Superintendent's Profile July 2023

NEW YORK STATE

Volume 47, Number 518, July 2023

INSIDE

Highway Superintendent Robert Wyant and the Town of Rhinebeck....................................................9

Advertiser / Supplier Index..................................................70

Lots of news, products and services throughout!

STAFF

President/Publisher

Edwin M. McKeon Jr.

Editor In Chief Craig Mongeau

Sales Manager Kent Hogeboom

Production Mgr. John Pinkerton

Controller

Judith Nixon

Circulation Mgr. Cathy Printz

Sales/Admin. Asst. Deby Hogeboom

Trade Show Manager

Consultant

Teddy McKeon

Bob Buckley

361 Shoemaker Road

Mohawk NY 13407

Phone 315/866-1423

E-Mail - khogeboom@cegltd.com

PRODUCERS OF THE ANNUAL NEW YORK STATE HIGHWAY & PUBLIC WORKS EXPO

Teddy McKeon: General Manager of the NYS Highway and Public Works Show 215-885-2900 email: tmckeonjr@cegltd.com 800/992-7116 email: bbuckley@cegltd.com

OCTOBER 18, 2023 • SYRACUSE, NEW YORK

Mailed 11 times a year by name, to every Town, County, Village and City Highway Superintendent, Public Works Director and D.O.T. official in NY State.

Subscriptions are available to all interested persons at a cost of $25.00 per year within the USA. To subscribe, send your check, voucher or money order for $25.00 to the address above. Single issues $3.00 each

With the exception of Highway Superintendents, Public Works Directors & D.O.T. Officials, material may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

© 2023 PROFILE PUBLICATIONS PROFILE PUBLICATIONS, SUPERINTENDENT'S PROFILE & PRODUCT-SERVICE DIRECTORY, NYS HIGHWAY & PUBLIC WORKS EXPO & SNOWPLOW ROADEO ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS

In America, any road will take you to where you want to go. The street from your driveway can take you to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico; it can take you and your family to a vacation in Yellowstone National Park and to the Grand Canyon; it can take you New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and to the countryside; and it can take you to see you children’s or grandchildren’s soccer game. And of course, it takes you, all of us, to work. Some roads feed us, like interstates on which most of the country’s goods and services are transported.

As such, some roads are more vital than others. Along the Northeast Corridor, I-95 is one of those vital links. The city of Philadelphia and motorists up and down the eastern seaboard are experiencing the serious ramifications now when a major artery is severed, which occurred on June 11 when a tanker fire caused an overpass to collapse.

To reopen the highway as quickly as possible, crews will backfill and pave over the area to create six lanes, three in each direction, while the new bridge is being constructed along both sides of the temporary roadway. Officials so far have been reluctant to say how long this will take, but everyone knows this has to be done virtually right away because right now, there is at least an hour-long detour in either direction to get back on I-95. I’ve said this before: roads are a national security (and national well-being) issue. Accidents happen and you can’t plan for every possibility. But should flame resistant material be part of all bridge construction? I’m certainly not the one to answer this, but it’s a question I’m sure engineers and DOT experts will likely be thinking about.

This October 18, all roads (including the newly repaired I-95 overpass in Philly) will lead to the N.Y.S. Highway & Public Works Expo in Syracuse. We recently launched a new website for the Superintendent’s Profile, and in doing so, we also revamped the N.Y.S. Highway & Public Works Expo registration process. To register as an exhibitor, you can create a secure account via this link: www.superintendentsprofile.com/create-expo-account. After creating the account, you can log in and purchase your booth space.

We know that time is more critical than ever. If you want to skip this process and have us replicate your order from last year’s show, please send our Trade Show Manager, Teddy McKeon, an e-mail at tmckeonjr@cegltd.com.

And finally, a quick thank you to those who have already signed up to exhibit. Since launching the new site in May, we have again seen tremendous support from the local vendors. We look forward to seeing you in October, but in the meantime, have a great summer. P

Superintendent’s Profile • www.superintendentsprofile.com

• July 2023

OUR RENTAL FLEET IS AVAIL

LABLE THROUGH OGS

#PS69120

SW#070821AGI SW#060122A

GS #PC66577 O

Flail&Boom

s,r,MowersSicwerkleBar

s yrsRotryCarer ,

SW #011723-HTI

eelrss& LWhoader

s Exxcvaatrs Eavor

SW#060122 - A SW # 0

SW

ATTE

SW #070821 - A Aansd Liveebot v ent &canene Maint avingRoadwwaayP

092922-ETN SW #092922-FTSO

s Trrrs Tailer tTakeer Tank y om,ooy Lwbo

2FTSOCC#0010914

OGS #PC67423

s Trrrs Tailer y Hvyty eavy&Utilit

C #0010914

s SeweVaTrrucks werVacTk

or

llSW #031721-MBI

on!

