The County of Stettler council approved about half a million dollars to repair a grader. The decision was made at the July 23 regular meeting of council.

Councillors read a request for decision from Director of Operations Greggory Jackson regarding one of the municipality’s C-115 CAT graders which according to staff required an engine replacement.

Jackson noted in his report that councillors had essentially three options: Have a certified dealer replace the motor as part of a refurbish/rebuild project on the unit for a price of $482,500 plus tax, have the certified dealer replace the current grader motor with a remanufactured motor for a cost of about $88,577.38 plus tax or have County of Stettler staff replace the current motor with a remanufactured engine for a cost of $79,763.50.

Jackson noted in his memo analysis of the grader in question suggested its engine was getting ready to pack it in. “Operations staff has been closely monitoring all motor grader units in the fleet to ensure maintenance can be completed prior to breakdown or failure of major components in efforts to reduce costs and downtime,” stated the staff memo.

“Motor Grader CAT C-115 has flagged multiple SOS fluid sample warnings for the engine. Staff completed an engine oil filter inspection and noted visible debris in the filter element. Unit C-115 has been pulled from active duty until direction to proceed has been approved by council to eliminate increased repair costs resulting from further damage to the grader.”

Jackson provided councillors detailed estimates from the certified dealer and noted that having the dealer complete work would likely get the grader back to work more quickly. “Working with Finning’s shop schedule facilitates securing parts, rate savings incentives and shorter equipment downtime/return to service interval with options #1 or #2,” stated Jackson.

The staff memo also noted, when referring to financial implications, “All direction to proceed supporting non-budgeted capital repair expenses will require funds being transferred from reserves or included in 2026 budget deliberations.”

During discussion Coun. Justin Stevens asked if the county received any feedback from a model 14 grader that got a rebuild. Jackson responded that the model 14 grader in question operated through last winter and into this summer, “...and we’ve had no issues, no concerns.” Jackson added county operators used model 14 grader and described it as being similar to a new unit.

Reeve Larry Clarke asked about problems with a new 14m model grader the County of Stettler acquired. Jackson answered that a snow wing assembly issue for the new 14m grader was revealed to be a manufacturing problem and has been fixed by the dealer and manufacturer. The 14m grader, after it was repaired, has had no issues, said Jackson.

Councillors spent some time discussing how the three different options may reduce or increase downtime for the grader in question, observing that while the grader is under repair it cannot be grading gravel roads for ratepayers.

Jackson noted that if option #3 was chosen, county staff doing the engine replacement, it would take the better part of four weeks to complete. He also observed that option #3 would have no warranty except on the brand new parts used.

It was noted, however, that for option #3 the County of Stettler was expecting or owed a credit on the engine core that adds up to about $25,000, thereby reducing the dollar cost of that option to about $55,000 plus the county labour costs.

Eventually, councillors approved by a 4 to 3 vote option #1, dealer engine replacement as part of a complete refurbish and rebuild of the grader in question for $482,500 plus tax, with councillors Stevens, Ernie Gendre and James Nibourg opposed.