Jasper County Conservation is getting a used John Deere 6430 Tractor with loader for $86,000. The tractor from Del-Clay Farm Equipment in Edgewood, Iowa is replacing the department’s tractor at Ashton-Wildwood Park near Mingo. That tractor has been heavily used according to Conservation Department Director Keri Van Zante, and its engine went bad.

“That’s the tractor that takes care of that park, all of the hunting areas around there, and also the Chichaqua Valley Trail and the Red Rock Prairie Trail through Monroe and Prairie City.”

Jasper County Supervisor and Board Chairman Brandon says the used tractor that’s being purchased is larger than the previous one, and better equipped to handle what it will be used for. 

“We can fix the old one, but it’s a little undersized for what they need. I was actually a little shocked that they were using it the way they were. I am not going to lie, it seemed a little “sketchy” for some of the uses. I think this is a better, safer unit.”

Van Zante said the estimated cost to replace the motor in the current tractor is between $25,000 and $30,000. The Board of Supervisors will discuss what should be done with it, at their upcoming meeting Tuesday.