McHale Plant Sales - Newsletter Issue 9 2015

Issue 9 2015

NEWS

Komatsu ‘Intelligent’ enhancements:

Technology for your success

McHale Plant Sales appointed exclusive agents for Metso Mobile Crushing and Screening products

Call the experts© for a high efficiency wheel loader.

-The perfect blend

rk Greenogue Business Pa n. bli Du Co Birdhill, Co. Tipperary e, Rathcool 061-379450 8560 Tel: 061-379112 · Fax: 4018540 · Fax: 01-401 01: Tel m t.co lan lep ha mc info@ .com www.mchaleplantsales

All rights reserved. Only for promotional use.

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Komatsu WA470-7

Issue 9 2015

NEWS Dear Reader:

B

eing in an industry that is an early indicator of economic movement, we understand what it means to face and manage change. Over recent years, we in McHale Plant Sales have stood side-by-side with our customers and others in charting a course through the recession that has gripped us all.

Last year, we predicted an end to the stagnation and the prospect of a positive change in fortunes. In recent months, we have seen many indications of this recovery and growth. Our industry is gearing up for better times ahead as deliveries return to satisfactory levels.

Ours is an exciting industry in which McHale Plant Sales holds a privileged position. As distributors of Komatsu, Metso, Merlo and Zetor , we have one foot firmly fixed in the construction and quarrying sector and the other in our developing agricultural trade.

Our interests are diverse and challenging, as the content of this publication illustrates. With Komatsu, we are working to promote their many advantages including those that the ‘intelligent’ machines deliver. For Metso, we announce an exciting new partnership to represent their world leading mobile crushing and screening ranges. With Zetor, we are developing new markets for their all-new, high-powered, high-spec, high-tech tractors. With Merlo, we are at work building a client base amongst construction and industrial users similar to that which we have amongst farmers and agricultural contractors.

It’s a story that we seek to tell in the pages of this publication. We hope you enjoy reading it and we look forward to receiving any comments or questions that you might like to raise.

Thank you.

Michael McHale Managing Director

CONTENTS

04 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 29 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 38 39

KOMATSU LAUNCHES NEW ‘ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY’ CRAWLER DOZER KILSARAN BOOSTS KOMATSU FLEET KOMATSU ‘OUR MACHINE OF CHOICE’ ‘THE BIGGEST THING ABOUT KOMATSU IS THEIR RELIABILITY’ KOMATSU THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR EDWARD O’CONNELL Komatsu launches technology for your success TRAINING KEY IN THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF HEAVY-DUTY MOVERS METSO APPOINTS McHALE PLANT SALES EXCLUSIVE AGENTS IN IRELAND INTEREST IN METSO LEAVES McHALE PLANT SALES ‘EXCEEDINGLY PLEASED’ JOHN MUNROE MOBILE CRUSHING & SCREENING TAKES DELIVERY OF FIRST METSO MCCABE EARTHWORKS LTD – LOYAL METSO CUSTOMER BOOSTS FLEET METSO ‘THE BEST CRUSHERS ABOUT’– MCCABE’S PLANT MILE RIVER LTD METSO – FLAGSHIP OF THE ATLANTIC CONTRACT CRUSHING FLEET Accelerated Capital Allowances NEW FORTERRA HD BREAKING NEW GROUND AMONGST IRISH FARMERS MCHALE PLANT SALES WINS ZETOR ‘BEST IN EUROPE’ AWARD FORTERRA 150HD IS STAR ATTRACTION AT ZETOR ROADSHOW CZECH AMBASSADOR ATTENDS ZETOR DEALER CONFERENCE NATIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR ZETOR IRELAND APPOINTED ZETOR EXPANDS MAJOR SERIES WITH 60HP MODEL EAMON COSTELLO (KERRY) LTD. NEW MERLO TURBOFARMER IRELAND’S STAND-OUT TELEHANDLER RANGE MERLO ADDS ‘PLUS’ FACTOR TO TELEHANDLER RANGE FÁS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD McHALE PLANT SALES WINS MAJOR EUROPEAN AWARD APPOINTMENTS AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTOR MICHAEL COONEY KOMATSU’S PC 138-10...

DAVY’S LAWNMOWER & TOOL HIRE McHALE PLANT SALES CELEBRATING 21 YEARS AS KOMATSU DISTRIBUTOR VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY, IS SOME NEW INITIATIVE REQUIRED? Komatsu Mini Excavators McHale News was printed using Brillia HD Pro-T processless thermal plates, requiring no developer, water or gum.

McHALE PLANT SALES Birdhill, Co. Tipperary t: 061 379112 f: 061 379450 Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin t: 01 4018540 f: 01 4018560 e: info@mchaleplant.com w: www.mchaleplantsales.com

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

KOMATSU LAUNCHES NEW

‘ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY’ CRAWLER DOZER Komatsu has launched the new D85EX/PX-18 crawler dozer - latest proof that the Japanese manufacturer’s march towards the introduction of the ultimate environmentally-friendly machine is solidly on course.

Following the recent unveiling here by their distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales of Birdhill, a number of units have already been sold.

The D85EX/PX-18 is powered by Komatsu’s latest EU Stage IV 197 kW (264 HP) SAA6D125E-7 engine and boasts operating weights between 26,000kg and 30,000kg, depending on machine configuration.

Product of the 3.5% share of turnover that Komatsu are spending on R&D and on the development of new technologies, Komatsu is marketing the new D85EX/PX-18 as a machine for the truly environmentally conscious owner.

Typically, they will be those who value high levels of performance allied to lower fuel consumption and operating costs.

Described by McHale Plant Sales director, John O’Brien as a machine that ‘advances the fuel efficiency message even further’ by lowering consumption whilst drastically enhancing productivity, the D85EX/PX-18 comes equipped with automatic transmission that, Mr. O’Brien says ‘ensures it is always operating at its most efficient working range’.

EU Stage IV emissions certified engine Its emissions certified EU Stage IV engine is said to deliver the three-fold benefits of productivity, dependability and efficiency. Designed to reduce NOx emissions using the AdBlue additive, it integrates a Komatsu diesel particulate filter with high passive regeneration rate and SCR selective catalyst reduction.

With an advanced electronic control system that manages airflow rate, fuel injection, combustion and after-treatment functions, Komatsu says

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the engine ‘optimises performance, reduces emissions and provides advanced diagnostic capability’.

They also claim that owners will benefit from lower fuel consumption with no loss of performance all due to the use of KVGT (Komatsu’s Variable Geometry Turbocharger) and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation valve) engineered to deliver precise temperature and air management control and longer component life.

Critical to the effective operation of the after-treatment system - integrated into the machine’s on-board diagnostics and Komatsu’s own KOMTRAX telematics - is a control system developed by Komatsu with product reliability and durability in demanding conditions in mind.

Patented blade Fitted with Komatsu’s patented SIGMADOZER blade, the D85EX/PX-18 is a true heavyweight performer with a high blade capacity of 7.2 m3 and a dozing performance that Komatsu claim ‘increases productivity by up to 15% over a conventional semi-U blade’.

Secret of its blade function is a frontal design concept adopted for digging and rolling material at the center of the blade. Soil-holding capacity is increased and digging resistance is reduced for a smoother flow of material. In all, this means that larger amounts of soil can be dozed using less less power – an equation that McHale Plant Sales believes will make sense in anybody’s book.

Cab design offers optimal operator environment Operator comfort is another consideration to the fore in the D85EX/PX-18’s design. Mindful of the close relationship between operator comfort and the delivery of maximum productivity, Komatsu has created a comfortable and quiet work environment.

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

Inside its large, enhanced cab - with its rollover protection and excellent side visibility - standard features include a high capacity air-suspended heated seat and viscous cab mounts that reduce shocks and vibrations, even in adverse conditions.

Other attributes include an upgraded, highresolution large 7� color LCD monitor on which all machine information is displayed and a rear view monitoring system that can be synchronised with reverse operation.

An ergonomically designed palm command control system gives operators maximum control. With thumb push buttons that simplify transmission gear shifting, it combines the attributes of fine control and a relaxed posture in order to reduce and eliminate operator fatigue.

Electronic control power train Another D85EX/PX-18 feature is electronic power train control system that significantly improves operation and productivity. Through

HSS, its hydrostatic steering system, powerful turns can be achieved under various work conditions. Counter-rotation is available while in neutral for a minimum turning radius and enhanced maneuverability.

Komatsu CARE and KOMTRAX Like other Komatsu EU Stage IV machines, the D85EX/PX-18 is protected by their comprehensive Komatsu CARE programme.

Its benefits include factory-scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 2,000 hours of operation plus two complimentary diesel particulate filter exchanges and two complimentary selective catalyst reduction system cleanings.

The machine is also equipped with Komatsu’s own KOMTRAX technology that uses wireless technology that monitors it remotely to record operating hours, fuel consumption, provide maintenance alerts and protect against theft.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

KILSARAN BOOSTS KOMATSU FLEET Ireland’s largest producer and distributor of concrete products, Dunboyne-based Kilsaran International has boosted its fleet with the recent delivery of eight new Komatsu units.

Supplied by McHale Plant Sales, the recent order of six wheel loaders (four WA320-7 and two WA4707) and two PC700 excavators, follows last year’s delivery to Kilsaran of two PC360LC-10 excavators.

When asked about the appeal of Komatsu, Kilsaran Director Martin Curran pointed to the ‘performance, fuel consumption and proven reliability’, coupled with Komatsu’s ‘industry leading Tier 4 interim engine technology’.

