New Front-end Loaders Delivered to Hector

The Municipal Airport Authority recently took delivery of two new front-end loaders for its snow removal and airport maintenance operation. Specifications for the loaders were released in December 2002 and the bids were awarded in January. The new loaders will replace older equipment.

RDO Equipment of Fargo was awarded the bid for the two loaders for $421,800. The first loader is a John Deere 644H. It has a 180 hp engine with a 16′ reversible plow. The second unit is a John Deere 744J. This unit has a 265 hp engine and a 20′ ramp plow along with a 6.5-yard bucket.

The snow removal operation at Hector International Airport will be more

efficient with the addition of this new equipment. The Airfield Maintenance Staff is made up of 5 full-time and one-part time personnel. There is approximately 195 acres of paved surfaces on the air operations area at Hector that includes three runways and multiple taxiways and ramp areas.