One of the UK’s leading equipment rental firms has invested in a fleet of brand new JCB rotating telehandlers in a deal worth more than GBP5 million (USD6.13 million) – the biggest order so far for the new product.

Nationwide plant hirer Charles Wilson Engineers (CW Plant) has ordered 25 units including the 21-m 555-210R and 26-m 555-260R machines. Supplied by dealer Greenshields JCB, the new machines are operating for CW Plant’s customers across the UK.

The new models are powered by JCB’s Stage V Dieselmax engines, and feature auto engine idle and auto engine stop features as standard, further reducing fuel use and exhaust emissions. 

With a robust boom construction and familiar vertically integrated driveline components, JCB has focused on maximising reliability, productivity, safety and ease of use. 

JCB MD of global major accounts Steve Fox says: “We are delighted to be sole supplier of rotating telehandlers to CW Plant. To secure such a significant contract with a leading player in the market strengthens our longstanding partnership and is a fantastic endorsement of these new additions to our range.      

“The sector is changing and with customers demanding even more versatile, higher reach machines with the capability of operating in confined spaces, it was a natural progression for JCB to add these rotating telehandler models to our world number one Loadall telescopic handler range.” 

CW Plant director Graham Pollard says: “Charles Wilson Engineers is committed to owning the best fleet of equipment in the industry. We chose JCB for the renowned product quality and service back up. The rotating telehandler market is a growing one and we want to be at the forefront of that by building the number one fleet in the UK.”

From a single site in 1979, Charles Wilson Engineers Ltd has grown to become one of the UK's largest hirers of plant and tools with an extensive inventory and a network of 31 depots located throughout the UK. It offers a full range of equipment including excavators, telehandlers, access platforms, site dumpers, welfare units, portable accommodation, pumps, traffic-management equipment, portable air conditioning and other equipment across a series of specialist divisions. 

The new rotating telehandler models join a large and extensive range of JCB machines in the CW Plant fleet.