Plant Manager's Journal articles from April 2006

Plant Manager's Journal archives from April 2006

All together now.(Construction Plant-hire Association)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Common sense appears to be breaking out throughout Whitehall and the London Authorities as the arguments put forward by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and others appear to have...

Plant running costs can rival purchase prices.(RUNNING COSTS)
April 1, 2006... Plant owners can spend as much maintaining and running their machines as they do on purchasing them, is the conclusion of a study carried out in the USA by Virginia Tech. In an illustration, a machine costing [pounds sterling]173,200...

Survey reveals ageing directors.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Research by Plimsoll Publishing shows that by the end of 2006, more than one in four directors of plant hire firms will be over 60 years old. The UK's top 1,988 plant hire companies have 3,857 directors. The youngest is only 20 and the...

NCC future awaits appeal.(National Construction College )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The National Construction College (NCC) East faces the closure of some facilities and job cuts if it loses an appeal against the local council's rejection of a planning application concerning the college's Bircham Newton campus. The NCC wants...

Mobile plants keep diesel rebate.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Mobile cranes, work platforms and concrete pumps are to be allowed to continue using rebated red diesel while on the road but exemption for Road Construction Vehicles is being removed and partially replaced by a new category. Amendments to...

Adrian Barker obituary.(OBITUARY)(Obituary)
April 1, 2006... It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Plant Managers Journal's former editor, Adrian Barker, who died suddenly at the end of March. A former plant salesman with Fiatallis and H Leverton, Barker was editor of PMJ and group...

Wolseley to buy Brandon.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Wolseley has made a [pounds sterling]72m bid for Brandon Hire. The cash-backed offer, which values Brandon's shares at 212p, has the backing of Brandon's board of directors. The offer price is 15% higher than Brandon's share price at the...

Gamble appointed chair of CPCS committee.(Trevor Gamble appointed in Construction Plant Competence Scheme )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Trevor Gamble has been named as the new chair of the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) Management Committee. Gamble has over 40 years' experience at all levels of the industry, including operating plant, and was previously on the...

Call for firms to control noise.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... To comply with the new Noise at Work regulations, employers should concentrate on controlling noise rather than measuring it, said Martin Williams, environmental health and safety manager with Hewden. "If they control the more prominent...

UK plant hire share prices 2006.(NEWS)
April 1, 2006... UK PLANT HIRE SHARE PRICES 2006 PMJ gives the lowdown on share prices for 7 of the industry's leading quoted companies Price (p) in Price (p) in Price (p) Price (p) in Company Apr 2006 Mar 2006 ...

GLA reps reconsider DPF fitting proposal.(Greater London Authority)(Diesel particulate filters)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The proposed requirement to fit diesel particulate filters (DPF) to plant working on certain sites in London has been delayed again as representatives from the Greater London Authority and local authorities have agreed to look at the...

Apprenticeship training.(NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... Brandon Tool Hire is tackling the skills shortage in trained mechanics by launching a new apprenticeship scheme called the Brandon Academy. The scheme will take on 50 students per year, who will be trained to an Advanced Apprenticeship level...

Taylor joins JCB.(NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... JCB has appointed Matthew Taylor as managing director of JCB Sales. He was previously managing director of Land Rover and takes over from Francoise Rausch, who remains an executive director of JCB Sales with initial responsibility for France.

Rawnsley joint Neuson md.(NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... John Rawnsley has become joint managing director of Neuson of Tredegar with responsibility for global sales and marketing of the Lifton dumper range, which has recently been rebranded as Neuson. The company has also announced that Young Plant...

Terex distributors.(NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... Terex UK is to distribute Terex Compact's backhoe loaders, site dumpers and compaction equipment in central Scotland and the Borders. Further north, Balgownie Machine Centre has been appointed distributor for Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus,...

Russels to sell Takeuchi.(NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... Yorkshire-based agricultural dealer Russels has been appointed as a distributor of Takeuchi's mini-excavators and tracked loaders for North Yorkshire, Durham, Cleveland, Teesside, Lincolnshire and Humberside. Russels has outlets in Darlington,...

Mirror benefits.(NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... In answer to doubts raised over the effectiveness of Mirror Lite convex mirrors, due to the size of the reflected image, the UK importer Spillard Safety systems said extensive testing has shown the benefits of bringing blind-spots into view far...

