Published: July 21, 2008 09:53 am         

I Call Shotgun

New trucks headed for city streets

CUMBERLAND - Believe it or not, they don't fight over who gets to drive the brand new trucks first.

Besides, as Neil Furlow said, the models don't vary much from year to year.

The city of Cumberland has become the proud new owner of two International trucks complete with snowplows. As soon as two-way radios and the city's logo are in place, expect to see them out on the roadways.

John Chapman, the city's assistant director of public works - maintenance division, said one truck will replace one in the street division and the other in water distribution. The older vehicles date back to 1983 and 1992 and both have several hours, which is how the city looks at usage, rather than mileage on them. One also has a cracked frame.

Don't worry, though, it hasn't been 16 years since the city last replaced a vehicle.

"In the last couple of years we've been really fortunate to have a replacement system and we now replace (vehicles) where it makes sense," Chapman said. "We don't replace anything less than 10 years old. And we only replace what can't be run any more."

Sometimes, though, it isn't a matter of the engine going kaput.

Since the 1983 and 1992 models were designed, a number of improvements have been made. Rust has long been a concern, but the development of aluminum beds and stainless-steel salt spreaders has taken care of that issue.

The two new trucks cost $224,000 total and the vehicles are on a lease-purchase agreement. Before the vehicles are ordered, the drivers' opinions are sought. They also know what engines they prefer and in this case, Internationals are replacing Internationals.

Furlow, owner of Furlow's Garage Inc. on Market Street, was the successful bidder and said it takes about 150 days for a new truck.

"These are not your average trucks," he said, noting the city and county vehicles are ordered with specific components required.

Designed as "multiuse trucks," Chapman said the city will put these in service for hauling, paving projects and snow removal.

The city tries to ensure that all trucks can be in service during the winter to keep the primary roads open with plowing on secondary roads next. It also means staff from the water department to parks and recreation can hop on those same trucks.

The trucks, like the rest of the fleet, will be housed at the Municipal Service Center on Bowen Street.

Chapman said all drivers will undergo an "owner's manual type of training." Anyone certified to drive the trucks already has his commercial driver's license and experience driving similar equipment.

The old vehicles will be listed as surplus and sold, although the one with the cracked frame may be sold for scrap, he said.

Contact Maria Smith at msmith@times-news.com.