UK Plant Operators Magazine - Issue 1

MAGAZINE

Free digital edition / ÂŁ3.99 printed copy

The magazine specifically created for the most important people in plant - The Operators

Issue 01

We take a look at the 30th Anniversary Backhoe Loader

INSIDE: Ripping Up The UK, How to get a CPCS Card, Product reviews & more!

MACHINE CONTROL FROM

Machine Control solutions from Survey Hire Express ensure that excavation and earthworks activities on your site are right first time, every time.

• Machine Control involves the integration of positioning tools into construction machinery.

• Software solutions determine a machine’s current position on the earth and then compare that position with the desired design surface.

• Data is displayed inside the machine cab allowing the operator to efficiently determine the intended design on the ground.

Whenever you hire excavators or earthworks machines, make Machine Control from Survey Hire Express your number one priority to improve quality and productivity on-site.

The use of equipment fitted with Machine Control technology increases efficiency, reduces the time on the job, improves health & safety, and also reduces resource and material usage.

• Machine Control is used to accurately position earthwork machinery based on 3D design models.

Machine Control is just one product in the Survey Hire Express range of instrumentation, which includes optical levels, rotating lasers, dual grade lasers, interior lasers, pipe lasers, reflectorless total stations, robotic total stations, GPS kits and a wide variety of measuring, scanning and detection equipment.

Get in touch to find out how Survey Hire Express can help you on your next project.

0370 330 6024 www.surveyhireexpress.com Control Code: 07/16/4376

CONTENTS

5 CAT 323F

11

Topcon Machine Control

23

9

OPERATORS BLOG 10 - The BEAST 16 - Blaklader Workwear 18 - Dont burst the bubble

Ripping Up The UK

JCB Hydradig

14

THE BLACK CAT

20

34

HOW TO GET A CPCS CARD

28

26 - Simulating Control 30 - NFPEO: Brexit 36 - Weston Beach Race

Hillhead 2016

CONTACTS

EDITORS

PUBLISHER

UK  Plant Operators 27 Wheatley Cresent Tuanton, Somerset TA1 2AX

Mark McMoran mark@ukplantoperators.com Dale Hawkins dale@ukplantoperators.com Gavin Elson gavin@ukplantoperators.com

McMoran Ltd 5 Jupiter House Reading, Berkshiret RG7 8AN Tel: 020 8133 3714

ADVERTISING ukpo@mcmoran.co.uk

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those held by UK Plant Operators Ltd or the publishers. The publishers shall not be under any liability in respect of the contents of the contributed articles or the content of any external websites referred to in articles. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or alter articles for publication.

All material (c) McMoran Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or nt, without the express permission of the publishers. The information contained in this publication is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.

UK Plant Operators & McMoran Ltd can accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, dissapointment, negligence or any other damage caused by reliance on information contained in this publication or in the event of any bankruptcy, liquidation or cessation of the trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned, is hereby excluded.

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THE EDITOR

MAG The m AZIN agazin E e spec ifically create d fo

Issue

Editor’s comment

W

elcome to the new UK Plant Operators Magazine, many of you have followed us on social media for some years now and helped us reach operatives all over the UK and further, with a reach of over 1.2 million people discussing issues which matter to the UK Plant Operators and other associated trades.

This new magazine will be made available online and also in hard copy posted straight to your door or your device of choice. We are going to cover topics and stories asked for by our followers like training issues, passing of knowledge and best practice, plus product reviews –by the operators, and lots of other thought provoking articles from the likes of manufacturers, plant hire companies and contractors.

Why a magazine I hear you ask? Well there are two main reasons to go down this route rather than just post stories and articles online, we have a goal that we want to raise money for a national advice line for all operatives for training advice, safety issues and general help, given by operators and mentors already in the industry. We also want to raise awareness of the great opportunities within the industry to encourage new blood into it, showing them the great innovation and some of the great characters we have within our industry.

Working with organisations like the NFPEO, various manufacturers, training providers and hire companies we hope to continue to bring you up to date and relevant news via social media, online and in the new hard copy magazine.

In the issue this month we have articles covering new machines, technology, The Ripping Up The UK charity event, product reviews, polls and guest blogs. Not to mention our cover feature on the Caterpillar 30th Anniversary Backhoe Loader and a guide on how to get a CPCS card, the recognised industry standard. I genuinely hope you enjoy our very first edition and here is to many more beside……….

P.S……….. don’t forget you can subscribe to the magazine online to receive a copy digitally by visiting http://ukplantoperators.com, scanning the QR code below or you can subscribe on the website to receive a hard copy of every new issue straight to your front door……

Thank you for all of your growing support over the last few years.

Mark McMoran, editor

Scan here with your phone or tablet to subscribe to the magazine!

01

r the

most importa nt pe ople in

plant -

The Op er

ators

We ta Anniv ke a look ersary at Backh the 30th oe Lo ader

This issue’s main story: We take a look at the limited edition 30th anniversary Black Cat Backhoe Loader - See pages 20-21 Index of advertisers Ashtead Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 M O’Brien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Topcon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Operator Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 L-Lynch Plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Plant Operator Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 IHRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 UKPO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Plant Operator Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Tenstar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 UKPO Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 RHL Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Executive Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Plant Operator Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 JuvaPro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Plant 2 Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 McMoran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Lynch Plant Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Compliance Cube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Ashtead Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 SteelWrist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 NFPEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Distribution We distribute UK Plant Operators Magazine free online & by direct mail for a small fee to subscribers in the UK who are involved in all aspects of plant hire, construction and training services. Our target subscribers are Plant Operators, Fitters, Mechanics, Construction proffessionals and Hire Executives.

For subscription inquiries, please contact: sam@mcmoran.co.uk Also beginning in August 2016, we will distribute UK Plant Operators magazine through selected locations in Europe, including hotels, restaurants, business centers, airport lounges, construction sites and other key locations.

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For information about the sponsorship opportunities with UK Plant Operators magazine please contact Sam Kennedy via email at: sam@mcmoran.co.uk

INDUSTRY NEWS

New Fuel-Efficient Cat 323F L Excavator Is Designed for Customers Paid by the Job

The new CatÂŽ 323F L excavator is specially designed with reinforced structures and massive counterweights to take on the most severe applications. With up to 8% improved lift capacity thanks to a heavier counterweight, the 323F L excavator can handle work tools like tilting buckets, tiltrotators, hammers and shears. The heavy duty booms and sticks feature high strength steel and box section construction with internal baffles for added durability.

The massive upper frame, carbody (lower frame), and track roller frames are designed for strength and long-term durability.

ENGINE AND HYDRAULICS This F Series excavator delivers a 5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, compared with the 323E L, resulting

primarily from the efficiency of the 164horsepower (122 kW/166 PS) Cat C7.1 ACERT™ engine that meets EU Stage IV emission standards. Proven electronic, fuel, air, and aftertreatment components (including a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter) provide effective emissions control without interrupting work cycles and with no compromise in productivity, fuel efficiency, reliability, or service life.

The fuel efficiency of the C7.1 ACERT engine is further enhanced with an automatic engine speed control that lowers engine speed during no load/light load conditions, an engine idle shutdown system that stops the engine after a pre-set idling interval, and standard, ECO or HP modes that allow operators to tailor machine performance to the application. The engine

also operates efficiently on biodiesel up to B20 when blended with ULSD fuel.

The 323F L powerful hydraulic system places major components in close proximity to minimize piping lengths and to reduce frictional losses and pressure drops.

Combined with boom and stick regeneration circuits that reduce load on the main pumps, the Cat hydraulic system contributes significantly to overall fuel savings. The 323F L is available with three configurations for the front linkage: Reach; Variable Adjustable and Super Long Reach.

OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY, SERVICEABILITY The pressurized cab is spacious and quiet with large glass areas for all-around >>

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INDUSTRY NEWS >> visibility. The cab features positive air filtration, height-adjustable joystick consoles, large colour monitor and available air suspension, heated and cooled seat options.

Safety features include a cab-integrated roll-over-protection structure (ROPS), antiskid surfaces, programmable halogen working lights, easily stored upper and lower windows, large skylight, and a rearview camera system.

Serviceability features include groundlevel access to major maintenance points, electric fuel system priming pump, remote fuel tank drain, and a fuel level indicator to help avoid overfilling.

TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS Cat Connect helps customers get more value from their Cat equipment and improve jobsite efficiency by capitalizing on Caterpillar technology and Cat dealer services.

Equipment owners need to employ machines to full potential in order to realize maximum return on investment—

producing more, in less time, while using less fuel, avoiding unnecessary machine wear, and ensuring the safety of everyone on the job.

Cat Grade Control Depth and Slope, included in the Cat Connect technologies, is a standard factory-integrated system that allows operators to attain grades quickly and efficiently. The system incorporates well-protected sensors in the front linkage to provide real-time positioning information and cut-and-fill data via the standard cab monitor. The system helps eliminate digging and slope rework by doing it right first time, saving money on fuel and materials, while also minimizing the need for grade checking. The system can easily be upgraded to 3D capability by adding proven Cat AccuGrade™ GPS or Universal Total Station (UTS) systems.

