Columbus expands city fleet with $249K loader truck purchase

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Board of Public Works and Safety approved a $249,000 purchase for a new Peterson knuckle boom loader truck for the Department of Public Works on Tuesday, August 25.

City officials selected the bid from Best Equipment Company Incorporated over a competing proposal that was $2,211 cheaper.

Public Works representatives explained that the lower bid contained 22 specification exceptions and that maintaining fleet uniformity with the city’s three existing Peterson trucks will save money on spare parts, maintenance, and operator training.

The new "claw truck" brings the city's fleet to four total loader trucks, replacing older flatbed vehicles to assist with daily storm cleanup, brush removal, and bulk item collection.