Plant Planet Feb 2023

Avery Happy New Year to all our readers! The first Plant Planet of 2023 has arrived! From the construction trends set to dominate the industry this year, to the new machinery developments as the road to net zero truly sets in motion, this issue is packed with the latest industry news and interviews. We also reflect on LAMMA 2023, the first of many exciting events to take place this year.

This issue is bursting with all things compact! Be sure to check out our cover story, Compact Loaders, the specialist compact equipment that’s helping solve the Labour Crisis with their range of productivity and safety enhancing Mini Loaders and Dumpers.

As well as this, Andy Wright, CEO of Sunbelt Rentals UK, talks to Rachel Lambert about his career and vision for Sunbelt Rentals, one of the largest and most successful names in rental equipment in the world.

On page 80, SMT GB, the exclusive dealer of Volvo Construction Equipment and K-Tec Earthmover products in Great Britain, familiarises us with their range of end-to-end solutions and tells us more about the recent launch of the MySMT customer portal.

Meanwhile, Trime, the leading manufacturer and supplier of site lighting towers to the UK rental markets, discuss their emission free targets as they give the UK rental markets a green light.

Keep up to date with the latest via our website and social media pages and we look forward to unpacking the industry in the first of many iss ues of Plant Planet in 2023.

The PLANT PLANET Team

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Photo: Compact Loaders

YANMAR COMPACT RANGE

Whatever you build, we build it with you.

David Chuck has worked in the Construction Plant industry for over 50 years. As well as being a contributor to Plant Planet magazine, David is a social media and website management consultant, and a Partner of Kingston PR.

Kevin Minton, Chief Executive, Construction Plant Hire Association,has worked for the CPA since 2007 and has been instrumental in working with Members and other organisations to promote and develop the safe and healthy use of construction plant.

Rachel Lambert is a PR consultant and the founder of Kingston PR, a business she started over 30 years ago. A former magazine editor, she is also a freelance writer covering a range of sectors.

Akvile Peckyte is an English Literature graduate from the University of Exeter. She has now joined Plant Planet as a regular contributor

DARREN SHELTON BUSINESS MANAGER

BRENDON COOK MANAGING DIRECTOR

KATE HUTCHISON EDITOR

PHIL EVERY SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE HANNAH BURROWS DESIGN MANAGER

DAVID CHUCK @KINGSTON PR

KEVIN MINTON CONSTRUCTION PLANTHIRE ASSOCIATION

MARTINA TONELLI SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

RACHEL LAMBERT @KINGSTON PR

Akvile Peckyte @PLANTPLANETUK

Photo: Compact Loaders

PAUL HAY TRIME UK

ISSUE NUMBER 26 FEBRUARY 2023

56

56 COVER STORY

COMPACT LOADERS

Compact Loaders delve into their specialist compact equipment that’s helping solve the Labour Crisis with their range of productivity and safety enhancing Mini Loaders and Dumpers.

LATEST NEWS

A round up of the news from the plant machinery industry over the past two months.

36

11 11 36

CPA COMMENTARY

The Construction Plant-hire Association’s (CPA) Stars of the Future Awards 2023 are now open for entries and employers across the industry are invited to recognise and reward their construction plant apprentices and trainees.

40 PLANT PLANET CONTENTS

40

COMMENTARY

2023: CONSTRUCTION TRENDS THIS YEAR:

Martina Tonelli reports on the trends set to take the construction industry by storm in 2023.

46

EVENT REVIEW

LAMMA 2023: Kate Hutchison explores the return of this year’s LAMMA show, the UK’s Largest Indoor Agricultural Event.

66

INTERVIEW

SUNBELT RENTALS: THE ‘WRIGHT’ WAY FOR SUNBELT RENTALS

Andy Wright, CEO of Sunbelt Rentals UK, talks to Rachel Lambert about his career and vision for Sunbelt Rentals, one of the largest and most successful names in rental equipment in the world.

56 56

SMT GB:

80

80

COMPANY PROFILE:

The exclusive dealer of Volvo Construction Equipment and K-Tec Earthmover products in Great Britain, take us through not only their range of end-to-end solutions, but also the recent launch of the MySMT customer portal.

66

COMPANY PROFILE

105 88 88

NEW CAT® SIS2GO APP GIVES CUSTOMERS EASY ACCESS TO UP-TODATE MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING, PARTS AND TOOLING INFORMATION

The new Cat® SIS2GO app puts maintenance, troubleshooting and repair information at the fingertips of Caterpillar equipment owners. With SIS2GO, Caterpillar is offering customers the opportunity to access the latest Caterpillar operation and maintenance, service, and parts manual information for their equipment.

Two levels of access are available from SIS2GO. Operation and Maintenance Manuals (OMM), Parts manuals, and the ability to identify, verify and seamlessly place orders for Cat parts from

independent Cat dealers are available to all users at no charge.

An affordable monthly or annual subscription gives access to comprehensive service manual information. The subscription provides troubleshooting guides, step-by-step repair procedures, recommended tooling to complete the repair, hydraulic and electrical schematics, and much more.

The mobile companion to SIS2.0, the new SIS2GO app is available on Windows, iOS and Android platforms. Optimized for mobile devices, it offers

KUBOTA HAS UNVEILED A BRAND-NEW APP, ONSITE:

Kubota has unveiled a brand-new app, OnSite, that allows users to get under-the-skin of its construction machinery like never before.

The OnSite app contains a wealth of information for every machine within Kubota’s Construction range, with an easy-touse interface designed to maximise usability.

Via a QR code attached to their machine, operators can use a smartphone to access their model’s digital user handbook and quick-start guide – making it the ideal resource for the hire market. A multi-media platform, the app is linked to Kubota’s official YouTube channel, with ‘how to’ videos accessible for each machine.

The OnSite app has also been configured to make machinery maintenance easier than ever. The platform provides users with a daily machine check overview, which features

a simple, intuitive and efficient user interface to access parts and service manual information, even on the most remote jobsite. n

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

For more details on the new Cat SIS2GO mobile app, contact a Cat dealer or visit:

https://www.cat.com/sis2go

pictures of each model with a detailed maintenance guide.

Rob White, Division Manager for Construction at Kubota said: “The launch of our brand-new OnSite app further demonstrates Kubota’s commitment to innovation and providing the highest level of support to operators. Responsive across a multitude of devices and east to navigate, the OnSite app provides a one-stop solution for operators getting to grips with any of our construction machines.

“Launching first in English-speaking territories, will be rolling out the app in multiple-languages across 2023 – ensuring the maximum number of operators as possible can benefit from this gamechanging solution.” n

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

To learn more about the Kubota OnSite app, please visit: https://kuk.kubota-eu.com/ constructionmachinery/landing-app/

TVH EXPANDS RANGE OF SPARE PARTS FOR BACKHOE LOADERS

Parts specialist TVH has announced it is further expanding its range of products for small earth-moving equipment (SEM). TVH already offered parts and accessories for three types of small earth-moving machines (up to ten tonnes): mini-excavators, skid steer loaders and compact track loaders. To this it now adds parts for backhoe loaders. This move enables TVH to further enter the new adjacent market of small earth-moving equipment.

“We are continuously expanding our product range - especially within small earth-moving machinery”, says Joris Tijtgat, Market Management Specialist for SEM at TVH. “Whether that is with new parts, new brands or new equipment. Our in-house experts keep a close eye on the market and respond to all trends and developments within the small earth-moving equipment sector. But our customers’ needs and expectations always come first. That is why we now also offer parts and accessories for backhoe loaders.”

OVER 4 MILLION KNOWN REFERENCES

Backhoe loaders are equipped with a bucket on the front and a backhoe on the rear. That makes this vehicle a very versatile machine. They are suitable for all kinds of earth-moving jobs in demanding environments.

Joris explains: “With one and the same machine you can perform different tasks and therefore backhoe loaders can be used everywhere, such as in public administrations, in road works, in (agricultural and garden) construction etc.”

By adding parts and accessories for backhoe loaders to its range, TVH can offer more than four million known references for the SEM market. The company processes more than 300 000 orders for the small earth-moving market every year.

MOST PARTS AVAILABLE FROM STOCK

“The focus for the development of the range of parts for backhoe loaders will initially lie on the machine makes JCB,

Case, Caterpillar, John Deere, Volvo, Bobcat and Kubota. We proactively search for the best parts and accessories for those makes. As a result, most of these parts are already in stock, even before there is demand for them, and we can deliver very quickly. But when a customer needs a part from another make like New Holland, Komatsu, Terex ... our in-house experts will of course help them quickly with that too”, Joris adds. n

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

To learn more about the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity visit: https://www.lighthouseclub.org/ contact-us/ info@lighthouseclub.org

0345 609 1956

If you are seeking financial support or need to access to our portfolio of support services please contact the Construction Industry Helpline directly on UK 0345 605 1956

FREE E-LEARNING PROGRAMME LAUNCHES ON VALENTINE’S DAY WITH LOTS OF LOVE FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CHARITY

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is launching their new e-learning programme to help spread some extra love and support within the construction industry.

The charity’s Wellbeing Academy already offers online tutor led masterclasses, seminars and onsite training, and this latest addition is aimed at equipping workers with the soft skills they need to navigate today’s challenges and uncertain times.

The free self paced e-learning modules form the foundations of the Wellbeing Academy and courses include; Bang on Budget, Banter vs Bullying, Managing Stress, Resolving Conflict Understanding Anxiety and Work Life Balance.

Each of the e-learning modules are delivered at two levels. Foundation Level 1 provides learners with an introduction to each subject, the key topic areas and an understanding of the language used in the next level. Foundation Level 2 presents scenarios where learners need to demonstrate their understanding of the subject, apply the skills learned and use logical reasoning to engage and master a variety of problems much like in real life.

With one simple registration, learners can access all of the e-learning modules on any device and at any time. This allows learning at a

pace that suits each individual and the ability to pause and return to a module at a later date and time gives complete flexibility around hectic work and home lives.

An easy to navigate dashboard shows the learner’s progress through the modules and reminds them of partially completed courses.

Sarah Bolton, Director of Charitable Services for the charity said, “We are constantly augmenting our charitable services to ensure that we meet the needs of our workforce. The very nature of our industry means that fitting a set training schedule around work and home life commitments doesn’t work for everyone and our self paced e-learning addresses that problem. Studies also show that this style of learning means people are more likely to retain knowledge on new subjects and therefore will feel more confident in applying those skills in real life.”

“We also know that to support a positive wellbeing culture, we need to develop our workforce’s soft skills to help them negotiate the challenges of everyday life and working in what can be a very stressful environment. Our Self paced e-learning modules do exactly that and they are relevant to every person in our industry. Whether you’re a self employed tradesperson, a site operative, project manager or office based, everyone will benefit from developing their soft skills and everyone needs to play their part.”

HYUNDAI DOOSAN INFRACORE (HDI) CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING AS ‘DEVELON’

Meaning ‘Develop’ and ‘Onwards,’ DEVELON represents HDI’s new beginning and the challenges ahead. The new brand name incorporates HDI’s direction and willingness to relentlessly change the world with innovative products and solutions.

Made to Move the Earth

HDI develops products and solutions needed for building infrastructure that can improve society and the world. HDI has strived to provide products and solutions beyond what the market and customers request, and it will move forward by introducing more innovative products and solutions that go beyond the world’s expectations.

CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION, FOR BETTER

HDI has been with you since 1937 when it began to produce machines. With the new brand name ‘DEVELON,’ HDI will add growth momentum with the next leap forward as a global leader in CE products and solutions for infrastructure.

WE ARE DEVELON

A bold name to welcome a new era for our business that encapsulates our core ambition to continue developing onwards and leaving behind a positive footprint in our world.

MySMT

MYSMT IS NOW LIVE

As an SMT customer, you can quickly and easily access and manage all your administrative documents alongside fleet information, reporting, parts ordering, and repair and maintenance information related to your account.

Get 24/7 access to all of your SMT GB documents in one place whenever you need them through our new online portal. Manage your information and recieve relevant product suggestions for your fleet.

WORLD’S FIRST HYDROGENPOWERED DIGGER SET TO DRIVE ON UK ROADS

The world’s first digger, powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, will soon be on UK roads and building sites following recent government approval, helping to decarbonise the UK’s construction industry.

• government approves the use of the world’s first digger powered by a hydrogen combustion engine on UK roads

• JCB’s hydrogen-powered backhoe loaders will soon be working on UK construction sites

• hydrogen-powered technology could help decarbonise the UK construction industry, creating hundreds of jobs

The UK government has given special dispensation, under a vehicle special order, that allows JCB, the British construction equipment manufacturer, to test and use its world-first hydrogenpowered backhoe loader on UK roads. The vehicle special order given by the Transport Secretary allows JCB to test its new hydrogen-powered machine on the public highway. This backhoe loader is the first of its kind and offers a pioneering solution to help reduce emissions on construction sites.

With 25% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions coming from the built environment, it’s vital the entire construction industry looks to decarbonise at every stage.

Today (9 February 2023) not only marks a new direction for reducing emissions

but will help grow the economy, with JCB having already created 150 new jobs in the Midlands with the promise of hundreds more as the company’s hydrogen project advances. These developments also help to equip the country with the skills and expertise to not only reduce emissions but provide learning to would-be apprentices, futureproofing the nation’s skillset.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said:

“from cars to construction sites, industry has a vital role in decarbonising our economy and creating green jobs and prosperity”.

JCB’s investment in greener equipment is a great example of how industry can make this happen, using alternative fuels to generate sustainable economic growth.

JCB’s prototype hydrogen-powered backhoe loader is an important first step in the construction industry’s efforts to decarbonise in what is a ‘hard to decarbonise’ sector. Hydrogen combustion machines can play a vital role

THE FIRST DIGGER POWERED BY A HYDROGEN COMBUSTION ENGINE WILL SOON BE ON UK ROADS AND BUILDING SITES.

in reducing carbon emissions in settings where other types of clean power may not be the most practical or efficient.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “Securing this vehicle special order from the Department for Transport is an important first step in getting JCB machines that are powered by hydrogen combustion engines to and from British building sites using the public highway. It’s an endorsement that JCB is on the right path in pursuit of its net zero ambitions”.

JCB’s hydrogen-powered backhoe loader is a world first in our industry, a digger with a purpose-engineered internal combustion engine that uses hydrogen gas as the energy source. It’s a real breakthrough – a zero CO2 fuel providing the power to drive the pistons in an internal combustion engine, a technology that’s been around for over 100 years, a technology that we are all familiar with.

I am delighted that the Decarbonisation Minister will witness for himself the first drive of a hydrogen-powered digger on the open road. It’s clear to me that,

following this visit, he’ll appreciate the potential for hydrogen internal combustion engines to help deliver net zero targets more quickly, while adding jobs and contributing wider economic benefits to the construction sector.

Today Minister Norman will visit JCB’s headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, where he’ll see the digger take to the road near the factory where it was manufactured. He’ll also inspect one of JCB’s hydrogen combustion engines, which are the product of a £100 million investment project by JCB to build on their innovative British engineering and develop new lower emission powertrains.

The pace of JCB’s hydrogen developments showcase a level of commitment to decarbonisation that is needed across all sectors of the UK economy.