Optional Cat GRADE with ASSIST delivers further gains in efficiency and productivity. With the touch of a button and stick control, the simple to use system

MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS Operating Weight range 22 600 - 25 700 kg Max. Digging Depth 6 710 * 6 680 ** 11 690 *** Max. Reach (ground level) 9 850* 10 200** 15 720*** Power (ISO 14396) – kW / PS 122 kW / 166 PS Power (ISO 9249) – kW / PS 120 kW / 163 PS *323F L with Reach Boom, 2.9m stick, and 1.3m³ bucket, 5,350 kg counterweight **323F L with VA Boom, 2.9m stick, and 1.3m³ bucket, 5,350 kg counterweight ***323F L with Super Long Reach boom and stick, and 0.53m³ bucket, 4,700 kg counterweight

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automates grade work typically done by the operator with manual boom/stick/bucket controls. Operators of all experience levels can reach target grades up to 45 percent faster than with conventional grading techniques and up to 30 percent faster than with grade control systems that provide indication only guidance. The system's built-in features also include grade protect, ceiling protect, and floor protect. The net result is faster, more accurate grading with less manual input and reduced operator fatigue.

LINK technologies like the optional Product Link™ system, wirelessly connect owners to their equipment, providing access to valuable machine data such as location, hours, fuel consumption, idle time, events and diagnostic codes for analysis and reporting via the online VisionLink® user interface. LINK information assists with fact-based decision making to help increase efficiency and lower owning and operating costs.

CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS www.topconpositioning.co.uk Tel: 0845 450 4300

WITH YOU ALL THE WAY Partner with Topcon for construction solutions including real-time video feeds and remote job site monitoring. Let’s tackle the challenges together.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Topcon survey reveals huge potential of Machine Control A recent survey of almost 200 operators across the construction industry has demonstrated how machine control technology isn’t being used to its full potential.

Increasing productivity and efficiency on site is a high priority for the construction sector, and a key part of this is embracing new technology. In fact, the operators surveyed by Topcon GB & Ireland that use machine control technology are already reaping the benefits; with 90 per cent believing it is having a positive effect on their work and 91 per cent also believing their productivity has increased as a result of utilising it in the workplace.

The survey also suggests that drivers across the industry know the benefits of machine control. Of those not having used the technology, almost 4 out of every 5 respondents stated they would like to use it, with 73 per cent believing it would have a positive effect on their work, and three quarters of respondents thinking they would be more productive as a result of using it. This shows a desire to embrace this technology and a move towards new,

smarter ways of working.

Machine Control uses GPS data and 3D modelling to give the driver a view of the machine’s cutting edge in relation to the final plans. This means operators are not relying on human judgement – which has a huge impact on the productivity, safety, cost and waste produced when working.

What makes machine control stand out is how easy it is for operators to use – requiring only a few hours of training to be able to use it. Of those that use the technology on site, 69 per cent were fully trained to use it within three hours of specialist training – the overwhelming majority of which was delivered in-cab.

Considering the huge benefits of machine control, those in the sector still waiting to use it should look forward to a better way of working. Machine control is allowing operators to work smarter on site, increase productivity and become more

efficient for their employers – and is just a morning’s worth of training away for those who have never used it. Contractors should be listening to the views of operators across the industry and look at machine control as the way forward when looking for massive improvements in the way they work today and in the future.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The BEAST Hitachi EX8000-6s delivered into Africa A gigantic fleet of Hitachi mining excavators has been expanded with the recent delivery of two EX8000-6s to Vale’s Moatize coal mine in Tete, Mozambique.

The EX8000-6 is the largest excavator made by Hitachi and these are the first of these models being operated outside North America and Australasia.

The Tete province holds one of the world’s largest untapped carbon reserves, particularly for coking coal. Vale obtained a concession in 2006 to build and operate the mine at Moatize, with operations and then production starting in 2008 and 2011 respectively.

The Brazilian company is the second largest metals and mining company, and one of the largest publicly traded companies in the world. It has announced plans to invest $15-20billion in Africa between 2010 and 2015, including a $6billion expansion of Moatize to double output to 22million tonnes per year.

The Moatize coal reserve is 954million tonnes and its life expectancy is 35 years.

The mining method is an open pit through sequential layers using excavators, wheel loaders and rigid dump trucks. With vast

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quantities of overburden to be removed and dumped in designated piles, and layers of coal to be collected and transported to the primary crusher, Vale has invested heavily in its mining equipment.

The line-up includes the two EX8000-6s (with 43m3 coal buckets) and three EX5500-6s (34m3). The machines are subjected to one of Africa’s harshest environments, where temperatures exceed 50°C, and they come with a bespoke aftersales support package to meet Vale’s requirements.

“Vale knows the level of equipment required to start operations at the mine and have knowledge of the availability and support for other equipment that we are using around the world,” says Mário Carpegiane, Vale’s Maintenance Supervisor at Moatize. “Hitachi has a good reputation and is renowned for continuously developing its mining equipment.”

After one year of production, Mário has nothing but positive feedback about the first two EX5500-6s. The availability was excellent and the quality of service and support had exceeded expectations. On this basis, it was decided that Vale would

continue to operate Hitachi excavators at Moatize, so another EX5500-6 and the two EX8000-6s were ordered to assist with the expansion of production.

“The high level of on-site support is an extremely important aspect of operating Hitachi excavators,” adds Mário. “The conditions in Mozambique are so tough that the maintenance and service are crucial to our operation.

“Hitachi supplies the parts and service for the excavators. As Mozambique doesn’t have a good infrastructure or people with the required experience and expertise, this places even more emphasis on the relationship with the manufacturer. If we didn’t have a good system in place with Hitachi, then it would be very difficult to maintain our production levels.

“The availability of both models has been excellent as a result of this support.

The interface with the Hitachi team is second to none and we enjoy a good level of communication. Also, if you compare Hitachi models with other excavators, the design and layout are good, which is especially useful for replacing parts and general maintenance.”

INDUSTRY NEWS

Ripping up the UK

It was 19:00 on the 24th September 2015 I arrived at the CAT Visitor centre at Desford in Leicester. Feeling very excited as along with Dale Hawkins from UK Plant Operators we had been invited to CAT’s unveiling of the 30th anniversary Backhoe loader! The venue was a buzz with people who had travelled from 6 continents to witness the event.

Dale and I were there as guests as we had planned driving the CAT 432F2 backhoe from John O'Groats to lands’ end for a charity called SNAP Cannock (Special Needs Adventure Playground).

The Special Needs Adventure Playground is designed specifically for children with special needs and has been running successfully in Cannock, Staffordshire since June 2003. Complete with outdoors adventure play equipment including an aerial runway, cycle track with specially adapted bikes, a sand pit, indoors soft play area, craft room and a multi-sensory room.

We needed to get as much attention to raise the money required and this would be the best machine to give us that, the both machines stood proud a CAT 432F2 sideshift and a 420F2IT Centre pivot

complete with leather seat and steering wheel, Aircon , Bluetooth system sporting a Gun Metal Grey body with black exterior trim with ultra-bright LED Lights!! There were only two made a true limited edition – instantly we named the UK one The Black Cat. Now we had convince CAT we could do the challenge all we needed now is to get enough sponsors to make it happen, and with the challenge now set we had to get our home work done and some serious planning.

It seemed straight forward when we first thought of it, just a straight drive from one end of the country to the next… However there were so many hurdles and questions to answer arranging the route, Fuel stops, overnight stops including where are we going to sleep! We had endless telephone conversations lasting two or three hours a night and time off work to make sure planning was complete and everything was covered.

Weeks turned into months and the December deadline was looking doubtful and with all the good meetings and persuasions with CAT the machine still hadn’t been

officially signed off for go ahead. A lot of people where relaying on us to raise the money so it was very nervy times.

As our heads were nearing the floor the news came and we got the call we was waiting for we had the black Cat. As you can imagine we were now bouncing with excitement & it was full steam ahead, but then it was realised when all the planning was done (we thought) someone mentioned “do you have the insurance to cover the event. CAT would have to sell the machine to a plant hire company or an end user, who we would then have to beg to use it to complete the event – who would want to do this and give up such a machine for this length of time to give it to a couple of operators planning to raise money for a little known charity. Along with this major issue we had the small problem of trying to get the machine to John O'Groats and back from Lands’ end, the whole event had turned into a nightmare.

With all seeming lost and the adventure coming to an end, Dale pulled together a meeting between L Lynch Plant Hire and CAT and we waited in anticipation for what >> might come of this…..

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INDUSTRY NEWS

>> Sometimes it is amazing what two normal guys can pull together, it certainly amazed me as both companies came up trumps – Finning CAT managed to sort out the transport from one of their suppliers Ashcroft Transport and L Lynch Plant hire decided they would buy the machine and let us use it for the event…… just perfect.

It was all a reality now.

Dale along with L Lynch Plant Hire’s Operations Director Mark Kennedy where invited to collect the machine at the Bauma Plant Show in Munich where CAT donated a fantastic £2000 for the cause.

