Handling its own road maintenance with materials donated by residents helps stretch tax dollars
Shale 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.
“That material costs savings is great for our budget, because most of our roads are gravel or shale,” said Burgett. “That allows us to maximize and put our dollars to better use. We've got plenty of power to do what jobs we need to do.”
Burgett is one of about 10 staff members who remain busy maintaining the nearly 300 miles of roadway in Pushmataha County District 2. They put down shale and 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.”
Takeuchi increases versatility
Having one machine that allows crew members to perform multiple tasks is a real advantage as well, said Burgett. That’s one reason Pushmataha County District 2 purchased a new Takeuchi TL12V2 compact track loader with a quick coupler from Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM), with the 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.”
Better accommodate
Pushmataha County’s population has remained relatively stable during the past 10 years, but traffic seems to have increased, according to Burgett.
“We are doing more maintenance, which comes from increased usage and other factors,” Burgett indicated. “Our goal remains to improve roads and better accommodate residents and visitors. With the staff we have and some strategic moves like acquiring the loader, we believe we are achieving that.”
