Plant Manager's Journal articles from January 2007

Plant Manager's Journal archives from January 2007

Make plant a protected species.
January 1, 2007... The plant registration scheme is set for launch at the end of the month. But why do it? Why spend the extra money on a scheme that isn't compulsory when there are plenty of other demands on those funds? At least it comes with a great deal of...

Hewden stays tight-lipped on sale rumours.(Hewden-Stuart PLC)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Plant hire giant Hewden has refused to comment on rumours it is for sale. Brian Sherlock, managing director of the Finning subsidiary, said: "Finning is committed to its UK operation but is always reviewing its resources. This is reflected...

Business as usual at TER.(The Equipment Register)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... TER (The Equipment Register) is to continue its operation after the plant registration scheme goes live later this year. TER manager Tim Purbrick said: "Datatag will run the marking scheme and we will continue to support the police." ...

Registration scheme cops police support.(PLANT REGISTRATION)
January 1, 2007... Assistant Chief Constable David Ainsworth from the Kent Police, the ACOP member responsible for vehicle crime, will be the key speaker at the launch of the plant registration scheme. The event will take place at the Construction Industry...

Tough customer.(Wordsworth Plant Hire launches JCB JS330 Auto )
January 1, 2007... Caption: TOUGH CUSTOMER: Huddersfield-based Wordsworth Plant Hire has put its new JCB JS330 Auto to work with a range of specialist attachments to munch, hammer and dig out concrete on a brownfield remediation site. The machine has power build...

Essex man jailed.(NEWS ... in brief)
January 1, 2007... Robert Taylor, the man who virtually demolished a house in Essex with a Daewoo excavator, has been sentenced to six years in jail at Chelmsford Crown Court. Taylor, 53, from Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, caused more than [pounds...

Bauma's record year.(NEWS ... in brief)
January 1, 2007... Bauma China has had a record year, revealing that visitor numbers for the show, held in November, were up by 60% to 80,000. That was even higher than the climb in the number of exhibitors, which rose 47% to more than 1,000 from 30 countries.

Neuson appoints dealers.(NEWS ... in brief)
January 1, 2007... Neuson of Tredegar in South Wales has appointed two new dealers in Wales to handle the sales of its range of 1t to 10t site dumpers. Major Owen of Penrhyn will take on north and mid-Wales, while JE Rees & Son, based in Carmarthen, will handle...

Queen's Award for JCB.(JCB Excavators Ltd.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... JCB Heavy Products has won a Queen's Award for its success in selling heavy excavators, recognising an 87% increase in exports between 2003 and 2005. HM Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, James Hawley, presented the Queen's Award for Enterprise...

Sales drop for half firms.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Despite the market growing by 5% in 2006, almost half of the 1,500 companies in the plant hire have seen sales fall, according to a survey carried out by Plimsoll Publishing. A small band of hirers have captured the majority of market growth...

A-Plant raises turnover.(NEWS ... in brief)
January 1, 2007... A-Plant has increased turnover by almost 15% to [pounds sterling]91.5 in the six months to the end of October and profit grew by 28.3% to 11.1m. Utilisation was also improved at 69%, while the fleet is 5% larger than it was a year ago.

Emergency meeting on lift deaths.(Powered Access Interest Group, emergency meeting)
January 1, 2007... The number of people killed by falling from certain types of lift was the subject of an emergency meeting of the Powered Access Interest Group (PAIG) late last year. According to PAIG, there are still too many fatal falls from boom-type...

New Holland sees sales up 40% in 2006.(Financial report)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... New Holland increased sales by 40% in 2006 and wants to grow by another 20% in 2007, according to Steve Orr its director of marketing and sales development. "We are looking to grow our market share by 2% this year and we will slaughter...

Tall order.(NEWS)
January 1, 2007... Caption: TALL ORDER: Valla Cranes UK supplied two 20E cranes to Smithfield Construction for use in Chicago, Illinois. The Chiago-based firm used the crane to install cladding and glazing panels on a skyscraper--taking half the time it usually...