From start to finish the whole project was a logistical night mare! Trying to get to the start ourselves, for anyone who hasn’t done it, was a mission on its own, along with pit stops, meeting sponsors at the right time along the route.

We had arranged to meet at my house in Cannock for 20:30 on the 7th of May, I could sleep the night before and was up by 05:00 just to go through everything again in my own mind. Dale turned up and we got going on our journey about 10:00, with a slight detour first, one of our sponsors had to go early so we needed to hire a car which had to be dropped off at Inverness airport!!

Where we would meet the sponsor and drive on up to John O'Groats – thanks to Sitezone who sorted this out for us. We

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drove through horrendous fog whilst traveling through the Cairngorms National Park, it’s meant to be beautiful, but I couldn’t confirm this as I only saw a foot in front of me. We arrived at Inverness airport around 6am on the 8th of May to find out we couldn’t check the car in until 10, still Burger King had our company for 4 hours and we soon pushed on to John O’Groats.

After 29 hours of being awake we arrived at the start point about 13:00 but couldn’t get our heads down as the machine was still an hour behind us. We set up camp and waited its arrival, to then get all the signage on to the machine for the next day. Following a hard day there’s nothing like being treated to a nice meal at the sea view hotel in John O’Groats thanks to Alan Gow of Alan Gow Groundworks who came to meet us with Pat Bulkirk from Steelwrist, Pat had also donated the tents for us to sleep in. Of course we had haggis, you have to try it once and it was great. We eventually staggered back with exhaustion to the campsite and nearly froze to death, over dinner we had asked if the sun comes out in Scotland and was told it only shone on the righteous, I said to dale it will be a long wet journey fro us then.

We thawed out about 6am for showers and to check the machine over, dismantle the tents and get it all loaded in to the

support vehicle. Along the way we would be humbled by the people who showed support, like Mark Perkes from CAT UK and Tom Moss from Finning UK who met us at the start to buy us a good breakfast before we headed off.

Setting off about 10:30am about half an hour later than planned, I had to have the big breakfast, well it’s a long journey!

It was great to see the response from the local people as we drove through their towns and villages, folks stopping in the street, everyone waving, the radio blasting and the sun was finally shining and a great machine to drive we couldn't have asked for a better. We set up camp at Bunchrew campsite that night, which is on the edge of the firth, the views were spectacular and a cracking venue for a BBQ .

The next morning up at 05:00 as usual, feeling tired as with all the photos and video edits to do as we went it added a couple of hours a day onto the workload.

We reached our next overnight stop at a scout camp called nine acres which was great, back to basics, there was no hot water just cold but all the same we slept like babies next to the river.

The next morning was a great start, a wash in the river (freezing) and a cold coffee, still you know where you are with basics, its only when technology gets

INDUSTRY NEWS

involved does your life turn upside down, we left Nine acres to head for Penrith but Dale and Iain were having Navigation issues, we had a couple of Sat Navs but they kept rerouting and although both Sat Navs had the same Info input into them but wanted to do different things and go different routes!! We tossed a coin and choose one and got cracking through Edinburgh and along all the A701 with some of the most spectacular views we have seen, Scotland really is a glorious landscape.

We arrived at Gretna Green train station about 19:00 where we were met by some lovely people who had heard about our journey we were a lot later than expected and couldn’t set up site so we were treated to a hotel and a hot bath by L Lynch Plant Hire. The staff at the Hotel stayed late to make us a hot meal, amazing people.

The next day we was heading for Cannock all I could think about was seeing my girls, we arrived in Cannock on the at around 22.30 at the Finning HQ The machine would stay here for the night.

The next morning we would drive drove the black cat from Finning to take to my daughter’s school, but first we did an event at Finning’s. They put on a hog roast for

their employees which raised £450 we got re-presented with a cheque for £2000 by the MD of Finning Kevin Parkes. We swiftly moved on to my daughter’s school, we drove through the gates of the playground and on to the field, all the children were running around the machine, all I could see was my little girl jumping up and down and waving her school friends were shouting and screaming. We stood on the play ground while at home and they all queued up to sit in the machine, it was a great sight. When then moved on to SNAP the charity we are doing the drive for, when we arrived there was over 200 people there waiting for us, everyone was excited to see us, the smiles on their faces was the reason we were doing this journey.

Up again at five and a cheeky McDonalds via the drive though! And all the way from Cannock to Bridgwater to L Lynch Plant hire’s depot via Finning in Bristol where they checked the machine over. With nothing wrong bar a few nuts being tightened, must have been that Haggis, we were back on route to the Depot, parking up and staying the night at Dales.

You guessed it up and out by 05:00 the following day for a longer leg than you

think, all the way to Nanpean in Cornwall to the Finning depot, to be met by Nick Drew from Earthmovers magazine and then the final push to the end. It took just over two hours for us to get to the Lands End finish line, following the twists and turns, with guys working on the roadside waving to us home. Exhausted and emotional as all the stress and sleepless nights where coming to an end, Dale and I finally arrived at Lands’ End, met by a buoyant crowd clapping and cheering, members of the public and CAT staff, but most importantly my Dad my true hero growing up so the perfect person to welcome me at the end of the 998 mile journey.

I got home about 01:00 the Monday morning and crashed, woke up again at 05:00!! Then back to sleep. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we was going to achieve this with all that was stacked against us from the start, but with determination, good friends and a lot of good will UK Plant Operators Ripped up the UK, We would like to thank everyone for the support they have shown us and knowing the monies raised is going to such a good cause close to my heart.

Thank You, Gavin.

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PRODUCT PROFILE

JCB Hydradig - The Story Behind A Revolutionary

JCB has launched a completely new, innovative tool-carrying solution, projects are undertaken, particularly in congested urban environments three-year period, under the codename ‘Project 710’, the result is a prod From vision to reality The vision from the outset of the project was to design and engineer the most innovative solution in response to five key challenges facing customers in today’s construction sector. The machine had to have the best visibility, stability, manoeuvrability, mobility and serviceability.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, who initiated the project, said: “We assembled the very best team available to us from right across the JCB Group. That team covered a wide range of disciplines and did a tremendous job in analysing what customers needed. We then handed the project to a group of innovators to come up with a solution that defied convention and they did a great job in translating the concept and all the ideas generated into a truly great machine.

The Hydradig really does have innovation running right through the heart of it.

In fact Hydradig will transform the industry and I am certain customers will quickly appreciate its benefits.”

Stability – machine has shortest tailsw At the heart of the cutting-edge des machine’s centre of gravity, to boost st by packaging the driveline and hydrauli high up in the machine’s upper structu telescopic handler market, JCB’s design driveline within the machine’s wheelbas lower in overall height than leading com be transported in a standard curtain sid design excellent stability is also mainta a twin articulation boom offering lift capacity

Innovation delivers radical improvements JCB’s Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope said: “Customers know what they want from a machine: solutions that deliver the best results on site, in the safest and most productive manner. Customers told us that they need a single machine solution delivering unrivalled visibility, stability, manoeuvrability, mobility and serviceability. We knew the answer was to innovate, challenge the status quo and give customers solutions they never thought possible. With the JCB Hydradig we’ve succeeded in delivering against all five customer requirements in the 10-tonne sector.”

Working closely with a range of customers, JCB conducted in-depth analysis of the applications, including utilities, highways, municipalities, general construction and landscaping, assessing the suitability of current machinery solutions. With job sites becoming increasingly congested, whether in an urban environment or on busy road carriageways, it became clear that a new and better solution could be achieved by rethinking machine design conventions, a JCB speciality.

“Visibility from the cab was the main customer consideration because of on-site safety concerns,” said Mr Burnhope.

“Stability was next on the list, as machines are now being called upon to do an increasing amount of heavy lifting, not just excavating. As job sites become tighter many customers are demanding improved manoeuvrability, while others need increased mobility to allow machines to move between sites more quickly.

“Finally, customers now expect excellent ground-level serviceability. So our design challenge was to develop a single machine solution that would deliver against all five customer challenges.”

Visibility – panoramic view with ability to see all four tyres With the driveline mounted in the lower chassis, JCB’s designers were able to create an operator’s cab and upper structure with 360˚ visibility, as there are no engine covers or fluid tanks to obstruct the view. As the engine is no longer mounted in the upper bodywork, there is no requirement for additional handrails, mirrors or a rear-view camera, further transforming visibility for the operator.

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A D V E R T O R I A L

PRODUCT PROFILE

y Tool Carrier

which is set to radically change the way in which modern construction s and on busy road networks. Developed in complete secrecy over a duct which rewrites the rulebook: the all-new JCB Hydradig.

ing in class and out-lifts competitors sign was a requirement to lower the tability and mobility. This was achieved c pump in the base chassis, rather than ure. By using experience gained in the ners were able to package the complete se. The machine is as much as 150mm mpetitors, creating a machine that can de trailer. With this low centre of gravity ained when travelling. The Hydradig has y of 1000kgs through 360˚ off dual tyres.

