Buckhurst Plant Hire's Hi-Viz Loadall

Many of the new machines recently purchased by a Lancashire plant hire company will be put to work on the Edinburgh Tram Network development project.

Buckhurst Plant Hire signed a multi-million-pound deal with JCB for the supply of 70 new machines. The new machines will be added its 1,000-plus machinery hire fleet.

Buckhurst purchased 30 of JCB's new 12.5-metre 535-125 Hi-Viz Loadall telescopic handlers, 30 JCB 531-70 Loadalls and 10 JCB 3CX Turbo backhoe loaders.

Construction services company Carillion is using 30 JCB telescopic handlers, hired from Buckhurst, on the GBP375 million (USD664 million) Edinburgh tram project. Carillion will use the telescopic handlers on the project at Leith Docks for offloading packages of pipe work for gas and water utilities.

Carillion is co-ordinating the diversion of all pipes and cables under the tram route.

Chris Brown, operations manager at Buckhurst, says the company always invests heavily in new equipment from brand leaders so it can supply customers with the latest and high quality machines.

"Our high level of customer service is supported by our reputation for supplying quality plant at competitive prices," he says. "By purchasing these new models, we can continue to deliver that offering."

JCB says the all-round visibility on the new Loadall 535-125 and 535-140 Hi-Viz models has improved by 10%, particularly to the rear of the machines, compared to the models they replace.

"Both machines retain their impressive lift and height capabilities and have a more compact rear chassis, which results in a 90mm reduction in overhang," says JCB.

"Further improvements include new axles featuring higher lock angles, which improve the machine's turning radius by around 250mm. These improvements in manoeuvrability and visibility combine to make the new HiViz Loadalls safer, easier and speedier to operate on confined sites."

Brown says Buckhurst chose JCB for the expansion of its fleet because of the quality of its products and back-up.

"The Hi-Viz models were of particular interest as they help us ensure our customers, like Carillion, are provided with the safest machines possible."