The Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Dept. (PRPL) proposes to replace one (1) Compact Track Loader. This loader replaces a 1996 Bobcat Model 863 loader. A track loader is necessary when maintaining the fall protection at all of the Parks playgrounds. The loader is also used to move snow, auger holes for trees, and other park maintenance tasks. The current loader has numerous safety issues because the interlock system is not working and the hydraulics are becoming weak and has numerous leaks.The invitation for bid was advertised on February 16th and 23rd in the Yellowstone County News and on the City's Website. Bids were opened on February 27th, 2018.  The 1996 Bobcat loader was offered for trade in on the purchase of a new compact track loader.  The City received four bids.  The low bid should be rejected because it doesn't meet the minimum specifications for travel speed, wiring connector for attachments, not equipped with a reversing cooling fan, and fuel tank capacity is insufficient. Bobcat of Big Sky submitted the lowest responsible bid which meets the specifications.
 

Bids Received

BIDDER	MODEL	TRADE-IN ALLOWANCE	NET AMOUNT
Titan Machinery	REJECTED	$10,000	$46,675
Bobcat of Big Sky	Bobcat T595	$  9,000	$48,133
Yellowstone County Implement	John Deere 325G	$12,300	$51,300
Tractor and Equipment	Cat 259D	$  8,000	$53,938

City Council may:

• Award the purchase of Compact Track Loader to Bobcat of Big Sky in the net amount of $48,133, or
• Do not approve purchasing the loader at this time.  High maintenance costs and unreliability of the current loader will continue.

The purchase of the compact track loader is included the Equipment Replacement Plan. Funding for the purchase is included in the FY2018 budget.

Staff recommends that the City Council award the purchase of a new compact track loader to Bobcat of Big Sky, in the net bid amount of $48,133.