Mobility – press-and-go to 40kph with step-less transmission The low centre of gravity and unrivalled stability allows the operator to make full use of the Hydradig’s 40km/h maximum travel speed. With stepless hydrostatic drive to all four wheels, and an extended all-wheel steer chassis, the machine offers the ability to travel rapidly between job sites. JCB will also offer a purpose-built trailer with the Hydradig, allowing a single operator to carry a variety of attachments and buckets along with materials for a range of jobs on site.

Manoeuvrability – world’s most manoeuvrable wheeled excavator By using a chassis based on Loadall telescopic handler technology, JCB has been able to provide the Hydradig three steering modes as standard, which include two-wheel steer, four-wheel steer and crab steering. There is also an optional reverse steer function, which changes the direction of the steering wheels when rotated at 180 degrees. A front axle with a class leading +/-8° of oscillation and constant four-wheel drive with a stepless hydrostatic transmission ensures maximum traction and manoeuvrability on the toughest of terrain.

Serviceability – all daily checks from ground level The side-mounted engine has a wide-opening steel canopy that provides complete ground-level access to the engine and cooling pack. All daily checks and regular maintenance can be safely carried out from the ground, reducing downtime and boosting on-site safety as there is no working at height requirement. All boom and arm pins are nitro carbonised and bushes are carbon bronze construction to extending greasing intervals to 500 hours, further cutting downtime for the customer.

Though a clean sheet design, Hydradig uses well-proven JCB components and technologies, including the JCB Ecomax engine, axles, hydraulic rams, cab and all of the major fabrications. The machine also comes with JCB’s LiveLink telematic system, allowing fleet managers to geo-fence operation and to monitor fuel use and operating data remotely.

“We have completely changed the wheeled tool carrier concept with the introduction of the new JCB Hydradig”, said JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope.

“It is a machine which has true innovation as its hallmark and because it is designed to both dig and lift, it will truly transform the way jobs are done in an urban environment.”

A D V E R T O R I A L

ukplantoperators.com

15

PRODUCT PROFILE

Workwear for the TUFF!

With its roots firmly planted in the heartland of Swedish textile industry, Blåkläder has a long and proud history of clothing production, both for the fashion industry and the industrial sector. After over 50 years in the business, this family-run company has gained a deep and genuine knowledge of how to produce clothing.

Blåkläder is a growing company and we plan to continue on that path. Our vision is to spread functional workwear over the whole world. To do that, we need great production resources and perhaps most importantly, full control over production.

Blåkläder owns its own factories, and that's a conscious choice. It is, quite simply, the

best way of ensuring quality in the long run. Not only in the end products, but also in fields such as working conditions, environmental concern and choice of suppliers To many times climbing in and out the machine my trousers have torn straight between the legs! Not only can this be embarrassing but its uncomfortable as hell .I ‘ve found over the years a cheap £20/£30 pair of trousers just doesn’t cut it! So I went on a mission to find a pair of trousers that would last me As well as being Strong, comfortable with the durability of going through the wash several hundred times !

I’ve gotta be honest I struggle with trousers because of my amazing machine driver adonis body with little legs (Short and fat).

Until a came across the Blaklader X1900 work trousers!

I mean really as if they Hung a car in the air off a pair of these trousers? No they didn’t they couldn’t leave it at crazy, They had to go all the way with three cars weighing 3.7Ton until they finally gave in!

Functionall-y dressed, safe and goodlooking, from the inside out..

The garments from Blåkläder just love dirty workshops, muddy building sites, weld spatter and grinding wheel sparks.

Cold winter days, drizzle and biting winds are also welcome. This is because our garments are designed to protect you when you work in exposed environments.

That's why you will not find any ties from Blåkläder, but you will find garments which meet a professional's demands for wear resistance and function.

We believe that you demand as much from your working clothes as from your tools or your colleagues. So choose workwear that last.

Choose Blåkläder.

Guess Who’s Back...

Operator Trials is coming, are you ready?

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UK Plant Operators - Issue 01

A D V E R T O R I A L

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SAFETY

Don’t burst the bubble safety campaign The construction industry has worked hard and spent a lot of money to reduce the risk of pedestrian and plant interaction.

Now we say Interaction but this is not always intended in the way that we would like to think !. If we all sat back for a while and thought about the amount of changes there have been on a construction site that we would all be surprised for instance , we see pedestrian barriers taking us to our place of work on the site , a point of work risk assessment or a daily brief dedicated banksmen.

Plant Operators that are more qualified than ever with CPCS cards, lifting operations category’s & quick hitch tickets.

Professional men doing a professional job!

So why do we not act professional? Multi million pound projects, millions in planning, hundreds to thousands in training & millions of Man hours in thought for method on selective jobs!. We as a building nation spend millions hiring in equipment but the one thing that always comes up year after year is - Tommy got hit by the machine! George was walking behind the machine to see his mate when the operator started moving Luckily some one noticed George there and shouted the operator to stop! George got lucky this time, he burst the bubble.

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UK Plant Operators - Issue 01

All equipment has blind spots, now what’s the point in spending money, time & thought If the industry is not willing to invest time to talk about and educate every one on the site about the dangers of plant.

We all know a lucky someone who got away unscathed, but there is still people that are not not so lucky. Now one company that I would like to talk to you about is Sitezone, Now sitezone manufacture proximity warning systems. Proximity warning systems are far from the ideal perfect product!

But what they do is give an operator an opportunity to have a second chance. That chance to hear, see and respond to a worker in your area or shall we say bubble? Now the worker that shouldn't be there but is there but is wearing a Proximity warning tag will soon find out that he is in an area he shouldn't be.

SiteZone PWS uses advanced RFID technology and can be customised to meet the requirements of a wide variety of operating environments and vehicles.

SiteZone PWS produces a detection zone around a vehicle, machine or even a restricted area.

When the detection zone is breached by personnel wearing a SiteZone transponder the machine operator is alerted to their

presence and can take the appropriate action. The main function of SiteZone is to warn the machine operator to the presence of risk as he is the only person that can stop the machine, however to provide an additional tier of protection there are optional warnings for pedestrians.

So just imagine a bubble all around an item of plant that’s working away and the person who has a tag will be picked up by the system and an alarm will sound which then has be stopped by the operator!

Sitezone have tried to keep a simple idea that can give an operator the opportunity to find out some one is in there bubble before its to late So if you shouldn't be there then Don't burst the bubble! Four simple words That mean so much to an operator who can go home today or tomorrow knowing that the person who walked behind him with out being seen was picked up by the system ! He burst the bubble but he shouldn't have been there , Sitezone are now pushing a campaign called "Don't Burst The Bubble" its a simple campaign to help educate the guys on the ground to not burst the bubble don't go in to the area where the machine's are working you might not be so lucky!

A D V E R T O R I A L

THE BLACK CAT Caterpillar Celebrates 30 Years of Backhoe-loader Production with Anniversary Machines On September 24, 2015, Caterpillar’s Building Construction Products (BCP) Division Desford facility kicked off the celebration of 30 years of backhoe loader production at the facility with a two-day anniversary event. Customers, dealers and employees from around the globe gathered at the Leicester facility to mark this milestone occasion.

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UK Plant Operators - February 2016

BCP Desford began production of the backhoe loader in September 1985 and sold its first 416 machine to a customer in New Jersey, USA. Since then, the facility has gone on to produce a total of seven series of backhoe loaders over the past 30 years. With a number of innovative, industry-leading features and designs, Caterpillar has seen the backhoe loader go from strength to strength, fast becoming one of its most popular and versatile machines. This year will also see the facility produce its 300,000th backhoe loader machine.

Today, Cat Backhoe Loaders command a global footprint, with 11 models manufactured across three plants - Desford, UK; Thiruvallur, India; and Campo Largo, Brazil - supported by a Cat dealer network of approximately 180 worldwide dealerships.

As part of the 30th anniversary celebration, Caterpillar unveiled two customized units: a 420F2 IT center-pivot and a 432F2 side-shift. Built in Desford, these two machines were presented in anniversary colors and are fitted with a premium Cat branded leather seat, leather steering wheel, LED lighting and anniversary decals.

The evening celebration was followed by an additional day of activities, during which customers and guests had the opportunity to learn more about the company, watch the BCP Cat portfolio in action and test some of the equipment.

This is a significant occasion not only for the company and the facility, but also for the local community. Tony Carr, Facility Manager at BCP Desford said, “We are delighted to be celebrating this milestone anniversary at the facility. Over the last 30 years, the backhoe loader has grown and developed into an impressive and industryleading machine. Each new series of the machine has delivered new, innovative features for the customer that demonstrate our commitment to build the backhoe loaders that offer the best value to our customers.” The year 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of Caterpillar’s first backhoe loader and coincides with the worldwide release of the latest generation F2 series – the next advance in on-site performance, where lowest cost of ownership is the deciding key factor.

“AN EVOLVING BACKHOE LOADER LEGEND: ‘A’ TO ‘F2’ IN 30 YEARS” Who would have guessed that back in the 1980s Caterpillar had yet to field its first backhoe loader, when today these Cat® units are an integral part of the earthmoving landscape, with more than 300 000 units now sold worldwide?