In the world of concrete production and concrete products manufacturing, Kilsaran International is a household name.

Founded in 1964, the company has grown from its roots in the village of Kilsaran, Co. Louth and expanded far beyond to become a household name and a major employer with a staff of some 300 persons.

Having celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, Kilsaran is a member of the Guaranteed Irish family

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of brands with state-of-the-art requirements when it comes to materials and earth handling equipment.

With twenty five production facilities all over the country, their distinctive trucks with their eye-catching silver livery and Kilsaran trademark displayed on the cab are a familiar sight on Irish roads.

The new Komatsu WA320-7 wheel loaders will be used at Kilsaran’s concrete yards in Dublin, while the larger WA470-7 loaders will be put to work at the company’s sand and gravel pit in Tullamore and its Rathcore Quarry in Enfield.

The two PC700 excavators will be used at the company’s quarries in Gallstown, Co. Louth and Ballinascorney in South Dublin.

Commenting on the delivery, John O’Brien, sales director at McHale Plant Sales, said, ‘Kilsaran is a name associated with top quality across the board.

Naturally we are proud of the importance that they attach to quality was reflected in their decision to purchase Komatsu’

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

KOMATSU ‘OUR MACHINE OF CHOICE’

NIARON CONSTRUCTION & CIVIL ENGINEERING

‘Neither the machines nor the people at McHale Plant Sales have ever let us down’. So said Niall Keane, Director of Foynes-based construction and civil engineering firm Niaron Construction, when asked why he chooses Komatsu.

Having purchased a number of Komatsu excavators from McHale Plant Sales over the past decade, Niall goes on to describe the machines as ‘reliable, robust and just better’. He also admits to being a big fan of Komatsu’s own Komtrax wireless technology that monitors the machines remotely to protect against theft, record operating hours and fuel consumption and provide maintenance alerts.

Founded in 1994 by Niall and his brother Ronan, Niaron (a merger of their first names which, they say, reflects the power of their partnership) employs 10 permanent staff members as well as numerous subcontractors.

Priding themselves on their ability to innovate without compromising on safety and performance, Niaron specialises in civil, construction, marine, generation, transportation and health & safety works. The company is recognised for its reliability and diligence and commitment to a sustainable environment.

Over the years, Niall and Ronan have developed an impressive client base, having carried out projects on behalf of leading names such as Irish Cement, Bord na Móna, ESB Networks, Shannon/Foynes Port Company, Tipperary County Councils and Price Waterhouse Coopers.

Having purchased their first Komatsu in 2005, a PC27 mini-excavator, Niaron have increased their fleet over the years with the addition of a PC160-6 and a PC55 and have recently taken delivery of their latest acquisitions – a PC26 and a PC210-10.

‘The PC26 mini excavator has been put to work on a project for ESB Networks’, Niall explains. As one of only 13 companies in Ireland to be contracted to ESB Networks, Niaron has recently commenced work on a three-year project carrying out all the ducting and trenching on their behalf in the MidWest region.

The new Komatsu PC210 -10 has also been put into action in another highly significant project for the company – a Shannon/Foynes Port Company development which began eight weeks ago. There the machine will be used primarily in constructing a new drainage system to prevent wash or spill from trucks from entering the water, as well as being put to work on repairs to the road overlay.

When pushed on his number one reason for being a loyal Komatsu customer, Niall points to the personal relationship that has developed over the years between themselves and McHale Plant Sales.

Describing it as ‘a crucial factor’ he adds: ‘I know I can trust the guys there and I know the professional level of service I can expect from them.’ Citing an example, Niall explains: ‘If I need a part from McHale, I get it and I get it promptly, which is not always the case with others’.

As Niaron celebrates its 21st year in business, Niall puts the success of his firm down to ‘the family-run culture, our hardworking team and our loyal client base’ adding that he looks forward to the next chapter with ‘enthusiasm, focus and determination’.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

‘THE BIGGEST THING ABOUT KOMATSU IS THEIR RELIABILITY’ - Paddy Kelly, Dereen Concrete

D

ereen Concrete – whose name is derived from the townland that divides the journey between the Co. Limerick villages of Castleconnell and Montpelier - is a sand and gravel quarry company whose production is used across a wide spectrum of building materials and applications.

A premium supplier of high quality and carefully selected aggregate materials, the Dereen Concrete product range comprises quality stone, sand and gravel used for commercial, residential, agricultural and environmental applications.

It encompass sands, soils, building and plastering sand, pitch and horse arena sand, batched aggregate, drainage stone, sub and top soil, road base, gravels and more.

It supplies sand for concrete production, block making, plastering, bricklaying and a host of other building applications including stones and chips used for drainage and foundation laying and top soil used for laying sports fields and in landscape developments.

Owned and managed by the genial Paddy Kelly, Dereen Concrete has been a loyal Komatsu user ever since the day, in the 1990s, when they bought their first Komatsu - a previously owned WA500-3.

‘We worked that machine for six years and it never missed a beat’ Paddy commented.

‘After that, we bought a WA400-5 and a WA480-5 before upgrading to our current fleet which comprises a WA470-7 wheel loader (the first in Ireland), a WA470-6 wheel loader and a 240PC excavator’ he said.

‘The biggest thing about Komatsu is their reliability. They never put a foot wrong.

They have oodles of power. But this new 470-7 really raises the bar with its power, speed over the ground, super hydraulics, fuel usage and comfort. I would nearly classify page 8them as perfect.’

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

KOMATSU THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR EDWARD O’CONNELL – AN OWNER-OPERATOR WHO ‘GREW UP ON KOMATSU’ A history of Komatsu When Edward established his own business in 2004, he purchased his first excavator – a new 13-tonne Komatsu PC130-6 supplied to him by McHale Plant Sales.

No sooner had the PC130-6 been covered in dirt than he found himself back in the market for a much larger excavator thanks to being presented with what he calls a ‘unique opportunity’ to become the primary element of the production cycle at his cousins’ quarry.

‘I grew up on Komatsu. My father always ran them and he still does. When the time came for me to buy my own machine, Komatsu seemed the right choice’, says Limerickbased owner-operator, Edward O’Connell.

The name O’Connell is synonymous with quarrying in Ireland’s Mid-West. Though linked in recent times to the limestone quarry at Ballycar, near Ardnacrusha, theirs is a lineage that goes back even further in time.

Edward’s father ran and operated a plant hire firm based at Kildimo, Co. Limerick. It was there that Edward first cut his teeth on machines, gaining first-hand experience in their operation, repair and maintenance from an early age.

Today’s limestone quarry at Ballycar was established in 1979 by Edward’s uncle Bobby O’Connell and is now run by the next generation – Bobby’s sons and Edward’s cousins, Richard and Robert. With Edward and his Komatsu working at the face of the quarry, their strong family values and rich local heritage are evident.

Edward puts the success of O’Connell Quarries down to the fact that it has streamlined its operations over time.

Maintaining their efficiency during the downturn, the business produces a wide range of products, diversifying recently into ready-mixed concrete production.

Dedicated and commited to work, Edward himself has always worked on a single machine, putting his focus into being as productive as possible.

Recently he took delivery of a new Komatsu PC360LC-10 excavator, acquired to replace his trusted high-hour 35-tonne PC350 that he says ‘proved its worth’ over the past number of years thanks to its high level of reliability - an essential requirement given that he serves a busy quarry where the entire production cycle revolves around his work.

‘Working with the PC130 was fine. However, the long-term opportunity offered to me was too good to turn down’ he explained. Needing a larger machine to handle the demands of his new role, he returned to McHale Plant Sales to buy his second Komatsu – a PC340-7. ‘Despite the major change and the higher levels of investment involved, I knew I was doing the correct thing thanks to the long-term benefits the PC340 would bring’ he recalls.

With Edward at the helm, his PC340 provided a premium level of service at the quarry over a period of three years and 9,000 hours. In 2008, with the construction industry still buoyant and placing a high demand on the quarry, Edward decided to purchase his third Komatsu, a PC350-8, despite having plenty of life still to run on the machine it would replace.

Again he made the short journey to McHale Plant Sales in Birdhill with whom he had now developed a strong working relationship. ‘This relationship makes a huge difference whenever there is a requirement for parts or aftersales service’ he admits. ‘It minimises downtime and helps ensure I can get back to work as swiftly as possible’.

Seven years on, Edward has just taken delivery of his brand new PC360LC-10 having worked up nearly 15,000 hours at the intense face of the quarry on his PC350.

This, he says, is a major testament to the performance, durability and long-term value provided by his 35-tonne Komatsu.

Thanks to a strict maintenance regime, Edward’s PC350 rewarded him well over the years. Specifying a machine with the available options to improve its abilities in a quarry, he added extras such as full-length track guards and extra cab protection that he said made the PC350 ‘perfectly suited to my requirements’.

Knowing how well his dependable Komatsu PC350 has served him over the years, thanks to its high output levels, good fuel efficiency and continued reliability, the purchase of his PC360LC-10 leaves Edward looking forward to the next phase of his enduring relationship with Komatsu.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

Komatsu launches technology for your success

H

eavy machinery buyers please note: as in the motorcar and every other walk of life, electronic and online technology is on its way to a site near you.

Fitted to excavators, dozers and the like, these hightech features bring advantages and rewards to all prepared to embrace the advances they offer.

