HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 7, 2008 E-03AGENDA ITEM Em3
Ah CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
M
AGENDA TITLE: Approve Specifications and Advertise for bids for a Hydraulic Underground
Cable Puller (Replacement) ($80,000)(EUD)
MEETING DATE: May 7,2008
PREPARED BY: Electric Utility Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve specifications and advertise for bids for a Hydraulic
Underground Cable Puller.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Electric Utility's (EUD's) existing hydraulic underground cable
puller, purchased in 1993, has served the utilitywell over the years
but maintenance and repair issues dictate that the utility
consider replacement at this time. For your information, EUD has sent the hydraulic underground cable
puller to two local equipment companies for repair, but neither has been successful in making permanent
repairs to the drum puller, the pulling cable level winder or the footage counterwhich has resulted in
delays in completing projects on time.
The hydraulic underground cable puller is a highly specialized piece of equipment used by EUD's
construction crews when installing medium voltage cable in underground duct/vault systems. The pulling
equipment comes trailer -mounted with a gas/diesel engine operated hydraulic power unit that provides a
highly controllable pulling speed and tension through a special steel "pulling cable".
The new hydraulic underground cable pullerwill come with an air compressor mounted on the trailer so
that the steel pulling cable can be blown into the duct system. This eliminates the need for a compressor
at the job site -- a savings in time and labor. Over the years, cable manufacturers have developed
parameters with in which the cable installation must be performed in order to avoid damaging the cable
during this process. To obtain the maximum cable life, these standards need to be followed. No other
piece of equipment in the utilityfleet can be used as a substitutefor this application to meet the
manufacturer's cable installation requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT: Long term savings will be realized by having underground cable installed properly.
FUNDING: Cost of the rchase is $80..000 and is included in the E 007108 budget in
Accou .1611201.
ns, Budge na r
Geo . Morrow
Electric Utility Director
APPROVED:
B ' g, City Manager