It all began with the roll-out of the ASeries in 1985. The B Series followed in 1989 and built on the solid foundation established by the first generation models to firmly entrench the Cat backhoe as a class leader. The year 1996 saw the launch of the C Series, followed subsequently by the D, E, F and now F2, in 2001, 2006, 2012 and 2015 respectively.

Historically, the first exploratory engineering drawings for the A Series were put to paper in 1982, and in 1983 Caterpillar’s Desford manufacturing plant, situated near Leicester, England (at the time responsible for the assembly of forklifts trucks), was chosen as the fabrication centre for the first Cat backhoe. History has shown that their pioneering efforts have been a major success.

Caterpillar’s introductory unit, the Cat 416A (in centre pivot configuration) was immediately recognisable by its distinctive boom tilt cylinder design, narrow loader tower and divergent loader arms. Launched with an operating weigh of approximately 6 087kg and a lift capacity (at full height) of 2 381kg, the engine delivered a net flywheel power of 46 kW at 2 400 rpm.

Technological advancements over time have included the development of the industry’s first true excavator style boom (enabling excellent clearance over objects), which remains a signature trademark of the Cat backhoe. Coupled with this, production capabilities have been further enhanced by the development of a 205 degree rotation bucket linkage: the high degree of rotation enables deeper vertical wall excavation, which simplifies trenching tasks, thus in turn increasing productivity.

Meanwhile, overall durability has been further enhanced by industry leading hydraulic and electrical components, plus heavy duty linkages and structures.

Key focus areas for Caterpillar’s research and development engineers include safety, ergonomics, operator functionality, fuel efficiency and enhanced power delivery, all of which feature prominently on the F2 model line-up, comprising the Cat 416F2 centre pivot model, and the Cat 422F2,

428F2, 432F2, 434F2 and 444F2 side-shift units. All are powered by fuel efficient Tier II Cat 3054C mechanically turbo charged engines.

The F2’s upgraded hydraulics system provides improvements in oil flow for optimum delivery: the 422F2 from 125 litres per minute (L/m) to 132 l/min; the 428F2 and 434F2 from 125 l/min to 160 l/min; and the 432F2 and 444F2 from 156 l/min to 163 l/min. (The Cat 416F2’s pump capacity remains unchanged at 132 L/min.) All machines feature Caterpillar’s proprietary load sensing hydraulics (where the variable flow system senses the work demand and adjusts the flow and pressure to match it).

“Essentially, what this means is the achievement of high bucket dig forces whatever the engine speed, providing excellent control, whilst reducing fuel consumption,” explains Barloworld Equipment product marketing manager for Cat Building Construction Products, Desigen Naicker.

(Barloworld Equipment is Caterpillar’s southern African dealer.) Pilot controls (where specified) provide low effort operation, with the ability to switch between excavator or backhoe control patterns with the press of a button. A hydraulic quick coupler for the hoe is available direct from the factory, whilst ‘twist to disconnect’ couplings are fitted for all work tools. The previous F Series features ‘push to connect’ quick disconnect couplings.

F2 models feature a restyled cab for a more modern look, which has been designed throughout with the operator in mind, including enhanced visibility to the loader attachment when at full height.

Except for the curved front window, all other glass areas are flat, enabling quick, low-cost replacement. Sound levels in the cab are now best in class at 74 dB. As an option, F2-Series units can be fitted with a radio featuring blue-tooth connectivity, facilitating communication with job-site personnel. A new keypad security system (with up to 25 unique codes) provides added protection for the machine, and a choice of cellular or satellite technology is available for use with the ProductLink™ telematics system.

ProductLink enables machine owners to view near real-time machine positioning, utilisation and mechanical health data via the VisonLink™ online portal.

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Our courses are fully accredited by the established further education institutions (e.g. University of the West of England) and are recognised by the industry as relevant and meaningful qualifications.

Employers looking to choose the right candidate will naturally look more favourably upon candidates holdingan industry recognised qualification.

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Our objective is to support the industry in addressing its skills needs. We achieve this by raising the industry standards through training, developing sustainable career paths so that the hire/rental sector is seen as a recognised career which attracts the best talent, both young and old, into the industry.

As a professional body we aim to understand the skill requirements companies require to achieve their business plans, and to work with other stakeholders, such as sector skills bodies and Government, to ensure the industry has the right qualifications to support its objectives.

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INSIDE VIEW

Two thumbs up for safety!

So many things happen on a daily basis on a construction site, that I feel as a plant operator make me cringe.

Lets be honest we are all guilty of being complacent in our working environment! I find every day that some one will walk towards my machine with out any prior notice, most of the time I see them but there are to many times that I don’t see the operative on the ground.

This Scares me if i’m honest! I love my job and the last thing I want is to have some one hurt by the machine I'm operating because they came from a blind spot on the machine. I love how the industry is changing with adaptions such as proximity alarms to alert the operator that some one is in the immediate zone, causing the operator to acknowledge that some one is there. Also with 360 degree cameras i have got to say What a fantastic idea! The ability to see all round the machine on one screen. But on the back foot couldn't an operator get to used to having this ? I hate to say it but honestly think this could be the case. So

Lets Think about the basics! If you saw a train speeding towards you would you step in front of it? Or would you stand Behind a reversing wagon (unless banking)?

Most items of plant can change the direction they travel in a split second! So if the mindset could be changed to work along side the latest gadgets available I think we can reduce accidents where Plant and site operatives are at risk of entering each others work zones.We can't just rely on the plant operator to know we are there, but a simple thumbs up from a distance safe enough in the operators view ideally cab side not boom side or behind. The practice I use is when some one comes close to me they alert me they are there! I then dead man the machine and put both thumbs up!

This alone reduces any risk as both my hands are off the leavers!

I feel that to make this worth while educating not just the plant men but the

other site operatives too!

So for the guys on the ground Stop. Get the operators attention from a safe distance, Two thumbs up, Wait for the Plant operator to dead man the machine and return the two thumbs up!

As I said earlier his/her hands are off the leavers completely with the two thumbs up!

This has got to be a better practice than a live machine with one hand on the leaver and a single thumbs up.

So remember you only get one Life, give the TWO THUMBS UP! And get the TWO THUMBS UP! *Although UK Plant Operators & it’s publisher reserve the right to edit, amend and distribute the Operator Blog, the views expressed are that of the author, and are in no way a representation of UK Plant Operators or it’s publisher. No liability is accepted whatsoever regarding the views or accuracy of the Operator Blog.

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If you would like to submit your blog to the UK Plant Operators Magazine please call Dale on: +44 (0)1823 338606 or email us at: info@ukplantoperators.com ukplantoperators.com

23

INSIDE VIEW

Qualified operator shortage WITH the recession starting in 2008, and the following meltdown in the construction industry affecting private house builders in particular, the downsizing of many operated plant hire companies was an unfortunate inevitability.

While some went to the wall altogether, others had to lose valuable and experienced employees to necessary pay offs/redundancies, leaving no option but for these men and women to look elsewhere for work and not necessarily in the construction industry.

Now, having had a taste of working in different environments (perhaps with clean, warm conditions and regular hours), who can blame them for losing interest in coming back to operating heavy plant, especially considering all the certification and bureaucracy which has evolved in the interim? And that’s before you mention the cost involved to get recertified for doing what, in many cases, these operators have done all their working lives.

This bureaucracy is a bad situation for employers too, as without the certification they can’t put an operator on a construction site. All concerned are now in a no-win situation; the employer can’t give them wages because they can’t work without the ticket, and the operator can’t afford the training without the wages to pay for it.

All in all, it’s a dire situation when people want to work but can’t afford to.

Worse still, with all due respect, the construction industry, at site labour level, has never attracted a high level of academics, myself included, so some of these tests are just beyond some people when they do get the opportunity to sit them.

Now that we have an upturn in the industry and a shortage of good, well trained operators, how do we remedy this?

As an employer, one of my main priorities would be to get hire rates increased to allow us to pay good wages for good people and to do away with zero hour contracts, giving operators the encouragement and security of full time employment.

Also, the CITB, in my opinion, definitely need to simplify re-entry into the CPCS and NVQ Card Schemes.

Another major issue is attracting young people behind the levers. You would think this shouldn’t be too big a problem as come Christmas Day most households with young children crave the plastic Tonka truck or toy excavator or bulldozer.

It is my opinion that construction should become part of the school curriculum as without the construction industry the world comes to a stop.

Something we do in my own business, AMD Contract Services Ltd, and are passionate about is CITB apprenticeship schemes for fitters and plant operators alike.

At present 10% of our 60-strong

workforce are apprentices. If there are around 100,000 construction workers across Scotland, imagine the benefit to all concerned and what it would mean if 10% of that workforce were apprentices. A qualified construction industry for the future. Job sorted!

An issue that would arise from this suggestion is the lack of capacity our colleges have for construction apprentices.

The authorities need to look harder at this, as they would definitely be useful courses with long-term job prospects.

You can be rest assured the Scottish Plant Owners Association as an organisation is lobbying the Scottish government on these very crucial issues. For those at the CITB with the UK Contractors Group recommending the recognition of the likes of NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme) this may waken them up to look at simplifying tests and reducing he costs.

