Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of Two Commercial Mowers/Snow Broom combination units from Spartan Distributors (State of Michigan Contract #71B0200329) for $100,853.54
Memorandum
The attached resolution authorizes the purchase of two 2014 Toro model 7210 commercial six-foot wide mower/snow broom combination units at $50,426.77 each for a total of $100,853.54 through the 2014 State of Michigan's MiDeal cooperative purchasing contract.
The Toro model 7210 Groundsmaster is equipped with a 72 inch zero turn mower deck during the summer months and then will be converted into a tracked unit with enclosed cab to which we will mount a 60" snow broom, a 60" snow blower, or a 60" snow blade depending on the area to be cleared and the depth of the snow.
These units will replace one 36" walk behind mower, one 52" walk behind mower, and three 72" riding mowers. By purchasing the new Toro units we will eliminate five seasonal pieces of equipment and replace them with two units that will be used year round. This purchase will also eliminate the routine use of pickup trucks with plow blades to clear park paths. Trucks are not well suited for clearing the narrow winding paths found in most City parks. They are often wider than the path and are unable to negotiate sharp turns. When the truck tires come off the path they cause damage and rutting that needs to be repaired in the spring.
As mowers, these units will be utilized to mow preferred areas such as baseball fields and renovated athletic fields at Fuller Park and Olson Parks respectively as well as general park space. When converted to snow removal, these units provide the flexibility and adaptability to switch attachments in less than 2 minutes allowing staff to adjust and adapt to the variety of snow events we encounter. These units are narrow and extremely maneuverable which, in addition to clearing park path ways, will allow us to remove snow on the downtown heavy traffic route and narrow bridge w...
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