The pay-off in terms of efficiency and productivity that buyers can expect to get from the high-tech systems and features being fitted to the latest generation of machines will more than reward them for any increased cost they may have to pay.

That’s the assurance given by McHale Plant Sales boss Michael McHale when speaking to industry magazine Machinery Movers recently.

Pressing home the benefits that technology will bring, Michael reassured buyers that the investment required will be offset by the extra productivity, greater economy and higher levels of profit and operational safety that buyers can expect.’

Citing Komatsu’s own factory-fitted ‘i in the sky’ intelligent control and guidance system, Michael pointed to the many advantages that owners could expect.

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‘Typical of these will be the ability to allow less qualified drivers fill in when skilled operatives are ill or unavailable, without sacrificing quality or productivity’ he said.

Predicting a future when it could be a ‘condition’ that equipment coming on site is fitted with machine control systems, Michael observed that ‘the day is not far away when touch screen skills will be the first qualification on an operator’s can-do list.’

Proud of the fact that Komatsu is devoting some 3.5% of turnover to R&D spending with some 3,500 engineers employed in the development of new technologies, he instanced ‘stroke-sensing hydraulics that control bucket positioning and remove the worry of digging too deep or damaging a target surface’ as one current reality along with ‘measuring devices that deliver precise machine orientation and angle monitoring.’

Other benefits that high-tech delivers include consistent accuracy when rough digging and automatic single pass grading that will see the need for staking, surveying and final inspection being reduced or eliminated.

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

TRAINING KEY IN THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF HEAVY-DUTY MOVERS AUSTRIAN EVENT SHOWS Few sights are more impressive than that of a giant dump truck and wheel loader moving earth in the quantities they were designed to handle. Komatsu’s HD785-7 dump truck and WA00 wheel loader are two such machines, versions of which have been in operation here at sites in Belgard and Blessington.

Pictured at the Erzberg mine site at Eisenerz in Austria, these leviathans of the earth moving business were the focus of a recent Komatsu training event held in the context of the 19th Application Engineering Training.

Attended by some 40 experts in fleet management from Komatsu partners worldwide who had gathered there for training provided by a Senior Application Engineer and Product Manager from Komatsu, the event saw experts delve into a range of topics specific to the machines in order to elicit data that would help achieve full operational efficiency. Topics included routes and speed of the vehicles, track steepness, filling degree of the excavator shovel, and duration of the loading cycles.

Amongst the findings emerging at Eisenerz was that training of heavy-duty machinery operators increases efficiency, in the first instance, by limiting the risks and dangers involved in moving big loads with big heavy-duty machinery. A second consideration revolved around the importance of combining practical training and theoretical knowledge transfer when it comes to achieving efficiency and economic performance.

Another key element was the release of data showing wear-out of the undercarriage of only 12 percent through the use of a Sleipner transport system.

Erzberg’s managing director spoke about plans to increase their production citing that, on the occasion of the event, they had scheduled a large blasting operation that produced 150,000 tons of broken ore using 28 tons of explosive, generating an output that, in one month alone, achieved a mining capacity of circa 1 million tons of material.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

METSO APPOINTS McHALE PLANT SALES EXCLUSIVE AGENTS IN IRELAND

M

etso, manufacturer of equipment used in quarrying, mining and oil and gas industries, has appointed McHale Plant Sales as exclusive agent in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for its mobile rock crushing and screening product lines.

The appointment sees McHale Plant Sales return to the crushing and screening market – one in which the company previously enjoyed success and in which it has a distinguished client base, many of whom are committed Komatsu owners.

From its headquarters in Helsinki, Metso manages a global enterprise which has a presence in 50 countries worldwide serviced by some 16,000 industry experts. Widely regarded as world-leader in the manufacture of crushing and screening equipment, the company had sales of EUR 3.7 billion in 2014.

Under the new arrangement, McHale begins selling Metso products with immediate effect with primary focus on the acclaimed Lokotrack mobile crushing and screening plants - equipment that McHale believes will have significant appeal for Irish customers.

Noting the strong foothold that the company has within the quarrying, construction and civil works sectors - due principally to its work as distributors of Komatsu - its new role returns McHale to a position whereby it can plan for future growth built on its very considerable experience and knowledge of the crushing and screening market.

Describing their appointment as one that ‘rekindles our long-standing involvement in the crushing and screening market’, McHale Plant Sales managing director, Michael McHale said ‘the Metso product line gives us a premium product offering that fits perfectly into our operation and adds considerably to the value we can bring to customers.’

The expertise that McHale Plant Sales has within the sector is seen by Metso as a feature that should advance its market position in Ireland.

This is especially significant at a time when the Irish economy is showing strong signs of recovery with some very significant infrastructural projects currently in the pipeline.

Metso’s Lokotrack mobile crushers and screens offer true mobility, high efficiency, quality end products and reliable operation and are engineered

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and built to work together seamlessly in a wide range of quarry and contracting applications. The new partnership with McHale will offer a superior level of local product support to existing and new customers.

During the start-up phase, both parties will support the appointment through a number of initiatives. On the Metso side, factory support in customer-focused areas such as spare parts supply logistics, technical training and product knowledge communication.

On the McHale side, a key objective will be to undertake activities that will increase awareness of Metso crushing and screening equipment on the Irish market. Included in the measures planned is the opening in June of a high-profile Metso centre at Rathcoole, close to Dublin city.

A Metso Lokotrack LT1213S – one of the high-profile models in the Metso range being marketed in Ireland by McHale Plant Sales. A fully equipped mobile impactor plant with a high-capacity single deck screen and a return conveyor, it can be transported as a single unit on a low bed trailer.

A Metso Lokotrack LT330D - one of the high-profile models in the Metso range being marketed in Ireland by McHale Plant Sales. An efficient contract crushing and screening unit, it uses a Nordberg® GP330™ or HP300™ cone crusher and a DS20-55 Dual Slope screen.

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

INTEREST IN METSO LEAVES McHALE PLANT SALES ‘EXCEEDINGLY PLEASED’

M

cHale Plant Sales managing director, Michael McHale, has expressed himself ‘exceedingly pleased’ at the level of interest being shown by quarry owners in the Metso range of rock crushers and screening plant.

Since their appointment as exclusive sales agent for Metso in Ireland, north and south, little over one month ago, the Birdhill-based company has already booked two showcase Lokotrak sales – one an LT120 jaw crusher and a LT 1213 impact crusher.

‘Leaving aside a natural level of interest in any new product line, customers are influenced by a number of factors that are giving Metso an edge’ McHale said.

‘One is Metso’s own status as a well-resourced, global supplier and its proven credentials in

the field of crusher design and technology’ McHale said. ‘Other factors that have helped get our relationship off to a flying start is Finland’s reputation as a manufacturing base for hightech, quality-engineered products plus its status as an EU member state, its understanding of EU regulations and all that that suggests in relation to customer care, rights and entitlements’ he said.

Alongside their Komatsu range of construction plant, McHale Plant Sales gave a high-profile launch to the Metso range at the recent CQMS15 show from which, Michael McHale said, a number of significant enquiries were recorded.

Featured alongside a Lokotrack LT1213 was a Komatsu PC360-10 excavator, the new WA470-7 wheel loader, a HM400-3 articulated dump truck and a PC26 mini excavator. Also displayed was a Merlo 40.17 telehandler.

The Metso Lokotrak LT 1213 impact crusher displayed by McHale Plant Sales at the recent CQMS15 show.

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McHALE PLANT PLANT SALES SALES NEWS NEWS Issue Issue 99 2015 McHALE 2015

JOHN MUNROE MOBILE CRUSHING & SCREENING TAKES DELIVERY OF FIRST METSO Seeing a product sold to a customer to whom it will likely bring great benefit is something that delights everyone concerned. So it was in the case of Metso and McHale Plant Sales when Ballinrobe-based John Munroe Mobile Crushing & Screening took delivery of their first ever Metso unit – a Lokotrack LT1213 mobile impact crushing unit.

Supplied to them by McHale Plant Sales following their appointment as exclusive agents for Metso in Ireland, the LT1213 is a fully-equipped unit that combines the qualities of mobility, flexibility and high capacity. Already proving itself within the John Monroe fleet, it was put to work immediately at McGrath’s Quarry in Cong and will shortly take up its next assignment working on the major new Gort to Tuam motorway development.

When asked about the criteria foremost in their considerations when deciding to purchase Metso and the Lokotrack LT1213 in particular, company founder and managing director John Munroe pointed to these five key features: size, transportability, mobility, durability and reliability.

Established in 1999, John Munroe Mobile Crushing & Screening employs a full-time staff of twelve supplemented by a number of subcontractors with whom they work closely. With bases in Ballinrobe and in Scotland, the company serves a wide customer base across Ireland and the UK focused on providing crushing and screening services in road construction, wind farm development, sand and gravel production and hard rock quarries. Over

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the years John Munroe has built up an impressive and diverse fleet of machines for hire and the firm produces a wide range of products including tarmac asphalt aggregates, concrete aggregate, crusher run and 804 hardcore.

John puts the success of his organisation down to its experience and knowledge of today's challenging and demanding market combined with the high level of service it provides to customers. ‘The quality and diversity of our hire fleet of machines and operators is second to none. We pride ourselves in the range, quality and age of our machines, coupled with the experience, knowledge and skill of our operators’.

Though John Munroe Mobile Crushing & Screening is a newcomer to Metso, the firm has been a loyal customer of McHale Plant Sales for many years. Over the while, the company has purchased a number of Komatsu units from McHale including WA470 and WA500 wheel loaders and PC340 and PC350 excavators.

