Boone County Fiscal Court is seeking sealed bids from qualified vendors for the purchase of one (1) new backhoe loader in accordance with the specifications provided. The selected vendor will supply and deliver the equipment to Boone County, Kentucky. The bid submission will remain open for 21 days from the issue date, and all submissions must comply with the attached specifications.
- Bid Submittal Instructions —
The Boone County Fiscal Court will receive sealed bids electronically via the County's electronic bidding system only until 2:00 pm (local time), Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from qualified vendors to perform the services associated with Backhoe Loader. Bids must be submitted electronically. Late, hand delivered (paper), emailed or facsimile bids will not be accepted. Bids will be opened online at the time listed above.
- INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS —
The bidder will be required to provide verification of insurance coverage in accordance with the parameters that follow. The successful bidder will have fifteen (15) calendar days to comply with this requirement, excluding County holidays and non-workdays, if applicable.
The bidder must maintain the insurance coverage required by the County while this contract is in force, including automatic renewal terms, and shall provide documentation of such insurance in a form satisfactory to the County.
In the event that the bidder changes their insurance carrier, new verification of insurance coverage must be provided to the County by the new insurance carrier within ten (10) days of the change of policy.
The bidder shall purchase and maintain in force, at their own expense, such insurance as will protect them and the County from claims, which may arise out of or result from the bidder's execution of the work, whether such execution be by the bidder, bidder's employees, agents, sub-Contractors, or by anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable. The insurance coverage shall be such as to fully protect the Owner, the Engineer (if applicable) and the public from all claims for injury and damage resulting by any actions on the part of the bidder or bidder's forces as enumerated above. The bidder shall furnish a copy of an original Certificate of Insurance, naming Boone County as an additional insured. Certificate of Insurance must have an original signature. Should any of the policies be canceled before the expiration date, the issuing company will mail 30 days written notice to the certificate holder. The bidder shall furnish insurance in satisfactory limits, and on forms and of companies which are acceptable to the Owner's Attorney and/or Assistant County Administrator and shall require and show evidence of insurance coverages on behalf of any sub-Contractors (if applicable), before entering into any agreement to sublet any part of the work to be done under this Contract.
The following insurance requirements are the Minimum Limits of Liability, Terms, and Coverage that will be acceptable:
Commercial General Liability
$1,000,000 bodily injury and property damage each occurrence, including advertising and personal injury, products and completed operations
$2,000,000 products/completed operations, independent bidder's liability, contractual liability, and coverage for property damage from perils of explosion, collapse, or damage to underground utilities, commonly known as XCU
$2,000,000 general annual aggregate
Auto Liability Insurance
$1,000,000 each person, bodily injury, and property damage, including owned, non‐owned and hired auto liability
Workers’ Compensation
Employer’s Liability
$1,000,000 bodily injury by accident, each accident
$1,000,000 bodily injury by disease, each employee
$1,000,000 bodily injury by disease, policy aggregate
Umbrella/Excess Liability
$2,000,000 each occurrence and annual aggregate
Underlying coverage shall include General Liability, Auto Liability, and Employer's Liability
$1,000,000 annual aggregate covering damages or liability arising or resulting from bidder's services rendered, or which should have been rendered, pursuant to the Contract
Property
The bidder shall purchase and maintain property insurance covering machinery, equipment, mobile equipment, and tools used or owned by the bidder in the performance of services under the Contract. Boone County Fiscal Court shall in no circumstance be responsible or liable for the loss or damage to, or disappearance of, any machinery, equipment, mobile equipment, and tools used or owned by the bidder in the performance of services under the Contract.
The bidder and their insurance company should carefully review the insurance requirements applicable to this agreement. All requirements herein must be met before the County will execute the contract.
- BACKHOE LOADER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS —
The specifications are based on a new Caterpillar model 440 Backhoe Loader. In accordance with KRS45A.415, items considered equal may be furnished.
Bidders are responsible for providing technical documentation supporting the equivalency of the item to be considered including the criteria to be evaluated in the bid.