11723-KBLSourc ent eecaneneTrrMaint T g&

T fr We

The names you kn om a company y make the purchasing

now,

S

you trust. process simpler

Highway Superintendent Robert Wyant and the Town of Rhinebeck

When Robert Wyant won election to become highway superintendent of Rhinebeck in 2020, he put to use the lessons he’d learned from his predecessors and capitalized on his years of experience in the department, as well as the connections he’d made along the way.

By Lori Lovely PROFILE CORRESPONDENT

The Rhinebeck native worked for the village of Rhinebeck (which is distinct from but lies within the town of Rhinebeck) from 1978 to 1986, after which he worked for the town for a year before starting his own excavating and paving company in 1987. He returned to work for the town highway department in 1996 as a foreman and has been there ever since.

Superintendent Teachers

Initially, he worked under Superintendent Gene Trombini. “He taught me to make sure everything looked good when we finish a project and to keep an eye on the budget,” Robert said.

Trombini worked until he was 87.

“I learned a lot from him,” Robert said. “He was meticulous. I still do things like he used to do.”

Just as his predecessor kept the trucks clean, now Robert makes sure his equipment is spotless.

“We’re fortunate to have a water department, so I use the fire hose to wash the sander after we use it.”

He pointed out that they’ve gotten 20 years of use from a sander that typically has a life of approximately six to seven years.

After Trombini retired, Robert ran for the office in 2005. He lost to opponent Kathy Kinsella, but calls it “one of the best things that happened” because he learned from her, too.

“Kathy was from Manhattan,” he said. “She was kind of a paper person — paid a lot of attention to detail. Communication was very important to her.”

Because of her example, Robert still returns every call he gets.

Because Kinsella had never worked in a highway department, she gave Robert a lot of leeway as assistant superintendent to do things the way he wanted. However, she taught him not to let things fall through the cracks.

continued on page 12

The highway crew paves a roadway at the Recreation Park.

from page 9

Picking Up the Mantle

In 2020, the time for Robert to seek election was right.

“I knew what had to be done and what was expected of a superintendent,” he said. The man who was “always in the background” was now in the spotlight.

Despite the knowledge and experience he’d acquired, nothing prepared him for dealing with a global pandemic in his first year in charge of the highway department.

“Dealing with COVID was very difficult,” he said. He rotated the seven-man crew so three people worked every three days.

Labor was only half the battle. “It was crazy — trying to get materials,” Robert added. “Everything was a lot harder. We ordered a new truck, but won’t see it for a year.”

Fortunately, his town board was very understanding. Realizing the increase in prices for paving and road improvement work, they provided him with the budget he needed to get the job done.

The Job at Hand

Robert’s duties include maintaining 114 lane miles of road, nearly all of which is paved.

“We used to do six miles of Dutchess County roads, but we no longer do,” he said, adding that they have only two dirt roads left, both of which are driveways.

Much of the department’s annual operating budget of $1,945,373 ($274,979 of which is CHIPS) is dedicated to paving or sealcoating, with the goal of doing four miles per year. Robert spends a little extra on fiber matting but said “it pays dividends.”

continued on page 18

Mechanic Bob Roush checks out the department’s new flail mower.

from page 12

Fiber matting is a simple concept, he said. “We put down a coat of oil, then chop up fiberglass strands into three-inch strips and lay it over the oil. Then we place stone on top. It reinforces the oil and stone.”

The fiber mats prevent “alligator” cracks. “It’s a good surface,” Robert said. “It costs a little more but lasts longer.”

Fiber mat lasts up to 10 years, as opposed to just oil and stone, which lasts six to seven years. It’s also more labor-intensive, but he said it doesn’t take much longer to put down. He uses it as a wear surface even on roads he later paves over.

When snow falls, those roads are divided into seven plow routes, each of which takes approximately four hours to complete. Although the weather pattern has been changing and the area has seen more rain than snow of late, the average annual snowfall is about 40 inches.