Over years, the strong working relationship that has been built up between John Munroe Mobile Crushing & Screening and McHale was a key influence when making the decision to purchase their first Metso. ‘We know the guys at McHale very well and the level of service they provide is exceptional. When it comes to things like aftersales, or if we need parts urgently, we know we can put our trust in them’, John says.

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

MCCABE EARTHWORKS LTD – LOYAL METSO CUSTOMER BOOSTS FLEET A loyal Metso customer for nearly 15 years, Monaghan-based McCabe Earthworks Ltd. recently took delivery of its first machine purchased from McHale Plant Sales since the Birdhill firm was appointed as exclusive agents in Ireland, north and south, for the Finnish-made Metso range of crushing and screening equipment.

Employing a full-time staff of 25, the company provides a full range of crushing and plant hire services and pride themselves on having what they claim is the most modern and efficient machinery profile of any contractors at present, with crushing and screening capacities of up to 800tph per crushing unit.

Established in the early 1990s by their father Dermot, McCabe Earthworks is managed today by brothers John and Andrew. Part of the McCabe Monaghan dynasty, the company’s roots can be traced back to the 1940s, when their grandfather Jack established the first family business – supplying stone to the local community from the Mile River quarry.

Having just taken delivery of its latest Metso unit from McHale Plant Sales – an LT120 mobile jaw crusher to be used for general hire – McCabe Earthworks currently has three Metso units in its fleet, the others being a Lokotrack LT1415 mobile impact crushing plant and a Lokotrack LT106 mobile jaw crushing plant.

Today, from its headquarters in Carrickmacross, McCabe Earthworks serves an impressive nationwide and UK customer base, with a client list that includes the Dublin port tunnel, Dublin’s M50 motorway, Landsdowne Road stadium and Dublin’s LUAS light rail tram system.

When asked what it is that attracts him to Metso, McCabe Earthworks managing director John McCabe points to the ‘long-term investment’, the ‘longevity of contract’ and owning a ‘premium asset’.

“Metso make a quality machine with many of the products in their model range being the very best there is," he says.

Monaghan Bound: The Metso Lokotrak LT 120 Mobile Jaw Crusher purchased

by McCabe Earthworks pictured prior to its departure from the Metso manufacturing plant in Finland on the first stage of its journey to Carrickmacross.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

METSO ‘THE BEST CRUSHERS ABOUT’– MCCABE’S PLANT MILE RIVER LTD ‘They are the premium crusher on the market. We use them because they are durable, reliable and are an excellent long-term investment with great resale value’. That’s according to Enda McCabe, managing director of Carrickmacross-based crushing & plant hire specialists McCabe’s Plant Mile River Ltd., when asked why he chooses Metso.

Though his company was founded in 1997, Enda’s family are steeped in history when it comes to the crushing and plant industry. The company’s roots can be traced back to the late 1940s when Enda’s father Jack established the first family business – supplying stone to the local community from the Mile River quarry. Today Enda’s son Adrian, brothers and nephews all work in the industry too.

Employing a full-time staff of 19, supplemented with contractors when required, McCabe’s Plant

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Mile River Ltd. serves a customer base throughout Ireland, the UK and Poland.

A first time customer of McHale Plant Sales, Enda believes in the importance of a strong working relationship between the distributor and the customer. ‘A good relationship is vital and we look forward to working with the guys at McHale Plant Sales, the back up and quality aftersales service they will provide and the comfort of knowing they are behind every Metso’, he says.

Enda has recently taken delivery from MCPS of an LT120 mobile jaw crusher to be used at the quarry in Ballinclare, Co. Wicklow. This latest addition brings to three the number of Metso units in his fleet – the others being a Lokotrack LT1213S mobile crushing and screening plant and an LT120 mobile jaw crusher.

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

METSO – FLAGSHIP OF THE ATLANTIC CONTRACT CRUSHING FLEET

Amongst the first to appreciate the many features and benefits that Metso crushing equipment delivers is the contract crushing wing of Co. Clarebased Atlantic Plant Hire.

Based in the charming seaside town of Kilkee, the company was established by Gearoid O’Callaghan some 11 years ago as an offshoot of the plant hire business that his father Gerard had founded.

Ably supported by his sister Catriona on the administration side, Atlantic Contract Crushing has a national profile, providing on-site contract crushing services to projects across Ireland.

‘We were attracted to Metso for a variety of reasons.

Key was their excellent reputation, vast experience as manufacturers and the build quality and topgrade materials that go into every Metso machine’ Gearoid O’Callaghan said.

‘In the case of our new Lokotrack LT1213S model, its design, operational features, service access and general transportability were deciding factors’ he added.

In addition to their plant hire and contract crushing business, the company also supplies gravel from a quarry it operates near Ennis.

Currently, Atlantic operates three crushers amongst which their new Metso Lokotrack LT1213S is the flagship unit.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

Accelerated Capital Allowances

'An Idea Whose Time Has Come' Fleet Modernisation

The introduction of Accelerated Capital Allowances in respect of purchases of new heavy plant and construction equipment is an idea whose time might well have come, according to McHale Plant Sales Finance Director Liam Foley.

Currently, buyers of plant and equipment such as excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, rock crushers and aggregate screeners  are restricted to writing-off the cost over a period of eight years.

In line with the situation that applies in many countries across the globe, including the United States of America and the UK, Mr. Foley believes that a simple change that would see the write-off period reduced to, say two years, would have a major impact as Government and industry work to come up with plans that would stimulate growth in the construction and civil works sectors. Typical of the benefits that might be gained are these: Employment The energy that it would inject into the plant and machinery sector (which suffered so significantly during the recession) would deliver a significant benefit in the form of extra employment within the industry.

Financing your machine.

These days availability of finance can be almost as important as finding the right machine! Here at McHale Plant Sales we have arrangements to suit all customers. For most customers our arrangement with DLL will suit. From their Irish head office in Dublin’s IFSC this Dutchheadquartered finance house have greatly

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The proposal is one that would stimulate fleet replacement and modernisation.

Many machines in operation today are of seven-years and older vintage. This means they are more costly to operate, environmentally outdated, prone to breakdown and in frequent need of costly parts exchange and mechanical repair.

Environment Many of the machines described above consume greater volumes of fuel, have higher emissions, are noisier and more damaging to the environment generally. A tax-driven policy to encourage fleet modernisation would have a beneficial environmental impact.

Safety By introducing measures to encourage the purchase of more modern, technically advanced machines manufactured in line with latest EU standards, significant safety benefits would accrue by creating better and safer workplace conditions for those who operate and work within the vicinity of such machines. expanded their presence in Ireland over the past few years and are actively lending for asset-based finance.

For very large customers our arrangements with Komatsu Financial might also suit. This entity is part of Komatsu and from their office in Brussels are extremely active across the continent at the moment. They are keen to lend into the Irish market. Please speak to your sales representative if you would like us to contact either DLL or Komatsu Financial for you.

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

NEW FORTERRA HD BREAKING NEW GROUND AMONGST IRISH FARMERS Putting Zetor up alongside the leading brands on the Irish market, the new Forterra 150 HD is breaking new ground amongst Irish farmers.

Billed as Zetor's biggest, widest, longest and most powerful tractor yet, it was a key main attraction at a recent series of dealer roadshows organized

by McHale Plant Sales ­events for which Zetor presented McHale with a 'Best in Europe' award.

Bringing Zetor into a new, more powerful segment of the market, the Forterra 150 HD gets top marks for its high power, high torque, fuel efficiency and operator comfort.

Driven by Zetor's proven and popular 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine, it is one of the most fuel efficient tractors on the market. Engine balancing shafts mean its engine runs as smoothly as any six-cylinder while reducing noise levels.

Stylish yet muscular, the HD's many features include an ergonomic, multiple-function control panel situated on the right of the cab close to the driver's hand.

Big brother to the Forterra HSX model, it is heavier, more stable and bears greater loads on the threepoint hitch. It has a 130mm wider wheelbase that, at 2,720mm, provides even better weight distribution and stability.

To achieve greater load-bearing capacity, the rear axle is extended by 226mm for 1,800 to 2,000 track widths. The front driven axle contains a 100% differential lock. To make fieldwork easier, it is equipped with automatic headland turning.

Features include front axle suspension, cab suspension and an array of latest electronic controls. Noise and vibration inside the suspended driver's cab has been reduced while clear lens technology is employed on headlights and ploughing lights.

With a fully synchronized 30/30 forward / reverse gearbox and an engine that delivers 35% extra torque compared with its previous model, the 4-wheel drive 150HD has a top speed of 40km/h and a long service life of up to 8,000 engine hours.

For more effective use of implements, the front PTO power transmission has been increased up to 90 kW while the rear PTO clutch is equipped with a feedback controlled start-up system.

Zetor's inline injection pump and mechanical injectors are simple in design. Compared with common-rail systems, their long track record shows very low operating costs, high reliability, and long life expectancy.

Other technical enhancements include an additional four-part hydraulics distributor with electro-hydraulic controls and an additional twopart hydraulics distributor for front three-point linkage and front terminals.

MCHALE PLANT SALES WINS ZETOR ‘BEST IN EUROPE’ AWARD Work being done by McHale Plant Sales to increase Zetor sales in Ireland has been acknowledged by the Czech tractor maker.

