Plant Manager's Journal articles from December 2005

Plant Manager's Journal archives from December 2005

Good will to all men.
December 1, 2005... It seems particularly poignant that the Health & Safety Executive publishes its industry statistics of deaths and serious injuries in the run-up to Christmas. That, when many people are buying presents and making arrangements for visiting...

Plant sales in Western Europe top 136,000.(SALES)
December 1, 2005... According to the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE), the European earthmoving equipment sector will remain at a high level this year, with the UK expected to post a 4% sales increase over 2004 and equipment sales in Western...

Volvo CE posts 41% profit hike.(RESULTS)
December 1, 2005... Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has reported 41% increase in operating profit to [pounds sterling]37.4m for the third quarter to 30 September 2005. Net sales for the quarter rose 19% to [pounds sterling]558.8m, compared to the same...

Give S/NVQ cards more recognition.(OPERATOR CARDS)(Construction Plant Competence Scheme)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The only way the current CPCS card scheme will be recognised by industry is when the S/NVQ drives the cards and not the other way round, according to Mick Norton, group training manager at piling specialist Roger Bullivant. Norton, who is...

JLG finalises telehandler deal with Cat.(ALLIANCE)
December 1, 2005... JLG has signed a global alliance with Caterpillar to design and produce a full line of branded telehandlers at its facilities in Belgium and the USA. The agreement means Cat will cease telehandler production at its Desford plant in...

Deadline close on new tower build methods.(TOWERS)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Time is running out for owners, hirers and users of access towers to comply with the new approved methods of assembling and dismantling the towers, warns the Prefabricated Access Suppliers' and Manufacturers' Association (PASMA). To...

CPA concern over filter costs.(EMISSIONS)
December 1, 2005... The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has written to Andrew Whittles from the Association of London Government (ALG) expressing concerns about the London Code of Practice. Among the requirements of the Code, initially due for...

Terex posts 22% sales increase.(RESULTS)
December 1, 2005... Construction equipment manufacturer Terex Corporation has reported a sales increase of 22% to [pounds sterling]863m for the third quarter of 2005 and a net profit of [pounds sterling]30.7m for the quarter, compared to [pounds sterling]25.9m for...

Cat recalls units after site incident.(RECALL)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Following the incident of a telehandler 'collapsing' on a site in Kent, Caterpillar has issued a Priority Service Letter, which is a form of recall on all TH580B units. Caterpillar said its engineers have identified a component failure and...

Elliott Thomas adds hoist arm to business.(EXPANSION)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Specialist contractor Elliott Thomas has launched a new hoist division known as Taylor's Hoists. The new enterprise will provide hire, maintenance and operation of construction hoists and will exclusively utilise Alimak Hek machines. ...

Barford on target for number two spot after share boost.(PRODUCTION)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Site dumper manufacturer Barford said it has increased its UK market share by more than 5% and is on target to be the country's number two supplier in less than three years. Production at its Grantham factory increased by 26% to nearly...

CompAir expansion.(NEWS in brief)
December 1, 2005... CompAir has opened a new 10,200[m.sup.2] manufacturing facility at the White House Industrial Estate in Ipswich to accommodate the company's 50% growth.

Komatsu sales up 18%.(NEWS in brief)
December 1, 2005... Global construction equipment manufacturer Komatsu has reported a net sales increase of 18% to [pounds sterling]4.14bn for the six months ending 30 September 2005. Operating profit rose to [pounds sterling]407m--an increase of 72% on the same...

Sunbelt's acquisition.(NEWS in brief)
December 1, 2005... Sunbelt Rentals, Ashtead's US-based plant and tool hire business, has acquired Northridge Equipment Services, California's leading rental firm, with five depots in Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Lompoc, Fresno and Palmdale, for a total consideration...

Brandon buys Light Hire.(NEWS in brief)
December 1, 2005... Tool and small plant hirer Brandon Hire has acquired Light Hire for [pounds sterling]500,000. The business comprises three depots in Exeter, Exmouth and Okehampton and brings the company's Devon network up to 12 branches.

Software Link link-up.(NEWS in brief)
December 1, 2005... Australian hire software distributor Software Link has signed an agreement with Higher Concept Software. It will distribute Higher Concept's Syrinx system.

Speedy height training.(NEWS in brief)
December 1, 2005... Speedy Hire is providing Carillion with bespoke staff training on the work at height regulations.

Lighthouse Club seeks higher awareness levels.(CHARITY)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Lighthouse Club is calling on the industry to help it identify construction workers who are encountering difficulties due to ill health. Each year the charity raises around [pounds sterling]500,000 and pays this out to individuals and...

JCB's royal appointment.(QUEEN'S AWARD)
December 1, 2005... HRH The Princess Royal has personally presented JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford with a Queen's Award for exporting its most famous product. The accolade, in the International Trade category, is JCB's 16th and recognises the growth in...