Tyre care is improving.(TYRES)
April 1, 2006... Tyre husbandry is improving within the plant industry, according to Goodyear off-the-road global customer account manager Tim Good. Pitted against a background of tyre shortages and increasing prices, industry data reveals that only 7% of...

Jabsco designs a submersible refuelling pump.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Jabsco has developed a submersible diesel refuelling pump for the on-site refuelling market to replace traditional sliding vane pumps. The SRA060 has been designed specifically for tracked and wheeled excavators from 12t to 40t with tank...

Jakto adds DX Doosan to fleet.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Groundworks, remediation and earthworks contractor Jakto Excavations has added one of the UK's first DX Series Doosan Daewoo excavators to its fleet. The 30t DX300LC is an all-new design with a larger cab featuring climate control,...

JCB's engine production hits 100-unit milestone.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Production of JCB's 444 engine has now passed the 100 units per day mark. The company said the move into engine production was in response to clear business needs, and production of earthmoving machinery had now reached the level required...

Tolly combines three Wacker plates.(Block paving )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Linking three Wacker 600mm-wide compaction plates has allowed Tolly Paving of Colchester to lay more than 1,000[m.sup.2] of block paving in one day. Tolly was faced with laying 200,000[m.sup.2] of block paving at Felixstowe and needed to...

Selwood launches rapid-response pump.(PUMPS)
April 1, 2006... A lightweight rapid-response pump for emergency situations has been introduced by Selwood. Based on the company's D150 pump, the new trailer-mounted unit weighs less than 1.2t and can be towed by most cars for straight-forward...

Self-cleaning bucket inventor seeks funding.(EXCAVATORS)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... A British inventor who has created a self-cleaning bucket seeks investors to help him solve the problem of small excavator buckets clogging up in damp conditions. The BJB Flip Bucket has been created by semi-retired Brian Butler from...

Kier Plant adds to crane fleet.(CRANES)
April 1, 2006... Kier Plant is investing around [pounds sterling]1m to add remote-controlled self-erecting cranes to its fleet of tower and crawler cranes. It has taken delivery of the first three units from an order of 12 Potain IGO cranes (eight IGO 50s, and...

Merlo UK launches new Panoramic telehandlers.
April 1, 2006... Merlo UK has added four new telehandlers--the P37.12, P38.12, P38.13 and P38.14--to its Panoramic range. The additions range from the P37.12, with a 3.7t capacity and 11.5m lift height, to the P38.14, a 3.8t/13.6m machine. The...

Jaw Breaking.(KIT)
April 1, 2006... Terex's crushing arm Terex Pegson has launched the X400 track-mounted jaw crusher to replace the 1100x650 Premiertrak. The X400 is designed for primary crushing, quarrying and recycling operations and is available in hydraulic adjust (XA400) or...

Genset designs super-silent water pump.(PUMPS)
April 1, 2006... Genset has applied the technology used in the manufacture of its super-silenced generators to develop a quieter, super-silenced engine-powered water pump. These machines are exempt from the 2001 noise regulations governing a range of...

Speedy invests in BoSS.(KIT NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... Speedy Hire has invested [pounds sterling]2.67m in Youngman's BoSS access tower system. The system, available in both single- and double-width towers, features the 3T (Through the Trapdoor) method of assembly recommended by the HSE.

LCH increases fleet.(KIT NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... LCH Generators is spending [pounds sterling]3.5m adding 365 machines to its fleet. The order comprises 280 canopy sets from FG Wilson (10kVA to 500kVA), 10 containerised 1,000kVA units from SDMO Energy and 75 transcube 3,000-litre fuel tanks.

Rand Group spends [pounds sterling]1m.(KIT NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... The Rand Group, a subsidiary of UCS Plant, has taken delivery of [pounds sterling]1m-worth of new plant. The order consists of 10 JCB excavators, 10 Terex site dumpers and six Volvo excavators.

Imer supplies Hoist Hire.(KIT NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... Imer Direct has supplied a package of Maber rack-and-pinion goods hoists together with 20 Imer TR225 scaffold hoists to Hoist Hire Services of South-West England. The hirer is switching its scaffold hoist fleet to Imer's 200kg-capacity model.