Hydrogen is just one of the many ways that the UK government is looking to accelerate decarbonisation. The recent announcement of second phase of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub builds on

previous commitments to best explore how hydrogen can be utilised as an alternative fuel, whether that be through the use of hydrogen fuel cells on road or hydrogen internal combustion engines for off-road construction machinery.

The work seen as part of the hub in Tees Valley will work to address challenges such as providing refuelling infrastructure at scale and integrating that within a wider decarbonised energy network.

As hydrogen technologies develop here in the UK, it’s vital this knowledge helps shape the next generation of apprentices. During this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (6 to 12 February 2023), hydrogen continues to be a source of opportunity for new skills and jobs to be developed. JCB’s expanding apprenticeship programme shows how apprentices can play a part in shaping a net zero future, building on the recent government commitment to deliver £300,000 towards the teaching of hydrogen skills as part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport hub.n

MAIN PHOTO: Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman pictured in Rocester, Staffordshire, today with a JCB backhoe loader powered by a hydrogen combustion engine. The visit came as the Government grants approval for the machine to be driven on UK roads.

CPA CONFERENCE 2023 TO DISCUSS THE CHALLENGES FACING THE PLANT-HIRE SECTOR

The Construction Planthire Association (CPA) has announced that the CPA Conference 2023 will be hosted on Thursday 9th November 2023 and the theme will be ‘Facing the Challenges in the Plant-hire Sector’. The one-day event will be held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley near Coventry.

The CPA Conference is organised by the CPA, the longest established trade association for the plant-hire sector in the UK. The CPA has over 1,800 members who supply 85% of hired plant to the construction industry. Delegate tickets can be booked online at www. cpa.uk.net/events/cpa-conference-2023.

Until 31st March 2023, conference tickets can be purchased for the advance delegate booking rate of £50 plus VAT (reduced from £75 plus VAT) by entering the discount code TS2023.

CPA Chief Executive Kevin Minton said: “We felt that this year’s conference should address the core issues that are of importance right now to CPA members

and the wider construction industry, such as the rising cost of fuel and energy, critical supply chain shortages and the difficulties of attracting new recruits to the industry. We’re in the process of devising a packed, topical agenda with panel debates and case studies to allow delegates to come away with a deeper understanding as to how they can tackle some of the challenges they currently face.”

The CPA Conference 2023 will be the eighth CPA Conference to be held. Over the years, the CPA Conference has become established as an essential entry in the calendar for senior figures in the plant-hire sector, with speakers from organisations such as Costain, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the European Rental Association (CRA), GAP Group, HS2, Highways England, JCB and Sunbelt Rentals. This year’s panel debates will be steered by event convenor Merryn Myatt, a former BBC news presenter and journalist who has hosted previous CPA Conferences to great success.

As well as attending the Conference, delegates will also have the opportunity to visit exhibitors from many of the UK’s leading construction plant equipment manufacturers, suppliers and construction services providers. For previous CPA Conferences, exhibition space has proved so popular that it has been a sell-out. To register interest in exhibiting at the CPA Conference 2023, please contact: Lisa Collins on 07968 840390 or email: lisa@ lisacollinscommunications.co.uk

Peter Beach, Sales and Marketing Manager at Genquip Groundhog said: “As a business, we have attended and exhibited at the CPA Conference for several years and found it to be a great networking opportunity with attendance from senior figures in the plant-hire sector. The Conference panel discussions are relevant and engaging, and I was pleased to be able to contribute to one of the debates last year which discussed ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) in the construction and plant-hire sector.”

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity dedicated to providing professional support for construction workers and their families struggling with Emotional, Physical or

Awareness and many more.

UK SAFE DIGGING INDUSTRY BREAKS RECORDS IN 2022

LSBUD, the UK’s leading online safe digging resource, finished 2022 with 3.75 million search enquiries for underground pipes and cables passing through its central system. This is a 12 percent increase on the previous year.

The portal also registered 43,190 new Users in 2022. This represents a 14 percent increase compared to 2021, and is 35 percent up on 2020.

Richard Broome, MD at LSBUD,

comments: “In 2022, our portal received more search enquiries than we take breaths. It’s absolutely extraordinary. At the start of 2022, our aim was to break through the 3.5 million enquiries barrier, so to achieve 3.75 million is credit to those safe digging industries who are more committed to best practice than ever before.

“People operating within the farming, construction, highways, telecoms, water, gas and electricity sectors need to be praised for their part in this substantial growth, as do UK

consumers who are increasingly undertaking home projects with greater care than ever before.”

Growth in coverage was also seen across all industries, in particular the gas sector, with Northern Gas Networks joining the collaborative portal in 2022. This means LSBUD now has complete coverage of the UK’s major gas distribution networks, with 100 percent of them collaboratively sharing their data on the free-to-use, central portal.

Fibre networks also jumped on the safe digging momentum, with Voneus, Ogi, Wildanet and Toob joining the likes of broadband key players Gigaclear, Gamma,

MCHALE PLANT SALES APPOINTED PRINOTH DISTRIBUTORS IN IRELAND

McHale Plant Sales, distributors in Ireland for Komatsu, Merlo, Metso Outotec, Jonsson, and Terex Ecotec equipment, has further extended its portfolio of interests with their appointment to represent the Prinoth range of tracked, all-terrain vehicles in the Irish market.

At the centre of the highly versatile Prinoth lineup is the six-strong dumper trucks range which – with payloads from 5,715kg to 13,200 kg – are expected to have special appeal.

Seen to be ‘as versatile as a Swiss army knife’ amongst utilities and construction vehicles, the Prinoth range is regarded by McHale Plant Sales managing director, Tim Shanahan as one “that will complement the company’s current portfolio and create new

opportunities in markets not open to us previously.”

At its core, Prinoth equipment has an established presence across a myriad of work site applications: in construction, vegetation management, biomass harvesting, land clearance

Neos Networks and Zayo, in recognising the importance of having their asset data shared on a central portal.

Richard Broome concludes: “2022 was the best ever year for the safe digging community. Pipes and cables were better protected than ever before, and those working near them were safer. Of course, there is room for improvement, and that is what we push for, however we wanted to extend a thank you to every farmer, construction, highways, telecoms, water, gas and electricity worker, that searches before they dig. It is good practice, it is safe, and it is sensible. Remember, always search before you dig.” n

and in the mulching and reclamation of forest sites. Another major application, less likely to apply in Ireland, is in ‘snow grooming’ involving the maintenance of ski slopes at alpine sports resorts, and in the maintenance of transportation links and access routes in regions subject to heavy snowfalls. Equipped with the appropriate job-specific attachment, Prinoth work vehicles are found in applications that span electric power and transmission, wind power, oil and gas pipeline laying, construction, environmental protection, hydroexcavation, costal erosion, landscape preservation, firefighting and rescue, mining and drilling, forestry and crew transportation. n

Pictured against the backdrop of a Prinoth tracked, all-terrain vehicle taken whilst visiting the McHale Plant Sales premises at Rathcoole to confirm their appointment is Prinoth sales manager, Andreas Grenz (centre) with McHale managing director, Tim Shanahan (right) and sales director, Denis McGrath.

DOOSAN BOBCAT DONATES $1 MILLION IN EQUIPMENT FOR TURKIYE EARTHQUAKE RELIEF AND RECOVERY

Doosan Bobcat will provide equipment worth around $1 million for relief and recovery activities in the earthquake-stricken areas of Turkiye.

Construction equipment will be promptly delivered through Doosan Bobcat’s dealer network to be of practical help in lifesaving activities in affected areas and to help restore critical infrastructure such as collapsed buildings and roads. The equipment being supplied includes skid-steer loaders and excavators to remove and clean debris, and portable generators and lighting towers to be used at

sites with power supply issues. By providing equipment that can be used immediately for relief and recovery efforts, Doosan Bobcat hopes to help residents of the affected areas in Turkiye to begin to recover their daily lives as soon as possible.

The donation will be financed in cooperation with Doosan Bobcat’s mother company, Doosan Group, which has supported previous major disasters with equipment and donations, such as hurricanes and earthquakes in the U.S., China, Haiti, Japan and Nepal over the past 20-plus years. n

USED VOLVO EC140E FROM SMT IS ‘OUR BEST PURCHASE’, SAYS PARKINSON PLANT SERVICES

Tom Parkinson, Managing Director of Macclesfield-based Parkinson Plant Services, chose a used 14 tonne Volvo excavator from SMT GB for his first foray into larger equipment and has not looked back.

Since breaking out on his own in 2017, Tom Parkinson’s groundworks contracting business, Parkinson Plant Services, has gone from strength to strength. The groundworks and excavation specialist has remained busy throughout the pandemic and is now taking on more and larger jobs, from drainage and landscaping to mass excavation and earthmoving projects.

Larger jobs required Tom to add a larger machine to his fleet of compact excavators and wheeled loaders, and he immediately knew he wanted a Volvo.

“I have operated plant ever since I left school. I have driven machines of all sizes and brands and Volvo has always been a personal favourite,” he says. “When you are spending a whole day in a machine, you want it to be a nice and comfortable machine to drive. Volvos are built with the operator in mind and just tick all the right boxes.”

A QUICK AND EASY PURCHASE

Tom began his search on the typical used equipment listing and auction sites, before calling SMT GB’s used equipment specialist Pelham Milligan in February 2022.

“I happened to ring up Pelham one day and said ‘I’m looking for a machine in the 14 tonne size class. Can you help

me?’ Straight away, he rang me back and said ‘I’ve got this one down at our Used Equipment Centre in Bruntingthorpe. Pop over, have a look, and tell me what you think,’” Tom recounts. Two weeks later, he took delivery.

The machine in question was a used Volvo EC140E crawler excavator – a current model with only 4,000 hours on the clock. SMT GB had carried out a full valet and service of the machine and Tom requested some extra work to suit his needs. This included the addition of some chevron decals to the counterweight for improved safety awareness on site and a cab guard for protection against vandalism.

As it was his first large machine purchase, Tom specifically wanted a used machine. “I think it’s good to go for a used machine, especially for the first one, so you can see exactly what you’re getting before you buy it and you don’t have to wait very long for it to arrive,” he says.

“I was a bit unsure as it was my first big purchase, but SMT really helped me out. They showed me how it would work and what they offered with the machine, which made it so easy. I felt as if they couldn’t do enough for me,” he continues.

THE BEST OVERALL PACKAGE

Tom had also looked at another used Volvo from a non-authorised reseller, but the overall package was not as good. SMT GB gave him free delivery to wherever he wanted, threw in a brandnew ditching bucket, and offered a onestop shop for servicing and parts.

“It was a no-brainer to go with SMT GB. The Customer Support Agreement means I don’t have to worry about servicing the machine. When it’s time, SMT GB will come out and do that wherever the machine is,” he says.

“A used machine is still a significant investment,” he continues, “so the warranty also gives me that peace of mind, that if anything was to go wrong, we’ve got that covered.

AS GOOD AS NEW

So far, Tom’s used Volvo EC140E excavator has been performing perfectly and has even been mistaken for a brand new one.

“Everything is still tight on it regarding the pins and bushes,” he says. “It feels like a new machine and the chevrons looks great, so a lot of people have commented ‘Oh, you have a new machine!’”

It has proven just as easy and comfortable to operate as Tom remembered from his previous experience with Volvo machines and he has been particularly impressed with the fuel efficiency.

FUEL EFFICIENT AND COMPACT

“With other machines, I’ve easily gone through a tank of fuel in a day, but I did a bulk excavation job over in Macclesfield recently where the EC140E didn’t even use half a tank. It really helps to keep costs down, especially given the new laws for white diesel,” he says.

Another pleasant surprise for Tom has been the EC140E’s compact footprint, enabling it to work effectively on confined jobsites and making transport between sites easier.

“I did look into the zero tail-swing option as I was a bit worried about being able to manoeuvre the machine on tight, residential jobs, but it’s actually got quite a short swing radius on it, despite being a conventional design. It’s also quite narrow, so it’s good for working on small sites as well as larger ones, and is relatively easy to transport,” Tom explains.

“I’m very pleased with the machine and I would definitely recommend SMT GB and Volvo to others. It has been a great addition to our business and is probably the best purchase we’ve had within our company,” he concludes. n

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

For further information, please visit smt.network/gb

MILES HIRE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Miles Hire, an award-winning independent plant and tool hire firm in South Wales, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, as the business continues to go from strength-tostrength.

Founded in 2003 by David Sydney Miles, Miles Hire has demonstrated significant growth and success over the years, with the business now being recognised as one of the leading independent firms in the region.

What started off as a small business with one depot and two members of staff, Miles Hire has since gone on to rapidly expand to three large depots in Swansea, Bridgend and Cardiff as well as boasting a dedicated team of more than 20.

A key component of Mile Hire’s success has been its close relationship with Kubota dealer Chepstow Construction Equipment and use of Kubota mini-excavators, the firms preferred

choice of excavator machinery since it opened 20 years ago.

Ryan Miles, Director at Miles Hire, said: “It’s a proud moment for my family to celebrate 20 years in business. It was my father’s belief that customer service should be our top priority and that ethos sits at the heart of everything we do at Miles Hire – making sure the customer has a great experience and the necessary tools to get the job done.

“That is why Kubota has been our number one excavator choice since day one. Backed up by the great service we get from Chepstow Construction Equipment, Kubota excavators have proven themselves time and again as quality machines, especially with regards to reliability, productivity and fuel efficiency, meaning that they are a valuable asset to our business and customers.”

To celebrate its landmark year, Miles Hire will be hosting a customer open day on March 10th.

UPGRADED CAB FOR NEW HYUNDAI HEAVY LINE FORKLIFTS

Hyundai Material Handling has unveiled a range of Heavy Line diesel forklift trucks, with an improved cab environment, EU Stage V emissions-compliant engines and the option of Hyundai’s HiMate telematic monitoring system. There are 10 models on offer, with lift capacities of 7-30 tonnes and they build on the successful launch last year of the lighter models in the diesel forklift line-up.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Ten machines with lift capacities of 7-30 tonnes

• Improved cab environment with additional space and visibility

• EU Stage V Hyundai and Cummins diesel engines

• Load sensing Main Control Valves for improved operator control and efficiency

• Hyundai HiMate telematics deliver fleet management solution

OPERATOR COMFORT

Designed after extensive consultation with customers, Hyundai’s next generation forklift cab features a revised console layout and a smaller steering wheel, to deliver increased working space for the operator. A one-piece constant radius windscreen provides improved forward visibility without edge distortion, while fully glazed doors also contribute to a reduced in-cab noise level, cut by up to 5.9dB.

A new console incorporates a colour display with easy access buttons for regularly used functions. The multifunction screen delivers relevant machine operating data and can provide in-cab service alert and diagnostic codes when required. A second 7” display shows the rear view camera images.

The new load sensing Main Control Valve provides increased control, with fingertip levers delivering improved response to operator input. As an option, you can choose for an air suspended seat or a swivel seat which can be rotated 20° to the left and

10° to the right, for improved reverse direction visibility and to ease access to the cab. For models from 12T and up the premium seat has both air suspension and swivel.

LOWER EMISSIONS

All of the Heavy Line models are powered by EU Stage V diesel engines, from Hyundai and Cummins, offering improved performance and reduced emissions. The Cummins B Series engines no longer require Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), simplifying service and maintenance on the heavier models. These machines also boast an engine power button in the cab, that allows the operator to choose between Standard (80%) or Power (100%) settings, according to the demands of the application, reducing fuel consumption when full power is not required.