Too much red tape.(LEGISLATION)
December 1, 2005... Too much legislation is affecting European equipment manufacturers' ability to be competitive in the global market place, according to Tony Helsham, chief executive officer of Volvo Construction Equipment. Speaking at the European...

CNH profit up by 58%.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Equipment manufacturer CNH has reported a net profit of [pounds sterling]87.6m for the nine months to 30 September, up 58% on 2004. For the third quarter of 2005, CNH has also reported a net profit of [pounds sterling]15.16m, compared to...

Hewden's [pounds sterling]14m tech upgrade.(COMPUTER SYSTEMS)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Rental specialist Hewden is investing almost [pounds sterling]14m in new computer systems and hardware and has earmarked another [pounds sterling]1m for broadband and internet upgrades. Central to the upgrade is a deal worth between [pounds...

UK plant hire share prices 2004/05.(NEWS)
December 1, 2005... UK PLANT HIRE SHARE PRICES 2004/05 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 Dec 2005 Nov 2005...

Utranazz adds pump to range.(CONCRETE PUMP)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Concrete equipment specialist Utranazz has added the Sermac Extreme 5Z41 concrete pump to its range. The new unit has a five-section Z-fold boom giving it a reach of 41m vertically, 36.6m horizontally, or even 28.5m below ground level. ...

Bolt checking a thing of the past with Rotabolt.(SAFETY)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... James Walker Group has launched a new safety bolt, known as Rotabolt, said to be the world's first bolt to give a clear visual indication of tension loss. According to the company, traditional methods of bolt tightening do not measure...

Al-Vac sells vacuums to A-Plant.(VACUUM LIFTERS)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Vacuum lifting equipment specialist Al-Vac has supplied 150 machines to A-Plant rental stores. The vacuum machines are said to provide a mechanical lifting force to enable fast and efficient pick-up and laying of kerbs. Under recent Health...

AMG has a grapple with Cat.(MATERIALS HANDLING)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Two Caterpillar machines have been purchased by Birmingham-based AMG Resources for recycling duties at its Llanelli facility. A Cat M325C materials handler equipped with a GSM25 grapple and a Cat 962 wheel loader have been delivered by...

Roll with it.(Combined Stabilisation )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... ROLL WITH IT: Blackburn-based contractor and plant hirer Combined Stabilisation has taken delivery of the UK's first 3414 Vio Hamm roller. The unit is also the first soil compactor seen in the UK to feature both oscillation and vibration modes...

AJC first to buy Volvo's pilot control backhoe.(BACKHOE LOADER)
December 1, 2005... The first Volvo BL71 backhoe loader to be retailed in the UK with optional servo control levers for the backacter has gone to AJC Civils of Campbeltown, Argyllshire. The pilot control levers allow operators to use their wrists to perform...

Gleeson fall arrest unit puts staff safety first.(SAFETY)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Gleeson Building (GBL) has used a specially adapted Alsipercha fall arrest system to ensure the safety of its staff during the unloading of steelwork from trailers on a public road at its One7Two site in Birmingham. The Alsipercha system...

JCB 4CX makes Irish debut.(BACKHOE LOADER)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The first 4CX backhoe loader with the Torque Lock system and JCB's engine to be sold in Ireland has gone to Cork-based David Nodwell. Fitted with JCB's pole planter attachment, the machine will be used for erecting electricity poles. JCB...

HSS cuts prices in bid to increase sales.(TOOLS)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... HSS Hire has reduced prices on its range of consumables and introduced bulk savings in an effort to drive up sales. The company, traditionally known as a tool and equipment hirer, said sales will play a major part in its future growth and...

Profit from recycling oil filters.(OIL FILTERS)
December 1, 2005... Companies crushing used oil filters from their plant and vehicles can not only save, but also make money, according to Leeds-based Auto Drain. "Many workshops are paying about [pounds sterling]70 to dispose of a barrel full of old...

Ringway sprayer spreads the word.(SPRAYER SPREADER)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Highway maintenance contractor Ringway has introduced an integrated sprayer spreader, which it says will revolutionise the UK surface dressing market. The unit comprises a compact sprayer/spreader and a fixed gravity feed hopper. Mounted...

Fairport poker range.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... Sheffield-based Fairport has launched a new range of vibrating pokers for concrete finishing. The units are available in 25mm, 36mm 45mm and 66mm, all fitted with 5m shafts.

Comet ups the pressure.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... Comet has launched a new range of high-pressure cleaning equipment said to be ideal for plant and heavy machinery. The K1000 series delivers flow rates of between 21 litres and 33 litres per minute.

Plant Hire 4u century.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... Rotherham-based Plant Hire 4u has taken delivery of its 100th Volvo machine. The company's excavator hire fleet comprises Volvo machines from 1.5t up to 8.8t reduced swing units.