Overall, the future for the construction and heavy plant industries looks healthier than it has for many a year.

If we can balance and resolve the issues of employing qualified, experienced operators at rates they’re happy to turn out to work for, without compromising safety and quality or risk returning to the bad old days, the future, in my view, can only get better and brighter.

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UK Plant Operators - Issue 01

TRAINING

Simulating Control UK Plant Operators have now teamed up with Tenstar and two of the biggest names in Construction equipment machine control to develop a Machine control training course which rolls out this summer, featuring class room training combined with the simulator training. To teach operators the basic of setting up the machine control and being able to get the best of this fantastic technology, operators will even receive a accreditation at the end of this course, which will be excepted by the manufactures and contractors alike.

Machine control on Excavators, Dozers and other construction equipment is the fastest growing requirement in the construction industry. Machine control is not new to the global construction industries but the benefits although very clear to see have been slow to take off in the UK, until now. At present there are less than 5% of Excavators in the UK with Machine control, In Scandinavia this is 90% - the machine control market in growing in the UK by 12% per year as more and more companies see the benefits of such systems.

The problem the industry currently faces in training the machine control to the volume of plant operators and site operatives – old and new and the expense to do so using a physical excavator, plus the disruption to site whilst training is taking place – with

26

UK Plant Operators - Issue 01

the added value of some class room communication is also needed.

We can now deliver the training required via simulation in a class environment meaning we can train more people at one time without the added expense of equipment and site downtime.

“There many different variations to the Tenstar Simulation products” Simulators have come on leaps and bounds over the past few years with tools and work environments which are very familiar to the plant operators. An example of this is the Steelwrist attachment which we found brilliant for operators who have never used a tilt rotate attachment, some really good challenges including formation digging and making the most from the grab attachment, again this was producing fantastic results and feedback from the operators who tried this, one operator even told us he tried the Steelwrist for the first time on the simulator and subsequently went on to use one in his day to day work and actually picked it up very well Indeed and clearly stated if it was not for them being able to try it they would have not had the confidence to get on the machine in the first place. The Simulator which started life as a computer game has now progressed through the industry to become a very

powerful training tool. UK Plant Operators started using as machine awareness for the future Generations via Operator Trails and others from the office environment to sit in a see things from the perspective of the operators, just to see how hard it is to operate these massive machines, and what actual visibility there was to a good addition for the future of training plant operators on machine familiarization, machine control and attachments, with the future added value of inductions and safety awareness.

If you would like more information on booking this simulator for your event or would to combine this as part of your training course please contact us at UK Plant Operators via our website.

KNOW HOW

How to get a CPCS card: a step-by-step guide

C

PCS is an acronym for Construction Plant Competence Scheme. Under some circumstances when working in the construction industry, employees and contractors may be required to hold a CPCS card. This is an indication that the holder meets required standards for performing particular roles in construction. This article gives a brief overview of who needs a CPCS card and how such individuals can obtain one. It is recommended that employees and employers in the field of construction, and especially plant operation, should become familiar with this material.

WHAT IS A CPCS CARD?

In more specific terms, a CPCS card is an industry standard identification that an individual has the necessary knowledge and competence to work as a plant operator within the field of construction. The knowledge and competence required is in defined categories, these are professional construction and plant competence, and health and safety requirements and procedures in plant operation. With the CPCS card system in place, employers can be confident that their staff members have the necessary skills and experience to carry out the tasks required within the context of plant operation. The necessary skills and knowledge are maintained over time, as card holders are required to stay up to date on industry developments through periodic refresher courses.

WHY IS A NECESSARY?

CPCS

CARD

The CPCS scheme became operational in 2003. The objective of the scheme is to ensure that employers and plant operators can have confidence that they are meeting the required standards in health and safety legislation. This improves the overall approach towards safety in the industry and

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UK Plant Operators - Issue 01

avoids any penalties that might be imposed by the authorities should safety procedures not be adequate, or not in accordance with regulations. Employing only CPCS cardholders in the relevant positions ensures that individuals who possess, and maintain, the knowledge and competence to safeguard plant safety and meet legislative requirements, hold these key roles.

To meet these objectives, applicants for positions in the operation of plant equipment on various construction sites are required to be CPCS cardholders. Most plant operators on the Major Contractors Group (MCG) and National Contractors Federation (NCF) sites have to be CPCS cardholders in order to be considered for these positions. Other plant and construction sites are also implementing similar requirements, with both the CPCS card and within the amalgamated CSCS scheme, which has a broader application within the whole construction industry.

HOW TO GET A CPCS CARD? There are three types of card within the CPCS scheme - the trained operator card, the competent operator card, and the tester card. Each of these cards requires theoretical and practical tests that can be taken at any approved site nationwide, or at one of the designated regional test centres. In addition, experience and expertise should be demonstrated through ongoing documentation, such as a professional logbook.

The trained operator card, also known as the red card, is the first step, and this is issued for a non-renewable two-year period. A more advanced step, the competent operator card, also known as the blue card, is valid for five years and is renewable, making this the preferred card type for many plant operator positions that are to be held over a longer period of time. The most advanced card type, the tester card, is issued to individuals who have demonstrated

thorough knowledge and ability in relation to all plant operation environments, and this card signifies that an individual is qualified as a tester for the CPCS scheme.

A temporary tester card, known as a black card, can be obtained as a provisional step towards this qualification. Applications for the relevant tests, material to help in preparation for the tests, and details of the other requirements in relation to experience and documentation to be met in order to qualify for the CPCS card, are available online from the issuing authorities.

Detailed help with the process of applying for the CPCS card is available from the knowledgeable staff at Randstad, who can help candidates who have not yet undergone the necessary certification. The staff members at the company have the necessary experience to ensure that candidates and positions can be matched correctly in terms of the necessary skills, knowledge, and qualifications. Both employers and employees can therefore be confident that their needs are being met in terms of finding the right applicant or finding the right job.

KNOW HOW

Further qualifications EXCAVATOR 360° TRACKED BELOW 10 TONNES – CPCS CODE A58 AND ABOVE 10 TONNES – CPCS CODE A59 These two courses are for operators of tracked 360 excavators under and over 10 tonnes, and are aimed at individuals who are new to operating these types of excavator, have not previously undergone any form of training, or who require refresher training.

The courses combine classroom and practical work and cover the following points: • Operating and positioning the machine efficiently and safely.

• Adding and removing ancillary equipment.

• Undertaking routine servicing and making minor adjustments.

• Learning about routine servicing and adjustments and how to carry them out.

• Learning about the various safety precautions necessary to operate the excavator.

• Understanding information provided by level pegs and profiles.

• Using laser levels to work to levels.

FORWARD TIPPING DUMPERS: WHEELED - CPCS CODE A09

CRANE SUPERVISOR – CPCS CODE A62

This course is for operators of wheeled forward tipping dumpers and is aimed at individuals who are new to operating this type of excavator, have not previously undergone any form of training, or who require refresher training.

This course is aimed at supervisors and managers responsible for supervising lifting operations. Candidates must have sufficient experience of cranes to meet the requirements of BS7121 Safe Use of Cranes.

Only individuals that are considered 100% suitable will be selected for this highly responsible role. When booking the course, applicants will be asked to fill in a selfprofiling form to help determine their level of knowledge.

The course combines classroom and practical work, and covers the following points: • Regulations, legislation and Codes of Practice relating to lifting activities.

• Ensuring safe working practices, including method statements.

• Taking personal responsibility.

• Describing types of cranes and technical terminology.

• Crane documentation.

• Understanding duty charts, crane stability and safety devices.

• Displaying an appreciation of cranes.

• BS 7121.

• The role of crane supervisor.

• The role of appointed person.

• Preparing an area with exclusion zones.

The course combines classroom and practical work and covers the following points: • Operating the dumper to minimum safety standards.

• Adding and removing ancillary equipment.

• Undertaking routine servicing and making minor adjustments.

• Preparing the dumper for travelling on the public highway.

• Recognising the limitations, uses and capabilities of the machine.

• Learning about the various safety precautions necessary to operate the excavator.

• Gain an understanding of how diesel engines work and the operation of its various component parts.

TELESCOPIC HANDLER (ENDORSEMENT C: ALL SIZES EXCLUDING 360° SLEW) - CPCS CODE A17 This course provides foundation training and assessment in the maintenance and operation of telescopic handlers.

The course combines classroom and practical work and covers the following points: • Carrying out all normal tasks with the handler.

• Ascertaining if a load is safe to lift.

• Carrying out routine maintenance and servicing procedures in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Understanding how the handler functions, and any maintenance requirements.

• Being aware of how the machine’s stability is affected by the weight and size of the load, ground conditions and gradient.

• Understanding how to load, transport and store a selection of materials.

• Understanding basic pallet construction.

• Gaining an understanding of the permitted loading of scaffolds

If you would like to know more about the benefits of holding a CPCS card or for information on training please call please call Dale on: +44 (0)1823 338606 or email us at: info@ukplantoperators.com

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NFPEO

Brexit What’s it all about?