Additional duties include mowing one historical cemetery and taking care of Rhinecliff’s roads. Rhinecliff is a hamlet settled in the 1600s and now inhabited largely by New Yorkers, who take advantage of the hourand-a-half train ride to New York City, due to an Amtrak station in the area.

“The person who designed the roads didn’t look at the landscape,” Robert said. “Some roads run off the cliff into the Hudson River. They are very narrow streets.”

Projects

In addition to the day-to-day duties, Robert oversees several projects. The crew is currently doing some drainage work in Rhinecliff as they prepare for this year’s paving and fiber matting.

continued on page 22

The town of Rhinebeck highway department replaces a deep culvert on Cove Road.

from page 18

A project in the planning stages is the Parnsonage Street Bridge, one of six the department is responsible for. A busy bridge, it has a lot of traffic because it’s a direct route to the schools.

The 100-year-old-plus bridge sustained storm damage in 2012 from Hurricane Irene.

“We did repair work on the footings, but it needs a complete replacement,” Robert said.

His crew had to adhere to a strict schedule while replacing the footings because of a trout stream.

“We used over 1,600 sandbags to divert two feet of water.” He proudly reported that they completed the work ahead of schedule and under budget.

He hopes to secure a BRIDGE NY grant to help fund the $2 million replacement project. The program, administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, invests in local roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure throughout the state. Robert intends to contract out most of the work and says their engineer, Paggi and Son, will monitor.

Other projects on the to-do list include replacing White School House culverts and more drainage work in Rhinecliff.

continued on page 26

The town of Rhinebeck highway department’s in-house-made brine maker.

Seen here is the department’s new live edge plow system.

from page 22

Job Well Done

In only his second two-year term, Robert has already completed a significant amount of paving — some of it with help from other townships, to save taxpayer dollars. Rhinebeck and some of the other nearby towns often help each other.

“We rebuilt a 1972 Blaw Knox paver and have put down at least 6,000 tons with it so far,” he said.

The department recently completed a big drainage project on Cove Road.

“The old pipe was down 20 feet and needed to be replaced,” Robert said. The work was done in-house and under budget.

One of Robert’s most innovative projects is the brine-making machine and applicator he built in 2020.

His kids say all he talks about is the brine maker, but it’s an important innovation that saves the town money and is better for the environment than other snow-melting options. “I believe in brine,” Robert said.

Always learning, he said, “I did a lot of research to make sure it was the right thing to do.” He even talked to a “salt guru.” Once he saw one on YouTube, he believed he could build it. “It looks simple and easy. You just mix salt and water to get a 23.3 percent salt solution.”

continued on page 30

The Rhinebeck Team

The town of Rhinebeck’s highway department includes:

Full-Time Employees:

• Rickie Stokes, working supervisor

• Bob Roush, mechanic

• Brian Hanson, HEMO

• Adam Fitzpatrick, HEMO

• Robby Fitzpatrick, HEMO

• Tony Sanicola, laborer

Part-Time Employees:

• Joan Picard, office manager

• Jim Rogers, laborer

The crew installs a new culvert at the Hudson River Boat Ramp.

from page 26

Robert asked the town board for the budget to build it. Then, he acquired two 500-gallon tanks, some pipes and fittings and three gasoline pumps.

“We can make 800 gallons of brine in 25 minutes.” He estimates that an automatic commercial equivalent would cost $30,000 to $80,000.

There’s a formula based on weather and temperature to calculate how much is put down per lane mile. Robert applies between 250 and 600 gallons per lane mile — averaging 350 to 400 gallons, he said. He bought a computerized applicator to help manage the application. “It beeps if we go too fast.”

The brine maker and applicator save approximately 13 tons of salt, according to Robert. He estimates that it takes about 18 tons of salt to do Rhinebeck’s roads, allowing for 30 percent to scatter off the road during application. This year alone, he saved 105 tons of salt — approximately $10,000.

In addition to saving money on materials, he also saves money on labor. Instead of having to call in all the guys after the storm hits for overtime hours to spread salt, he can “send one guy out during the day before the storm for six to seven hours.”

The brine stays on the road for 48 hours. This also makes brine a safer option.

“We can brine 48 hours in advance; it’s still there when the snow comes,” Robert added. In fact, he said, a layer of brine beneath the snow helps keep the roads clear better than applying 10 times more salt on top of the snow in the hopes of melting it.