IMPROVED SERVICEABILITY

With an electrically powered side-tilting cab structure, access to the powertrain is simplified, for ease of regular maintenance. Fuel filter life has been extended from 500 to 1,000 hours, while long-life hydraulic oil now means change intervals can be extended to 5,000 hours, reducing cost of ownership and downtime for the customer.

Heavy Line forklifts are equipped with two levels of Hyundai’s proven HiMate telematics system as an option, using GPS technology to transmit data to allow remote monitoring and diagnostics. The standard HiMate system provides real-

time monitoring of machine location and operating information, with geofencing alerts delivering an additional level of security against machine theft or unauthorised use. The premium HiMate adds driver access control through code or card, fully customisable start-up questionnaires, drive style monitoring and collision detection.

Machines with a Cummins engine can also be optioned with Engine Connected Diagnostics, supplied in cooperation with the engine manufacturer, delivering tailored maintenance and remote troubleshooting, further reducing the possibility of costly downtime for the customer.

SUPERIOR PRODUCTIVITY

Hyundai’s Heavy Line diesel forklift range starts with the 7-tonne 70D-9V, running through to the 30-tonne capacity 300D-9VC. With an extensive line-up of 10 models, there is now a dedicated machine to meet every customer operation, in a wide variety of materials handling sectors.

“We have really listened to the needs of our customers to develop these Heavy Line machines,” said Christopher Thompson, Head of Sales at Hyundai Materials Handling.

“These new forklifts deliver an improved driver’s ‘office’ in the cab and increased access through Hi-Mate in the fleet manager’s office. Our next generation forklifts put the operator and the fleet manager in control.”

MANITOU GROUP AND KILOUTOU SIGN AN EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT ON THEIR FIRST RETROFIT PROJECT

Ancenis, February 2nd, 2023 ‒ Manitou Group, a world reference in the handling, aerial work platform and earth-moving sectors, announces that it has signed an exclusive 12-month partnership agreement with Kiloutou, a major player in Europe’s equipment rental sector, to offer electrification kits for Manitou’s used internal-combustion-engine telehandler. Retrofitting these machines will extend their useful life while reducing their environmental impact, in particular their carbon emissions, in accordance with the commitments that both groups have made in their respective CSR roadmaps.

Manitou Group and Kiloutou Group, which are both aware of the advantages of constantly optimizing the durability of their machinery and equipment, are teaming up to start the first heavy-equipment retrofit project involving a manufacturer and a rental company. This project, which will roll out over the next two years, is aimed at testing the technical and economic feasibility of electrifying telehandlers initially designed and marketed with internal combustion engines. The first phase of the test is being carried out on a high lifting height telehandler demonstrator in Kiloutou’s rental fleet. During 2023, this internal-

combustion telehandler will be dismantled and reassembled with an electrification kit at Manitou Group’s production plant in Ancenis, then tested in real-life conditions at Kiloutou’s test center near Lille. After the machine clears the test, Manitou Group will be in a position to offer electrification kits for machines refurbished using new or pre-owned parts, exclusively to Kiloutou Group. This distribution will be carried out for a period of 12 months from the beginning of 2024, on several machines in Kiloutou’s fleet. These kits comprise several components including a lithium-ion battery, and open the door to switching from internal combustion engines to extremely low-carbon fullelectric motors.

Michel Denis, President & CEO of Manitou Group, spoke about the advantages of this team project: “We are currently rolling out our choice of low-emissions machines in our Oxygen range. We were also looking for an alternative to our internal-combustion machines that are already in operation, to take the next step in this direction. Kiloutou is particularly open to this kind of solutions, so we will be working together to create retrofit kits. The goal is to extend our products’ useful life and at the same time shrink our carbon footprint.”

Most of the retrofitting work in this partnership will involve machines that Kiloutou has had in its rental fleet for about five years. This option addresses the need to speed up the transition to lower-carbon machinery. By extending the useful life of equipment that is otherwise fully operational, retrofits combine sustainability and circularity. Once they have been retrofitted with electrification kits, the revamped machines will be included in the Impakt range of environmentallyfriendly alternatives, and be available in Kiloutou branches in France.

François Renault, Group Fleet and Sustainability Director of Kiloutou Group, adds, “At Kiloutou, we firmly believe that decarbonizing the construction and civil engineering sector will take a team effort. This project with Manitou Group is that principle in practice and shows that we are committed to the same goals. The possibility of giving machines in our fleet a second life, and lowering their emissions, is a key lever in our drive to reduce our indirect emissions. We are working particularly hard these days to fast-track this circular-economy solution.n

ABOVE: From the left to the right: Michel Denis, President & CEO Manitou Group and François Renault, Group Fleet and Sustainability Director of Kiloutou Group; Photo credit: Hugo Zangl

CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

TOOLSTATION’S FIRST EVER STORE WAS SURPRISED WITH A CELEBRATION PARTY ON TUESDAY STORE TO HOST SUPPLIER TRADE SHOW IN FEBRUARY AS PART OF 20TH CELEBRATIONS

Toolstation, one of Britain’s fastest growing suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies, is celebrating its 20th year since opening for business in 2003.

To kick start the celebrations Toolstation has headed back to Bristol Whiteladies Road where it all began, with the landmark store being the first to open within the business.

Earlier this week store colleagues and customers were surprised with a commemorative cake hand-delivered by popular trade professional partners and radio hosts The Bald Builders.

The cake was designed in recognition of Toolstation’s product catalogue, which has been a staple of the business since being founded, with the 95th edition recently launching in January.

As part of their surprise visit, The Bald Builders also put up a commemorative plaque acknowledging it as the site of the first Toolstation store, which can be located outside the front entrance.

and 28th February, in which customers will have the chance to meet some of Toolstation’s top suppliers that have joined the business in the last 20 years, including DeWalt, Milwaukee, Google, Wilo, KitchenKit and more.

Over the course of the two weeks attendees will receive free product demonstrations from the suppliers, insight into new and upcoming ranges, and a new range of fun freebies every day. The trade event will start on the 15th February with representatives from DeWalt, and finish on the 28th February with representatives from Fluidmaster and Salamander. A full overview of suppliers attending can be found below:

Jim Gowland, Head of Distribution for Toolstation, began his career at Toolstation as a temporary assistant in Bristol Whiteladies Road store 20 years ago, and has shared his experience of how the business helped him progress throughout the years.

“I joined just as the first catalogue launched and was brought in to help manage the influx of orders that were coming into the business at that time. A lot of people progress by moving companies every three or four years, but in my 20-year career I’ve had about seven different jobs across the business. I love the pace, ambition, and excitement of working for Toolstation. I couldn’t think of working for anyone else.”

As part of the celebrations, Toolstation has unveiled 20 deals for tradespeople and DIYers to help them secure the best possible prices for trade-quality products, including discounts on DeWalt power tools, Tado smart home accessories, Milwaukee storage solutions and more. Plus for a limited time only, Toolstation are offering new customers downloading the app an additional 10% off their first app order (see app for details). n

Brad Hanson and Sam Hughes from The Bald Builders said “We had a really enjoyable day going to Toolstation Bristol Whiteladies Road where it all began 20 years ago. We’re incredibly excited to see what the next 20 years bring and no doubt Toolstation will continue to provide their customers with great value and quality. We hope our celebratory cake went down well, although we had to try very hard not to take a slice ourselves!”

The store will also be hosting a trade show between the 15th

KOMATSU’S CHATTANOOGA MANUFACTURING FACILITY BEGINS

PRODUCTION OF

HM400-5 ARTICULATED TRUCKS

To support growing demand, Komatsu has begun producing the company’s HM400-5 articulated haul trucks at its factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While the trucks were produced in Chattanooga in the mid-2000s, in 2009 production shifted to the company’s plant in Ibaraki, Japan, where it has remained until now.

Used primarily in construction, quarry and mining applications, the 473-HP HM400-5 is designed to move material across challenging terrain while delivering productive, consistent performance for operators of all experience levels. To celebrate the new production line, today Komatsu and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) hosted U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann along with other local and state officials for a launch event at the company’s Chattanooga plant.

“For years, Komatsu has been a proud member of our Chattanooga-area community, providing hundreds of goodpaying jobs and generating a massive economic impact for Chattanooga and Tennessee,” said Rep. Fleischmann. “Bringing back production of Komatsu’s HM400-5 trucks is another sign of our strong local workforce and shows the

confidence business leaders have in Chattanooga’s economy and our values of hard work, low taxes, and free enterprise. I am excited that Komatsu is expanding their operations here in Chattanooga and investing in our community.”

Production of the truck has already driven an increase in Komatsu’s spend with local and regional suppliers. Additionally, the new line will offer more opportunities for area students to gain experience in manufacturing. Komatsu’s Chattanooga plant currently has a pre-apprenticeship program that employs high school seniors part-time, allowing them to earn credits toward a full apprenticeship certification through Chattanooga State Community College.

“We have seen the demand for our HM400-5 trucks grow significantly in both the U.S. and Canada, which is why we began producing the trucks here in the U.S.,” said Rod Schrader, Chairman and CEO, Komatsu North America. “The domestic production of this popular truck supports Komatsu’s commitment to jobs and manufacturing in the U.S., and also enables us to contribute far more to the local Chattanooga economy.”

“AEM is honored to partner with Komatsu to host Congressman

Chuck Fleischmann as we celebrate the return of production of the HM400 articulated truck to Chattanooga. Today’s event is a vital reminder that equipment manufacturing in the United States is alive and well, with a future destined to create more family-sustaining jobs in America,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM’s senior vice president of government and industry relations.

“As our industry continues to face supply chain disruptions and worker shortages, we need our elected officials to support policies that will help strengthen equipment manufacturing in America. We are grateful to Congressman Fleischmann for his leadership in Congress and his support for policies that will help equipment manufacturers invest in their communities, grow their businesses, and hire more Americans.”

In addition to the HM4005 trucks, the plant produces midsize hydraulic excavators and intelligent excavators, as well as some machines for the forestry market. Approximately 525 people are employed at the Chattanooga campus. Of those employees, 425 are part of the manufacturing operation, while 100 work for other divisions of Komatsu. n

BOBCAT INTRODUCES

NEW COMPACT TRACTOR LINE-UP THE COMPANY IS TARGETING GROUND MAINTENANCE, LANDSCAPING, LIFTING AND HANDLING, AGRICULTURE AND SNOW REMOVAL APPLICATIONS

A new line of Bobcat Compact Tractors has been launched for the Europe region.* Bobcat Compact Tractors are part of the ground maintenance equipment (GME) range announced by the company last October. Building on the company’s success in the North American market, Bobcat aims to rank within the top-three GME players in Europe and to double growth in global GME market by 2027. Together with the Compact Tractors, the GME range in EMEA includes mowers and turf equipment, as well as Bobcat’s existing mini track and small articulated loaders.

Daniele Paciotti, GME Product Line Director for Bobcat, said: “Bobcat is offering three Compact Tractor platforms – the 1000, 2000 and 4000 series – which feature nine new models from 25 to 58 HP designed to meet the varying needs of customers in EMEA. First deliveries of compact tractors to our dealers are planned for February with the initial focus on Italy, UK, Poland and Benelux, where our dealers have showed a great deal of interest.”

COMPACT TRACTORS TO SUIT EVERY REQUIREMENT

Bobcat Compact Tractors are designed to increase productivity, versatility and reliability. Whatever the application, these machines help to get the job done efficiently thanks to their robust construction, smooth operation, flexible

configuration and full compatibility with a wide range of Bobcat attachments.

Each of the nine models in the Bobcat compact tractor range varies in size and engine horsepower, with the option to choose between manual and hydrostatic transmissions: 3-point hitch with telescopic or quick lower links and open canopies (ROPS) and cabs. All the models offer all-day comfort in the cleverly designed and generously appointed workspace. With air conditioning (cab models), a suspended seat, an adjustable steering wheel, linked pedal and intuitive ergonomic controls. Built to the same high manufacturing standards expected of all Bobcat equipment, the performance and reliability of the new Compact Tractors has been ably demonstrated in the US market for several years. And when it comes to maintenance, Bobcat’s extensive service network gives customers the support their businesses need.

TRULY MULTI-PURPOSE AND CUSTOMISABLE

Together the nine models offer a wide choice of clever application solutions and can be equipped with front, mid and rear connections and power takeoffs. Features include an independent PTO, auto-PTO; PTO Cruise, HST Cruise or Draft control ensuring optimum productivity and uptime.

The proven Bob-Tach system comes as standard on all machines with the front-end loader option, enabling users to switch easily between different Bobcat

attachments to carry out multiple jobs easily, delivering greater value and versatility for customers’ businesses. Fuel consumption is kept to a minimum thanks to the Eco PTO feature, while the linked pedal ensures optimum driving performance from the efficient 3-cylinder engine.

Every Bobcat tractor model comes standard with 4-wheel drive. Customers can easily engage it whenever the work demands it – enjoying superior power and traction in even the toughest working conditions.

On top of that, Bobcat’s philosophy will continue to be in place for all the approved attachments, encompassing homologation, certification, engineering approval and Plug&Play for the full variety of rear, mid mount or front attachments.

Daily maintenance is simple thanks to the one-piece engine cover. Bobcat’s extensive dealer network means that customers can count on a one-stopshop for expert advice, timely service and parts availability for both machines and attachments. In addition to the superior uptime and serviceability features, each tractor is backed by a 24-month, 2000-hour warranty.

REASONS FOR CHOOSING AN H-SERIES H-SERIES 7

YOU ONLY NEED ONE

Toughness is the reason why we’ve already sold over 500,000 wheel loaders world-wide and when it comes to toughness, our H-Series is as tough as it gets. The H-Series has genuine heavyweight credibility delivering the power, control, comfort and durability required to make light work of the heaviest jobs. Whatever your reason, discover the H-Series for yourself.

See us online or talk to us today to find out more.

SUNBELT RENTALS INVEST IN TRIME SOLAR-POWERED LIGHTING TOWERS

Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest rental equipment provider, has invested in three hundred solar-powered lighting towers manufactured and supplied by the lighting tower specialist, Trime.

The company has chosen to invest in Trime X-Solar lighting towers to meet the growing demand from their customers for emission-free equipment. The investment supports Sunbelt Rentals’ commitment to their action plan ‘Our Planet’ as the X-Solar sets provide a more environmentally focussed solution with zero emissions and zero fuel usage.

The main attribute which attracted Sunbelt Rentals to the Trime X-Solar Lights is their reliability. This ensures that all users will receive emission-free lighting 365 days a year in all conditions. In addition, Sunbelt Rentals’ clients have commented on the ease of operation and low maintenance requirements that the X-Solar lights provide.

As of January 2023, Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland have over 2000 Trime lighting towers in their lighting fleet. This fleet consists of various other Trime models including X-Chain, X-Hybrid Solar, X-Hybrid, and X-Eco.

The Trime X-Solar lights will be

deployed on construction sites and outside events throughout the UK and Ireland. These include extremely remote sites such as the Highlands of Scotland.

