M O'Brien is adding Loadall telescopic handlers

Thirty years after launching its business with a single JCB backhoe loader, one of the UK's leading plant hirers has ordered two 525-60E electric Loadall telescopic handlers.

Michael O'Brien and his wife Annamarie launched M O'Brien Plant Hire from their garden in Luton in 1990, with the purchase of a JCB 3CX. Since then, the company has evolved into one of the UK's largest and most forward-thinking plant hirers.

The hirer has extended its partnership with JCB with a deal for two 525-60E machines, supplied by dealer Watling JCB.

M O'Brien Plant Hire director Dan O'Brien says his company was one of the first to purchase JCB 19C-1E electric mini excavators. "The performance of those machines gave us the confidence to become one of the first to buy the 525-60E electric Loadall, too. With the addition of the fast charger further enhancing its performance, it will be perfect for materials handling on major urban sites.

"By investing heavily in JCB's ETECH range of fully electric kit from the outset, we are supporting the evolution of clean technology in plant and equipment and will help bring forward the point when an even larger range of zero-emissions machines are viable on site.

"In doing so, we make our own contribution to reduced carbon emissions and enable our clients to minimise their impact, too. On the high-profile infrastructure projects such as HS2 and for Network Rail, contractors must be willing to lead the change and make meaningful commitment to the environmental cause. There is no question that our clear commitment to green technology and the support of their goals has strengthened our relationship with these major firms," he adds.

M O'Brien runs in excess of 600 machines and heavy equipment and employs more than 450 staff, including plant operators, engineers, yard staff and the office team based across the company's depot network.