Politics & Government
Lower Nazareth to Replace Incinerated Dump Truck
After a 16-year-old dump truck goes up in flames while plowing snow, Lower Nazareth Township plans to purchase a new truck for about $112,000.
After one of its dump trucks went up in a fury of flames on Jan. 22, Lower Nazareth Township is in the market for a new truck.
The brand new International dump truck will cost about $112,000, according to township manager Timm Tenges, and will be purchased with money already saved in the township’s Vehicle Replacement Fund.
Tenges told the Board of Supervisors at Wednesday night’s meeting that the one-axle dump truck -- a 1996 International model -- caught fire during the year's first major snowfall.
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Township employee Todd Beruta was plowing a section of Jandy Boulevard just before 6 a.m. when he heard a pop and saw flames appear from under the dashboard. Beruta escaped without injury, but the truck burned with such intensity that even the tires melted, Tenges said.
“It was unfortunate to lose the truck, but at least no one was hurt,” he said, adding that the truck had an elaborate hydraulic system that contained several oil lines. Tenges believes the fire may have started after one of the oil lines broke, but the exact cause may never be known.
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The township’s insurance company hasn’t assessed the damage yet, so Tenges doesn't know the truck’s value. An Internet search found a 1995 International dump truck -- with a snow plow -- listed on eBay for $16,500.
Tenges said he plans to replace the truck with a brand new International dump truck, which will cost about $112,000. The plan is to buy new because the township expects to get at least 15 years out of the vehicle, he explained.
Two of the township's vehicles are 20 years old, Tenges said. Since the truck that was lost was 16 years old, he was satisfied with its years of service.
The new dump truck will be purchased with money already saved in the township’s Vehicle Replacement Fund, Tenges said, adding that the truck will be used for summer paving projects, winter plowing and salt distribution.
Tenges will have to put a price quote together and have it approved by the Board of Supervisors. He hopes to have the quote before the supervisors this spring.
