks and main breaks that are experienced in the winter, the ability to use the hydro excavator in cold temperatures will be beneficial.  Staff had demonstrations from Vermeer, Ditch Witch, Vactor, RamVac, and Mud Dog and preferred the RamVac due to the controls, capacity and overall operation. In addition, RamVac from SWS Equipment, LLC was the least expensive option when purchased through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement. 

City Council may:

• Approve the purchase of hydro excavator; or,
• Not approve the purchase. If not approved, the existing hydro excavator will be kept in operation, which will increase maintenance costs. Also, the existing equipment cannot be used in cold temperatures, which limits the operation. 

The RamVac hydro excavator is $598,727 and the trade-in for the existing hydro excavator is $60,000 for a total of $538,727.  The equipment was included in the FY26 ERP and FY26 budget in the amount of $600,000, so there is sufficient funding for the purchase.