The crew clean up after a storm.

continued on page 34 The highway department replaces culverts on Old Albany Post Road.

from page 30

While each storm is different, Robert closely observes weather reports, ultimately relying on his “best forecaster” — whitetail deer, who will often be out feeding in the daytime a day or two before a storm.

Rhinebeck

Deer are plentiful around Rhinebeck, a historic town in Dutchess County. Located in the scenic Hudson River Valley, with views of the Catskill Mountains, the town of Rhinebeck began as a European settlement in 1686, when a group of Dutch people bought 2,200 acres of land from three members of the local Sepasco tribe.

Beekman Inn was erected in 1766 and remains in operation as a hotel. It’s considered the oldest inn in America. Officially organized in 1788, the town of Rhinebeck has numerous ties with revolutionary figures and presidents. George Washington visited in 1796, dining at Bogardus tavern. Aaron Burr and Morgan Lewis used other local taverns as campaign headquarters for the 1804 gubernatorial election (which Lewis won). Many years later, Franklin Roosevelt oversaw the design of the new post office.

By the 1850s, Rhinebeck had become a woodworking center known for producing quality milled wood products. A couple decades later during the Gilded Age, it became a popular spot for the wealthy to establish country estates. The Roosevelt Library and Home, the Vanderbilt mansion and the Mills Mansion are popular attractions.

Today, the well-placed town is home to many NYC commuters. The small town with a population of 7,800 also is a destination, with many restaurants, small shops, galleries, museums, festivals, a recently installed astroturf soccer field and the Dinsmore Golf Course and Park. Robert often plays on Thursday nights with a group of friends known as the Hackers, but also on weekends when he can find the time. Robert has a 10 handicap.

“I used to hunt and fish,” he said, “but I married a Long Island girl. She changed my ways.”

Married for 19 years, Robert and Jeanine met on karaoke night at a bar. “I used to sing karaoke and went to the state finals.”

When he can’t play golf, the family man with four grown children, a stepson and eight grandchildren works around the house. With one son in South Carolina, another in New York, a stepson in Pennsylvania, a daughter in Florida and another who recently passed away, many of his closest family members have scattered. However, his parents still live nearby.

continued on page 38

The crew fills in shoulders with a Bobcat shoulder conveyor.

The town of Rhinebeck highway department performs some ditch work.

from page 34

His schedule at home is as full as his work schedule, but he said, “I like doing stuff myself.” That includes taking care of the lawn, maintaining a saltwater pool and adding a new deck to his house.

Equipment, Facilities

To maintain the roads into, around and out of Rhinebeck that allow visitors and residents to see the sights and shop the stores, the highway department needs an extensive list of equipment.

The big equipment, in part, owned by the town includes:

• 2014 Mack 10-wheeler with a combo dump body, plow and wing

• 2015 Mack 10-wheeler with a combo dump body, plow and wing

• 2006 International six-wheel dump with plow and wing

• 2008 International six-wheel dump with plow and wing

• 2014 International six-wheel dump with plow and wing

• 2003 Ford F650 dump with a plow

• 2019 F 150 four-door pickup

• 2017 F350 super cab with plow

• 2017 F250 super cab with plow

continued on page 42

The town of Rhinebeck highway department’s garage was built in 2000 and replaced one built in the early 1950s. Note the mill stone the department dug up while installing a culvert pipe.

READY FOR RENT OR PURCHASE

CALL FOR RENTAL

CALL FOR RENTAL

FOR RENT

with EROPS, 8' brush, water / spray system, hydrostatic drive, and Kubota engine..................Call

OROPS, canopy, PAT Blade....Call ***MULTIPLE DOZER FOR RENTAL ONLY***

2014 KOMATSU HM300 30 TON ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCK

1 CY Bucket and 48" forks, aux hydraulics, quick coupler, 335/80R18 Tires, EROPS, and hydrostatic transmission, 841HRS..................$64,900

2023 WESTERN STAR 4700SB

BRAND NEW DELIVERY TODAY!

BRAND NEW!! CAB & CHASSIS; TWIN STEER; 450 HP Detroit

FOR RENT

QTY 30 TONNER

6x6 Drive, 23.5x25 rubber, Previously under Komatsu dealer's full maintenance and repair contract. Very good condition. We have a quantity to rent.

