Rush Township recently took ownership of a backhoe purchased in October that will be used during all seasons.

The new Case 580 Super N Wide Track loader backhoe was delivered Friday.

“We can do all sorts of things with this. We can load salt (for roads), do storm drains, road maintenance and things like that,” Supervisor Robert Leibensperger said following Monday’s board meeting.

The vehicle can also move pipes and other objects.

“This will be a pivotal part of the operational needs of the township in both winter and summer — really all year, in all seasons,” Leibensperger said.

The backhoe replaces a 2013 model that Leibensperger said was “worn out.” Road salt began to take a toll on the machine, and Leibensperger said it was in need of costly repairs.

During last month’s township meeting, he noted that the old backhoe’s radiator had been replaced.

“It’s our most heaviest-used piece of equipment,” Leibensperger said at October’s meeting. “If we don’t have (a replacement) in the winter, our roads don’t get plowed,”

To purchase the new backhoe, the township took out a five-year loan for approximately $139,000 through Mauch Chunk Trust Company.

Supervisors voted on the purchase from Medico in October, with supervisors Shawn Gilbert and Leibensperger in favor and Supervisor George Gerhard voting “no.”

Funds will come from the township’s Liquid Fuels fund.

“With that, we’re in the green with it,” Leibensperger said.

The township also received $34,000 for the old backhoe.