Four Seasons of Service
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Four Seasons of Service

  • Charlie Parks
  • 7 days ago
  • 6 min read

West Hartford Public Works keeps infrastructure, parks and services running with year-round dedication


John Phillips, Director of West Hartford Public Works
John Phillips, Director of West Hartford Public Works

The town of West Hartford, Conn., has built a reputation for its quality of life and vibrant community. Behind the scenes, West Hartford Public Works maintains every corner of the municipality, ensuring those standards are met and sustained.


“Our mission is to keep the town functioning and attractive for residents, businesses and visitors,” declared John Phillips, Director of West Hartford Public Works. “Currently, our department consists of 60 employees, and we’re collectively responsible for maintaining 218 miles of road throughout West Hartford.”


As its name implies, West Hartford sits just west of Hartford, the state’s capital, and is known for its suburban charm. With three distinct downtown areas, highly regarded schools and a robust government structure, the community relies heavily on dependable public works services.


Customer snapshot

Company: West Hartford Public Works

Location: West Hartford, Connecticut

Employees: 60

Area of expertise: Maintenance of roads, stormwater systems, parking facilities, parks, athletic fields and municipal infrastructure

Equipment: Elgin Pelican broom sweeper; Elgin Whirlwind vacuum sweeper; Vactor 2100i combination sewer cleaner; electric Madvac litter collector; trackless multipurpose machine; loaders; mowers; excavators


The electric Madvac litter collector allows operators to work efficiently in diverse environments, such as parking garages.
The electric Madvac litter collector allows operators to work efficiently in diverse environments, such as parking garages.

“We’re a suburban town with diverse needs, and that makes our work essential every day,” Phillips explained. “Our department maintains not just roads, but also parking garages, lots, parks, athletic fields and stormwater systems. It’s a comprehensive operation that touches almost every part of life in West Hartford.”


“Our mission is to keep the town functioning and attractive for residents, businesses and visitors.”

- John Phillips, Director of West Hartford Public Works


That range of responsibility requires proactive maintenance. By addressing issues before they grow into larger problems, West Hartford Public Works saves money and extends the life of its infrastructure.


“Our strength is maintenance,” Phillips said. “We work hard to keep things in good condition, so they don’t deteriorate and become costly replacements. That applies to roads, stormwater systems, and especially snow and ice control in the winter months.”


Seasonal weather in New England demands year-round preparedness. From heavy rains to severe winter storms, crews must be ready to restore operations quickly.


“It’s truly a four-season operation here,” Phillips noted. “We don’t slow down, whether it’s sweltering heat or freezing temperatures.”


The department’s hard work and commitment have earned West Hartford national recognition.


“It’s the support that we see from our government, the residents and the businesses that keep us going to make sure that we deliver a high quality of service, and keep up the reputation of West Hartford, which typically ranks amongst the top municipalities in the nation to live, work and enjoy,” Phillips proudly stated. “That’s important. We make sure that the team knows that their contribution feeds into those recognitions. Our goal is not to let that slip and maintain the high standards we’ve established.”



Diverse equipment fleet


To keep streets clear of debris, West Hartford Public Works proactively deploys equipment like the Elgin Pelican broom sweeper.
To keep streets clear of debris, West Hartford Public Works proactively deploys equipment like the Elgin Pelican broom sweeper.

To achieve those standards, West Hartford Public Works relies on a wide range of equipment. Every piece has a specific purpose, whether it’s for daily upkeep or large-scale seasonal needs.


“Like many agencies across New England, we use a variety of machines,” Phillips acknowledged. “One of our most versatile units is a trackless multipurpose machine that mows, plows snow and even helps with asphalt milling. From large loaders to small mowers and excavators, we provide our crews with the tools they need to succeed.”


Recently, West Hartford Public Works invested in electric vehicles to expand capabilities while reducing emissions.


“This year, we purchased two electric Madvac litter collectors, and they help us cover a lot more ground than we can manually.”