The X-Solar is fitted with four 60-watt energy-saving LED lamps fitted to a fully galvanised 8.5-metre mast. The X-Solar delivers a light coverage of 2000 square metres and the compact dimensions of the X-Solar mean that four units can be loaded onto one single truck. This helps to reduce the amount of traffic arriving at a site. The build of the X-Solar is robust, with galvanized metal works, and an 80 µm powder coating finish, making it ideally suited for a wide range of markets. For safe handling and efficient manoeuvrability, the frame of the X-Solar is fitted with forklift pockets and a central lifting eye. Safety is also heightened by the AMOSS security system, which automatically lowers the mast if the lighting set is moved whilst the mast is still erected. Unlike many lighting towers on the market, this device is included as standard on the X-Solar machine.

Commenting on this new investment, Dave Harris, Sunbelt Rentals Sales, and Marketing Director said “We believe that the Trime Lighting products are the best in the market. This investment highlights

the commitment that Sunbelt Rentals is making to provide our customers with equipment that is not only built for purpose but also helping reduce emission outputs and impact on Our Planet.”

Sunbelt Rentals has made a short video on the use and setup of the Trime X-SOLAR; this video can be viewed here - https://youtu.be/OOc9e4f2wZg

Trime has its’ headquarters in Cassinetta di Lugagnano, near Milan, Italy, and operates two production facilities. One is based in Cassinetta adjacent to their head office, and a further facility is situated near Pavia, just south of Milan. Aside from its lighting tower range, the company also manufactures a wide range of water-recycling wash bays and dust suppression products. Trime UK is based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

Sunbelt Rentals is the UK’s largest equipment rental provider, with 200 depots throughout the UK and Ireland. n

BAUER KELLER JV SECURES PILING WORK FOR MONOPILE FACILITY

The Joint Venture of Bauer Technologies (a subsidiary of the BAUER Group), and Keller UK (a subsidiary of Keller Group), has been awarded the piling contract for the construction of a new £300 million wind turbine monopile manufacturing facility in Teesside, which when fully operational, is expected to produce between 100 and 150 monopiles per year, for transporting directly from the factory to Teesworks’ new South Bank Quay facility, before heading to the North Sea for installation.

Specifically, Bauer Keller Joint Venture (BKJV) has been appointed by client SeAH Wind Ltd, to provide multiple rigs to install approximately 1500nr bored piles (1180 - 1050mm diameter) to around 35mbgl and approximately 5500nr CFA piles (600/750/900mm diameter) to around 28mbgl. BKJV will also provide resources to probe pile locations to identify obstructions / slag within the ground, in order for them to be either removed or considered for an updated design. Being constructed across a 90-acre site, once completed, the project will be the world’s

largest monopile plant for offshore wind foundations and is due to start production in 2024, and be operating at full capacity in 2026.

Speaking about the project, Michael Jones, Managing Director of Bauer Technologies, said:

“This project is extremely high profile, ultimately manufacturing the offshore wind monopiles foundations, a critical component of the UK’s necessary shift towards renewable energy generation.

Michael added: “As both Bauer and Keller are committed to sustainability, this project aligns completely with our sustainability aims.”

David de Sousa Neto, Managing Director of Keller UK, commented:

“We are delighted to be a part of this project which demonstrates BKJV’s capabilities, by bringing up to 14 rigs onto the project to perform both CFA and rotary piles in order to support the client to achieve its ambitious deadline.”

Works on the project commenced June 2022 and are expected to run well into mid-2023. n

ASSEMBLY VIA HELICOPTER: LIEBHERR FLAT-TOP CRANE AT WORK ON MONT BLANC

• A 150 EC-B 8 is helping build a cable car station and a new educational centre in the aim to increase climate awareness

• The crane needs to be compatible with the helicopter’s load capacity

• Careful planning and a well-coordinated team ensure smooth assembly with as few flights as possible

A new educational centre focused on climate change, complete with cable car, is currently being built on France’s largest glacier, the “Mer de Glace”. The transformation of the Montenvers station is intended to make students, tourists and residents even more aware of the effects of climate change. Access to the high mountain area will also be made easier with the new cable car moving closer to the glacier. A Liebherr 150 EC-B 8, whose assembly required the use of a helicopter, is an integral part of the project.

Chamonix (France), 7 February 2023 –

The flat-top crane’s tower is in place. A helicopter delivered one tower section after another to the Montenvers mountain station up at an altitude of 1,913 metres, after the foundation anchor was secured to the massif. Four assembly engineers from Liebherr’s partner FT Montage and six flight assistants from Heliswiss International took delivery of the parts from overhead, connected them and worked their way up to a tower height of over 40 metres. A spectacular panorama presents itself: rock faces, trees and ice fields sparkle in the sunshine. But the engineers have little time to appreciate the views from the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and the European Union. The helicopter is on its approach with the crane’s slewing platform.

“Assembly has been a true team effort that wouldn’t have been possible without mutual trust,” says Guillaume Riband, Operations Manager France Centre East at Vinci Construction France.

“Everyone has pulled together and risen to the challenge as a result.” FT Montage won the “Trophée des Grues á Tour” in the category “Assembly of the Year” due to the complexity and difficulty of the operation. The award is presented annually by the CPMDG (Professional commission for tower crane professions and equipment) from the DLR Federation.

EC-B

series with flexible jib length

A job like this one with a 150 EC-B 8 in the middle of the Alps isn’t something that happens every day. The crane, with a 45-metre jib and a hook height of 42 metres, will support the construction of the new cable car station and the International Glacier and Climate

Interpretation Centre until June 2023. The new “Glaciorium” is to become the flagship attraction at Montenvers and will help visitors to understand the phenomena associated with global warming. The Montenvers redevelopment will cost more than 50 million euros and is due to be completed in December 2024. The project was designed to be of high ecological and architectural quality in order to minimise the impact on nature. In terms of energy consumption, waste disposal and visitor awareness, the project fulfils high standards.

One of the biggest challenges the construction company faced was selecting the right crane. Originally, the site required a crane in the 250 metric tonnes range due to the loads that needed to be moved. This value is based on radius (m) and lifting capacity (t) and serves to classify the size of the crane. As such a crane is too heavy for helicopter assembly, Liebherr worked with customers Solumat GAT ( Materials Division, Vinci Group) and CBCE Grenoble (a local construction company that is part of the Vinci Group) to find economic alternatives. Depending on temperature and altitude, the helicopter can move a maximum of 3,800 kilograms.

FAST ASSEMBLY THANKS TO CLEVER DESIGN CONCEPT

In the end, Liebherr suggested the use of a 150 EC-B, as its counter jib, which weighs in at 3,600 kilograms, is light enough for the helicopter to manage. Plus, the flat-top crane can be easily dismantled into several individual parts thanks to its flexible design concept. Elements such as the crane’s compact head, slewing platform, cabin and control cabinet can all be quickly reconnected.

The site’s architects and the construction company also adapted the planning so that the loads to be moved wouldn’t exceed the crane’s maximum lifting capacity of eight tonnes. This was in part achieved through the use of lighter concrete elements.

For safety reasons, the Montenvers train, which dates back to 1910, was temporarily suspended due to the proximity of its power lines. The retrostyle electric rack railway connects Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Montenvers. It climbs steeply upwards for more than five kilometres and visitors reach the terminus at an altitude of 1,913 metres after approx. 20 minutes.

ROBUST CRANES FOR UNUSUAL TASKS

Thanks to the right choice of crane, good preparation and a well-coordinated team, the assembly on Mont Blanc has gone smoothly. The unusual assembly of the 150 EC-B took around eight hours. During this time, a powerful Kamov KA 32 A11 BC heavy-lift helicopter from Heliswiss International flew back and forth 30 times to deliver all the crane parts and tower system elements.

The delivery site needed to be easily accessible for trucks and offer sufficient space. The location chosen was an area in Chamonix on the Arveyron River, about 3.5 kilometres from the Montenvers mountain station. This relatively short distance helped to keep flight times, and therefore refuelling, to a minimum. “Precision planning has been key to this all-round successful assembly,” Guillaume Riband concludes.

This is the second successful helicopter assembly for Heliswiss International and Liebherr. In 2015, they used a helicopter to transport a 150 EC-B 6 flat-top crane onto the Zugspitze to work on the construction of the new Eibsee cable car station. Up at an altitude of 2,975 metres, the crane marked Germany’s highest construction site back then. The 150 EC-B 8 won’t quite reach such heights in France, but sub-zero temperatures are expected here in the winter months as well. This isn’t a problem for Liebherr tower cranes, which are designed for such conditions. n

The Construction Plant-hire Association’s (CPA) Stars of the Future Awards 2023 are now open for entries and employers across the industry are invited to recognise and reward their construction plant apprentices and trainees.

Nomination forms are available on the CPA website at https://www. cpa.uk.net/skills-training/ stars-of-the-future and nominations can be made by the closing deadline of 31st March 2023.

In recognition of the growth of the awards over the last 10 years, two new awards categories have been introduced this year - Young Plant Operative of the Year and Apprentice Mentor of the Year. Awards will also be made for the well-established categories of Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2), Plant Technician of the Year (Level 3), Plant Operative of the Year, Plant Installer of the Year, Lifting Technician of the Year, Hire Controller of the Year, College of the Year, the Judges’ Special Award and the Best Personal Statement Award.

Stars of the Future is a national awards scheme for apprentices and trainees in the construction plant

industry, organised by the CPA, the leading trade association for the plant-hire sector in the UK. The CPA has over 1,800 members who supply some 85% of hired plant to the construction and allied industries.

The 2023 winners will be announced at a live awards ceremony at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley, near Coventry, on 6th July 2023. Stars of the Future winners will be in contention for a number of prizes, as well as national recognition. Previous prizes have included tool kits, iPads and all-expenses overseas trips to visit Bauma and a Liebherr crane manufacturing plant in Germany →

Stars of the Future nominations are welcomed from all employers including plant-hire companies, manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and others operating in the construction plant sector with apprentices and trainees in their workforce.

Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPA said: “Stars of the Future is firmly established as the leading event of the construction plant sector for recognising and rewarding the skills and calibre of the industry’s apprentices and trainees, and it offers a great opportunity for companies to nominate their outstanding apprentices and trainees who they see as being the industry’s future leaders.

“The standard of entries gets higher every year and last year we received 72 nominations from across the industry. With around 900 apprentices across

the six main plant-based occupations, we expect we will receive even more nominations this year, especially as we have introduced new supplementary categories such as ‘Apprentice Mentor of the Year’ which recognises individuals from the same employer of the apprentices and trainees who have played a significant part in assisting them during their learning journey,” Kevin added.

The national winners for Stars of the Future 2022 were Jack Howell of Marubeni-Komatsu and NSCG Stafford College (Plant Mechanic of the Year), Jack Chubb of Phoenix Hire & Sales and Bridgend College (Plant Technician of the Year), Eleanor MacMillan-Currie of WM Currie and Son (Plant Operative of the Year), Jake Hodgson of Wolffkran (Plant Installer of the Year), Yasmin Bell

of Sunbelt Rentals (Hire Controller of the Year), Steve Lumb of Wolffkran (Lifting Technician of the Year), Tom Baxendell of Bachy Soletanche and Reaseheath College (Best Personal Statement) and Luke Cooper of Boels Rental and Reaseheath College (Judges’ Special Award).

Sponsorship opportunities are available for Stars of the Future 2023. n

National winners from the Stars of the Future 2022 Awards.

What is Stars of the Future?

Stars of the Future is an awards scheme for apprentices and trainees in the construction plant sector, first set up by the CPA over 10 years ago. It’s a great way to reward and recognise apprentices who you see as being the industry’s future leaders. Winners receive national recognition and have the chance of receiving some fantastic prizes, such as overseas trips to Germany.

Construction trends reveal a changing landscape for equipment manufacturers, contractors, and the industry in general. New technologies promise to reimagine how we create, and against a backdrop of stricter regulations, will drive the industry to increasingly focus on sustainability.

CONSTRUCTION TRENDS 2023 1

PROMOTING AND EMBRACING SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

The construction industry’s role in the climate emergency is no secret. It uses 32% of the world’s natural resources and is responsible for 39% of carbon emissions globally. This is not only from creating new buildings but also from the energy used by existing ones. It is predicted that 80% of today’s buildings will still be in use in 2050. But 75% of this stock is energy inefficient. The construction industry has a long way to go to overcome its image as one of the world’s biggest carbon emitters. At COP26 in Glasgow, world leaders dedicated a day solely to discussing decarbonising and creating a more sustainable built environment. One of the most significant outcomes of the ‘Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day’ was the confirmation that 1,049 cities and local governments are now participating in the ‘Race to Zero.’ This is a UNled campaign asking cities, regions, businesses, investors, and Higher Education Institutions to hit net zero emissions. With the climate emergency front of mind for leaders worldwide, finding ways to reduce construction’s impact will continue to dominate the conversation in 2023.

FINDING WAYS TO OVERCOME THE LABOUR SHORTAGE

Labour shortages in the construction industry have been an issue for quite some time. In 2022, the Association of General Contractors of America found that 83% of construction firms claimed to have difficulty filling positions. The situation is not too dissimilar on the other side of the Atlantic, where UK and European construction industries also face a lack of workers.

Shortages have huge impacts on projects, including:

→ Projects have difficulty getting started

→ Projects take longer than anticipated

→ Higher project costs

→ Inexperienced skilled labour or workforce shortages create health and safety challenges

Unfortunately, these human resources struggles are projected to continue in 2023.

HIGH MATERIAL COSTS SET TO CONTINUE

Over the last year, construction material prices have fluctuated, reaching all-time highs, and dropping again. Lockdowns in China, shipping container shortages, and the RussiaUkraine war exacerbated an already delicate supply chain. Cement, timber, paints, electrical equipment, and plastics costs rose as a shortage of materials impacted costs and created fluctuating prices throughout the year. In the U.S., before the pandemic, wood was approximately $300 per 1,000 board feet. But by April 2021, the price soared to $1,500. It then fell to roughly $500 before rising again to approximately $1,300. Prices fell in 2022 and were nearing $400 but appear to be rising to nearly $500. This price volatility impacted projects, with budgeting and scheduling near impossible. While many will hope to leave the high construction costs of 2022, the projected outlook for 2023 also holds uncertainty. According to Oxford Economics, global construction costs are set to remain high in 2023.

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SMART CITIES, DIGITAL TWINS, AND THE METAVERSE

When we consider smart technology, it’s easy to think of it as just for your phone, watch, or maybe even some household appliances. Utilising digital twins to create smart cities is nothing new. Singapore and cities, including Newcastle in the UK and Phoenix, Arizona, have been making the most of digital twins, using virtual models to gain a competitive edge. As digital twins replicate buildings, their systems, and operations, a federation of connected digital twin models can be created that transcends sectors. Everything that comprises a city—transport, pavement, building, energy, water, and telecommunications—can be monitored within the digital twin. The tech can anticipate problems, simulate scenarios, and make decisions with remarkable foresight. City planners, construction stakeholders, and operation and asset managers can use these insights to improve energy consumption, environmental conditions, public safety, and

waste management to security monitoring, mobility improvements, and infrastructure management. However, the tech’s potential for helping construction move to the metaverse is a relatively new phenomenon set to gain even more momentum next year. Digital twins will be used to create this new space—combining physical architecture, hyper-connected technologies, and AI. The project states one of the core features includes a “dynamic digital twin,” which will be a mixed-reality twin with “live cognitive virtual twins.” The goal is to allow future residents to experience how life will operate at this “crossroads of worlds.”

