PUSHMATAHA COUNTY DISTRICT 2 Handling its own road maintenance with materials donated by residents helps stretch tax dollars
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hale is an abundant resource in southeast Oklahoma’s Pushmataha County — so much so that residents often donate it for use on secondary roads, according to District 2 Commissioner Brad Burgett.
gravel, blade roads, clean ditches and install culverts, among other services. “It’s more cost-effective for residents to have us do the work as opposed to hiring it out,” said Burgett. “Us doing it, along with the donation of materials, keeps expenses down and stretches taxpayer dollars.”
“That material costs Brad Burgett, commissioner savings is great for our budget, because most of our roads are gravel or shale,” said Takeuchi increases versatility Burgett. “That allows us to maximize Having one machine that allows and put our dollars to better use. crew members to perform multiple We've got plenty of power to do tasks is a real advantage as well, what jobs we need to do.” said Burgett. That’s one reason Burgett is one of about 10 staff Pushmataha County District 2 members who remain busy purchased a new Takeuchi TL12V2 maintaining the nearly 300 miles compact track loader with a of roadway in Pushmataha County quick coupler from Kirby-Smith District 2. They put down shale and Machinery Inc. (KSM), with the
Commissioner Brad Burgett uses Pushmataha County District 2’s Takeuchi TL12V2 compact track loader to move materials.
assistance of Territory Manager Ronald Allen. “Ron and Kirby-Smith have been great to deal with,” Burgett attested. “I came to know him from an organization we belong to, and he’s called on us for a long time. He checks in to make sure everything is going well, which I appreciate. We buy parts from Kirby-Smith, including for a HAMM roller the county has. They are always responsive from that standpoint, as well as for service if we need it.” Burgett said the TL12V2 gives Pushmataha County District 2 versatility. In addition to a bucket, it has a grapple and will soon have a mower attachment. “It allows us to cut brush and load it, as well as load pipe and move other materials,” Burgett explained. “There are three outlets for high and low flow to control attachments, and with the quick coupler, we can make changes quickly. The loader moves fast, and it’s easy to get around. It allows us to load 10-wheel dump trucks, so we get a lot of use out of it. It’s saving us on manpower and time.” The TL12V2 — Takeuchi’s largest compact track loader at 13,190 pounds with the cab and 111 horsepower (at 2,400 rpm) — was the right choice for multiple reasons, according to Burgett. “I have run nearly every major brand out there, and I believe Takeuchi is the best,” stated Burgett. “In addition to versatility and production, the loader is comfortable. The way the front glass moves is better for seeing, as well as getting in and out, and it has a backup camera, so you don’t have to turn around as much. I think that increases safety, too.”
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