Ausa (UK) to relaunch under Spanish parent.(DISTRIBUTION)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Ausa (UK) Limited is to close and reopen as a branch of its Spanish dumper manufacturer parent. Martin Bell, managing director of Ausa (UK) Limited, said the company has been put into liquidation, but stresses that this is an...

UK plant hire share price 2006.(NEWS)
January 1, 2007... UK PLANT HIRE SHARE PRICE 2006 PMJ gives the lowdown on share prices for six of the industry's leading quoted companies Company Price (p) in Price (p) in Price (p) change Price (p) in December 2006 November 2006...

MCG won't allow operators with expired cards to work.(Major Contractors Group is adamant about identification card)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... The Major Contractors Group (MCG) is adamant that its members will not allow individuals who do not hold a valid recognised card to operate machinery on site, despite the fact that thousands of operator cards expired at the end of last year....

GE specifies immobiliser.(General Electric Equipment Services contracts with Kosran Group)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Following an 18-month trial, plant hirer GE Equipment Services has decided to specify Kosran's immobilisation system on its excavators, rollers, dumpers and telehandlers. The hirer, which spends around [pounds sterling]30m-a-year on new...

Wirtgen secures Kleeman deal.(Wirtgen Group acquires Kleemann UK Ltd.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Wirtgen Group has bought crushing and screening manufacturer Kleemann, as Wirtgen turns its attention to the minerals market. The firm is already planning a new production plant in Germany for further development of the product range, while...

Perkins offers extra cover.(Perkins Engines Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Engine supplier Perkins is offering an Extended Service Contracts (ESC) on its engines to cover any defect for up to five years/8,000 hours, depending on engine type. Plant owners can buy a contract at any time during the warranty period...

Thwaites' 10-tonner a visible improvement.(Thwaites Limited)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Dumper specialist Thwaites has introduced production versions of its 10t Alldrive forward-tip machine previewed at SED, setting a production record in the process. To meet incoming visibility legislation and enhance stability, the new 10t...

Terberg Matec wins distribution deal.(Elgin Sweeper Co. contracts with Terberg Matec UK Ltd.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Terberg Matec has been appointed as UK distributor for America's biggest road-sweeper manufacturer Elgin. The company will be Elgin's sole chassis-fitting partner for the UK and will also handle service and parts distribution. Elgin's...

Hitachi adds 20t machine.(Hitachi Ltd. launches excavator)(Zaxis 210-3 launched)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Hitachi has added a 20t excavator to its Zaxis 3 line-up, with a 210-3 joining the existing 280-3, 250-3 and 350-3 machines. The combination of a new four-valve/cylinder Isuzu engine and HIOS III hydraulic system is said to have increased...

Spillard takes a rear-view.(Spillard Safety Systems and Friel Construction, under contract)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Spillard Safety Systems has supplied removable rear-view CCTV systems for the excavators and telehandlers in Friel Construction's fleet. Friel's health and safety manager John Berks highlighted traffic accidents as the second biggest cause...

Barford marches on with 1.2t hi-lift unit.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Site dumper manufacturer Barford is set to launch a 1.2t hi-lift machine and introduce a cab for its 9t and 10t machines. Barford's managing director Niall Wordsworth said he was unimpressed with the previous 1t machine and dropped it...

Lightening the load.(Mastenbroek introduces trenching machines)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Caption: LIGHTENING THE LOAD: UK trencher manufacturer Mastenbroek has introduced what it claims is a new concept in trenching machines, breaking the relationship between the size of a trench and the weight of the machine required to create it....

Kubota's 8t debut.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
January 1, 2007... Kubota's first 8t excavator has been delivered to Toton Plant Hire. The KX080-3 machine is part of a [pounds sterling]210,000 deal that also covers three 2.45t U23-3 and two U50-3 (5t) machines and brings Toton's Kubota fleet to 16.

GT Trax goes online.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
January 1, 2007... Temporary trackway and outrigger pad specialist GT Trax has teamed up with internet sales firm Schere Limited to develop an online service for the purchase of crane and powered access outrigger pads. Visit www.outriggerpadsdirect.co.uk for more...