NEW BUSINESS MODELS ARE EMERGING

Digitisation has unlocked a wealth of new business models, such as fuel optimisation, uptime contracts and equipment tracking software, as well as new players. For example, online equipment rental marketplaces, specialising in one product and service, are on the rise. Firms are relying on open innovation models. They’re turning to their suppliers, customers, and competitors to identify new opportunities and technologies, rather than operating in the traditional closed model. By focusing on innovation and looking outside the box for solutions, many firms will businesses imaginative solutions to ages-old problems. n

LAMMA REVIEW:

LAMMA, the UK’s premier farm machinery show, returned in 2023 to the NEC Birmingham on 10th and 11th January.

LAMMA is always a highly anticipated event for the industry, connecting farmers from all sectors with companies providing cutting-edge machinery, technology, and equipment.

And this year’s LAMMA certainly did not disappoint! The 2023 event spanned a massive 11 halls of the NEC Brimingham, and welcomed approximately 34,000 people through the doors. Over 600 exhibitors showcased their latest innovations including Bobcat, Merlo, Engcon, Fendt, Fogmaker, FAST – Fuel Additive Science Technologies, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Hydrotechnik UK, Kirkby Tyres, Kramp UK, Kubota UK, Manitou UK, Milwaukee Tool UK, SMT Volvo, Morris Lubricants, National Farmers Union, Rototilt, Terra Tech, Topcon Technology and many more! →

Bobcat had several new products lined up on their stand at LAMMA 2023. The CT2535 compact tractor was shown for first time in the UK at LAMMA 2023, as well as the brand new super-compact TL25.60 R-series telehandler and the new MT100 mini track loader.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary at the show, Merlo’s stand featured an impressive line-up of machinery, including the debut of the largest model in the Multifarmer range, the new Multifarmer 44.9. Also on display was the P27.6 compact telehandler; the TF33.7 and TF42.7 Turbofarmer; the first fully-electric telehandler - the eWorker; as well as the Cingo M700TD Hi-Tip and M12.3EVO Handler 400.

SMT Volvo used LAMMA 2023 as a platform to promote the ‘all-rounder in agriculture wheel loader range’ as well as electric machines to demonstrate how their machinery could ‘change the way business is done on the farm’. Their stand featured a line-up that included the L110H wheel loader, the ECR25 electric excavator - the first in a new range of electric compact excavators, and the EWR130E wheeled excavator.

ABOVE: Bobcat TL25.60 R-series telehandler

TOP RIGHT: NEC Birmingham

MIDDLE RIGHT: Merlo telescopic handlers

RIGHT: Volvo excavator

attractive performance

Be impressed by the Magni passion and know-how. The elegant lines of the iconic RTH range give life to machines with strength and style. These attractive machines incorporate cutting-edge technology, and incredible performance, to elevate the concept of the rotating telehandler to new heights.

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RIGHT: Manitou MLT

1041-145 PS+L telehandler

BELOW: Segway Villain

SX10 X

Manitou returned to the NEC with a stand featuring their new and improved machines and attachments. The ULM (Ultra Light Manitou) was displayed on the stand, alongside the MLT 1041145 PS+ L NewAg XL, the Manitou MLT 850-145 V+ and their forklift truck, the ME 425 (Manitou Electric).

LAMMA organisers debuted many new features at this year’s show, including the Demo Arena, LAMMA Torques speaker schedule, NAAC Contractors Lounge, Health & Wellbeing Zone and the Future Farming Trail.

The Future Farming Trail was newly renamed for this year’s show. The Future Farming Trail (formerly Farming 4.0) was sponsored by Merlo Group and showcased the latest innovations in agriculture machinery and technology, as the industry strives to be more sustainable and evolve towards a net zero goal. Participants of the Trail included Avon Tuning, AGRI-EPI Centre, Farmplan, Fox Robotics, Gaiago, Innovelec, Hutchinsons ltd, Kaweco, SwiftDetect, Syngenta and TE-PARI. Each participant took the opportunity to demonstrate innovations such as: smart technology for livestock, including sensors and robotic milking equipment; data innovations such as: integration, analysis, smart farming systems and artificial intelligence. Sustainable equipment and technology including robotics and drones were also featured on the Trail.

ABOVE: Flowfit stand; Fluid power manufacturer and supplier of hydraulic components and systems

The new Health & Wellbeing Zone provided a space to encourage farmers to prioritise their mental and physical health. Representatives from three organisations; Addington Fund, The Farming Community Network (FCN) and Forage Aid, hosted panel discussions to offer information and support.

On Day 1 of LAMMA, the Farming Community Network ran a panel discussion on debunking some of the myths while helping to showcase everything great about British farming. On Day 2 they hosted a discussion which highlighted the importance of farmers looking after the health, wellbeing and safety of their employees, ensuring they protect the people at the heart of their businesses.

LAMMA 2023 featured the event’s first ever Demo Arena, which saw live demonstrations from many exhibitors showcasing their equipment.

Five exhibitors provided live demonstrations in the new demo area. McHale took the opportunity to demo their V6760 fully automatic variable chamber baler, adding to their V6 variable chamber range. UK sales manager for McHale, Kieran Hughes describes the McHale V6760 as “the highest-spec machine in the V6 range.”

The Krone Easy Wrap 150, the world’s fastest single arm wrapper, certainly drew the crowds in the

demonstration area. It operates at 36rpm with large rollers ensuring an effective bale roll – even of heavy bales of up to 1,600 kg.

Visitors could also take a walk around the new Valtra Q305 in the live demo area. The new Valtra Q305 boasts fully integrated smart technology and a Q Series’ 7.4 litre AGCO power engine, reassuring operators that it is a “driver’s dream”.

→

BELOW: Volvo Wheel Loader

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Eco Charger demonstrated its fully electric Pioneer 4WD quad bike. Built with military specification motors, the powerful equipment has a range of approximately 25 miles. The bike offers an all-electric alternative to traditional petrol driven quads.

International Tractors took the opportunity to show its SOLIS 60 Shuttle XL Stage V tractor, designed with the usage of European farmers in mind to support higher productivity with highest possible comfort.

The Innovation Awards also returned for the first time in three years! The Innovation Awards were spread across four categories.

Opico won a double award for FarmDroid, a fully autonomous, solar-powered

robot capable of precision drilling and weeding, winning the awards in the Arable Innovation and Future Farming Innovation categories. In the Livestock Innovation category, JF Hudson was presented with gold for Lactalign, a device designed to counter the impact of uneven weight and vacuum distribution of a milking cluster. The winner in the Digital Innovation category, and the overall winner of the LAMMA Founders Trophy for best Innovation 2023, was Will Dunn. He was presented the award on the first day of the show, for the creation of the Ag-Drive app, an all-inone, paperless, cloud-based app for agricultural contractors and farmers. n

With so much to see at LAMMA every year, next year’s show is not one to miss! LAMMA will return to the NEC Birmingham on 17th and 18th January 2024.

Pre-register today at: https:// www.lammashow.com/

ABOVE: Severn Trent talk Biosolids; RIGHT: Somero Enterprises Laser Screed Machines

Remove DIRT & WATER in the same mobile application

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Save waste costs, replacement value and labour

Simple ‘plug and play’ application Site permantely on a problematic machine or on a rotational cleanse across your fleet.

Whether it be to tackle one off contamination issues, or as a permanent fix to heavy use equipment to protect pumps, valves & cylinders etc.. or as a rotational cleanse on off-hire equipment.

KLEENOIL offer a completely free trial at your site ; with before and after independent oil analysis.

How safe are your team?

Every year too many workers are killed or injured through unnecessary contact with plant and machinery on construction sites and beyond.

Zonr plant proximity solution has been designed and built using Pathfindr’s technology expertise in collaboration with construction safety experts. It uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signals to create a virtual barrier around dangerous plant and equipment

A range of Labour Saving Mini Loaders and Dumpers to enhance Productivity and Safety on any job site.

Compact Loaders UK is the trading name of Ranger Equipment Ltd, who has an interesting history in the supply of niche compact machinery that create solutions to mechanise where larger machinery just can’t work. The aim is to enable safe working, with enhanced productivity and increased profitability to those who previously had to make do with old methods and sheer hard work.

Established in 1999 and originally from the aerial platform industry, Ranger became well known as The Spiderlift Company, a pioneer in the sales of specialist ‘Spider-Lift’ aerial platforms, which led to forming one of the UK’s first hire fleets dedicated to supply of the same. 2014 saw the sale of the rental division to Lifterz Ltd (now a division of Speedy).

“Hailing from the access industry from an early age in 1987, I was ready for a new direction by 2014. The sale of the Spiderlift Rental Division presented a crossroads and having pioneered with the Spiderlift machines I was ready for a new challenge,” says Steve Hadfield, Managing Director.

A niche manufacturer from Italy called MultiOne Srl caught Steve’s eye many years before and he maintained interest

in their progress throughout. With the feeling that a ‘labour crisis’ was looming, with talk of Brexit and other influences, Steve felt the time was right to get involved in MultiOne’s niche ‘labour saving’ MultiFunction Mini Loaders.

“In 2015, after numerous talks with the factory a deal was struck for us to become the UK importer for the MultiOne range of MultiFunction Mini Loaders. Luck would have it that I’d approached them at a time of accelerated product development and the next generation of Loaders was about to be launched. We didn’t realise at the time how this step was going to catapult Multione into an exciting period of growth and development and looking back, it’s been an amazing period to be involved with,” says Steve.

A re-branding to the trading name of Compact Loaders UK shortly followed and today the company has added to its arsenal of labour saving Mini Loaders with UK Importer status for SHERPA Mini Loaders (of The Netherlands) and TWINCA Electric Dumpers (of Denmark). The company’s mission is a simple but effective one, and its products, supply and support ethos certainly mirror it: →

“IT IS OUR MISSION TO HELP YOU TRANSFORM YOUR WORK BY ADDING PRODUCTIVITY AND REDUCING LABOUR & COSTS, WHILST ENHANCING SAFETY AND ADDING GENUINE VALUE TO YOUR PROFIT MARGINS.”

MultiOne

Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, MultiOne Srl are dedicated to the design and manufacture of MultiFunction Mini Loaders.

With a range of features reflected in very few other brands, MultiOne offer the broadest range of Loaders, from the diminutive 1 Series, to the class leading 11.9K. A total of 19 models are available, including the EZ range with zero emissions 100% Electric drivetrain.

‘Cab forward’ design to place the operator in a commanding position, looking directly down the boom and onto any attachment that may be fitted. This direct line of site is uninterrupted during steering, as the cab and seating position is mounted to the front chassis of the articulated steering design.

High flow auxiliary hydraulics (up-to 95 l/min), with quick connect attachments interface make the MultiOne amongst the most powerful attachments ‘tool carriers’ of their size.

The telescopic boom helps keep everything

compact, with class leading closed dimensions. Great reach is also achieved with maximum boom heights upto 3.6m, another class leading statistic.

The articulated steering, coupled with 4WD Hydrostatic Transmission make the MultiOne a go anywhere machine. DBS (Dynamic Block System) and Torque Divider are switchable, allowing for high traction when needed, but also can be set for minimal to no ground damage for delicate ground. With this a MultiOne can be engaged with challenging forestry or agricultural terrain in the morning, and switch to lawn mowing in the afternoon.

Low gross weight is another key feature, with many MultiOne owners choosing to transport their Loader by 3.5T plant trailer. This is even achievable with the flagship 11 Series models, with a gross weight of only 2320kgs and a max tipping load of 3180kgs, it offers the highest lifting capacity of any Telescopic Loader that can legally be transported this way.

“I refer to the SHERPA Mini Loader as our ‘greatest labour saver’ and it’s often overlooked due to it’s diminutive size. However, these little machines can work almost anywhere; they fit through single doors and gateways, the electric models work indoors and with a range of innovative attachments they reduce manual labour by a massive margin in spaces where machinery can’t normally be used,” says Steve.

SHERPA Mini loaders B.V. was founded in The Netherlands in the late 1980s and like MultiOne, is another brand with a long history of innovation and development. Initially the importer for BENELUX of the Opico Skidster, this transitioned into the SHERPA Mini Loader in the mid 1990s and ‘evolution, not revolution’ has continued ever since.

“The Opico Skidster of the 1980s was the original Mini Skidsteer Loader and SHERPA continued that heritage after Opico ceased production in the ‘90s. Often copied, but never rivalled, the SHERPA has remained the Mini Loader of choice across Europe and latterly the electric versions are the market leader in the internal demolition sector in the USA,” says Steve. “With several unique design features, and a build quality and design that is simply ‘bomb proof’, it’s not unusual to see 20+ year old SHERPA and upto 35 year old Skidster machines still in use today.”

The SHERPA is of ‘stand on design’, with compact dimensions. From just 76cm wide, only 150cm in length and around 135cm tall, many customers transport these diminutive Loaders in the back of their van!

SHERPA were the first to launch an Electric Skidsteer model as early as 2014 and this has become a favourite amongst internal Construction, Demolition and Soft-Strip professionals across the world. In countries like the USA where construction site labour cost is exceptionally high, it’s a real winner. The extended battery run time of 6 hours (continuous use in loading application) from one charge can be further enhanced with a battery ‘change-over’ system to allow multi-shift use of one machine.

The new Z Series is currently in launch, with some models already out with customers. This is a new range of ‘premium’ performance SHERPA Mini Loaders, with enhanced ergonomics, increased lifting capacity, higher torque transmission and much more. In 2020 the Z Series designers were rewarded with a European Product Design Award in the transportation category, based on a prototypehttps://www.productdesignaward.eu/ →

Sherpa

Twinca

TWINCA was the latest addition to the range, added in 2022 and is the ideal companion to the SHERPA Mini Loader, especially in electric guise. These are innovative machines, built to a very high quality level in Denmark from manufacturer TWINCA A/S.

“For our SHERPA customers looking for the ultimate in labour saving, adding a TWINCA Dumper makes great sense especially for internal applications. For example, an internal demolition or soft-strip team can be clearing the job site with SHERPA Electric Mini Loaders and use them to load the TWINCA. The Dumper can then transport loads of up to 8ookgs swiftly from indoors to outside where their high tipping capability can discharge into skips. Even high capacity Ro-Ro skips can be reached,” says Steve.

Just like the SHERPA, the TWINCA has an extended battery run time of up to 6 hours, which is ample for the typical 8hr shift patterns on UK sites nowadays. After shift, re-charging is achieved via an on board dual voltage charger; this is ‘self seeking’ from 110v to 240v.

“The TWINCA batteries are sealed, with no maintenance required, other than sufficient charging and are actually quite simple and cost effective, with a replacement costing in the region of only £500!” says Steve.

The Future

With this range of handy Compact Loaders and Dumpers, the company is very well placed to prosper in the current climate where site labour is becoming harder to find and retain. Labour costs are increasing and set to continue doing so at a gathering pace.

“Our customers turn to all our brands to help solve a developing labour shortage, but also to remain competitive or become more profitable

as labour costs are increasing at an alarming rate. The common response from our customers just a few months after investing in our equipment is along the lines of ‘I should have done this sooner’ or ‘it’s more than paying for itself’. It’s very satisfying for us to know that our equipment is well received and enhancing our customer’s business,” says Steve.

