Big rigs come with big repair bills for Paradise

By Mark Squibb

Paradise council earlier this month approved repairs to two vehicles.
The first was a 2019 Freightliner tandem dump truck, which had been brought to the garage for an annual inspection earlier this year. It was determined that an extensive amount of work was required to bring the truck up to spec.
Councillor Glen Carew explained that as issues were identified, costs associated with rectifying them were approved up to the staff spending limits. Carew added that there were 16 such issues.
A final two problems would have, under normal circumstances, required council approval as the repairs would have pushed the total cost beyond the limit which staff can approve without council approval.
However, as there was a potential fee of $1,200 per day associated with occupying a service bay, and the cost of repairs would not exceed the cost of delaying the work, the final two jobs were approved by staff.
Issues that needed to be addressed included the AVS warning light, wheel seals, brake components, electrical system malfunctions, air tanks, exhaust and steering components. All told, the repairs cost $27,795, plus HST, for a total of $31,964, HST included.
A 2013 excavator was also brought to the garage for an undercarriage repair.
Brand Tractor Ltd., quoted the repairs at $23,041, plus HST in April, and approval was granted in May.
During the repairs, mechanics discovered additional items that needed replacement at an additional cost of $6,493, plus HST, for a new combined price of $29,535, plus HST, for a total of $33,965.
Carew noted the item led to a lengthy discussion at the committee about when it is time to retire a vehicle.
“It’s a complex calculation of time, hours, condition, and repairs,” said Carew. “This one here still has some vitality left, even though it’s a 2013 unit.”
Councillor Tommy Maher said he was pleased to see the unit had already undergone the repairs and was completing ditching along Twin Brook Drive.
Both motions were approved unanimously.