The way it was done in the past yes the initial new tiller may cost more then a rear mount but there are a few factors to keep in mind. In the past when they came time for replacement only the tractor part was replaced. If the aerial part is good just refurb and attach a new tractor. From what I have read about some of the other cities going back to tillers , besides they are more maneuverable but they also have more compartment space. There are some cities that are using them for Haz Mat rigs or Rescue and collapse rigs.Interesting but yet a tiller cost more than a rear mount ?