Email: info@compactloaders.co.uk

Web: www.compactloaders.co.uk

MultiOne www.multione.co.uk

Sherpa www.sherpaminiloaders.com

Twinca

www.electricdumpers.co.uk/twinca

THE ‘WRIGHT’ WAY FOR SUNBELT RENTALS

Andy

Having grown up in West Yorkshire, Andy Wright has come a long way since his apprenticeship as a cable jointer having left school at the age of 16. He is a classic example of someone who has been the architect of their own future career path. Andy is proof that if you have determination and are willing to learn skills and gain knowledge along the way, exciting opportunities will arise, and doors will open.

We open our conversation talking about education. It’s a topic close to Andy’s heart, not least because he, like many at that time, left secondary education without a degree despite being a conscientious scholar who enjoyed reading and learning; something he still relishes to this day. Andy says he was fortunate to have opportunities during his early career, and that is why he is such an avid believer in helping the people who work at Sunbelt personally and professionally develop.

“There are more people now who come into the plant industry, including those who join Sunbelt Rentals, having completed degrees, and that’s great. Equally, we also have a lot of very intelligent people who haven’t had the same level of education. Sunbelt employs 4200 people in the UK and we are working hard with initiatives designed to unlock the whole potential of the organisation. We are a people focused business; our people are at the heart of what we do. So, if we have 4200 people all thinking about the business, all trying to improve, all seeking new ideas and initiatives, and feeling secure to do that, then we create a very powerful organisation.”

As he is talking about this, his commitment to this approach is clear to see. Andy reflects on his own education and career path, which leads us on to his early working years.

After a four-year apprenticeship working with high voltage equipment, installing electrical cables into houses, and a couple of years “doing his own

thing” Andy decided he wanted a role that combined his technical knowledge with a sales role. In 1989, he joined the generator specialists, Aggreko as a sales engineer, and was based at the Doncaster depot, which at that time was only their fifth in the UK.

“Aggreko was growing very fast at that time, and it was an excellent grounding to be part of a high-growth business. But, above all, Aggreko taught me about the importance of being ‘people focused’ in a business.”

Aggreko encouraged Andy to embark on a business sponsored programme to gain a Certificate in Management Studies. He performed well and really enjoyed the experience, saying that to this day, how much he enjoys reading about management theory with a penchant for textbooks. This led him to applying to do an MBA at Leeds Business School. By this time Andy had “in the real business world” become Depot Manager at Doncaster for Aggreko.

“Leeds Business School was reluctant to accept me because I didn’t have a prior degree. They agreed on the basis of me completing a post-graduate diploma in the first year. (Ironically, the content was the same as the MBA.) So, I

combined my role as Depot Manager, with attending the course in the evenings, and at weekends, as well as helping to bring up a young family. It was quite a task juggling it all.”

Andy has a sense of humour. He tells me about how he introduced himself when he joined the course.

“With the surname Wright, I’m always towards the end of an alphabetical list. I quietly listened to everyone talk about their list of degrees and qualifications, feeling slightly inadequate. So, when it came to my turn, I simply introduced myself as a depot manager, who didn’t have a degree but was a very well-balanced person because I had a chip on both shoulders where education was concerned. There was a moment of silence in the room, before laughter erupted. I enjoyed that.”

It was during this time, that Andy realised that while his fellow students had qualifications, most of them did not know anything about how to run a business. Already working in the ‘real world of business’ as a depot manager, Andy’s practical experience came to the fore, giving him the knowledgeable edge during debates and discussions. It gave him a great deal confidence and laid those ‘famous chips’ to rest!

Andy continued to work for Aggreko up to 1995. He left to pursue other opportunities, but re-joined when they “enticed him back” in 2000. Returning to the company, it was not long before he became Managing Director for Northern Europe. This remit covered primarily the UK, as well as Ireland and Scandinavia.

“THERE WAS A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN THE ROOM, BEFORE LAUGHTER ERUPTED. I ENJOYED THAT.”

“This opportunity, at the time, was quite a step up for me so the offer was a huge draw. I stayed there for another six years.”

In 2007, Andy joined the Lavendon group (now Loxam) at a time when they were acquiring various businesses in the UK market.

“My role was to continue this acquisition trail and integrate them into one coherent organisation within the group. Then, we had the great crash of 2008! I remember vividly November 2008 when 1000 machines came off hire in just one week, casting great doubt on what the next year would look like. It was a tough time, with a lot of difficult decisions, and significant restructuring. We planned for three different scenarios which we called Evolution, Revolution and Armageddon. They were on the shelf waiting in preparation for what Q1 of 2009 brought with it.”

Lavendon wasn’t alone. Other businesses were suffering too, with the industry in turmoil. Despite revenues falling by around 30%, Andy was proud to have been at the helm, keeping the business profitable, saying that if they hadn’t had the foresight to plan, the outcome would have been quite different.

Andy was then given the Middle East as an additional responsibility, which he recalls as being “a real jewel in the Lavendon crown”, much smaller in terms of revenue, but much higher in margin. The region continued to grow even though the rest of the world was in financial meltdown. However, the Middle East operation suddenly “hit a brick wall in 2009”.

“It was more project based, so once these started to end, many western contractors and investors moved away from the business, and didn’t come back. The business in the Middle East started to decline. I was asked to take it on to see if I could turn it around. So, in May 2010, my wife and I went on a sabbatical for six months to the Middle East so that I could immerse myself into their business culture to gain a better understanding of some of the challenges.”

At the time, Andy was also looking after the UK and with the time and working week differences, knew that it was going to be difficult combining the

running of two businesses. The new international business development opportunity appealed to him, even though it was smaller than the UK, so he opted to concentrate on the Middle East.

“I remember at the time saying that I could either do two average jobs or one good one. I thought the Middle East would be good experience, and that it would be a new personal challenge. My wife and I ended up moving out there, living in Dubai, for the best part of six years. The business gained momentum and we expanded into India. There was a lot of opportunity for travel, so I spent time in India, Indonesia, South Korea, parts of Africa, and a whole range of countries. It was a fascinating time, going to different places, understanding different ways of working and meeting different people.”

I ask Andy what brought him back to the UK? He tells me that he always had a plan. I’m not surprised to hear this.

“It wasn’t unusual for people to go out to Dubai on a whim, knowing they could work hard and play hard too. The problem was many didn’t have a plan and would come back broke. We went there with a financial objective that we wanted to achieve, and yes, had a good time but we also knew that ultimately, we wanted to come back to be with our family, who were grown up by then. We returned to the UK at the end of 2015. At that time, I had no real intention of getting back into the corporate world because I had other plans.”

Those plans were put ‘on hold’ when in early 2016 Speedy offered Andy the position of Southern MD, which soon extended to Managing Director for the UK and Ireland. A couple of years on, this led to a conversation with Ashtead Group with Andy taking on the role of COO of A-Plant in February 2019.

“It was too good to turn down! Ashtead has been one of the most successful businesses on the London Stock Exchange for the last 15 years, and of course, Sunbelt Rentals - as part of the Ashtead Group - is a phenomenally successful business in the United States and in Canada. I knew I had to take the plunge because it would probably be the last career move I ever made, so I accepted.”

Andy enjoyed his time at Speedy and explains that it was also a tough decision to leave because there are some good people there, but the right one, nonetheless. His progression at A-Plant in the UK was swift. New additional responsibility for Andy and the CFO arose when the CEO role at A-Plant became vacant. Andy evidently impressed ‘the powers that be’ at Ashtead Group. In February 2020, little more than a year on, he was promoted to CEO of A-Plant. A month later, and an exciting new strategy was launched for the business during the major annual conference in Manchester, just a couple of weeks before lockdown was announced.

“When I took over in 2019 with joint responsibility for the UK rental business, we conducted a strategic review of the entire Ashtead organisation. We did it internally, rather than using consultants, and spent six months thoroughly analysing everything we did, working with team leaders across the business and listening to customers. We asked them what was good, what was bad, where the issues were, and what we could do better. We spent six months building up a plan which we called Project Unify.”

Andy explains that at the time, A-Plant comprised a collection of silos, with 26 different businesses and a variety of specialist brands operating as separate entities. He said it felt disjointed, and confusing in the marketplace. Project Unify has brought all the brands together, trading as one - Sunbelt Rentals UK - forming the basis for the business strategy.

“It was a powerful initiative which resulted in our rebrand to Sunbelt Rentals in 2020, unveiled at our conference in Manchester. It means all our businesses in Ashtead Group now share the Sunbelt Rentals brand as part of our strategy, which has been developed to enhance the customer experience. These businesses all have their expertise and specialisms in their individual markets, and by unifying the brand, our customers can now benefit from these services as part of one package. It makes it easy for customers to do business with us.”

But, the Covid-19 pandemic was

taking hold at the time. On 23 March 2020, lockdown commenced, and Sunbelt Rentals was called upon to get involved in providing the NHS Covid Testing Centres.

“We felt privileged to be able to support the UK at a time of crisis. Of course, we could never have envisaged the pandemic, and the project was a test for us too. It actually brought our Unified strategy to life as we had to combine all our products and services to be able to deliver the project. Within days of launching our initiative, we were putting it into practice. It forced us to work together, and to get to know our colleagues. We ended up providing over 500 Covid testing centres, which accounted for around 85% of the national solution.”

To fulfil this meant significant investment in fleet and products. Initially the contracts were for 4 to 6 sites over a four-to-six-week period, but obviously that changed beyond all comprehension as the pandemic escalated with sites staying operational for over two years. All 500 plus of them were demobilised between April and June 2022, a significant logistical feat in such a short timeframe.

“WE FELT PRIVILEGED TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE UK AT A TIME OF CRISIS.” →

“Having invested so heavily in these sites, we always knew that one of the challenges was to fill the gap in revenue once they disappeared. We created a plan, and we are now poised to fill all that revenue on an ongoing basis, and we’ve done that in the last six months. Our teams have done an incredible job in winning new customers, extending markets and winning even greater share of markets we already have existing contracts with.”

Sunbelt Rentals appears to be going from strength to strength, with strategic rebranding and re-organisation playing a pivotal role. So how easy has been to implement change on such a large scale?

“Change is always difficult but it’s much easier if you include people in the process. We included over 2000 of our colleagues and customers over a six-month period, looking at the business, giving us their ideas. We weren’t just paying lip service to people; it was a genuinely inclusive and collaborative process and we listened. I think people value that. As a result of their involvement, they also understood the reasons for change and as a team, we built our vision, mission and shared values. That mission is based on us delivering a world class service, with everyone understanding what our shared values are, what we believe in and stand for, as well as what defines our behaviour towards our customers and colleagues.

He adds, “Rebranding a business is not easy. There are so many emotions attached to brands, especially from an internal perspective, but by including and involving our people, and letting them speak out and communicate their opinions, we worked as a team to deliver this.”

With 26 specialist businesses within the group, one of the concerns about rebranding was that they could lose their identity, their expertise and become a generalist organisation.

“These expert specialist businesses still operate in their own right, but rebranding has allowed us to combine these resources to provide a total 360 solution for our customers. We have got strong engagement and it’s working well.”

Andy explains why they chose Sunbelt Rentals for the UK rebrand, recalling how he had to pitch the idea to Ashtead Group’s CEO.

“Ashtead Group through investment and acquisition has grown Sunbelt Rentals to be the most valuable rental brand in the world, so why would we not be called that? I had to convince our Group CEO that we would live up to the brand values in the same way as they do in the States and Canada.”

He reflects on the official rebrand announcement at the A-Plant Conference in 2020. The event started out as A-Plant, and while everyone was in the conference, the area outside was completely rebranded to Sunbelt Rentals. Andy changed his shirt from A-Plant to Sunbelt Rentals and went back on stage saying: “You’re now part of business that is the Apple, the Microsoft, the Google or Tesla of our industry. It’s now time to step up and be world class.”

“Being world class is based on attitude. I remember saying at the conference, ‘when you get up in the morning, you can decide to be world class, so when the phone rings, we want the phone answered in a great way and for you to give great service to our customers.’ And our people have embraced this; they really have taken on board our ‘world class’ mindset, and our values, and they are seeing the benefits. And so are our customers.”

In tandem with this, is Sunbelt Rentals’ initiative to improve operational excellence called the OpX programme. This has led to the introduction of lean management techniques raising the quality and standards across all Sunbelt locations.

“We are constantly trying to raise the bar. We want to set new

standards and our depots are proving to be really proactive in doing this. As a result, we are delivering a better service than we were two years ago. We know this because we have our own internal system to measure customer satisfaction, and we can see that our OpX programme is driving improvement throughout the business.”

It is not surprising to learn that Sunbelt Rentals has been the recipient of a multitude of industry awards, especially over the last couple of years, including European Rental Association Large Business of the Year. Sunbelt Rentals’ apprentices have also won accolades, including Apprentice of the Year awards. A female powered access engineer was among the winners. Andy talks with pride about the success of Sunbelt Rentals’ apprentices saying there has been a lot of work around equality and diversity.

Sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives also form a key part of Sunbelt Rentals’ strategy. In the last 2.5 years, there has been over £100 million of capital investment in reduced, or zeroemission products.

“We believe it is the right thing to do, and we are absolutely focused on our

sustainable agenda. And we have got to do this really well. It’s not always easy because manufacturers are bringing products to market, and not always talking or collaborating with others, with some focusing on electric, others on hydrogen and HVO. We’re fortunate to have a good financial platform to build from (and it’s still a big decision for us) but many smaller businesses aren’t in this position. Many follow our lead because they are hoping we get it right, and it is important to us that we lead by example.”

He adds: “We are leading in the area of clean energy with an 800 strong fleet of battery storage units, with a high take-up from customers who are benefiting, not just in terms of zero-carbon and zero noise, but also saving on traditional fuel costs.”

Andy also explains how the role of the generator on sites is changing, saying “the generator is only there to top up the battery; it is the battery that drives the work.”

He is keen to add: “I fear that green strategy can be a commercial marketing gimmick for some companies, and we’re not into ‘green washing’ that’s for sure.

We genuinely want to make a difference, and play our part in protecting the planet, and do the right thing. As the market leader, we aim to inspire others to do the same. They’ll have to do it if they want to compete with us.”

Andy says, ‘’We are a business with a vision, but we are also a business with a purpose’’ and he also talks about their ‘green agenda’ being part of Sunbelt Rentals’ purpose. Central to this purpose is the desire to transform people’s lives, which Andy says can be summarised through 4 C’s, these being: ‘’our colleagues, our customers, the communities that we work in and in terms of the climate for future generations to come.”

He explains how they are helping colleagues be the best they can be through investing in their development; providing opportunities to help people increase their self-esteem and boost their confidence through being successful, alongside wellbeing programmes and mental health support.

“We are passionate about Sunbelt Rentals’ sense of purpose in helping to transform lives. We have a number of internal initiatives to support this. And for our customers, we aim to transform their lives by supporting them in achieving their objectives, by delivering great service with low or zero-emission products to meet carbon reduction goals.”