FOR RENT

Diesel DD13; 9LL Trans.; 40K F/A; 46K Full Locking Rears; Haulmaax Susp.; 270” WB; 22’ Frame Behind Cab; 170” CT; 12” x 1/2” Thick Steel Frame; 3.91 Ratio; Includes Factory Warranty; Stk. #6740 Call

2013 BROCE BROOM KR350

2017 CAT D5K2 LGP CRAWLER DOZER

2018 CASE 21F WHEEL LOADER

from page 38

• 2014 F550 one-ton dump with plow

• 2022 Hyundai 930 payloader

• 2006 Komatsu backhoe

• 2023 John Deere tractor with flail mower

• 2004 John Deer tractor with flail mower

• 2022 Hyundai 55 mini-excavator with brush cutter head

• 1972 Blaw Knox PF65 paver

• 2020 brine maker

• 2023 brine applicator

• 2004 Elgin sweeper

In addition, the town shares a bucket truck and a paver with four other townships. The county bought the equipment for the towns to share; their only cost is maintenance. But Robert opted out of one piece of shared equipment when he bought a mini-excavator and brush cut. He felt Rhinebeck had enough need to justify the purchase.

“We send it out in the winter when we don’t have snow to clear,” he said. “The guys can do one mile of road in three to four days. It’s worked out well.”

Equipment always needs updating and Robert recognizes that it’s easy to fall behind, but he follows a maintenance and replacement schedule when he can. Large trucks and equipment are serviced at 200 to 250

hours; pickups are serviced at 5,000 miles; and small engines at 100 hours. Crews typically work on equipment during the winter.

The town still owns a 1972 paver. “It’s an oldie but a goodie,” Robert said. They bought it for $1,200. He estimates they have about $5,000 in it. “Replacing the back tires was expensive.” But since it still runs and a new paver costs approximately $200,000, he’s hanging onto it.

He would, however, like to replace the 2003 F650 with a utility dump truck and get a big roller.

All large equipment and trucks carry radios for communication, and the trucks also have GPS so he can keep track of their location.

Computers are used in the office for bookkeeping and daily logs, and to check weather forecasts. A Facebook page and the town’s website help him alert residents about storms on the way and operations during bad weather.

Equipment is stored in the main garage — a 110-ft. x 85-ft. building constructed in 2000 (replacing a garage built in the 1950s) with six bays, a mechanics’ room, upstairs storage and office space. There’s additional storage in the 50-ft. x 80-ft. pole barn built in 1994.

The town’s salt shed, also built in 1994, is 100 ft. x 60 ft., with 20-ft. wings on each side for more storage. There’s enough undercover storage capacity for 2,000 tons of salt.

continued on page 46

The town of Rhinebeck highway department’s salt shed can hold up to 2,000 tons.

Contract #032119 - HCE Heavy & Medium Construction Equipment

NYS

Group #40625 Award 22792

Heavy Equipment NYS Contract #PC69513

Contract #040319 - HCE Medium & Compact Equipment

Contract #080818 - FAM Snow Removal Equipment

Contract #121918 - MNR Flatbed Equipment & Lowboy Trailers

NYS

Heavy Equipment Rental Contract

Group #72007 Award 23182

#PS69107 SB

from page 42

Job Satisfaction

Citing his best day on the job as the day he took office and claiming he hasn’t had a “worst day,” yet, it’s no surprise that before his current term ends in December 2023, Robert intends to run for another.

His wife said, “My husband has always been a very hard worker and has always loved the town he grew up in. Bob worked his way up the ladder in the highway department through hard work and reliability. He was elected by the people of this town because they knew the roads would be safe in the winter and the town would be cared for.”

As part of his “ongoing education,” Robert is a member of the NYS Association of Highway Superintendents and is an executive member of the Dutchess County Highway Superintendents.

“I enjoy working with other superintendents,” he said. “You can always learn something new.”

But his favorite part of the job is working for the town’s residents.

“I grew up here. I know the history of the town.”

He notices the number of new families moving in and is happy to answer their questions about his birthplace.

Considering it a privilege to be elected to the position, the Robert promises to be available and do his best. He credits his crew, the town board and the town superintendent. “It’s important to get along,” he said. “If I ever reach the point that I don’t, it’s time to leave.”

Not anticipating that to be an issue, Robert plans to run for re-election.

“My future is to continue to work with the salt brine in the winter months, to keep our roads maintained and safe for travel and our equipment up to par, to keep my crew in good spirits and pass on what I know to them.”