- GENERAL —
1. ENGINE
Performance
- Turbocharged, 4-cylinder, direct-injection diesel
- Net flywheel HP: ≥ 104 HP @ 2200 RPM
- Net peak power: ≥ 108 HP @ 1900 RPM
- Net peak torque: ≥ 330 ft-lb @ 1400 RPM
- Torque Rise: 44% minimum
- Tier 4 Final / Stage IV emissions
- SCR system; no regeneration required
- Economy mode
- Automatic Engine Speed Control
- Auto engine protection shutdown
- Thermal starting aid system
- Glow plug cold-start capability to –18°C (–0.4°F)
Fuel & Air System
- High-pressure direct injection (common rail)
- Mechanical transfer pump + self-priming electric lift pump
- 10-micron primary fuel filter with water separator & indicator
- Vertical cartridge secondary fuel filter
- Dry-type axial seal air cleaner with ≥95% automatic dust ejection
- Filter condition indicator
- Spin-on engine oil filter
Construction & Durability
- Cast iron monobloc engine block
- High-strength cast iron cylinder head
- Silicon/aluminum alloy pistons
- Forged chrome-moly crankshaft, nitrocarburized journals
- Viton/PTFE seals
- Stellite-faced exhaust valves
- Hardened intake valves
- Gear-driven integral water pump
- Noise-isolated gear train cover
- Internally mounted heat exchangers
- Liquid-cooled engine
- Oil cooler
- Automatic belt tensioner
- Engine oil service interval: up to 500 hr
Cooling & Electrical
- 12-volt electrical system
- Alternator: ≥ 150 amp
- Battery: maintenance-free, 1,000 CCA (dual optional)
- Heavy-duty fan and radiator guards
- Antifreeze protection to –34°F, 5-year interval
- Master disconnect switch (with DEF “keep alive” capability)
2. TRANSMISSION / POWERTRAIN
Transmission
- Autoshift transmission
- Six forward / three reverse speeds
- Forward travel speed minimum: 24.4 MPH
- Maximum travel speed: ≥ 25 MPH
- Reverse speed minimum: 16.7 MPH
- Fast reversing shuttle (all gears)
- On-the-go directional change (contactless)
- Transmission disconnect on loader control
- OEM-built transmission
- Digital torque converter temperature display
- Torque converter: ≥ 2.3:1 stall ratio / ≥ 728 Nm stall torque
- Separate reservoirs for transmission, differential, and hydraulics
- Spin-on transmission filter
- Electric neutral lock
4WD & Axles
- 4WD, sealed kingpins, engage-on-the-move
- Pendulum-mounted sealed front axle
- Rear axle with differential lock (joystick-controlled)
- Static load rating (front/rear): ≥ 50,565 lb
- Dynamic load rating: ≥ 20,225 lb
- Outboard planetary final drives
- Axle oscillation: ≥ 11°
- Single fill/check point for rear axle
- Tires: 340/80R18 front; 500/70R24 rear (radials)
- Front tires must remain inside loader bucket width
- Metal valve stem protectors
- AWD cylinder, double-acting
3. BRAKES
- Hydraulically boosted, multi-plate wet disc brakes
- Fully self-adjusting
- Kevlar-based sealed brake pads
- Inboard, oil-immersed brakes
- 4-wheel braking available at any speed
- Dual pedals with interlock
- 3-mode brake selector (2WD / 2WD+4WD / 4WD)
- SAHR driveline parking brake (auto-engaging at shutdown)
4. STEERING
- Hydrostatic HMU power steering
- Automatic variable-speed assist
- Steering angle: 52°
- Steering cylinder: 3.34" × 9.29" × 1.65"
- Steering knob standard
5. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
- Electronic load-sensing, variable-displacement piston pump
- Pump pressure: ≥ 3800 psi
- Total flow: 58 gpm (220 L/min)
- Full lift capability at any engine speed
- Closed-center, flow-sharing valves
- Electronic pump torque limiter
- ORFS fittings
- 6-micron vertical hydraulic filter
- Rear-mounted non-metallic hydraulic tank
- 4-layer spiral-wire hoses with high-wear protection
- Combination one-way/two-way auxiliary lines
- Adjustable auxiliary flow
- Standard 6-function, 8-bank valve
6. LOADER & LINKAGE