This sense of purpose extends to community work and charitable support, including involvement with the ‘Weapons Down Gloves Up’ programme, working alongside the ex-World Champion Boxer, Tony Bellew. The programme helps to take young people off the street, educate them, and provide them full-time employment at the end of it.

‘’We have an excellent retention rate, with more than 90% of them still in

employment after a year.”

He adds: “It’s a great national programme that companies can get involved with. The young people we work with are taken to a boxing gym, train with a boxer for four weeks, before entering an educational programme. They then get an SCS card, and they are then offered a job at the end of it.”

Sunbelt Rentals has also appointed Social Ambassadors within the business to champion such causes. Every employee has two volunteering days available to them for causes they are passionate about, so they can volunteer for local community projects or participate in charity work and events, with Andy saying this compassion “is fundamental to who we are as a business”.

We talk about recruitment, which Andy says is different now to years ago with the younger generation “choosing you, rather than you choosing them”.

“They want to work for a company that aligns with their own values, so our commitment to reducing carbon emissions through investment in ‘green’ products and our support for eco-friendly initiatives, plays a big part in this respect. We are always being innovative in the green space and it’s a key focus for our business. Looking at the broader picture, we want to lead in ESG, and we believe we are doing that as a business.”

“WE GENUINELY WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND PLAY OUR PART IN PROTECTING THE PLANET AND DO THE RIGHT THING.”

Sunbelt Rentals played a prominent role at COP26 in Glasgow and the G7 summit, providing all the infrastructure for both these carbon neutral events. This extended to the provision of electric bikes and EV charging solutions to support 230 Jaguar iPaces for the police to drive visitors around in.

We also talk about ‘safety’ as another core value of the business with Andy summing up this by saying, “if the work can’t be done safely, it won’t be done”. The business hosts annual Hall of Fame Awards of which one category is the Value Award for Safety. In 2022, this was presented to an engineer who refused to carry out a repair on a customer site because he didn’t believe it could be done safely.

“Until it was made safe, he refused to do it, which wasn’t an easy thing to do because he was under pressure to get the machine working again. We have celebrated him because that was the right answer. At Sunbelt, we give everyone the power to do this, without

fear of getting into trouble. Safety is, and always will be, a top priority.”

Following the rebranding, Sunbelt Rentals launched the concept of their 360 Solutions to give customers total support with their projects. Sunbelt has adopted a strapline aptly named, ‘Leave the How to Us’ with an accompanying video. https://www.sunbeltrentals.co.uk/ about-us/leave-the-how-to-us/

The key message is that Sunbelt wants to ‘empower customers to do what they do best, and the leave their problems to them’. It’s certainly effective with a message that resonates in a powerful way.

“We are unique because of the breadth of product and services we offer and combining them, allows us to provide our customers with a total solution. It is proving very powerful. The NHS test centres are a good example of this. We can build a whole compound for a customer if they need it, from the design phase, utilising BIM models, virtual reality capture or drone technology, through to accommodation, lighting power, charging, trackway, fencing and so on, and then to provide project management during installation and operation set-up with ongoing site facilities management if required. Our 360 Solutions are proving successful for our business, and through this approach we have shown customers how they can reduce costs, increase quality and safety

“SAFETY IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, A TOP PRIORITY.”

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and reduce carbon, by single sourcing their full temporary infrastructure requirement.”

So, with the current economic uncertainty in the UK, I ask Andy for his views on how he feels this will affect the industry, and what the trends might be.

“We all listen to the news and hear the Bank of England and the OBR warning us about the threat of a one or two year recession. We have a tendency to talk ourselves into a recession, and people lose confidence and stop investing, so I hope it doesn’t come to that. We have the highest rate of inflation for 40 years, and whilst interest rates are not as high as they have been in the past, with house prices having risen the way they have, as a proportion of people’s income, mortgages are the highest they have been for 40 years. And, compounding this are supply chain issues – Brexit, Covid and the war in Ukraine are all having an impact. While these may be difficult times, Sunbelt Rentals is actually seeing more demand, more projects and our customers are bullish about the next 12 months. We are never complacent, but there is a very optimistic mood here at Sunbelt Rentals in the UK.”

Andy also admits while construction is to some extent a driver of the UK economy, he believes the government could be doing more to keep the UK at the front of new and emerging markets. He tells me that in America, there are trillions of dollars being invested in new technologies under the CHIPS and IRA schemes. An example he gives is the substantial investment in semi-conductor technology and gigafactories.

“I believe there is in the region of 117 gigafactories in China, around seven in Europe, and none in the UK. I think the UK really needs to invest in this to keep us in the game, otherwise we are going to get left behind again.”

We bring the conversation back to Sunbelt Rentals. While being the UK’s largest rental equipment brand, and of course a UK plc, 90% of Sunbelt Rentals’ business is in the States and Canada. Despite this, the UK remains an important influencer, largely because a significant proportion of the shareholders of Ashtead Group are UK based.

“We are working more collaboratively with our colleagues in the US and

Canada than ever before. We are learning from each other, and playing to our strengths, which is enabling us to spend more time together, operate well as a group, and fast-track improvements. In just two years, I can see the difference. It’s a really good place to be right now.”

As we chat, it is evident that Andy has a genuine sense of optimism and excitement, with a clear vision for the future of Sunbelt Rentals. The Project Unify strategy has been the foundation for this, bringing positive changes in a short period of time.

Andy says, “My job as a leader of the business is to create the vision, and to hopefully inspire our people to work towards that vision. That’s my role. I also must ensure there are no barriers or blockages, but with a business of this size, I obviously rely on others within the organisation to do it the right way. I also say that my role is to ensure that everyone has the ability to do their job properly. I’m delighted that our people at Sunbelt have bought into our vision, and instinctively know what to do, because they identify with, and share our corporate values.”

“ I FEEL PRIVILEGED THAT I AM IN A ROLE TO HELP OTHERS; IT REALLY EXCITES ME.”

→

Talking to Andy, it is also clear to see that he is a real people’s person; an effective motivator with the ability to inspire others. He may be CEO, but he is evidently very approachable with the rare ability to be at one with the team – all 4200 of them! Andy is animated as he explains how much satisfaction he gets out of supporting people in the business, and watching them evolve their careers, or grow on a personal level.

“I started out as an apprentice digging holes in the road for cables and now I’m leading the largest rental business in the UK. It didn’t happen all because of me. I had a lot of support, mentoring and coaching from people who saw something in me along the way. These people gave me opportunities to grow, and even if I failed, they helped to pick me back up again. I want to do the same for the people in this business, so that every one of our 4200 people can be the best they can be, and achieve what they want to be. We want to support colleagues to have great careers, and we want our people to enjoy their time here too. I feel privileged that I am in a role to help others; it really excites me.”

And with this same sense of optimism, Andy says that he wants the Sunbelt brand to ‘own the future of rental’, stressing that is not meant as an arrogant statement. By this he talks of Sunbelt wanting to influence and lead the rental sector into a new era, describing the present as “probably the most exciting time to be involved with the technological shift towards eco-friendly products,” adding that it is also “probably the

most challenging time”.

As CEO of the largest rental equipment brand in the UK, I can’t help but ask if Andy ever has any spare time for hobbies or interests. He has already mentioned his desire to continually gain knowledge, and tells me that he is a big reader, loving anything from ‘fiction to management theory’. Andy also enjoys sport and getting out at weekends to ‘walk the dog’, as well as spending time with his seven grandchildren.

It was Benjamin Franklin who famously said: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” That investment in knowledge appears to have served Andy Wright very well. The future looks very bright for Sunbelt Rentals; for its people, and its customers. We conclude what has been a thoroughly interesting and inspiring interview for Plant Planet. n

COMPANY PROFILE

sMT GB is the exclusive dealer of Volvo Construction Equipment and K-Tec Earthmover products in Great Britain. In addition to delivering industry-leading product support, SMT GB also provides a range of end-to-end solutions, which ensure customer investments are protected and profits are maximised.

SMT GB’s fully electric machine range includes the 2.7t Volvo ECR25 Electric excavator and 3.5t L25 Electric wheeled loader, with the smaller Volvo ECR18 Electric and L20 Electric due to be added to the range soon. Equipped with a battery that provides up to 8 hours of operation, as well as providing breakout, tear out and lift forces equal to that of their diesel counterparts, the ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric are versatile and capable compact machines that greatly reduce pollution in every environment they are deployed in, ensuring they are the perfect working partners in agricultural, landscaping, protected group, subterranean, urban and utilities applications. →

SMT GB has also recently become an official distributor of Unicontrol in addition to the Volvo Dig Assist machine control platforms which is also available. Unicontrol is suitable for compact equipment from 5t upwards, can be fitted to mixed brands and is fully retrofittable for equipment already in the field.

Both Dig Assist and Unicontrol utilise advanced GPS and 2D/3D modelling technology to allow operators to work more independently with a “dig once” approach.

Aside from physical products, SMT GB also provides a broad range of digital solutions to ensure customers are optimising the efficiency and productivity of their fleet.

Site Sim(ulation) and Drone Services support site efficiency improvements and the advanced operator training programmes ensure all aspects affecting Total Cost of Ownership and productivity are considered as well as a clear focus on the reduction of carbon emissions.

The recent launch of the MySMT customer portal provides customers with a single digital point of access for fleet data, servicing and parts ordering as well as information from Volvo’s CareTrack system and SMT’s proactive monitoring service, ProCare.

Finally, to ensure that customers’ investments are protected, SMT GB can provide extended warranty plus three levels of Customer Support Agreements which offer reduced cost of ownership, improved uptime and peace of mind, regardless of budget or fleet size. n

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

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SMT GB CAN PROVIDE EXTENDED WARRANTY PLUS THREE LEVELS OF CUSTOMER SUPPORT AGREEMENTS WHICH OFFER REDUCED COST OF OWNERSHIP, IMPROVED UPTIME AND PEACE OF MIND, REGARDLESS OF BUDGET OR FLEET SIZE.

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OUTLOOK FOR PILING EQUIPMENT 2023

MARKET GROWTH:

The construction industry continues to expand and develop worldwide after the effects of Covid 19. Infrastructure is the second largest sector of construction and is expected to be a potential catalyst behind the growth of the piling market.

This is due to the high demand of renovation and remodelling projects that are set to take place throughout 2023 opening a wealth of opportunities for the piling machinery market.

Piling equipment is being expanded and adapted by other big businesses. In 2022, Sany Group expanded its equipment range into the piling market. Sany launched its SR235 multi-purpose piling rig series into the UK market in April last year. The Piling Rig is powered by a Stage V TAD 1181VE Volvo engine and offers different modes with rotary large diameter piles, continuous flight auger, casing and low headroom options. The SR235M and SR285M multi-purpose rigs are the first in a series that will cover all aspects of augured, drilled, and driven piling and are looking to further expand with a smaller and lighter SR125 mode.

With such high continued growth in the market, there is increasing pressure to meet the industry’s new environmental standards.

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ECO-FRIENDLY EQUIPMENT:

The construction industry is looking to a more sustainable future with cleaner and greener solutions being implemented with net zero targets in sight. However, with electrification looking to be a key trend going forward in 2023, piling equipment is also exploring other ways to adapt to more eco-friendly practices.

Hydraulic hammers are looking to take the lead in more eco-friendly equipment as they gradually replace diesel hammers. Hydraulic impact pile hammers are a more updated variation of the diesel impact hammer, however the hydraulic hammer releases no exhaust fumes and also has a significantly lower noise level.

In early 2022, Britain’s new high speed rail network, HS2, trialled and installed 40 Hiper Piles. The innovation combines a number of technological breakthroughs to deliver the first major change in the piling industry for over 70 years!

Hiper Piles claim environmentally friendly qualities by cutting embedded carbon emissions in half. Instead of using solid concrete foundation piles, Hyper Piles uses recyclable hollow ones, created from a steel waste product that lowers the carbon-intensive cement content by up to 70%.

Many equipment leaders are looking towards electrification on the road to net zero and piling equipment is no different. In October 2021, Finnish company Junttan premiered the world’s first electric pile driving rig. In the coming years, Junttan will be heavily investing in a completely new generation of electric rig models which are currently in development. This all gives the impression that the electrification of piling equipment is on the rise in 2023.

TECHNIQUES:

INTELLIGENT PILE DRIVING EQUIPMENT

Today, businesses are looking to develop an intelligent pile driving system to bring efficiency in their equipment. For this, the hammer energy is regulated in real-time by measuring a range of variables including vibrations and sound levels. By measuring these levels, operators can see which methods need to be altered to decrease the energy consumption of the equipment.

PRESS-IN PILING

Press-in piling is poised to be a new adapted method of piling this year. Press-in piling installs sheet piles that don’t have the same noise and vibration issues as hammering or vibratory piling, therefore providing a noise and vibration

free method of installing piling

VACUUM EVACUATION (ZERO TRIM) PILING

Traditional concrete piling has significant health and safety risks for workers due to concrete being overpoured and the excess concrete then having to be broken out. The ‘zero trim’ method, involves sucking out the excess concrete while it is still wet. This means the zero trim method uses less concrete, and the extracted concrete is used and repurposed elsewhere on site. This not only giving an eco-friendlier approach, but also a saving on costs.

TECHNOLOGY:

In this modern-day, digital technologies are essential. Implementing up-to-date

technologies in piling machines is likely to be a new trend in 2023 and over the coming years. Manufacturers are putting more effort into developing intelligent pile driving systems, to not only make their equipment more efficient, but also to give consumers more safety and dependability.

These technologies include Wi-Fi and advanced monitoring and control systems, allowing the operator to stay in control of the piling process at all times. Immediate data systems (IoT) also allow for instant feedback, ensuring operators can monitor any unstable movement and prevent equipment damages, ensuring a more efficient process. n

GIVES THE UK RENTAL MARKETS A GREEN LIGHT

Photo credit: Sunbelt

Trime remains a leading manufacturer and supplier of site lighting towers to the UK rental markets. They have a comprehensive range of lighting towers, affording the rental industry an enhanced choice of lighting sets. With environmental issues prominent in the rental markets, and in particular the use of fossil fuels to power construction machinery, Trime has pressed forward in producing an expanding range of lighting towers that operate from

renewable energy. Their ultimate aim is to only offer emission-free lighting towers by 2025, in effect becoming ‘net-zero’ in just two years’ time.

Marketed under their T-ZERO PRO brand, Trime currently has a complete line of solar, solar hybrid, battery hybrid, plug-in, and batteryonly lighting towers all equipped to deliver safe, bright illumination for a wide range of applications. All Trime lighting towers feature energysaving, long-lasting LED lamps. →

When a rental company chooses a Trime lighting product, they become immediate recipients of a package of services each aimed to ensure that every rental customer receives a first-class experience. These services include:

SERVICE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Comprehensive training for maintenance and repair – onsite or via video link

• Product training and advanced marketing programmes

• Extensive stocks of quality spare parts ready for immediate despatch

• Online up-to-date data sheets detailing product specifications

• Access to the Trime design teams for product customisation

• A commitment from the Trime team to continually re-evaluate all Trime products to ensure that a rental company always has access to the latest machinery for their fleet

One of Trime’s latest innovations is the X-SOLAR. This emission-free and noise-free lighting tower is fitted with four 60-watt energy-saving LED lamps fitted to a fully galvanised 8.5-metre mast. The X-SOLAR delivers a

light coverage of 2400 square metres, and will provide excellent illumination 24 hours a day 7 days a week, even in the furthest northern parts of the UK. The compact dimensions of the X-SOLAR mean that four units can be loaded onto one single truck which helps to reduce the amount of traffic arriving at a site. The build of the

X-SOLAR is robust, with galvanized metal works, and an 80 µm powder coating finish, making it ideally suited for the rental markets. For safe handling and efficient manoeuvrability the frame of the X-SOLAR is fitted with forklift pockets and a central lifting eye. Safety is also heightened by the AMOSS security system, which automatically lowers the mast if the lighting set is moved whilst the mast is still

erected. Unlike many lighting towers on the market, this device is included as standard on the X-SOLAR machine. For all rental firms supplying the construction, rail, outside events, and utility markets who are seeking carbonneutral site lighting, the X-SOLAR is the ideal lighting solution.

