District’s purchase of skid loader touted as cost savings

Newton Community School District Maintenance Supervisor Jack Suttek said discussions about purchasing a skid loader didn’t start recently.

Those conversations finally resulted in a board of education action last week when the board voted unanimously to purchase a skid loader from Star Equipment, Ltd. at a cost of $51,500. Using designated physical-plant funds that cannot be used for staff salaries or other direct-education purposes, the district will try to make itself slightly less dependent on renting equipment every time it needs a skid loader.

“The main thing we need it for is unloading semis,” Suttek said at last week’s board meeting. “We can make it work right now with a very old tractor, and it’s not dead yet, but it’s getting close.”

The Taekuchi TL8CRW will not only be used for loading and unloading large freight, but also for minor construction projects and snow removal. Because the all-hydraulic TL8 uses the type of tracks used on U.S. Army tanks, rather than rubber tires, its slippage on icy surfaces should be minimal.

Suttek said it’s an expensive tool, but one that will ultimately save the district money.

“We’ve budgeted for this,” Suttek said. “Every summer, we’ve rented one at $500 each, and that’s not including any of the major concrete work we have planned. It will pay for itself in five to 10 years, I estimate.”

Suttek said the district not only can use the vehicle for construction and remodeling, but also as a forklift and for snow removal. He said there are other districts — especially ones located in remote areas where renting equipment isn’t practical — that have purchased similar skid loaders.

The supervisor also said he has plans to make major improvements to Newton High School’s cross country trail in the Children’s Forest area.

“When I took over as maintenance supervisor, I couldn’t believe we didn’t have one of these for snow removal,” Suttek said.

The base prices are in the $40,000 to $50,000 range, he said, but it’s the attachments that really adds to the price. An elevator-type attachment will allow the TR8 to be used as a forklift, while a scoop attachment will allow to be used to clear hard-paved surfaces.

Suttek said the cost difference between a high-quality used skid loader, with low hours, and a new model is small.

“This is a piece of equipment that is going to still be here for the person who comes along after me,” Suttek said.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com