Canfield takes delivery of backhoe

By Elise Franco

Township trustees save nearly half on the cost of new construction equipment.

CANFIELD — While many townships and cities are working to make ends meet, Canfield Township has saved enough money to make big purchases.

Township Trustee Randy Brashen said a new backhoe was purchased in June to replace one that had been in service for 12 years.

Brashen said the backhoe, purchased through New Holland on U.S. Route 224 in Canfield, retailed at more than $87,000. He said the trustees were able to purchase it for about $44,000, however.

“The trade-in for the old backhoe was $22,800,” Brashen said. “We got a 26 percent discount because we went through the state to purchase — it’s a co-op, a way you can purchase through the state and get a discount.”

He said that though the old backhoe was in good condition, workers experienced problems throughout the years.

“The biggest problem with the old one is when you load salt, the fan sucks salt dust in and blows it over the battery, which corrodes [the battery],” Brashen said. “We had to change the battery at least six times. This newer one has the battery in a weather-sealed box so salt can’t get to the batteries at all.”

He said a new dump truck that cost twice as much as the backhoe was purchased within the past three years. It’s the frugality of the trustees and treasurer that has allowed them to afford such purchases, Brashen said.

“Some other townships don’t have any money in their savings account. This [backhoe] has been in the budget for at least four years, and we’ve been very frugal,” he said. “I think we stretched every nickel out of the old one.”

efranco@vindy.com