B&T has ordered £5 million worth of JCB Loadall telescopic handlers including the new 20 metre 540-200 models.

Morden-based B&T Plant Hire has invested GBP5 million (USD7.4 million) in a fleet of more than 100 new JCB Loadall telescopic handlers. The order includes five of JCB's new 20 m (66 ft.) 540-200 models.

B&T Plant Hire, which has recorded growth of 30% over the past three years, has ordered the Loadalls in anticipation of higher demand for its machines.

JCB UK and Ireland sales director Dan Thompstone says: "We are delighted to have secured this important business from one of the South East of England's biggest plant hirers. It's a huge vote of confidence in our Loadall product which is already the biggest selling telescopic handler in the world."

Supplied by dealer Greenshields JCB, B&T Plant Hire has taken delivery of models ranging from 7 to 20 m (23 - 66 ft.) in lift height, with 530-70, 535-95, 533-105, 535-125, 535-140 and 540-170 models joining the new 540-200 models.

B&T Plant Hire managing director Tom O'Brien says while residual value and reliability are important factors, the JCB-branded telehandlers were chosen because the firm's customers prefer the brand.

"The 540-200 is a good addition to our fleet, extending the maximum height capability we can offer, and companies building hotels have already recognised its quality," O'Brien adds. "The final benefit of JCB equipment is the LiveLink telematics system. It's a very useful tool and we are excited about the benefits it can bring in terms of managing servicing and monitoring fuel consumption."

The JCB models join over 1,500 machines in B&T Plant Hire's range of equipment available from its Morden and Kent depots.

Established in 1995, B&T Plant Hire provides plant equipment to a range of construction and civil engineering applications focused in the South East of England but is expanding in the UK.