- John Phillips, Director of West Hartford Public Works


“This year, we purchased two electric Madvac litter collectors, and they help us cover a lot more ground than we can manually,” Phillips noted. “They patrol parking garages, surface lots, trails and even business districts. We utilize them during parades and special occasions, assisting us in cleaning up more quickly and effectively."


The department’s approach to electric technology is measured and practical, ensuring that the equipment matches the application and provides a solid return on investment.


“We believe in applying green technology where it makes sense,” Phillips commented. “Not every EV system is ready for public works use, but we’re seeing more equipment that works well in our environment. From electric stripers to commercial mowers, we adopt what fits our operations best.”


Machines such as an Elgin Pelican broom sweeper, an Elgin Whirlwind vacuum sweeper and a Vactor 2100i combination sewer cleaner play essential roles in road maintenance and stormwater management.


“Those machines keep streets clean, catch basins clear and impaired roadways maintained,” Phillips described. “They’re out regularly, especially before storms, to make sure debris doesn’t reach our waterways.”


🎥 Watch how West Hartford Public Works powers year-round operations with a proactive team, a diverse fleet, and reliable support from C.N. Wood: ▶️



Maximizing equipment uptime

'They stand by the machine with training and support'


To equip the department properly, West Hartford Public Works partners closely with C.N. Wood Co. Inc. and sales representative Craig Schoen. From product recommendations to operator training, C.N. Wood has supported West Hartford’s needs for years.


“I’ve been Director of Public Works here for 16 years, and C.N. Wood has been with me every step,” Phillips shared. “They’ve educated me on available tools, trained our team and helped us find the right machine for the job. That relationship has been critical to our success.”


The collaboration extends beyond sales. By staying visible through social media, trade shows and ongoing outreach, C.N. Wood helps Phillips keep an eye on the latest innovations.


(L-R) John Phillips, Director of West Hartford Public Works, relies on C.N. Wood’s Craig Schoen to find the right equipment for the department.
(L-R) John Phillips, Director of West Hartford Public Works, relies on C.N. Wood’s Craig Schoen to find the right equipment for the department.

“C.N. Wood has been with me every step. They’ve educated me on available tools, trained our team and helped us find the right machine for the job.”

- John Phillips, Director of West Hartford Public Works


“It’s a constant communication,” Phillips emphasized. “They’re proactive in showing us new equipment, bringing demos and checking in to see what might fit our operation. Once we purchase, they stand behind the machine with training and support.”


That ongoing training keeps operators sharp and helps extend equipment life. Even years after a purchase, C.N. Wood remains committed to ensuring West Hartford Public Works gets the most from its investment.


“We recently had them refresh training on units we’ve owned for several years,” Phillips elaborated. “Their trainers reminded us about key maintenance points and best practices. That kind of support maximizes uptime and keeps our fleet running at peak efficiency.”


While West Hartford Public Works has highly skilled mechanics, today’s equipment is increasingly technical. Having a trusted distributor to provide specialized service when needed ensures machines stay operational.


“Our mechanics take great pride in maintaining equipment in-house, but when advanced technical issues arise, C.N. Wood is there to back us up with OEM parts and expert service,” Phillips remarked. “That balance allows us to keep ownership while relying on their expertise when necessary.”


By the numbers

  • 218 miles of roadway are maintained year-round

  • 2 electric Madvac litter collectors allow crews to cover more ground faster

West Hartford Public Works uses its Vactor 2100i combination sewer cleaner for tasks such as catch basin management.
West Hartford Public Works uses its Vactor 2100i combination sewer cleaner for tasks such as catch basin management.

Future-focused planning

Looking ahead, West Hartford Public Works is focused on maintaining and modernizing its fleet. With the rapid pace of equipment technology, the partnership with C.N. Wood will remain vital.


“We’re committed to recapitalizing older units and introducing new technology where it fits,” Phillips concluded. “From EV units to future sweeper upgrades, we’ll continue working with C.N. Wood to ensure the right equipment is in place. Our relationship with them is central to our ability to serve West Hartford effectively.”


📞 Want to equip your public works team with efficient, season-ready machines and reliable dealer support? 👉 Contact us today to learn how C.N. Wood can help power your municipality forward.



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