Carter County authorizes rental of Caterpillar excavator and hammer to crush gravel at brownfield pit

Commissioners authorized county staff to rent a Caterpillar excavator and hydraulic breaker from Butler (Butler Cat) for a brownfield pit crushing project after a multi-vendor review of availability, hourly limits and transport costs.

County presenter (speaker 5) reviewed three primary rental options: a John Deere package that included a breaker (with uncertain repair status), a Caterpillar unit offering a $7,500-per-month option (with roughly 160 hours per rental period), and a Volvo machine in Rapid City that lacks a removable counterweight, making transport costly. Presenter (speaker 5) said transport and broken-machine risk were major factors in comparing total project cost.

Commissioner (speaker 2) moved to enter into an agreement allowing the county road crew to travel to pick up a Caterpillar excavator and hammer from the agreed dealer; Commissioner (speaker 3) seconded the motion. The board discussed hauling logistics (two trucks to move counterweight, bucket and machine), wages and fuel for pickup trips, and timing to complete crushing before seasonal sage-grouse restrictions. The motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners asked staff to obtain written quotes and to finalize arrangements so the county can proceed promptly; the road crew will be assigned to pick up the equipment and manage the crushing operation under the county’s procurement and maintenance procedures.