Joyce buys Daewoos.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... Civil engineering and groundworks contractor Joyce Construction has extended its fleet of Doosan Daewoo excavators with the purchase of seven 5.5t units. The Solar 55W-Vs were supplied by Murley Equipment.

Patersons gets crusher.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... Patersons of Greenoakhill has installed a Kleeman + Reiner primary jaw crusher and mobile screen at its Dunduff Quarry in Lanarkshire. The crusher is a Mobicat 122Z.

GE Modular plays safe.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... In a [pounds sterling]3.5m investment, GE Modular Space has added 500 anti-vandal steel security units to its hire fleet. Supplied by Sureguard, the units provide secure onsite accommodation.

Hydro Excavation launches careful vacuum excavator.(NO DIG)
December 1, 2005... Glasgow-based Hydro Excavation Equipment has launched a range of vacuum excavation machines, which it claims offer a safer and less destructive digging method for utility trench work. Company director Frank McShane said today's towns and...

Walking tall.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... WALKING TALL: The Platform Company has invested more than [pounds sterling]2m for a new range of Height Rider self-propelled booms from Niftylift. The machines include both two- and four-wheel drive models. Included in the order is the...

Taylor Hi-T500 dumper turns down the volume.(DUMPER)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Taylor Construction Plant has upgraded its Hi-T500 compact tracked dumper and reduced its noise levels. The company said a GRP engine cowl equipped with an acoustic liner has been added to the machine as a result of customer feedback. ...

Blue's green machine.(Blue Machinery )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Recycling and materials handling equipment specialist Blue Machinery has introduced a new compact screening and separating machine. The Swedish-made Brini Classifier is said to be an efficient separator of mixed waste, removing impurities...

All at sea.(KIT)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... ALL AT SEA: Mowlem Marine is utilising a long-reach 40t Volvo excavator for its modernisation works at the port of Dover. The unit is on hire from WM Plant Hire and is equipped with a hydraulic breaker to remove old concrete from the harbour...

VW caddy sets the pace with direct shift gearbox.(Volkswagen)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Volkswagen is offering a direct shift gearbox (DSG) option in the Caddy TDI. DSG uses two wet clutches and two input shafts, with electromagnetic solenoid valves to change the gears automatically or manually without the use of a clutch pedal....

Heavy Duty.(TRANSPORT)
December 1, 2005... HEAVY DUTY: JP Plant & Transport of Cardiff has purchased a GTS48/3 step-frame from King Trailers to transport its heavy earthmoving kit. The tri-axle model, which provides a maximum payload of 38t, has a 9ft-wide deck to allow movement of most...

Improved spec for Renault Kangoo.(PANEL VANS)
December 1, 2005... The 2006 Renault Kangoo van can be specified with a new 56kW Euro 1V petrol engine and comes with ABS and Brake Assist as standard. The SL and SL + versions can also be specified with an automatic transmission. A 16-valve head has boosted...

Mercedes-Benz lightens load for UK market.(TIPPERS)
December 1, 2005... Mercedes-Benz has launched a lighter eight-wheeler based on its Axor range, which, it hopes, will allow it to compete in the weight-conscious UK market. Despite the fact that around 17% of its truck output is destined for the construction...

Warning: don't over-tighten your nuts.(WHEEL SECURITY)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Operators, drivers and fitters who regularly torque up wheel nuts and give 'an additional bit for luck' risk losing their wheels altogether, according to Bob Hope, managing director of secure fixings company Disc-Lock Europe. Hope has...

Water firm buys Peugeots.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... South West Water has signed a deal with Peugeot to purchase 100 vans-a-year for the next three years. The deal covers 206, Partner, Expert and Boxer vans.

RAC's screen test.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... A survey by RAC Auto Windscreens revealed that motorists clear windscreens with credit cards, CDs, pen knives and even a fish slice--all of which it said can damage the glass. Almost a quarter of motorists admitted driving illegally with only...

Speedlift's step-frame trailer.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... Girvan-based Speedlift has taken delivery of a new tri-axle step-frame trailer with beavertail from Andover Trailers. The bespoke built SFCL40 incorporates a low profile and a sloping deck.

Mitsubishi's Trojan special.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... Mitsubishi has introduced a Trojan special edition of its L200 pick-up. The top-spec vehide costs under [pounds sterling]14,000 and comes with the 86kW diesel engine, plus a host of other goodies, including air con, alloy wheels and a titanium...

Easi Uplift's access platforms.(in brief)
December 1, 2005... Easi UpLifts of Glasgow has purchased two truck-mounted access platforms from SkyKing. Mounted on Nissan Cabstar chassis, both units provide 20m working heights and 360[degrees] basket rotation.