Always on the lookout for new ways of doing the “same old thing” better and more economically, Robert said he will continue to search for ways to improve the department’s operations and protect the environment.

“I’m big on the environment. I want to leave it better for my kids. There are a lot of simple things you can do. Salt brine is one.”

Despite calling himself “a little bit old-school,” Robert insisted, “I’m always learning.” And that continues to benefit the town of Rhinebeck.  P

The town of Rhinebeck highway department’s fleet sits ready for snow removal.

The department’s cold storage pole barn.

Fonda Hosts Annual Mohawk Valley Highway Trade Show

The Montgomery County Highway Superintendents Association hosted the second annual Mohawk Valley Highway Trade Show and Expo May 10, 2023, at the Fonda Fairgrounds in Fonda, N.Y.

This event encouraged highway departments from across the Mohawk Valley area to bring in some of their recently purchased equipment and showcase it to their neighboring highway departments, as well as providing equipment and supply vendors the opportunity to discuss their new products and services.

William Hovig, highway superintendent of the town of Mohawk, spearheaded the event. Previously, he attended a similar event in Colombia County, which had planted the seed to create something similar for the Mohawk Valley region. However, it takes many people to plan and present a successful show of this size. Holvig recognized Stanley Korona, president of the Montgomery County Highway Association; Nicole Fazio and Kim Travis, both of The Gorman Group; and Mark Wilmot, a member of the town of Mohawk crew, as being instrumental in setting up the event. A delicious barbecue lunch also was provided during the show.  CEG (All photographs in this article are Copyright 2023 Superintendent’s Profile. All Rights Reserved.)

continued on page 52

Superintendent’s Profile • www.superintendentsprofile.com • July 2023

George Lonergan (L) and Joe Planeta, both of J and J Equipment, introduce their new line of Spider mowers, which are operator-free, remote-controlled and take on even the steepest slopes.

Tracey Road Equipment locally sells a nice lineup of Western Star trucks.

Jay Fish (L) and Tim Rinck, both of Milton CAT, were ready to promote this Caterpillar 914 as being a good addition to anyone’s fleet.

Jon Sherman (L) and Peter Fletcher, both of Alta Equipment, were ready to discuss JCB and Volvo equipment at the show.

United Construction and Forestry, a new name locally in John Deere distribution, just completed the construction of a brand-new facility in Clifton Park, N.Y. With this John Deere loader is Chad Freeman, the local representative.

County Highway Superintendents Association Holds Annual Show

from page 48

Apollo Northeast brought in a couple of vintage trucks to the show.

Monroe Tractor represents Case, which is one of the country’s oldest names in municipal equipment. (L-R) are Mark Padovski, Nick Moore, Tom VanValen and Nick Nichols.

The folks at Trius, best known for their truck bodies, had a nice display of their wares that are available at locations across New York State.

Lunch was provided primarily by vender donations.

The event drew several hundred attendees.

The Gorman Group graciously prepared lunch.

H.O. Penn Begins Series of Events to Celebrate 100 Years

It was 1921 when three businessmen, Hamilton O. Penn, Frank Ginsberg and E. Gwynn Robinson, formed the Ginsberg-Penn Company.

Two short years later, on Feb. 17, 1923, Ginsberg-Penn was bought out by Hamilton O. Penn, breathing life into what is now H.O. Penn Machinery Company Inc.

Meanwhile, just a couple of months later, the New York Yankees opened Yankee Stadium to mark the start of an era. While Babe Ruth was knocking home runs out of the park, H.O. Penn began its mission of helping customers build a better tomorrow.

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, H.O. Penn is hosting events over the next several months at each of the company’s locations, the first of which was held May 11 at its Bloomingburg, N.Y., facility.

The event, which was open to all customers, employees and supporters of H.O. Penn, featured live entertainment, food and refreshments, a skid steer operator challenge, antique equipment, contemporary equipment and many special interest exhibits. On hand was the Cat 75th Anniversary Chopper, a working 1917 Holt tractor and a Caterpillar simulator for all to enjoy.

H.O. Penn thanked all of its customers, employees, Caterpillar and business neighbors and offered special thanks to the town of Wallkill along with Bloomingburg and Pine Bush fire departments, which greatly contributed to the success of the celebration.  P

(All photographs in this article are Copyright 2023 Superintendent’s Profile. All Rights Reserved.)

continued on page 60

Rob Cleveland (L), CEO of H.O. Penn, and Jeff Mitchell (R), president of H.O. Penn, welcome Mark Coyne, town of Wallkill deputy supervisor.