W

ith the UK’s volatile financial markets plunged into uncertainty, the Brexit fallout has well and truly begun.

The process of leaving the EU will take time, and there are undoubtedly many challenges ahead, with the City predicting further turbulence until the current situation is resolved.

It remains to be seen whether the UK will escape a Brexit recession, however investment has ground to a halt across many industry sectors. Furthermore, economists at Standard & Poor’s have issued a new warning about Britain’s decision to leave the EU, predicting a drag on UK GDP of 1.2% in 2017 and 1% in 2018. They also expect a 0.8% hit to GDP in the Eurozone over 2017 and 2018.

The announcement of the EU Referendum alone was enough to have an immediate effect on the value of the Pound compared to the Euro. This has impacted particularly on businesses that operate both in the UK and the wider EU. For example, those businesses that are paid in the pound and proceed to convert to Euros are currently missing out on 20 cents per pound, compared to the 12 month high. This

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could stabilise the plant hire industry though, with equipment prices being more expensive to buy fewer construction companies will make the decision to buy, this may also have an effect on what the contractors pay for hiring equipment. The other benefit for plant hire companies was the inability to get the best rice when selling second hand equipment as the price was too expensive for European buyers, this now opening up with the drop of the pound should allow them to release funds for more modern fleets, which is better allround including the operators.

There is likely to be a hiatus in investor decision-making while Britain’s exit from the EU is negotiated. In the near-term, we expect confidence to reduce and some business investment decisions to be deferred whilst negotiations to establish our trading arrangements with the EU are undertaken. As a result, we can expect London's commercial property markets to weaken during this period of uncertainty with the benefits of lower bond yields and weaker sterling offset by reduced rental growth prospects.

There were a few within the construction industry supporting the leave campaign.

However Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, suggests that leaving the EU could be beneficial, labelling the sentiments to remain as ‘scaremongering’.

“I think it would be, because I really don’t think it would make a blind bit of difference to trade with Europe. There has been far too much scaremongering about things like jobs. I don’t think it’s in anyone’s interest to stop trade. I don’t think we or Brussels will put up trade barriers. It’s a burden on our business and it’s easier selling to North America than to Europe sometimes.”

However, some supporters of the leave campaign will suggest that splitting from the EU could benefit UK workers.

Without the competition of construction workers travelling from the continent, UK professionals may have access to a bigger selection of roles in the construction industry.

Immigration is a topic that many people seem to be particularly passionate about when it comes to the UK’s EU membership.

A common argument is that by allowing other EU nationals the right to work in the UK, British people have a restricted access to jobs. The reality is that there simply are

not enough skilled or unskilled British workers to fill the demands of the construction industry. A recent CIOB report estimated that 9.6% of construction workers in 2011 were born outside the British Isles.

Taking the reasonable assumption that a fair proportion of this percentage are EU citizens, the vote to leave could have the effect of making other countries more attractive to labourers if access to the labour market was less restrictive. If the amount of construction workers does decrease, the capacity of house builders is also likely to decrease (or at least their costs will increase).

This could be detrimental to the housing market and in turn those construction companies that operate in it.

LOSS OF EU FUNDING Perhaps the most damaging effect of Brexit would be the loss of EU funding and closing the door on access to these funding streams would have a very negative impact on UK innovation.

Funds, such as the European Structural Investment Fund (EUSIF), European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas have proved valuable to the UK Examples include the €755 million committed to the North West between 2007 and 2013, a £24 million contribution to a £50 million regeneration fund for Scotland in 2011 and a similar investment in Wales. The list goes on, extending to most of the major regeneration and social

housing retrofitting schemes around the UK. Working conditions shouldn’t change and EU labour law provides plenty of the rules and regulations regarding working conditions practiced in the UK. Working hours, health and safety, and posting of workers are just a few of the important areas covered by EU labour law. Whilst the union is sometimes derided for its overzealous approach to regulating everyday life and business; many of its policies have drastically improved the standard of living and working in the UK. Much of the general public are well aware of the EU principle of the free movement of people. However, perhaps less people are aware of the free movement of goods which eliminates customs duties and quantitative restrictions. Like any other industry in the UK, construction benefits from this principle.

In 2010, the Department for Business Skills and Innovation estimated that around 64% of all building materials were imported to the UK from the EU. Not only that, but the same report estimated that 63% of our construction material exports were to the EU. The vote to leave could leave importers and exporters potentially facing heavy duties or limits on quantities. As with labour, this will either mean a shortage of materials in the UK, or that it will simply cost more to get hold of the materials that the industry needs.

LESS RED TAPE A common perception is that the UK is subject to a lot of red tape from the EU, which makes it difficult for businesses, especially small ones, to keep their operations legal. An example of this in the construction sphere is that by 2020, all construction in the EU must be “near” zero carbon standard, which no doubt would be an onerous obligation.

Whilst there is truth in the statement that a lot of our legislation comes from the EU, it is important to note that EU legislation is incorporated fully into UK law. Any past measures from the EU will remain part of our laws even if Britain does leave the EU, unless the government repeals such laws.

It is important to note that a vote to leave will not sever all ties between the UK and the EU. A free-trading arrangement may be negotiated in an exit scenario which could have the effect of allowing the UK access to the free movement of people and goods mentioned above. However, it is almost certain that one condition on the UK being part of such an arrangement would be compliance with EU trading standards. In this situation, not only would the UK have to comply with the same standards that it is subject to today, but it would also have little or no say in setting the standards in the first place, meaning the same red tape but with less of the benefits.

The points above are just a small selection of factors that would be affected

by Britain leaving the EU. However, they do serve the purpose of highlighting just how far reaching the benefits and burdens of our membership in the EU are.

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THROWBACKS

I

an “Badger” Clarke has been a popular guy on social media for some time with his photos of him wearing a horse’s head mask and sharing photos of his childhood love for plant and machinery. It all started in 1979 When Ian’s Dad Ian Clarke (senior) first took the opportunity to own his own machine. Within two years of him owning his own machine came the birth of Ian in 1981!

It wasn’t long before his dads love for construction equipment would rub off on to an inquisitive young Ian who at the age of four sat in his Dad’s machine pulling the leavers to dig his 1st hole! Ian was telling us he had to stand up to pull the leaver’s.

Needless to say there was a huge father son

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bond between the two where Ian would be his dads shadow for many years to come!

Seen in the photo is Ian at 8 years old wearing red JCB overalls watching his Dad unload his JCB from the wagon!

Ian Went to work with his Dad for many years any chance he could he would be in the seat pulling the leavers learning his father’s craft! UKPO asked Ian what he did when he left school and his answer was no shock! “I didn’t want to do anything else other than drive machines and tractors”.

At the age of 16 Ian found a new love which would take on a path to the rest of his life, Dozers! Now since then Ian has bought several old tractors to which he loves especially his old faithful his Fordson

Dexta. Ian enjoys taking his Dexta for a blast on the open road to blow out the cob webs! UK Plant Operator’s would like to extend our thanks to Ian for sharing his throwback photos for everyone to enjoy. if you would like to feature your fond memories then get in touch with UK Plant Operators now.

POLLS & SURVEYS

TOP TEN OPERATOR PET HATES Following the Poll on Facebook, UK Plant Operators decided to publish our findings on operator’s pet hates. It turns out that there is a hell of a lot of plant operators that actually enjoy looking after their Machine. We asked 100 operators their thoughts! There was a small fraction that didn’t care as they believed that the equipment was there to work not to be pampered and felt as long as the equipment was good to work, good fluid levels and well-greased it shouldn’t matter! So from the least hated to the most Here’s the UKPO top ten Plant Operator Pet hates, starting with number 10! #10 AIR GASSED.

CON

THAT’S

NOT

18 /100 hated air con that was not gassed

#7 ONLY SLIGHTLY AHEAD OF NUMBER 8 IS COFFEE STAINS IN THE CAB! 28/100 hated coffee stains in the cab. #6 DIRTY WINDOWS HAS PLACED ITSELF AT NUMBER 6.

33/100 hated dirty windows #5 DIRTY SCUM ON THE LEAVERS IS AT 5, UKPO WAS A LITTLE SHOCKED THIS WASN’T HIGHER IN THE PET HATE RATINGS.

#1 NOW FOR THE BIG ONE! THE MOST HATED THING FOR OPERATORS IS A MACHINE THAT’S LACKING GREASE. It’s always been a big one for any plant hirer to have their machines looked after but its seems the operators actually care about the state of their machine and how it reflects upon them as operators.

93/100 hated a machine that was making a few noises from lack of grease!

So let’s get cleaning those cabs and keep on top of maintenance.

35/100 hated leavers covered in scum #4 NO RADIO IS NUMBER 4!

NOTHING BEATS AN AWESOME TUNE WHEN THE HYDRAULIC IS FLOWING. 36/100 hated not having a radio.

#9 MACHINE WITH ZERO FUEL IN THE TANK WHEN YOU GET IN IT FOR THE FIRST TIME. 19/100 hated an empty tank when getting in the machine for the first time!

#3 SCRATCHED COUNTER WEIGHTS ARE NEVER NICE TO SEE MACHINES WITH A BARE BACKSIDE ESPECIALLY ZERO TAIL.