Tata buys 40 Bobcats.(KIT NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... Tata Holdings has placed a [pounds sterling]1.2m order for more than 40 Bobcat excavators. Supplied by regional dealer Barlowworld Handling of Thurrock, the order covers machines ranging from 1.7t to 7.5t.

Power4 goes super-silent.(KIT NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... Specialist hirer Power4 from fox & cooper has placed an order for [pounds sterling]300,000-worth of MVI5K super-silent generators with Arc-Gen.

Nationwide tries Italian.(KIT NEWS in brief)
April 1, 2006... Access hirer Nationwide has purchased 23 truck-mounted access platforms from Italian manufacturer CTE. The [pounds sterling]1m deal includes 21 machines (14m to 20m working heights) based on 3.5t chassis and two 32m working height units.

New website for abnormal loads hauliers.(ABNORMAL LOADS)
April 1, 2006... The Highways Agency has launched a free, web-based service called ESDAL (Electronic Special Delivery for Abnormal Loads) to help hauliers plan the movements of abnormal loads. There is an on-line mapping system for route planning that...

Ranger pick-ups get a makeover.(Product Enhancement)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Ford has revamped its Ranger pickups with a new grille and interior, more power and a higher towing capacity. Externally, the Ranger gets a new grille and front bumper and most models get 16-inch wheels, but some of the biggest changes are...

Firms told to prepare for digital tachographs.(DRIVER LICENSING)
April 1, 2006... Truck-owning companies and drivers must prepare for the introduction of digital tachographs that will become mandatory on 5 May, warned Siemens VDO product manager Peter Needham. "Those owning and driving vehicles with analogue tachographs...

Kel-Berg predicts pre-Euro-4 rush.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Kel-Berg is predicting a sales rush for its pre-bodied trucks before the Euro-4 cut off on 1 October. "Our policy of stocking complete bodied vehicles already works well for companies winning contracts with a short start date, or if a...

Nationwide on the road.(in brief)
April 1, 2006... Nationwide Access is spending [pounds sterling]4.2m on 58 new delivery vehicles to transport its fleet of boom and scissor lifts. The trucks, all Daf 75-301, are fitted with beavertail bodies manufactured by Nottinghamshire-based Shawtrack...

Scania's big delivery.(in brief)
April 1, 2006... Scania has begun delivery of 33 rigid tippers and tractive units to Brett Aggregates of Faversham in Kent. The order is made up of 29 eight-wheel P380 rigids, three lightweight P420 tractive units and a P310 six-wheeler.

Toyotas for Bullivant.(in brief)
April 1, 2006... Toyota is supplying a number of Hilux double cab pick-ups and Avensis cars for the engineering staff and management at Roger Bullivant. The foundations specialist has a fleet of commercial vehicles and cars totalling around 400.

Nissan/Renault link-up.(in brief)
April 1, 2006... Nissan and Renault Trucks have signed a deal that will see Nissan-built vehicles badged as Renault and sold through the French manufacturer's truck dealerships. The deal will see Renault Trucks selling vehicles based on the next generation of...

Yuejin targets the UK.(in brief)
April 1, 2006... Chinese truck manufacturer Yuejin is targeting the UK market with plans to import a range of 3.5t models based on the Nissan Cabstar. First to arrive will be models with drop-side bodies, followed later this year by tipper and box-bodied...

Harsh rolls out new models.(in brief)
April 1, 2006... Skiploader manufacturer Harsh has launched new models available for 4x2 and 6x4 applications. The new models feature in-cab controls and safety valves built in to the cylinders to provide hose burst protection and options of telescopic, fixed...

Cutting edge: plant hirers must assess how to handle the boom in the use of lasers and GPS. Colin Sowman investigates.(LASER/GPS)
April 1, 2006... There is no doubt that earthmoving, road-building and landscaping contractors like the benefits of laser and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) technology, but is adding such systems to plant hire machines economically beneficial? GPS and...

Whitnell and I: Dan Gilkes finds out why Whitnell Plant has added self-drive mini excavator hire to its heavy earthmoving business.(HIRE VIEW)
April 1, 2006... Diversification is often said to be a good way to expand and grow a business: using existing skills and facilities to broaden the range of services or products, without a significant increase in overheads. Indeed, for many plant hire firms,...

