Ardent Hire Solutions has ordered 700 machines from JCB

JCB has secured a deal for 700 machines worth in excess of GBP40 million (USD53.2 million) from one of the UK's largest plant hire companies.

Ardent Hire Solutions is buying JCB Loadall telescopic handlers and rough-terrain forklifts as the company seeks to invest in the most technologically advanced machines on the market. The machines are being supplied through Leicestershire-based JCB dealer Watling JCB.

Ardent Hire Solutions was established last year from the amalgamation of Fork Rent and One Call Hire. With its head office in Middlesex, the business trades from 12 depots nationwide and provides over 5,000 units for rent with an average age of less than two years and a fleet holding of approximately GBP150 million (USD200 million).

JCB UK and Ireland sales director Dan Thompstone says the investment continues a long-standing relationship between JCB, Fork Rent and One Call Hire."It is a massive deal and, with the bulk of the order for JCB Loadall telehandlers, it represents the biggest deal this year for that product anywhere in the world. Ardent Hire Solutions is a key partner for us in the UK rental market and its continued investment in JCB equipment is testament to JCB's product innovation, reliability and unrivalled UK-wide dealer aftermarket and parts support."

Tom Gleeson, Ardent Hire Solutions commercial director, says Ardent Hire Solutions is increasing its share of the UK hire market and intends building on that position by investing in the best equipment on offer.

"Our purchase of JCB machines is our largest investment so far this year. We are committed to invest in the best, most technologically advanced machines for our customers, offering far superior products tha any of our competitors. The service excellence and quality of goods provided by both JCB and Watling JCB is one of the main (reasons) we continue our strong partnership."

The largest part of the order is for Loadall telescopic handlers which are manufactured in Rocester, Staffordshire. The deal includes a large number of the flagship JCB 540-200 models. Ardent holds the newest and largest fleet of 540-200 models, which are capable of lifting to 20 m with all-terrain capability, offering a highly efficient alternative to a mobile crane.

The Loadalls are powered by JCB's high-torque 55 kw Ecomax engine which meets the latest emissions standards without the need for a costly diesel particulate filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), or Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), commonly known as AdBlue.