At a recent distributor conference, the Birdhill-based company received an award that recognised its success in being ‘Best In Europe’ in the field of dealer development and for being the most successful distributor in Europe in implementing their 2015 Roadshow campaign. The presentation was made to its sales director, John O’Brien (pictured).

This is the third major European award won by McHale Plant Sales in as many years.

Last year, the company received two awards from Komatsu – one for being first in Europe for sales of their new hybrid excavator and another for achieving ‘Best Extended Warranty Penetration for Komatsu in Europe’ by encouraging almost 70% of their customers to avail of the support it provides.

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Kerry Hoare Machinery Limited Killorglin t: 066 9761314

Kilkenny Eardly Agricultural Services Hebron Road t: 056 7763612 Laois Tom Poole Ltd. Portlaoise t: 057 8628658 Limerick Munster Tractor & Plant Services Kilfinane t: 063 91053 Longford Kanes Auto Ltd Edgeworthstown t: 043 6671032 Louth Jim Gorman Tractor Sales, Dundalk t: 042 9377625 Mayo Kellys Motors Castlebar t: 094 9030896 Meath John Traynor Navan t: 046 9053334 Offaly Rainbow Engineering Services, Ferbane t: 0906 457963

P.F.Gill Ltd Edenderry t: 046 9739014

Roscommon Regan Tractors Sales Castlerea t: 094 9870250 Sligo Jacobs Service Station Ltd, Enniscrone t: 096 36148 Tipperary Zetor Sales Ireland Birdhill t: 061 379 600

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

FORTERRA 150HD IS STAR ATTRACTION AT ZETOR ROADSHOW Zetor, for long a proud name in Irish agriculture, is to the fore in forging a new relationship with the Irish agricultural community.

The tractor of choice for generations of Irish farmers ever since it was first introduced to the market here back in the 1940s, Zetor has been given a new lease of life since distribution was vested in McHale Plant Sales, who undertook a national, nine-dealer nationwide roadshow this year.

The star attraction was the new top-of-the range Forterra 150HD, a model that farmers from all parts of Ireland turned up in their numbers to view and test.

The all-wheel-drive 150hp machine was exhibited alongside latest models from the Proxima range and the entry-level 80hp Major as well as a range of farm attachments.

Of interest to those interested in the historical dimension was the Zetor Gallery – a mobile exhibit inspired by Zetor’s own museum in the Czech Republic. The interactive attraction - fitted with screens and featuring a vintage Zetor Z25K – focuses on the history and future objectives of Zetor.

Forterra HD – Most Powerful Zetor Yet Designed for heavy-duty users who require a strong, all-wheel-drive machine, Zetor’s l50hp Forterra HD is billed as their most powerful tractor yet. Alongside the 130hp and 140hp HSX models, the Forterra 150HD gives Zetor market credibility across the spectrum beginning from the 80hp Major upwards.

Heavier, its three-point hitch can bear greater loads thanks to an extended rear axle and 130mm wider wheelbase which, at 2720mm, provides even better weight distribution and stability. Other features include a 100% front differential lock and automatic headland turning to make fieldwork easier. Clear lens technology is employed on headlights and ploughing lights.

Inside its suspended driver’s cab, attention has been paid to reducing noise and vibration. An ergonomic, multiple-function control panel, situated on the right of the cab, means all essential controls are comfortably close to hand. Other enhancements include an additional four-part hydraulics distributor with electro-hydraulic controls and an additional two-part hydraulics distributor for front three-point linkage and front terminals.

Pleased with their fully-rounded agri-machinery line-up – a product offering that also includes Merlo telehandlers and Komatsu wheel loaders – McHale Plant Sales boss Michael McHale said ‘with the new Forterra HD, the HSX before it, plus the well-equipped Proxima and entry-level Major, farmers and contractors now have a fully-rounded, competitively-packaged Zetor range from which to choose.’

Described by new Zetor National Sales Manager, Will Doyle as ‘a strong and competitive model offering at the high-end of the Irish tractor market’, the stylishly designed and muscular Forterra HD is powered by a 16-valve, turbo charged, 4-cylinder engine that delivers 35% extra torque.

It has a fully synchronized 30/30 forward/reverse gearbox, front and rear PTO, 40km/h speed and a long service life of up to 8,000 engine hours. Power to the front PTO is increased to 90kW while closure of the PTO clutch is dealt with in a new manner using a feedback controlled start-up system.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

CZECH AMBASSADOR ATTENDS ZETOR DEALER CONFERENCE Zetor main dealers from all parts of Ireland recently took part in a one-day sales conference held at the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise at which the Guest of Honour was Czech Ambassador to Ireland, Mrs. Hana Mottlova.

Welcomed by our sales director, John O'Brien, Mrs. Mottlova opened the conference and spoke to a packed attendance about her objective to foster closer trade links between the Czech Republic and Ireland and the important contribution Zetor was making.

In that regard she praised the work being done by McHale Plant Sales and its dealer organisation in promoting sales of Zetor tractors in Ireland and in furthering the position of a brand that has been part of Ireland's farming landscape since the 1940s.

Also speaking at the event was Irish Farmers Journal machinery editor Michael Moroney. In his presentation, Mr. Moroney gave delegates an overview of the tractor market pointing to the growth in sales that has taken place in recent times in line with the improving agricultural economy.

To the delight of dealers, he predicted that this growth is likely to continue with tractors in the 100 - 120hp segment likely to show the greatest growth in sales. In this regard, he observed that - with their great experience, the expansion that is taking place within the Zetor model range, the advances in technical features and specifications - Zetor dealers should be poised to take advantage of this improving situation.

Attending the event from Zetor HQ in Brno in the Czech Republic were representatives Jan Kuchta and Tomas Jochman, both of whom addressed dealers on matters of product knowledge and future model developments.

Pictured with the Czech ambassador to Ireland, Mrs. Hana Mottlova (centre) is the McHale Plant Sales team of John O’Brien, Liam Foley, Clare Curran, Denis McGrath and Ger Costelloe.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR ZETOR IRELAND APPOINTED

ZETOR EXPANDS MAJOR SERIES WITH 60HP MODEL Zetor is expanding its Major series with the introduction of a 60HP tractor, which will see the Zetor product offering range from 60-150HP across three model series.

Since its launch in 2013, the Major 80 is Ireland’s best selling Zetor tractor and is viewed as a few-frills, lowtech, value for money machine, aimed at owners of smaller, family-sized farms and those in the market for a second run-around tractor that will be less costly on the pocket and less technically challenging to operate and maintain.

McHale Plant Sales has appointed Will Doyle to the position of National Sales Manager for Zetor tractors.

A graduate of Kildalton Agricultural College and Waterford Institute of Technology, Will hails from Co. Wexford where his early career included senior level appointments within Slaney Farms Produce Limited. Since 2010, his quest for international experience brought him to Western Australia where he held senior sales management and dealer principal positions with AGCO and New Holland.

At McHale Plant Sales he will have primary responsibility for the activities of its Zetor Ireland affiliate, north and south. This will include all aspects of Zetor sales and marketing with a major focus on dealer development, network enlargement and the expansion of the brand in the wake of recent new model introductions and improvements.

Commenting, McHale Plant Sales managing director, Michael McHale said “Will’s return to Ireland and his appointment as National Zetor Ireland Sales Manager could not have come at a better time for Zetor and our dealer network”.

“With the broadening of the Zetor range to include the new flagship Forterra and new entry-level Major models, coupled with a more competitive price position, Zetor is primed to grow its market share with a model offering in virtually every market segment” he said.

According to Zetor National Sales Manager, Will Doyle, the Major series is seen as ‘an important and timely addition to the Zetor range whose appeal in recent years has been significantly enhanced by the success of the more-powerful and moresophisticated Proxima and Forterra units.’

Equipped with a four-stroke, four-cylinder TCD 2.9 L4 engine from Deutz AG, the new Major 60 will have a 12 + 12 speed gearbox, a maximum speed of 30 km/h and a lifting force of 2400 kg.

Other features include a spacious and quieter cab, low fuel consumption and a powerful hydraulic pump.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015 Eamon Costello (Kerry) Ltd. puts its new Merlo Panoramic P40.17 telehandler to work on a project carried out for Liebherr Container Cranes in Killarney.

A loyal Merlo customer for nearly 20 years, Tralee-based Eamon Costello (Kerry) Ltd. recently took delivery of its first machine purchased from McHale Plant Sales since the Birdhill firm was appointed to exclusively represent the Italianmade range of telehandlers in Ireland.

A family business with a distinguished history going back 45 years, Eamon Costello (Kerry) Ltd. is owned and managed by Declan Costello, son of the late Eamon Costello who founded the company in 1970.

Winner of numerous awards and accolades for its work down through the years, Eamon Costello (Kerry) Ltd. employs a full-time staff of 18 and numerous subcontractors, specialising in commercial projects across both public and private sectors.

Serving an impressive nationwide customer base, the company has a client list that includes Dublin Airport Business Park; Harbour Point, Little Island, Cork; Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee; Muckross House; Derrynane House and the Iveragh Road development in Killorglin.

A company to which repeat business is important, Eamon Costello (Kerry) Ltd. prides itself in having an ever-growing list of satisfied clients and in its ability to deliver projects on time and to a very high standard.

Declan purchased his first Merlo telehandler in 1996 and has added another seven to his fleet since then, all Panoramic models in various sizes.

