Photo: Stettler County approved a $54,800 forestry mulcher attachment to replace its aging 2005 unit, citing

repeated breakdowns, equipment compatibility and warranty protection. Cat^® 299D3 XE Land Management Compact Track Loader - Screenshot cat.com

County of Stettler council approved purchasing a forestry mulcher attachment for $54,800 plus GST at its Oct. 14 regular council meeting, replacing an aging unit that has repeatedly broken down.

The CAT SSL-MU-HM418 attachment will be purchased from Finning Canada. The unbudgeted capital purchase will be funded through reserves.

The county’s brushing program relies on a drum mulcher mounted to a compact loader to clear vegetation. Its existing FAE unit, purchased in 2005, has become increasingly difficult to maintain, with parts harder to obtain and equipment failures delaying projects.

Administration reported that the attachment had required two significant repairs this year. According to the council report, it was sent out twice this fall and returned the same day on both occasions because of equipment failure.

Operations has been renting a CAT attachment for $3,917 per month plus GST to finish 2026 work and prepare for 2027 road rehabilitation projects.

The replacement will operate with the county’s CAT 299D3 XE compact tracked loader, whose purchase council approved in 2025. Administration said the rental attachment paired with that loader was completing substantially more work each day than the older equipment combination.

During discussion, operations staff explained that using an attachment from the same manufacturer provides better software integration and monitoring capabilities. Familiar controls, equipment compatibility and reliable access to replacement parts also supported the recommendation.

The CAT attachment was the most expensive of three options presented to council. A Bobcat unit was quoted at $46,363 plus GST, excluding delivery, while an FAE attachment was priced at $52,729 plus GST, including delivery. Delivery was included in the CAT price.

Administration highlighted the CAT unit’s 12-month warranty, which the report said includes coverage for maintenance or damage to the CAT loader caused by contamination following an equipment failure.

During the meeting, administration explained that a hydraulic failure involving the attachment could lead to pump repairs exceeding $23,000 on the loader. The warranty protection was presented as an important consideration when comparing purchase prices.

Council also discussed the rising cost of repairing the existing attachment and whether hiring contractors would be preferable to owning the equipment.

Administration said repair costs were approaching the value of replacement. Operations staff explained that keeping equipment available allows the county to manage road rehabilitation, address sightline concerns and schedule brushing work independently.

Council carried the motion to approve the CAT mulcher purchase.