Structure
- Heavy-duty, in-line loader arms
- Torque tube welded to arms
- Full-width main tower pin
- Single-tilt loader design
- Dual parallel lift cylinders
- Ride control
- Anti-drift hydraulics
- Boom and swing transport locks
- Return-to-dig
- Lift cylinder brace
- Bucket tilt indicator
- Steel bumper protecting engine
Performance
- Bucket width: ≥ 96 in
- Heaped capacity: ≥ 1.75 cu yd
- Breakout force: ≥ 13,560 lb
- Lift capacity to full height: ≥ 8,782 lb
- Dump clearance: ≥ 8 ft 11 in
- Hinge pin height: 11 ft 11 in
- Dump reach: ≥ 29.2 in
- Maximum dig depth: ≤ 6 in
- Rackback angle: ≥ 42°
- Bolt-on cutting edge (2- or 3-piece, hardened Rockwell ≥ 50)
- Removable pin-on bucket teeth
- Optional IT coupler / quick coupler
- OEM must offer multiple bucket sizes
7. BACKHOE & CONTROLS
Performance
- Digging depth (standard stick): 15 ft 6 in
- Digging depth (extendible stick): 19 ft 3 in
- Bucket dig force (standard/ext): 16,890 / 16,777 lb
- Stick dig force (standard/ext): 10,199 / 7,701 lb
- Reach from swing pivot (ext stick): 24 ft 0 in
- Loading height (ext stick): 15 ft 5 in
- Bucket rotation: ≥ 205°
- Swing arc: up to 175°
- Cushioned swing
Construction & Features
- Curved boom
- Exterior-mounted cylinders
- Weld-repairable boom & stick
- Extendible stick: self-lubricating, no shims/grease
- Replaceable wear strips on E-stick
- Stick serrated edges ≥ 30 in (clamping)
- Thumb-ready with cylinder mounts
- Replaceable swing tower bushings
- Greaseable, replaceable pins
- Stabilizers retract within tire width
- Stabilizers must lift machine clear of tires
Controls
- Electrohydraulic joystick controls
- Pattern changer (SAE/ISO)
- Auxiliary controls via thumb roller
- Electrohydraulic stabilizers with auto-up
- Stabilizer lock valves
- Reversible dirt/street pads
Backhoe Buckets
- Heavy-duty rock bucket
- 1 ft toothed bucket
- 2 ft toothed bucket
- 3 ft ditching bucket
8. DIMENSIONS (4WD)
- Wheelbase: ≤ 87 in
- Transport height: ≤ 13 ft 4 in
- Overall width: ≤ 7 ft 11 in
- Height to top of cab: ≤ 9 ft 6 in
- Exhaust stack height: ≤ 9 ft
E-Stick Extended
- Max digging depth: 19 ft 3 in
- Flat bottom (2 ft depth): 19 ft 2 in
- Reach at ground (rear axle): 28 ft 1 in
- Loading height: 15 ft 5 in
- Loading reach: 10 ft 7 in
- Swing arc: 175°
- Bucket rotation: ≥ 201°
- Stabilizer spread (operating): ≥ 13 ft 10 in
- Stabilizer spread (transport): 7 ft 4 in
9. OPERATOR’S STATION
- ROPS/FOPS cab or canopy
- Electrohydraulic seat-mounted controls
- Air-suspension seat with 180° swivel (heated optional)
- Dual cab doors
- HVAC: A/C, heat, defrost
- 8 work lights (LED optional)
- LCD display with warnings & diagnostic codes
- Horn, backup alarm
- Floor-hinged governor pedal + rotary throttle
- 12V & 5V USB outlets
- Laminated front glass, flat replaceable windows
- Overhead stowing rear windows
- Pantographic front wiper; intermittent rear wiper
- Perforated sun visor, Front and rear sunshade
- Side-mounted exhaust
- Interior noise level: ≤ 79 dB(A)
- Dual-mode operation: rear-facing loader / forward-facing backhoe
- four corner strobes
- roof mounted strobe/beacon light
- Rear window is to be one piece and open upwards
10. SERVICEABILITY
- Daily service points under hood
- Tool-free access to cooling package
- Standing drain for fuel/water separator
- Accessible batteries
- Hydraulic tank drain petcock
- Brake wear check ports
- Master electrical disconnect
- Fuel tank debris screen
- Replaceable swing frame bushings
Fluid Capacities
- Front axle: 2.9 gal
- Rear axle: 4.4 gal
- Cooling system: 5.9 gal
- Engine oil: 2.4 gal
- Fuel tank: 42 gal
- DEF tank: 5 gal
- Hydraulic system: 28.6 gal
- Hydraulic tank: 11.1 gal
- Transmission: 4.8 gal
Maintenance Intervals
- Engine oil: 500 hr