#6 - DIRTY WINDOWS

46/100 hated scratched counter weights. #8 GREASE GUNS, TOOLS AND OILY RAGS IN THE CAB & LOW WATER AND OIL LEVEL HITS IN AT NUMBER 8.

25/100 hated dirty tools, rags and grease guns in the cab.

#2 DUSTY CABS WERE QUITE A BIG ONE FOR OPERATORS TURNS OUT FOR MOST THIS IS HOME FROM HOME SO WHY SHOULDN’T IT BE CLEAN. 68/100 hated having a dusty cab.

#3 - SCRATCHED C/WEIGHT

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EVENTS GUIDE

Hillhead 2016 Brexit defiantly didn’t dent the enthusiasm for Hillhead 2016 this year with an all-time high for the overall number of exhibitors (476) while a bumper 18,655 unique visitors (from 71 countries) attended this year’s event – representing a 7.1% increase in attendance over the previous show for the world’s biggest quarry exhibition.

This year’s trade fair, held from 28-30 June at Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton, Derbyshire, once again underlined its status as the world’s premier event for the mineral products, construction equipment and recycling industries, with exhibitors expressing great satisfaction with the number and quality of visitors who came.

The highly popular showcase event, held every two years, attracted some 450 exhibitors and 17,412 trade visitors in 2014. This year’s Hillhead, however, proved to be the biggest ever in the show’s history, as thousands of visitors were able to catch up on all the latest innovations and technological developments available from 470-plus exhibitors who occupied the largest area of exhibition space to date.

According to the organizers, the newly extended area of the showground worked extremely well and is already oversubscribed for 2018, while the extended registration pavilion also proved very successful, prompting plans for a further significant increase in size in 2018.

DEMONSTRATIONS GALORE The working demonstrations are what make the Hillhead experience so special.

Having the opportunity to see plant and equipment doing a real ‘job of work’ in a live quarry environment is invaluable for both exhibitors and visitors alike.

Explaining why Hillhead is the premium show for the quarrying, construction and recycling industries, show director Richard Bradbury said: ‘Hillhead provides a unique opportunity to showcase the latest products, equipment and services, not just through static displays, but also across its four live demonstration areas, which this year were busier than ever before. It is the working nature of the show that sets it apart.’

The Quarry Face area is always a hive of

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activity at Hillhead, but this year was the busiest it has ever been thanks to the creation of four new benches that gave the area a completely new look and a lot more space for machines to operate. For the first time ever, a pair of mobile primary jaw crushers – two Terex Finlay J-1170 machines – were positioned at the heart of this area, with a plethora of large tracked excavators, wheel loaders, articulated dumptrucks (ADTs) and other machines carrying out feeding, loading and hauling duties all around them.

As usual, Caterpillar machines featured prominently, including a 52-tonne Cat 352FL ME XE excavator together with some of its smaller stablemates (the 349E, 336F and 320E), a Cat 982M wheel loader, a Cat 745C ADT and a Cat 730C ejectorbody version. Other Cat machines on demonstration included, among others, a CS66B smooth-drum vibratory soil compactor, a D6N track-type tractor and a TH414C telehandler. Alex Andrews, marketing development manager with Cat dealers Finning UK said she was delighted with the number of visitors who gathered to watch the company’s regular live equipment presentations.

Other large excavators operating in this arena included: Liebherr’s 956 and 936 models; a Hyundai HX520L; a Case CX500D; a Bell L2606E, a Komatsu PC490LC; a JCB JS370XD; a Doosan DX380LC-5 and a DX300LC; a Volvo L150H and a Sany SV335C. Among the various wheel loaders in action were:

Hyundai’s new HL980; Liebherr’s recently introduced L586 XPower; Doosan’s rangetopping DL550-5; a Case 1121F; a Hitachi ZW370-5; and a Komatsu WA470.

Articulated dumptrucks were represented by, among others, a 50-tonne Bell B50E, a Volvo A40G, a Komatsu HM400, a Terex TA300 and a Doosan DA30.

EVENTS GUIDE

Building The Biggest Motocross track in the world If you haven’t heard of this yet, then you must have been living under a rock?

This is the legendary Weston beach race.

Held every year Weston super mare sea front witnesses 1000+ enduro riders Take off from the famous start line of one of the biggest and longest tracksin the world, if this is not enough its also held on sand with a helpful dose of sea water, rain and not forgetting the famous Weston wind.

Held In front of over 350,000 spectators over three days, this is a must see event and very important to the people of Weston Super Mare in North Somerset.

What’s this got to do with plant and operators I hear you say, first of all you will be surprised to hear that almost 40% of motocross and endurance riders have some connection with plant machinery and the construction industry, so really they go hand in hand with each other and we at UK Plant operators were invited to team up with RHL Activity’s and Lynch plant hire to help build this massive track and also a custom trials area for the famous Dougie Lamkin Involving some heavy machinery.

The first problem we have is the operators, although we have to hand some of the best operators in the world, all of them have spent many many years training and been drummed into on a daily basis

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that it must be level, it must be accurate with 15mm tolerance , basically the usual for an operator, well you should have seen the look on the guys faces when they were instructed to throw all that knowledge out the window, WE WANT HUMPS AND BUMPS ALL OVER THE PLACE! The second problem we faced was the sea as the track was so close , if its not in the right place the see would wash it away if the tied times, bad weather were not taken in consideration, fortunately project director Gareth was a seasoned pro at this and knew what exactly to put where.. this combined with the tied times and very limited access to the beach created a very small window for us to build the track.. .

Lynch Plant hire took control of the Machinery, and we had some fantastic kit as well for the job including CAT D6Ts. CAT loading shovels, D6N and JCB tele handler’s 360 excavator and bobcat skid steers, all the kit was delivered to Weston beach by local haulier Tim Hansford.

AND WE’RE OFF! We had the machines and the best operators, a good gap in the weather and tides were right.

And were off tacks clanging buckets swinging and after some long days the track started to take shape, with expert guidance from some track building specialists, you would think building a track like this would be easy, well you could not be more wrong, this was one of the most technical things ever, there is some much to consider, just the drainage alone was more complex than some building sites, that’s not mention the jumps, these were some of the longest highest jumps we have seen and all of us are keen fans of the sport, two of the

EVENTS GUIDE

jumps even had tunnels going through them big enough to drive the emergency services vehicle through, Gareth Hockey the event Director was very clear with his instructions, which went a bit like this “ its got to be big! Its got to be long, its got to be safe. And more often than not it would be more sand boys!!

Five days in to the build the work slowed down, and a new breed of Operators took over the job, now these guys were amazing, and not official plant operators but professional riders, in skid steers and motor bikes, Our guys done the hard work which we were very good at. But these guys were very different, these guys used machine as tools, they weren’t worried about radios or air con, they knew what needed to be done and done it, he would stand and look at the jump for about 10 mins, the he would jump in his skid steer and sand flying every where he would make a lip on his jump, then he would track off, 10 mins later he would be back on his bike again sand flying would

hit the jump flat out with a wobble or two land the bike, straight back to look at the jump, back in the skid sterr and making a few adjustments, this carried on all day until he got that track perfect.

8 THINGS WE LOVED ABOUT THE WESTON BEACH RACE 1 With over 1000 riders racing this year's Weston Beach Race, the total number of kilometres travelled around the circuit in all classes is an astonishing 75,000.

Incredible effort by all involved at this years event.

2 We all know how tough Weston can be, not only on the bike but the body takes a battering, 3 hours competing in deep sand zapps your mind and your strength. Out of all the entrants at this years event, 88 riders did not complete one lap - there’s always next year.

3 The Weston Beach Race is a race for all levels, gender and ages. Our youngest rider was only 7 years old and our oldest was 68 years young. The combined age of all riders who took part is 23,310.

4 Surprisingly the most popular food in Weston Super Mare over the weekend is not

fish and chips, the riders and their families prefer a nice piece of steak to any other food.

Infact the total number of steaks demolished is an incredible 9,820 - Maybe it's a protein thing?

5 The most popular rider name at this year’s Weston Beach Race is Daniel, some 27 of you named Daniel entered in all classes. The top finisher in the main solo race was Daniel Thornhill who romped home in 6th position.

6 The build of the Weston Beach Race starts some 10 days beforehand starting with the design of the track and the movement thousands of tons of sand. With over 18,120 man hours in planning and running, Weston Beach Race ranks as one the biggest motorcycle events in the world.

7 Riders get through nearly 17,000 litres of fuel in 2 days of racing, which equates to over £18,000 on just fuel alone for bikes at local garage forecourts.

8 We all love a cuppa, some prefer tea to coffee and vice versa. At Weston over 28,000 cups of tea and coffee is consumed over the course of the weekend. Add to that over 2 pallets of Ice Valley water was drank by riders in just 3 days.

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CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES

JOBS

SALES

www.lynchplantsales.com rossc@l-lynch.com OTHER

Find us on Facebook: fb.com/ukplantoperators Follow us on Twitter: @ukplantops

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UK Plant Operators - Issue 01

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