The earthmovers: no other European country buys as many articulated dump trucks as the UK, and their popularity shows no sign of abating. Martin Cooper reports.(ADTs)
December 1, 2005... According to industry sources, Europe's largest market for the articulated dump truck (ADT) is the UK. These earthmoving and hauling workhorses have steadily gained in popularity and today any muckshifting operation would be incomplete without...

Rocket man: Paul Howard travels to Gloucestershire to interview Rocket Rentals director Simon Tomblin.(HIRE VIEW)
December 1, 2005... It was a busy day in the life of the independent and newly established Rocket Rentals when PMJ visited its headquarters near Dursley in Gloucestershire. The yard is being concreted--a task that has taken longer than expected as the customers...

Digging deep: the 12t to 14t excavator range is still the most competitive sector in the UK. Martin Cooper rounds up what's on offer.(PLANT FOCUS)
December 1, 2005... The plant industry doesn't normally agree on many things, but on the subject of 13t excavators, most, if not all industry commentators, will agree that these are the UK's favourite digging unit. Many plant hirers have traditionally based...

Margin of success: a healthy profit margin is the sign of a healthy business. Colin Sowman assesses performances across the industry.(TOP 25)
December 1, 2005... While many companies can increase turnover, it is of little or no benefit to get more money in if it is immediately all paid out again. Trying to get a bigger proportion of the incoming money to drop to the bottom line is a game played by all...

Striking oil: Hewden is trialling additional ultra-fine filtration in an effort to extend oil drain periods and clean up dirty fuel. Colin Sowman finds out more.(BUSINESS)
December 1, 2005... On many occasions, the reason for visiting a machine on site is either because it requires an oil change, or it has broken down. Hewden is examining the argument that additional filtration can alleviate both of these problems and putting it too...

Are your contractors actually employees? While a company may consider an individual to be self-employed, the courts and tax inspectors may not--and this can have major implications, as Frances Strickley from the employment unit at law firm Thomas Eggar explains.(BUSINESS)
December 1, 2005... In the competitive plant hire market, customers always want lower rates and hire companies are always looking at cutting costs to maintain a profit. One way companies offering operated plant may look to cut costs is to use self-employed...

Built to last: cutting running costs and improving environmental measures are key elements in the design of Atlas Copco's new compressors and generators. Colin Sowman reports.(ATLAS COPCO)
December 1, 2005... Compressors and generators are sometimes viewed as very basic items of equipment, disposable items that are all alike and can be purchased with little or no thought. However, Atlas Copco's new machines include a range of features and options...

The place to be: now the new site has been secured at Rockingham, the industry's key players are queuing up to make sure they don't miss out on their chance to impress at SED 2006.(SED 2006)
December 1, 2005... In last month's PMJ, we announced that SED's (Site Equipment Demonstration) new home is at Rockingham Performance Park in Corby, Northamptonshire. With only five months to go until the show opens (16-18 May 2006), construction on the [pounds...

Jailhouse rock.(CHECKOUT)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Elvis, aka James Ainscough and George Kesterton, directors of Ainscough Crane Hire recently found themselves on the wrong side of the law and locked by the Manchester constabulary. Luckily for them, their visit to Heartbreak Hotel, was all...

40 years a salesman.(CHECKOUT)
December 1, 2005... Dick Lloyd, who worked for a whole raft of construction equipment manufacturers, including such historic names as Hymac, Priestman and Coles Cranes, has published his memoirs. A must-read for any crane or digger enthusiast, the book has...

Talk of the toon at Miller.(Miller UK)(longest serving employees)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Two of Miller UK's longest serving employees were recently awarded for their long service before 200 colleagues at a staff presentation held at St. James Park, home of Newcastle United FC. Howard Reay and Mick Fenwick have both worked for...

In the picture.(CHECKOUT)
December 1, 2005... Katie Witney of Maldon, Essex is [pounds sterling]50 richer and just in time for Christmas. She correctly identified the Thwaites dumper in last month's competition and picks up this month's dosh. If you'd like the opportunity to win this...

Nationwide brings some festive cheer to Leeds.(CHECKOUT)
December 1, 2005... Nationwide Access got into the festive spirit recently by providing five powered access machines to Leeds Lights, a division of Leeds City Council, to assist with the installation of its Christmas illuminations. Barry Dudley, assistant...

Events diary.(Calendar)
December 1, 2005... 2006 JANUARY 15-17 Totally Tools 2006 Earls Court London Tel: 020 8462 0721 www.totallytools.co.uk JANUARY 25-26 Hire Show Excel Centre, London Tel: 020 8387 1244 APRIL 7-8 Scotplant ...

Wheels and tyres.(Toolbox Tips)
December 1, 2005... Tyres are expensive safety-related items that are relatively easy to damage. They can eat up a large proportion of the maintenance budget, regardless of the size of machine--so looking after them makes sense. While tyre specialists can...