- Axle oil: 1000 hr
- Hydraulic oil: 2000 hr
- Cooling system: 12,000 hr
11. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
- OEM telematics system
- OEM front fenders
- Ride control (auto/on/off)
- Anti-theft programmable key system
- Canopy protective shield
- Multiple bucket sizes
- Quick coupler systems
- Hydraulic thumb
12. WARRANTY
- Full Equipment: 1 year / unlimited hours
- Powertrain: 2 years / 2,000 hours
- BID BOND —
Bid Bond: A bidder’s bond or certified check in the amount of NO VALUE% of the amount bid shall accompany any bid in excess of $100,000.00 for the bid to be acceptable.
Fully executed Bid Bonds should be scanned and submitted electronically in this portal with the #Required Submittals.
- Pre-Bid Meeting —
A mandatory pre-bid meeting will take place at NO VALUE (local time) on NO VALUE at NO VALUE. Attendance is mandatory, and attendees shall arrive before/on time and attend the entire meeting to be qualified to bid. Late attendees will not be allowed to participate in the pre-bid meeting. Bids received from bidders who did not attend this meeting will not be accepted.
- Pre-Bid Meeting —
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will take place at NO VALUE (local time) on NO VALUE at NO VALUE. Attendance is encouraged, and the bidder is required to familiarize themselves with the project, see existing conditions and take note of any specific requirements for the specific project. No additional allowances will be made for lack of knowledge of these conditions by not attending this non-mandatory pre-bid meeting.
- Pre-Bid Meeting —
There will be no meeting for this project.
- Solicitation Documents —
Specifications may be downloaded electronically by visiting our electronic bidding website.
Boone County reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities and to negotiate for the modifications of any bid or to accept that bid which is deemed the most desirable and advantageous from the standpoint of customer value and service and concept of operations, even though such bid may not, on its face, appear to be the lowest and best price. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after scheduled time of receipt of bids.
The Boone County Fiscal Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WBE/MBE firms are encouraged to respond to this Invitation to Bid.
- Bid Sheet (required)
- Warranty Information. (required) —
Warranty information must be included with the bid submission
- Bid Bond (required) —
#Specific Conditions
- Deviations and Exceptions —
Clearly state any deviations and exceptions to the bid specifications here.
- W9 Form (required) —
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
- Certificate of Insurance (required)
- KRS Resident Bidder Status (if applicable) —
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
- KRS Qualified Bidder Status (if applicable) —
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
- Name and Title of Authorized Representative (required) —
Enter the full name and title of the representative who is authorized to certify, sign and submit this bid.
- Terms and Signature (required) —
In compliance with this Invitation to Bid and subject to all conditions thereof, the undersigned offers and agrees to furnish any or all items and/or services upon which prices are quoted, as specified within these specifications.
My signature certifies that the accompanying bid is not the result of or affected by any act of collusion with another person or company engaged in the same line of business or commerce, or any act of fraud. I hereby certify that I am authorized to sign this bid for the bidder.
- Is a Bid Bond required for this project? (required)
- Pre-Proposal Meeting (required)