Staying power: there is no more iconic image on the British construction site than that of the classic dumper. Paul Howard examines why the dumper's popularity continues.(SITE DUMPERS)
April 1, 2006... While the fortunes of the backhoe loader have seen something of a decline in recent years, the site dumper has demonstrated stiffer resistance. In fact, this stereotypically British machine is as common now on sites across the country as it...

Prepared for anything: if the worst happened could your business survive without its premises, filing systems, communications and staff? PMJ looks at backup plans.(Plant Manager's Journal)
April 1, 2006... Disasters such as fire, floods and terror attacks can spell the end for unprepared companies, but rudimentary pre-planning can save time, money and hassle--and even the company. Affected by the Buncefield Oil Depot explosion in December...

Plane sailing: PMJ looks at the UK planer market and finds a sector dominated by just a few major manufacturers.(Plant Manager's Journal)(Industry overview)
April 1, 2006... The planer market is considered to be one of the more stable construction equipment sectors. Five major manufacturers dominate the European arena, while in the UK, only three of these companies regularly sell equipment. Wirtgen is market...

Pay day: keeping the wage bill under control is not about paying the staff as little as possible. Colin Sowman explains.
April 1, 2006... No matter what the boss pays the staff, they always feel it is not enough and they are worth more because of all the hard work they do. But it doesn't matter how much business the individual and company achieves, the boss always wants more and...

New recruits: JCB has launched a range of generators and announced updates to several of its earthmoving machinery ranges. Colin Sowman reports.
April 1, 2006... In 2005, JCB sold more than 45,000 machines and it was volumes of this level that allowed it to introduce its own 444 engine at the end of 2004. The factory is now producing more than 100 engines every day and JCB is utilising its engine to...

Growth spurt: Terex aims to consolidate its position in the world plant market by concentrating on customer service.(TEREX)
April 1, 2006... Speaking at La Manga in Spain, Terex Construction vice-president, heavy equipment Fergus Baillie said: "Terex is the third-largest equipment manufacturer by sales volume [turnover]." Revenue in 2005 was [pounds sterling]3.6bn and Terex reckons...

Miller digs in: with its new mini coupler and four new buckets, Miller plans to equip a third of the world's mini excavators by 2008.(MILLER UK)
April 1, 2006... Miller UK is well known for its range of buckets and quick couplers for machines above 7t. Now it is extending its product offering into the mini excavator market and has ambitions to be equipping a third of the world mini excavator market by...

Under cover: the Pavilion at this year's SED will be better than ever, offering the very latest in plant components and accessories.
April 1, 2006... The all-new Pavilion at SED's new home at Rockingham Performance Park in Corby, Northamptonshire, will be a great venue for companies marketing the small components that keep the big kit on the move, as well as those offering parts for engines,...

A royal crush.(JCB opening )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... While Prince Charles is famous for his green credentials and his reported enthusiasm for talking to trees, it seems his brother Andrew, Duke of York, has a passion for plant. Not content with being the star turn at the opening of JCB's...

Steaming great pump.(CHECKOUT)
April 1, 2006... The PMJ Hard Hat has been on several outings, but none quite like the visit to Kempton Park Great Engine Trust. The Trust steams one of the two massive triple expansion water pumping engines inside the national monument engine house set...

In the picture: win [pounds sterling]50.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Last month we made the competition considerably more difficult by not including the actual photograph within the magazine. However, it did not deter the true professionals. Kieran Meehan from Murphy's plant and transport department in...

A right rig-marole.(CHECKOUT)
April 1, 2006... There may be some big kit in the world of mobile plant--excavators, cranes and dump trucks can all weigh hundreds of tonnes. But that's nothing compared to the singular world of oil rigs. The main body of an oil rig destined for the recently...

Events diary.(CHECKOUT)(Calendar)
April 1, 2006... 2006 APRIL 7-8 Scotplant Ingliston, Edinburgh Tel: 0141 567 6000 APRIL 24-29 Intermat 2006 Paris, France www.intermat.fr APRIL 25-27 CV Show NEC Birmingham Tel: 01634 261262 ...