A leading plant hirer has hailed the “brilliant battery life” of its two new JCB electric Loadall telescopic handlers which are delivering eight hours continuous operation on a single charge.

Purchased by Wellingborough-based RJC Plant Hire, the two new JCB 525-60E models deliver zero emissions at point of use with comparable performance to their diesel counterparts.

The machines have been supplied along with the JCB fast charging option by dealer Watling JCB.

RJC Plant Hire chose the electric machines in response to direct requests from its customers for greener, lower emissions machines.

Managing director Peter Mullett says: “We have over 50 JCB telehandlers and have changed the majority of them over to HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel for enhanced emissions performance. However, with several of our major customers asking for even greener machines, the electric JCB Loadalls were a must-have in order to help them reduce their carbon emissions.

“The 525-60E machines have been excellent from day one. The battery life is brilliant, lasting significantly longer than competitors’ models we have tested. We can get eight hours’ continuous operation from a single charge which is fantastic for our customers – giving several days’ worth of typical operations.”

Northamptonshire-based RJC Plant Hire is a family-run rental business which has been trading for over 20 years. With an extensive fleet of primarily JCB equipment, it serves the needs of major rail, construction, building, farming and landscaping firms.