H.O. Penn expresses its American pride in the red, white and blue with a little help from the local fire department.

United makes bidding a cooperative contracts a of Ag & Turf and Constru ihhi

nd purchasing easy with nd our extensive network ction & Forestry locations idi il with the commitment to level of service start to fi prov ng an exceptional nish. Experience United.

Cat Chopper Makes Appearance at H.O. Penn Anniversary Event

from page 56

continued on page 64

Representing H.O. Penn’s rental department are Joe Cirillo and Chelsea Miritello.

No anniversary celebration would be complete without live entertainment.

Brayden Knapp enjoys some sandbox time with Caterpillar machines made just his size in the hopes that someday he will be an H.O. Penn technician just like his Uncle Will.

Every department of the H.O. Penn team was represented at the event to answer any and all questions.

The Caterpillar chopper, custom made by the local famous Orange County Choppers, was on display.

H.O. Penn Thanks Employees, Customers for Century of Success

from page 60

H.O. Penn is fortunate to have many long-term dedicated employees with decades of industry experience to assist customers before, during and after the equipment purchasing process, including Matt Ahern (L), sales operation manager, and John Bellardino, vice president of product support.

Guests enjoyed a hearty barbecue dinner. Lunch was provided primarily by vender donations.

continued on page 66

A blast from the past — a 1917 Holt (an early predecessor of Caterpillar) 5-ton military tractor — was on display during the 100th anniversary open house.

As guests from across the region arrive, each are presented with a gift bag as a show of appreciation for their support.

571 Route 212 Saugerties, NY 12477

www.amontanoco.com

SALES – RENTALS

– PARTS

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORT AND SERVICE

Sourcewell Contracts For: Hyundai, Morbark, Diamond, Towmaster, Boxer & Rayco

MOHAWK VALLEY FREIGHTLINER

108SD’S 114SD’S 122SD’S PLOW & VOCATIONAL MODELS AVAILABLE

Various New York State and National Contracts Available

2-7 Yr Govt Financing

New: M2-106’s, M2112’s, 108SD’s, 114SD’s

(No Bidding Required)

“Real People Answer The Phone”

CHECK OUR PRICES

INDEPENDENT, FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE WE WORK WITH ALL BODY BUILDERS

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE!

(845) 247-0206 • Fax: (845) 246-1036

Empire Radiator Service 606 Hague Street Rochester, NY 14606

585-254-7140

www.empireradiator.com

Fuel Tank Restoration and Repair

We are the only full service fuel tank restoration and repair facility in up-state New York. New U.S. made aluminum tanks.

TitanX original equipment quality radiators for Mack MR Series and other trucks. Call for availability and price.

Radiators, Charge Air Coolers, Oil Coolers

New, Recores, Repairs, Custom Designed aluminum and copper brass

DPF, DOC, and EGR Cleaning

Controlled burn baking and dual forced air and suction ensures all cells are cleaned. Damaged fittings can be repaired or replaced

Burn Off Oven

Complete removal of paint and grease from your parts and equipment.

Fluid Lines

Hydraulic, including steel, AC and Brake lines

Other Services

Aluminum and steel welding. Press brake, mill, lathe, notchers and sheers. Wet and dry sand blasting, caustic boil out, acid and solvent cleaning, high pressure wash.

Now reserving Production Slots for 2022 on 114 SD’s, 108SD’s, M2 -106 112’s % Cascadia’s All dates coordinated with bodybuilders equipment availability

MOHAWK VALLEY FREIGHTLINER

703 Oriskany Blvd., PO Box 201, Yorkville, (Utica) New York 13495 866-830-1463 • 315-736-3330 • 315-736-3287 fax

rwoods@mvfreightliner.com

www.mvfreightliner.com

Rick Woods Sales & Engineering

Over Two-Thirds of the Earth’s Surface Is Water...

We’re Making the Other Third... Smooth Sailing

For over three quarters of a century Suit-Kote has been building smooth roads from horizon to horizon. And unlike the uncertainty of the open sea, you can always be confident that the open road we build promises you smooth sailing. At Suit-Kote, we’re committed to one thing – getting you there.