Having just taken delivery of his latest unit from McHale Plant Sales – a Panoramic P40.17 with a 4-tonnes lift capacity and 17-metres reach – Declan put it to work on the closing stages of a project being carried out for Liebherr Container Cranes in Killarney. Now successfully completed after six months of work, the project included construction of a 36m x 24m x 19m, 900m2 extension of the Milling Hall used by Liebherr to mill parts for their machinery.

When asked what attracts him to the brand, Declan points to the reliability, durability and manoeuvrability of the machines. ‘Merlo makes a superb, trouble-free, tidy product’ he says. ‘I find them well manufactured, well fitted and not as bulky as some of their competitors – a factor important in our line of work where space can often be restricted.

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EAMON COSTELLO (KERRY) LTD. LOYAL MERLO CUSTOMER IS NEWCOMER TO MCHALE

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

NEW MERLO TURBOFARMER IRELAND’S STAND-OUT TELEHANDLER RANGE In its distinctive, eye-catching, applegreen colour, the new Merlo Turbofarmer range of telehandlers is becoming the stand-out machine on Irish farms and building sites.

Designed for farm and construction use, the popular Turbofarmer range has been reconfigured into three highly versatile models with the lift, reach and handling capability to tackle any application.

Fitted with newly designed chassis and rangespecific TF model designation, they offer two lift capacities (3.8t or 4.2t), two lift heights (7m or 10m) and boast some 20 different spec combinations.

Entry-level unit is the122hp TF38.7 whose features include a 3.8-tonnes lift with 7-metres reach. A second model - offering the same 3.8-tonnes lift but with a longer 10-meters reach - is the more powerful TF38.10. Its features include frame levelling with side shift, cab suspension, CVT transmission and the option of a 120hp or 156hp Tier 4-compliant Deutz engine that delivers 16hp more than the model it replaces.

Likely to be the largest selling model in the new range is the 4.1-tonnes, 10-metres lift height TF42.7.

Powered by the largest of the two engines, it comes fitted with a particulate filter, EGR and catalyst so emissions are kept to a minimum.

Looks wise, the new Turbofarmer is minty cool. New

is a restyled engine compartment that delivers more space. Engines are mounted lengthways and the radiator set parallel to the ground.

Standard is a reversible fan that runs according to engine temperature. Designed in such a way as to use less horsepower when the engine is cool, it is a feature that Merlo claims is 18% more fuel efficient.

To improve operator comfort, cab width has been extended and the layout redesigned. New features include a new instrument cluster, improved visibility and a monitor displaying lift and weight information that doubles as an on-board weighing system.

Ventilation is improved while the steering orbital unit is now fitted remotely outside the cab to reduce noise and heat generated. Hydraulic system improvements see oil flow raised with all systems running at a maximum operating pressure of 210 bar.

At any time, up to 20 weight values can be viewed on the cab’s CDC screen, with all stability values and boom positions displayed on the same screen while a new self-levelling compensating ram has been repositioned to reduce boom stress.

At launch, Michael McHale confirmed the intention ‘to market the new range at competitive prices that would help build market share while taking account of market conditions.’

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

MERLO ADDS ‘PLUS’ FACTOR TO TELEHANDLER RANGE

M

erlo has added the ‘Plus’ factor to their new telehandler range – shorthand for a number of special features now being fitted as standard within the price package. In one version, these include a joystick (compared to levers), 40kph speed (compared to 35kph) and an engine increased to 101hp (compared to 75hp).

Distributed here by McHale Plant Sales of Birdhill, the Merlo range comprises thirty-eight machines in all - with maximum load capacities from 2.5 to 12-tonnes and lift heights from 5.9 to 29.5-metres (depending on model choice) giving them a presence in every market segment.

Popular is the Panoramic range which includes six models bearing the ‘plus’ designation.

Designed for construction and industrial use, the Merlo line-up spans the spectrum from the compact 25.6L (with its 5.9m lift and 2-tonnes load capacity) to the large, robust 40.26 MCSS construction-ready Roto unit. Merlo's heavy-duty Roto range comprises 14 units with lift heights from 13.9m to 26m and operating capacities from 3.8 to 6-tonnes.

Powered by new 75hp Tier 3 and 101hp Tier 4 engines - the latter fitted with diesel oxidation

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catalyst and electronic gas recirculation with no diesel particulate filter requirement - models come with hydraulic independent stabilizers, automatic attachment recognition and rapid attachment coupling features.

Additional elements include a tilting angle corrector, boom side shift movement, remote operator control capability, cab tilt feature and 2-speed hydrostatic transmission. Standard also is Merlo’s patented dynamic load control that sets permissible load parameters. A FOPS/ROPS compliant cab is the largest on the market.

Infinitely adaptable, units can be fitted with a variety of attachments that expand their value to owners, as films on Merlo’s You Tube platform demonstrate. Uses include high-rise work, platform elevation, ground excavation and bucket loading, forklift and high-rise crane operation.

Painted in their luminous high-visibility, apple green livery, machines have an easy-to-see, stand-out attractiveness that many say makes them doubly safe on building sites and in busy open space and warehouse use.

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

CAPPAMORE FITTER WINS FÁS APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD

pprentice fitter Paul Conroy from Cappamore, Co. Limerick has been presented with a FÁS Oil and Skills Apprentice of the Year award in the construction and plant fitting category.

A

of the heavy-duty Komatsu excavators, loaders and dozers in the company’s Birdhill workshop having just completed the final phase of his apprenticeship at Cork Institute of Technology.

An employee of McHale Plant Sales in Birdhill, Paul (age 22) has been working as a junior apprentice since 2012 training in the maintenance and repair

Paul is pictured with his award alongside McHale Plant Sales service manager Anthony Ryan (left) and operations director Ger Costelloe.

McHALE PLANT SALES

WINS MAJOR EUROPEAN AWARD McHale Plant Sales won a major award at a Komatsu Distributor Conference held in Portugal attended by Komatsu distributors from all of their major European markets.

The award, for having achieved the ‘Best Extended Warranty Penetration for Komatsu in Europe’, was presented to McHale Plant Sales managing director Michael McHale who accepted it on behalf of the entire Komatsu team in Ireland.

The award recognises the success achieved by McHale in marketing extended warranty and in encouraging almost 70% of its customer base to avail of the support that it provides.

The provision of extended warranty cover is seen by McHale Plant Sales as an essential consideration in every Komatsu sales situation and one of the vital cost-saving elements that every Komatsu customers can avail of. ‘Costly down time is something every operator wants to avoid’ Michael McHale said. ‘For that reason, we market extended warranty cover as a means whereby Komatsu owners can protect themselves against the unexpected burden that breakdown can bring by extending cover over the longer life of the machine. That way, customers can order up a repair without having to worry unduly about the cost of parts and a technician’s time.’

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

McHALE PLANT SALES APPOINTMENT FURTHER STRENGTHENS KOMATSU PARTS & SERVICE SUPPORT TEAM Komatsu distributor McHale Plant Sales has further strengthened its customer services team with the appointment of Niall Culligan to the position of Parts & Service Sales Representative with primary responsibility to provide specialist field support services to Komatsu owners.

His appointment marks a return by him to the McHale Plant Sales team, he having previously held field service and workshop service roles at the company’s Birdhill and Rathcoole premises.

From Clonlara, Co. Clare, he is a graduate of University Of Limerick and a former pupil at Ard Scoil Ris in Limerick City.

Married, he returns from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia where, since 2012, he was Service Manager with a major multi-franchise transport, plant and materials handling distributor.

KOMATSU BOOSTS MUNSTER SALES TEAM McHale Plant Sales has strengthened its sales representation in the South West with the appointment of Declan Spillane as Komatsu Area Sales Manager for the Munster region.

From Kerry, Declan is resident outside Killarney at Ballymalis near Beaufort. Following his early education in Killorglin, he joined crane maker Leibherr in Killarney under an apprenticeship programme. From there, he moved to London in 1995 where he joined the high-profile Murphy Civil Engineering company as a field-based construction and plant engineer.

Returning to Ireland in 1999, Declan held various posts in Field Engineering and Areas Sales management with the importers and distributors of Caterpillar and Volvo heavy plant and machinery.

Highly experienced, both in technical and sales roles, his appointment to represent Komatsu in Munster is described

by McHale Plant Sales managing director Michael McHale as ‘exceedingly timely’ given ‘the wide range of Komatsu excavators, dozers, loaders and dump trucks that now come fitted with ‘intelligent’ technology that customers look to sales personnel to explain.’

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTOR MICHAEL COONEY LOOKS FORWARD TO PUTTING HIS NEW STATE-OF-THEART KOMATSU TO THE TEST The silage season is one that increases the work pressures on every agricultural contractor. For Michael Cooney , the demands involved in working around the clock in order to meet deadlines and satisfy the needs of farmers, often in the face of uncertain weather, have led the Cork-based agricultural contractor to add a new Komatsu WA320-7 wheel loader to his fleet.

Based in the small North Cork village of Ballyhooly, on the N72 between Mallow and Fermoy, Michael Cooney has been in operation since the early 1990s.

With his brother John and a full-time staff of five – a number that increases during the busy seasons - Michael specialises in silage, wholecrop, maize and tillage.

Working full-time in contracting and providing a full range of farming services, 95% of Michael’s business has its base in the rich farmlands that lie within a 10-mile radius of Ballyhooly. In terms of volume, his typical annual crop throughput amounts to some 4,000 acres of silage, wholecrop and maize and 2,000 acres of tillage.

A Komatsu customer for the past nine years, Michael purchased his first machine in 2006 - a WA320-5 wheel loader supplied to him by McHale Plant Sales.