Trime also offers some optional features for the X-SOLAR including; a telemetry system for remote location and operational monitoring, an automatic startup PIR operation, and handy dimmable lighting. →

Through its close links with the rental markets, Trime is aware that individual rental organisations have separate requirements. To meet these demands, Trime has a dedicated design team that can produce bespoke lighting towers that satisfy case-by-case necessities.

Leading rental firms including Sunbelt Rentals, Illumin8, GAP, and Boels Rental have all recently invested in Trime equipment. Sunbelt Rentals have produced a short video that details their Trime-powered solar lights. The video can be viewed on YouTubeSunbelt Rentals Trime X-SOLAR video. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Wsx1r3uedV0

The environmental qualities of Trime have been formally recognised by the granting of a World Green Apple Award for their X-SOLAR lighting tower. The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as the country’s major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities, and countries. The Green Organisation is dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practices around the world. The Green Organisation and The Green Apple Awards have become well-established as one of the most popular environmental campaigns in the world. https://www. thegreenorganisation.info/

Trime’s UK managing director, Paul Hay said, “We have seen a big increase in demand for low emission and emission-free lighting towers. Major infrastructure projects such as HS2 are actively encouraging their contractors to turn to sustainable methods to light their sites. In addition, with the end of rebated red diesel, contractors are asking their

rental partners for more economical methods to power lighting sets.”

In just seven years, Trime UK has emerged into a company with a multimillion turnover spearheaded by a team of twelve highly experienced people, led by managing director, Paul Hay. The team includes a technical director, alongside four sales managers, a technical manager, and a recently appointed sales manager to promote their DOA range of hydraulic machinery. They now command around 70% market share of the UK and Ireland’s rental industry lighting markets, with a line of products that is believed to be the world’s largest range of environmentally weighted lighting towers. 90% of Trime UK’s business is with rental organisations. Their clients include multidepot nationally operating firms, event experts, and lighting tower specialists. However, Trime UK has experienced a rise in the growth of smaller regional and individually owned and managed companies. Helping these types of organisations grow and develop new markets with emission-restricted solar, battery, and hybrid technology is a high priority for Trime.

Although highly regarded for the lighting products, Trime also has a wide range of associated equipment ideally suited for the rental and construction markets. Trime has individual divisions that encompass power generation, fuel tanks, dust suppression, and equipment wash bays. Through their DOA and Italifters businesses Trime offer an extensive line of hydraulic equipment, and advanced lifting tools.

It’s been a hectic seven years for Trime UK; evolving from a start-up in 2016 to the market-leading supplier of lighting

towers and associated equipment in the UK and Ireland, however, with the experienced hands of Paul Hay at the helm, the company is already gearing up for further growth and an expansion of market share.

Trime UK is headquartered in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire; their manufacturing plants are based near Milan, Italy. n

DON’T CHANGE OIL

ACHIEVE CARBON SAVINGS AND FINANCIAL SAVINGS IN ONE SIMPLE MAINTENANCE CHANGE

Are you about to change your machines oil – just because its dirty or wet ? ….. or do you still utilise time-based preventative maintenance to change oil and filters?

Why stop that machine for a day?

Why laboriously empty all that old oil into transfer?

Why pay to have it taken away?

Why pay for a full tank of brand-new oil?

…and why to see it immediately get dirty from all the old oil pushing out of the lines and cylinders ?

There is a better solution that saves money; is kinder to the oil, kinder to the machine and kinder to the environment!

- Don’t change oil – KLEENOIL

Oil can be cleaned – in tank –during operation – to levels that will maintain it to as ‘clean as new’!

KLEENOIL – Natural Cellulose Depth

By-pass oil filtration – has an ultra-fine, slow principle of cleansing & drying oils. This is a method to continuously filter a percentage of oil to far finer levels to remove the particulates, sludge & moisture that would normally be missed by standard filtration. By continuously removing these contaminants the aging effect of such catalysts are minimised so maintaining a constant oil cleanliness to within OEM parameters. The result – no need to change oil.

The Carbon benefits

• OIL … consider if every machine on your site was to just double its oil life? You would half your oil consumption; as a finite resource & equally half your oil wastage, contributing to carbon savings throughout the entire supply chain from delivery through to waste.

• PARTS ... Through constant cleanliness = less abrasion = better operation = equipment lasts longer, with less ‘blockages’, sticking valves

or failing pumps…. pumps seem to be an accepted consumable & they shouldn’t be if looked after properly – all these ‘replacement parts’ if reduced; contribute to not only financial but carbon savings throughout the supply chain.

• EFFICIENCY – Cleaner, better operation will result in less downtime and interruption that potentially wastes on power supply and human intervention.

The financial savings

• OIL SAVINGS - What was your oil spend last year? Extend oil life by as much as 10 times alongside scheduled condition monitoring.

• PARTS SAVINGS – Constantly cleaned oils reduces wear on components and the inevitable result is increased machine life. Reduce machine & component wear

• DOWNTIME – Less down time is simply more uptime! Increase machine availability through reducing downtime.

Employing affordable fine filtration alongside condition monitoring will give confidence in extending oil life safely and KLEENOIL will do all of that for you on an agreed free maintenance schedule.

TRAVIS PERKINS LAUNCHES BRAND NEW HIRE PRODUCT GUIDE

Hire Product Guide includes zero carbon emissions products to help customers make sustainable choices.

Travis Perkins Hire, which is part of Travis Perkins plc and is the UK’s largest distributor of materials to the construction sector, has launched its latest Hire Product Guide. The comprehensive guide boasts a deeper range of (over 70,000) products than ever before

The product guide also now includes a range of battery, electric plant and solar powered products that enable a reduction of ‘In Use’ carbon emissions on any construction or building site. This means that customers can now make informed decisions about the emissions of their equipment.

As well as low carbon tools and equipment, the guide includes a range of accommodation and added extras for customers’ wellbeing onsite, an increased range of powered access and plant products, meaning they will have everything they need to make an informed, smart, sustainable, safe decision about the best products to have on site.

The products from the Hire Guide are available at over 250 Travis Perkins Hire outlets across the UK. The new range can be accessed through the updated Hire Guide available in branch or online via Travis Perkins website. In an effort to make hiring the equipment you need as simple as possible, customers just need to add the products to a basket and receive a quote for the duration of hire.

The guide also includes new, handy icons that advise on the PPE required for each product, icons to let customers know how heavy the products are and symbols to show which products emit zero CO2 when used.

To protect customers and give them peace of mind Travis Perkins also offers a leading Accidental Damage and Loss Waiver option. 15% of the hire cost will protect customers against damage or loss to the purchase value of £50,000, while 20% of the hire cost protects you against damage or loss to the purchase value of between £50,000 and £100,000.

Alice Wise, Head of Category at Travis Perkins Hire says, “We are so thrilled to be extending our product range with the launch of our latest digital Hire Product Guide. We’ve particularly proud to have partnered with a number of key brands to provide a range of zero direct emissions products (when in use) and this means our customers can make more sustainable choices about what hire equipment they use on site.”

The launch comes as Travis Perkins recently refreshed its plant safety handover videos that are mandatory for operators to watch before using the equipment. A text link to the video is also sent at the point of order or delivery too. Each hire video outlines the risks and hazards of using the hire vehicles and what measures operators should take to prevent them. They also detail what to do in the event of a tip over.

Last year, Travis Perkins became the first builders merchants to launch a real time delivery tracking service that took the guesswork out of ordering and allowed customers to know exactly when they could expect their delivery.

From tools, plant and equipment hire to powered access, waste management and welfare hire, Travis Perkins supports you at every stage of the job.

PROLECTRIC INTRODUCES THE PROPOWER 3-PHASE SOLAR HYBRID POWER SYSTEM

Prolectric, the off-grid, renewable lighting and power specialist, has responded to market demand with the introduction of the ‘ProPower 3-Phase’ Solar Hybrid Power unit, a high-performance system that brings 60kw of hybrid (pass-through) power output to worksites, helping to cut carbon emissions and reduce diesel use.

Providing a comprehensive range of sustainable solar lighting and hybrid power solutions to the construction, national housebuilding, infrastructure and rail industries, Prolectric’s gamechanging solar technology provides a practical way for businesses to achieve their carbon-reduction commitments, by enabling them to move away from polluting fossil-fuelled or mains powered systems.

With double the inverter output (30kVA), and 105kWh of battery storage, three times that of the single-phase ProPower, the new ProPower three-phase brings solar hybrid power to sites with much higher power generation needs. It provides greater flexibility to scale sustainable power to suit individual site conditions. The three-phase ProPower can also be connected up with existing diesel generators up to 100kVA to further expand on-site power capacity.

The ProPower, available in both single-phase and three-phase, is housed in a compact trailer and is loaded with the latest integrated solar systems and battery technology. The ProPower runs in silent mode when battery-operated, making it ideal for urban and residential areas. By minimising generator runtime the ProPower saves on fuel costs, reduces maintenance, and cuts CO2 emissions by an average of 70%.

The ProPower also comes with remote real-time monitoring and management via an online power portal. The portal gives complete visibility of the units performance with diagnostics and alarms, and the ability to remotely adjust the unit to optimise its operation. The power portal also provides reports for measuring carbon, diesel, and quiet running hours, all in one place, across an entire fleet.

The ProPower is fitted with hydraulic operating solar panels and fast-charging lithium-ion batteries, to provide highly accurate state of charge information, which can be finely optimised when the ProPower switches over to the generator. This means lower emissions and less maintenance in combination with remote administration via the portal.

The ProPower is part of Prolectric’s range of environmentally friendly, advanced performance products, which have been designed as direct like-for-like replacements for diesel systems, making them a simple switch for companies looking to lower the carbon footprint of their worksites. The technology is tried, tested and proven to work all year round, in all weather conditions, and is backed by real world performance data and customer testimonials.

The ProPower 3-Phase was exhibited at the Executive Hire Show, Coventry Building Society Arena, 8-9 February, on stand K36. The new Prolectric system will also be touring the UK during February and March offering customers the opportunity to take part in technical product testing.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

For further product information on the new ProPower 3-Phase, or to arrange a demo, visit: www.prolectric.co.uk/3-phase

ENPOWERING NON-POWERED EQUIPMENT WITH TRACKUNIT SPOT

Finding your assets is often like finding a needle in a haystack. Designed to meet the rugged environmental demands of the off-highway sector, Trackunit Spot provides increased connectivity and visibility to the full fleet, significantly reducing operating costs and increasing the utilization of every single machine in real-time.

Trackunit Spot is installed on an asset, machine or equipment in only one minute and enables equipment and site managers to quickly locate these assets at depots and worksites via the Trackunit platform. It allows tracking of non-powered equipment and attachments alongside the rest of the fleet in one view.

ALWAYS AN EYE ON YOUR EQUIPMENT

Trackunit Spot is a self-contained, battery-powered device that works independent of machine power and provides customers a 5G-ready solution that is easy to install and immediately connects non- managers and operators to always be the first to know if machines or equipment move without permission, keeping assets safe and secure around the clock.

RELOCATION AND FLEET OPTIMIZATION MADE EASY

Take the hassle out of equipment relocation or retrieval by knowing the exact location of all assets. Precise GPS location enables you to save time locating assets ready for pickup.

ABOUT TRACKUNIT

Trackunit is a technology company that orchestrates the data and infrastructure that connects construction. From operator safety and machine health to business optimization, Trackunit’s industry-leading telematics software, hardware and fleet management services benefit the everyday operations of customers worldwide.

FIELD MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE THAT PUTS YOU IN CONTROL AND YOUR TEAM TO WORK

Re-flow is an award-winning field management system for construction, trusted by hundreds of companies nationwide, including industry heavyweights M.V. Kelly, Colas and BMI. The software brings all major operational processes under one roof. With a seamless link between remote sites and the back-office, through a user-friendly app and dashboard, Re-flow enables real-time data, instant communication, strictly enforced compliance and more.

The system was built from the app backwards, designed with operative feedback as a guiding principle. An intuitive on-site experience is crucial to successfully implementing a digital system, Re-flow ensures that the transition won’t bring operations to a grinding halt. With an overwhelmingly high adoption rate, the system’s flexibility ensures workers can work with familiar processes and seamlessly pick up where they left off.

One of Re-flow’s core features is its asset management capabilities. Dashboard users can easily store and manipulate data on all their vehicles, plant and equipment. Digital signatures and time and location tags on forms enable real-time tracking capabilities. Unique QR codes can be generated and attached to each vehicle, which can

be scanned by operatives on-site. This enables office staff to remain current with the last known location and current user of each asset.

Defects are recorded using vehicle safety checks and are instantly fed back to the dashboard on submission. Powerful automated workflows can then update the asset’s status within the records and automatically schedule a maintenance reminder. Even if a vehicle is serviceable, events such as maintenance or MOTs can be scheduled to automatically recur, or notifications can be set to remind staff of upcoming maintenance.

Out the box, Re-flow comes equipped with a catalogue of customizable, digital forms, including essentials such as vehicle safety checks, RAMS, dynamic risk assessments and more. These forms can then be tweaked and tailored to fit specifications or be built from scratch using an intuitive block-based form building system. Small and basic or sprawling and complex, all forms are built to regulatory standards.

Tracking doesn’t just extend to vehicles and plant. Re-flow’s dashboard automatically tracks app users in the field, accurate down to a meter. With support for Google Maps, GPS and what3words, live user tracking doesn’t

just provide a more detailed overview of works. Being current on the location of workers enables reactive scheduling, allowing managers to assign nearby workers to jobs as the need emerges.

“It’s impacted the culture massively because it’s brought the site into safety more.

Before, they’ve always seen safety as a burden. Re-flow has made it easier to complete safety forms, to the point where operatives are requesting additional forms. Before, it was a piece of paper - a tick exercise. Now they actually want more on site because they’re realising how it’s benefiting them.”

Administration Manager, MV Kelly Sarah Duffy, Safety

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

To learn more about Re-flow’s field management software, demo to qualify for a free trial or call 01392 574002 today.

2016 CAT 352FL

2019 Hitachi ZX300LC-6

15-18 Volvo EC140EL - choice

2021 Takeuchi TB257FR

2014 JCB 8030ZTS

2020 Komatsu PC80MR-5E0 - choice

2011 Komatsu D65EX-16

2015 Bell B30E - choice

2014 CAT 950K - choice

17-20 CAT 426F2 - choice

2021 Manitou MT625H Comfort

2016 Bobcat T740

Star