Town to purchase power rake attachment for bobcat

By Rob Vogt
Claresholm town council has authorized administration to purchase a power rake attachment for the town’s bobcat skid steer at a cost not to exceed $20,000, funded from the town’s common equipment reserve.
The decision came at council’s March 9 meeting, after they heard a report from Jace McLean, the town’s director of infrastructure.
He explained administration was seeking approval to purchase a power rake attachment for the town’s bobcat skid steer.
This implement was identified as a need after the interim budget was finalized and therefore was not included in the approved budget.
A power rake is a versatile, year-round implement that will support a wide range of infrastructure department operations, including:
• Landscaping and topsoil leveling.
• Stump grinding.
• Tilling and breaking up ball diamond infields.
• Grading and maintaining gravel walking paths.
• Assisting with alley grading in conjunction with the grader.
Its compact design will allow staff to work effectively in tight spaces such as alleys and parking lots.
It was noted current alley-grading practices make it difficult to break up the full surface without losing material off the moldboard or missing tight corners. The power rake will significantly improve efficiency and quality in these areas. It will also provide an effective method for maintaining the town’s extensive gravel walking path network, for which no suitable equipment is currently available. This attachment will be compatible with all future bobcat replacement machines.
McLean said the town has received three estimates for the attachment, varying between $18,750 and $25,000, and wishes to proceed with the lowest bidder.
The funds will come from the common equipment reserve, which has a current balance of about $80,000.
Council then authorized administration to purchase the power rake attachment for the bobcat skid steer from Vanee Farm Centre, at a cost not to exceed $20,000, funded from the common equipment reserve.