Now, with 11,000 hours on the clock of a machine that he says has ‘never let me down’, Michael has traded up to the latest model – a WA320-7.

Describing his outgoing WA320 as ‘a machine that proved itself by delivering exceptional performance’, Michael views the new Dash 7 model as one that retains the basic strengths of the Dash 5 in terms of engine and transmission, in a more modernised package that includes what he says has ‘lots more bells and buzzers’.

Armed with the knowledge that his last Komatsu was fuel efficient, economical on running costs, reliable and an exceptional performer, Michael can’t wait to stretch the legs on his new, improved state-of the-art dash 7 version.

Doing the business for agricultural contractor Michael Cooney – Komatsu's WA320-7

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

KOMATSU’S PC 138-10...

THE ZERO TAIL SWING EXCAVATOR THAT ‘OWNERS WOULD HAVE WANTED KOMATSU TO BUILD’ Somewhat unconventional in terms of its flush-tail design, the Komatsu PC138-10 is a mainstay of the Komatsu range and a model that their distributor in Ireland, Michael McHale, managing director, McHale Plant Sales of Birdhill says ‘points the way all excavators will go in the future as operational efficiency and health and safety considerations come to the fore.’

Versatile for land and site works, the PC138-10 is a mid-range machine that delivers benefits not immediately evident at first glance.

Under its skin, it boasts a number of major features of which every owner should be mindful – build quality and finish being high on the list. Other important factors influencing customer choice are its excellent fuel economy and high residual value retention – factors that Michael McHale believes should be taken into account when calculating overall cost and benefits.

But, it is in the twin areas of operational efficiency and in the field of health & safety that the PC13810 really scores. As every operator knows, the requirement to close-off roads and set up traffic detours is something every Local Authority and traffic enforcement agency would kill to avoid.

With its flush tail, the PC138-10 gives contractors a head start, equipping them to go about their work causing the very minimum of disruption.

In cases where pipes are being laid and footpath work is being done, inconvenience could be reduced to a walk-around pathway for pedestrians while, in instances of road building and repair, the PC138-10 can help contractors to restrict themselves to a simple one-lane closure.

In congested cities and towns, nothing will attract the eye of a health and safety officer quicker than the sight of a revolving excavator tail.

In situations of that nature, the PC138-10, with its zero tail swing,

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puts contractors ahead of the curve - something that many would argue is its biggest and most valuable feature. For that reason alone, it could be argued that no contractor’s excavator inventory is fully complete without the inclusion of a PC138-10 or similar.

Internationally, the trend towards zero tail swing machines is growing – a factor that has no doubt driven Komatsu to place such emphasis on the PC138-10.

Weighted and counter-balanced on a par with any rival, the PC138-10 crawler excavator has a muscular appearance and a squat ‘ready to work’ posture. Its vital statistics equip it to tackle the toughest jobs.

Powered by a 72.6kW/ 97.3HP engine, it has an operating weight in the 13.7t to 14.9t range, a 5.9m maximum digging depth and a maximum bucket capacity of 0.72m3.

Visible on numerous high-profile sites across Ireland, the PC138-10 comes equipped with latest Komatsu technology and Komatsu Care technical support.

Summing up its many attributes, Michael McHale said ‘had it not already existed, the PC138-10 is a machine that customers and operators would have wanted Komatsu to build’

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

DAVY’S LAWNMOWER & TOOL HIRE LOCAL FIRM WITH NATIONAL PRESENCE PRAISES ‘ROBUST’ KOMATSU Ballina-based Davy’s Lawnmower & Tool Hire has grown from humble beginnings, serving a local customer base to a point where it now hires machinery to customers nationwide.

Proud owner of a fleet of ten Komatsu machines, the company recently took delivery of their latest edition - a PC16 mini excavator supplied to them

by McHale Plant Sales.

Asked what it is about Komatsu that has led his firm to be such loyal customers, manager Kenneth Langan said: ‘their robustness is unrivalled. In our business of hiring out machines, it is paramount they are able to take a right good kicking. Unlike some other brands, Komatsu has proven it can take tough treatment’.

Established in 2000 by Kenneth’s younger brother David, from whom the company name ‘Davy’s Lawnmower & Tool Hire’ is derived, the firm now employs 16 full-time staff. Besides operating a hire service to an all-Ireland customer base, the company also provides machinery sales and repairs throughout the Connacht region.

Now celebrating its 15th year in business, Kenneth attributes the company’s success to the support of its loyal staff, customers and suppliers.

Delivering customer satisfaction at all times is a

principle that he says is fundamental to the ethos of Davy’s Lawnmower & Tool Hire.

Offering a full range of products, from the smallest to the largest, is one aspect of their business. The company also specialises in sales, repairs and servicing, supplying a wide customer base from large developers to small domestic users and everything in between – a community that includes plumbers, builders, plasterers, electricians, gardeners, landscapers scaffolders and more.

With the recent delivery of the PC16, the Davy’s Lawnmower & Tool Hire Komatsu fleet comprises a mixture of PC30, PC50 and PC55 mini excavators and an SK714 skid steer loader.

With such an impressive line-up of Komatsu in its armoury, Kenneth has developed a strong working relationship with McHale Plant Sales. ‘In fairness to the guys at McHale, they are excellent at looking after our needs’, he explains.

Regarding the machines themselves, Kenneth goes on to add, ‘Komatsu has proven itself over time. It is the tried and trusted brand and, thanks to its robust and durable qualities it delivers long-term value for money, especially to a firm like ours’.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

NEW & USED

McHALE PLANT SALES’ PERFECTLY BALANCED PRODUCT OFFERING As every motor dealer knows, a product offering that is perfectly balanced to meet the various needs of customers is one that markets NEW and USED items. And so it is in construction plant and machinery.

At McHale Plant Sales, our focus falls almost evenly on our new Komatsu, Metso, Merlo and Zetor ranges while a highly active used machinery unit operates in parallel.

With a customer base spread across Ireland and into far-flung markets across the globe, McHale Plant Sales has an established and enviable reputation as a supplier of quality used plant and equipment.

Under the day-to-day guidance of Equipment Sales Manager, Denis McGrath, the McHale Plant Sales used equipment division has experienced an increase in sales to local businesses as

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knowledge of its operations becomes more widespread.

Often, customers seeking to buy a quality used machine will need it to cover a particular job or contract. In such cases, the answer they seek is often found in a quality used machine, one that still has lots of life left in it and that McHale Plant Sales is proud to offer to the marketplace.

Such equipment will come fully certified, serviced and in full working order, often with parts replaced where needed and with the additional peace-of-mind provided by warranty cover.

Through its global customer database, McHale Plant Sales supplies quality used equipment to customers as far afield as South America, Asia and the Middle East.

McHALE PLANT PLANT SALES SALES NEWS NEWS Issue Issue 99 2015 McHALE 2015

Besides being an outlet for equipment that has served its time in Ireland, access to this international marketplace is extremely valuable in other ways.

For those buyers of new equipment with latest technology, it enables McHale Plant Sales to be even more price competitive.

Moreover, by having a marketplace for machines that customers are seeking to replace, it means that those dealing with McHale will know there is a channel through which their trade-in can find a new home.

At a recent Komatsu European used equipment conference, attended

by McHale Plant Sales, the shortage of good quality used equipment was discussed.

Noting the level of demand that exists for Komatsu quality used equipment, speakers pointed to the popularity that Komatsu used machines enjoy amongst existing and new Komatsu users.

Partly in response to this situation, the used equipment unit at McHale Plant Sales last year hosted two used equipment auctions, at its headquarters in Birdhill.

Held in May and July, both auctions proved very popular and well attended, by buyers on the ground and a host of online bidders from abroad. At each auction, the hammer came down on some 300 lots, sold to buyers present and others overseas to whom the items were transported in due course.

‘Whether it be a mini digger or a massive excavator, a wheel loader, crawler dozer or rock crusher, McHale Plant Sales has the range of used equipment options that customers require, including the availability of flexible finance options for qualifying customers’ Denis McGrath said.

‘Those seeking to dispose of used equipment can avail of this support also and are invited to make contact when the options available to them can be made know and discussed’ Denis said.

‘Meanwhile, I invite those wishing to receive our illustrated used equipment emails, or to discuss any other aspect of our used machinery sales arrangements, to contact me as follows: Mobile (+353-86-3872881), Skype (denis.mcgrath.mps), Email (dmcgrath@ mchaleplant.com) or via our Website (www.mchaleplantsales.com).

Please contact our Used Equipment Department for more information

Birdhill Co. Tipperary Tel: 061 379112

Some Useful Contact Details Sales:

Parts

Service:

John O’Brien 086 2527960 Tim Shanahan 087 2381329 Denis McGrath (Dublin Region) 086 3872881 Patrick Shanahan (Machine Demonstrations) 086 8366739 Declan Spillane (Munster region) 086 4664655 Will Doyle (National Zetor Sales) 086 0474022

Keith Carey (Limerick Depot) 087 6948932

Anthony Ryan (Service Manager)

Frank Desay (Dublin Depot) 087 2522581

061 379639

Niall Culligan (National Parts and Service sales) 086 4601006

061 379112

086 379639 Ger Costelloe 086 6058551 Colm Shortt (Warranty) 061 379112

Marketing

Clare Curran 061 379606

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

McHALE PLANT SALES

CELEBRATING 21 YEARS AS KOMATSU DISTRIBUTOR Having sailed passed the 20 years marker buoy, McHale Plant Sales is pinning up the balloons and streamers in celebration of its 21 years as distributors of Komatsu in Ireland.

And what a joyous and successful 21 years it has been. Proud to represent one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of heavy construction plant and equipment, its work with Komatsu has seen McHale Plant Sales involved in most of the major infrastructural works undertaken in Ireland over that period whilst giving it the opportunity to supply and work alongside the majority of Ireland’s top contractors.

Though Komatsu has had a presence here since 1978, it was in the course of the last 21 years that the brand gained significantly in prominence. Looking down the Komatsu/McHale user base, one can only but be impressed by the stature and standing of those who choose Komatsu - a name one now associates with major projects, wherever they may be taking place. In practical terms, the work involved in bringing Komatsu to that level of prominence is reflected in the fact that, over much of their 21 years together, Komatsu has held top position in the Irish excavator market.

Voicing the company’s pride at representing what he terms ‘such a reputable, top-end manufacturer’, McHale Plant Sales managing director Michael McHale said ‘we are honoured to represent the Komatsu brand which has held market leadership position for excavators - by far the largest value sector in Irish construction equipment market - for twelve out of the last thirteen years.’

Looking ahead, Michael sees tremendous opportunity for growth and real reasons for the industry to feel optimistic. Citing the fact that there are many items of plant that await replacement, he notes that construction activity is making a comeback, albeit in a more measured way. A number of infrastructural projects, some in progress, will also advance the pace of growth ‘Throughout Ireland, massive work needs to be done to bring our roads network up to scratch – work that alone will generate growth. New rules and regulations governing environmental and other issues will also inevitably bring about some added

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growth that cannot be accounted for at this time’ Michael forecasts.

On the machinery side, Michael makes the argument that developing trends in machine technology will lead to extra productivity, greater economy of operation and higher levels of profit and operational safety. Pointing to Komatsu’s own factory-fitted ‘i in the sky’ intelligent control and guidance technology as one example, Michael said ‘the pay-off that owners can expect from these new systems will more than reward them for the higher purchase price they may have to pay.’

Predicting a future when it could be a ‘condition’ that equipment coming on site is fitted with machine control systems, Michael observed that ‘the day is not far away when touch screen skills will be the first qualification on an operator’s cando list.’ Pleased that Komatsu is devoting some 3.5% of turnover to R&D spending with some 3,500 engineers employed in the development of new technologies, he instanced stroke-sensing hydraulics that control bucket positioning and remove the worry of digging too deep or damaging a target surface as one current reality along with measuring devices that deliver precise machine orientation and angle monitoring. Other foreseen benefits include consistent accuracy when rough digging and automatic single pass grading that will see the need for staking, surveying and final inspection being reduced or eliminated.

To cap what he describes as ‘a year of recovery’ for the industry, McHale Plant Sales was the recipient recently of a major award presented by Komatsu in recognition of its success in being the leading distributor in Europe when it comes to marketing extended warranty cover.

FIRST SALE… McHale Plant Sales managing director Michael McHale (left) pictured in 1994 with customer Dan O’ Sullivan of O’Sullivan Plant Hire, Ardagh at the handover of the PC180LC-5 hydraulic excavator, the company’s first Komatsu sale as importers and distributors in Ireland for the high-end Japanese brand.

McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

IS SOME NEW INITIATIVE REQUIRED? In recent media interviews, Michael McHale proposed the setting up of a representative body for those exclusively engaged in the importation and distribution of heavy construction plant and equipment.

The purpose suggested for it would be to promote the interests of the industry and be a conduit through which it could promote the values of the industry, supply information and pursue issues in the interest of its members.

So, what could such a body do?

First up, it could lobby Government on tax changes and other regulations that would promote trade and employment within the sector.

Secondly, it could campaign for greater investment in projects on which the industry depends.

Throughout Ireland, massive work needs to be done if we are to bring our roads network up to scratch.

With a General Election approaching, such a body could put a case to the political parties calling for an undertaking that funding would be made available for these high-profile projects on which our equipment would be used.

Thirdly, it could prepare industry papers and submissions on matters important to the industry in order to ensure that arguments peculiar to the plant and machinery sector were taken into account - for example, in matters relating to training, apprenticeships and education.

Fourthly, it could be a public voice for the sector in any discussions or meeting at which matters pertaining to it were being discussed.

McHALE PLANT SALES

RELOCATES EAST COAST OPERATIONS INTO NEW PREMISES AT RATHCOOLE Komatsu distributor McHale Plant Sales is relocating its East coast operations into new, larger, more modern premises on the Greenogue Business Park at Rathcoole, off the main M7/M8 motorways on the southern western suburb of Dublin city.

The impressive glass-fronted building gives the company what its managing director Michael McHale calls ‘a convenient and prestige presence close to our many customers in Dublin and the East coast’ Their transfer from premises occupied for the past number of years, also at Greenogue, into its new base in Dublin is seen by McHale Plant Sales as a reflection of the growth that is taking place in the plant and construction sector generally and the expansion in the number of manufacturers whose machinery it now represents.

Seen as being a pivotal consideration in its recent appointment to represent Metso screening and crushing plant, the sales and customer service benefits it will bring to Komatsu, Merlo and Zetor are influencing factors that Michael McHale says ‘were uppermost in our minds’.

In tandem with its head office operations at Birdhill, the new unit will be an attractive display and storage facility for its Komatsu, Metso, Zetor and Merlo machinery lines whilst being a convenient call-in centre for customers. In addition, it will further enhance the company’s after-sales technical and parts support service.

Close as it is to all main trunk routes into and out of Dublin, the new facility will double up with Birdhill to deliver what Michael McHale says will be ‘a service equal to the expectation of our customers and those we represent’.

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McHALE PLANT SALES NEWS Issue 9 2015

Komatsu Mini Excavators – Punching Above Their Weight

KOMATSU EXCAVATORS TO THE FORE AT NEWLANDS CROSS

Growth in public utility projects like water pipe replacement and metering, gas line repairs, paving and suchlike has placed a new focus on the work that mini excavators do. Easily transportable, these pocket-sized diggers are everywhere - in house building, urban utility works, waste management, landscaping and the like.

Described as ‘one of the most successful projects ever undertaken in this country’, the recently constructed Newlands Cross flyover is another high profile project on which Komatsu excavators were to the fore.

Their popularity has boosted business in the rental sector - earning their keep in servicing the do-it-yourself renter, or as part of a contractor’s mixed capacity excavator fleet.

Komatsu is a major player with a range of ten mini hydraulic excavators with operating weights from 0.8 to 5-tonnes.

Compact and light, each one is extremely powerful and remarkably versatile.

Baby of the range is the PC09-1 microexcavator whose features include a 9.1HP engine, a digging depth of 1.47m, an operating weight in the 0.88 – 108-tonnes and a bucket capacity of 0.016 – 0.025 m Moving up, models range from the PC14R-3 to the range-topping PC55MR-3, all fitted with rubber crawling tracks and frontmounted blade for added stability, dozing and levelling purposes.

Operating weights increase up to 5.28-tonnes and engine power from 9.1hp to 39.6hp with digging depths rising from 1.47m to 4.16m and bucket capacity from 0.016m3 to 0.18m3.

Being Komatsu, features such as operator comfort, operational simplicity and longlife durability are to the fore. Dependable, powerful and productive, these ‘marvels of miniaturisation’ are supported by the customer care and warranty arrangements one expects from Komatsu.

As McHale Plant Sales director, John O’Brien puts it ‘product advances found in larger machines have trickled down into the mini excavator range. Technology, reliability and hard-working characteristics found in every Komatsu are features evident also in the mini excavator range’.

In construction terms, the complex nature of the interchange, its location in a built-up area of the city close to a number of residential developments, hotels and business premises – coupled with the volume of traffic that required management while work was taking place - all added to the difficulties that main contractor BAM was required to handle.

Bringing the project into operation in jig time with the minimum of disruption and inconvenience - all under the gaze of a curious and interested community of motorists - it can be said that BAM brought great credit upon themselves and upon the reputation of Irish civil works contractors generally. As one commuter noted ‘the project gave a fascinating insight into the work of the civil engineering contractor.’

Komatsu excavators had a high-profile presence on site during the course of construction. As part of the Gorate Limited fleet, the machines were engaged in preparing the site for the installation of what is commonly known as ‘reinforced earth’ – precast elements on which the road surface is built which are now shielded from public view by decorative stone wall cladding.

Gorate, which has its headquarters in Borisokane, Co. Tipperary, is an established user of Komatsu excavators.

Operating throughout Ireland as subcontractors on the countriy's many new roads projects, the company specialises in the erection of reinforced earth bridges and culverts.

Numerous large projects on which their expertise was applied – and on which their Komatsu fleet did the heavy lifting – includes all recent major roadways. These are the Cashel/Mitchelstown, Cullahill/Cashel, Ennis Bypass, Kilcullen/ Waterford, Waterford City Bypass, Athlone/Kilbeggan and Nenagh/Limerick Dual Carriageways, M7/M8 Motorway and the Ballinasloe/Athlone project.

Proud of its ‘successful track record in providing top quality workmanship’, on its website Gorate states ‘the company insists on the highest standards of quality and safety while on site’ adding that ‘each job is carried out...using all new equipment and plant, thus ensuring no time wastage due to breakdowns or repairs.’

Could there be a better reason for choosing Komatsu? We think not.

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