HSC sees the light.(Hire Supply Company (UK) Limited)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... The Hire Supply Company (HSC) has introduced what it claims are the UK's first low-energy festoon lightbulbs, which cut energy consumption by more than 25%. According to the firm, the new 13W compact fluorescent light is the equivalent of a...

Bobcat goes with the flow.(Bobcat Co. launches new product)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Bobcat has launched a high-flow trencher attachment, the LT414, which offers an increased dig depth of 1.52m (compared to the current trencher, which offers 0.61m-0.22m). The new attachment is approved for use on Bobcat skid-steers from the...

Kramer's restoration.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
January 1, 2007... The first 9m Kramer telehandler in the UK has been delivered to Heritage Restoration in Wiltshire to aid the company's three-year contract to restore buildings in the Spye Park Estate. Heritage managing director Rob Cavill tested three machines...

GPRS saves Armstrong [pounds sterling]60k a year.(TRACKING)
January 1, 2007... Chartered building firm RW Armstrong is saving [pounds sterling]60,000 a year after investing in GPRS tracking technology for its fleet of 16 Ford Transit LCVs and two ancillary vehicles. Managing director Nigel Armstrong said the Quartix...

Euro 4 hits truck sales.(SALES)
January 1, 2007... Truck registrations took another knock in November following the introduction of Euro 4 emissions standards. Sales were 23% below the level in November 2005, although that is better than October's figures that showed a 40% decline. Almost...

Avoid Low Emission Zone charge with EHC's filter.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Particulate filter manufacturer EHC said fitting one of its systems to older trucks will allow them to operate within Transport for London's (TfL) proposed Low Emission Zone (LEZ) without having to pay the [pounds sterling]200-a-day charge. ...

Mazda BT50 makes its debut.(PICK-UP)
January 1, 2007... Mazda has replaced its B2500 pick-up with the BT50. Sharing its architecture with Ford's Ranger, the BT50 offers more power, greater economy and lower fuel consumption than the B2500. The BT50 comes as a single or double cab in both 4x2 and...

Ford to offer Bluetooth.(... in brief)
January 1, 2007... Ford is offering Bluetooth technology on almost all of its CV range in an effort to cut down on the 34% of drivers who admit driving while holding a mobile phone. As most mobiles phones have Bluetooth, Ford's system will automatically mute the...

M6 toll price hike.(... in brief)
January 1, 2007... In the New Year, the cost for trucks using the M6 toll road will rise by more than 14% to [pounds sterling]8. The Freight Transport Association has blasted the price rise, saying there is no justification for the increase.

Hiab adds features.(Hiab cranes gets updated)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Crane manufacturer Hiab has developed a range of advanced features it claims offer an additional 10% lifting capacity. The Automatic Duty Control system works by using sensors to detect the exact boom extension and load, allowing operators to...

Renault Rent expands.(... in brief)
January 1, 2007... Renault's vehicle rental programme, Renault Rent, is to open two new locations, Portadown and Leicester. This takes the number of dealers offering rental to II, and lifts the fleet past the 200 mark.

Peugeot's new Expert.(... in brief)
January 1, 2007... Peugeot will launch its revised Expert in February, with the new range including long wheel base and high-roof versions. Loadspace ranges from 5[m.sup.3] to 7[m.sup.3], while engine options include three diesels and a petrol.

Freelander 2 launched.(... in brief)
January 1, 2007... Land Rover has launched the Freelander 2 along with a range of accessories, including an Audio Connectivity Module to integrate an iPod and Rear Screen Entertainment system.

King to launch urban artic at SED.(King Trailers launch plant haulage at Small Enterprise Development 2007)
January 1, 2007... King Trailers will use SED 2007 to introduce a new concept in plant haulage--the urban artic--and will also display a new low-loader range. "Rigid vehicles are expensive and somewhat inflexible, but there are problems with normal...

Royale standard.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Caption: ROYALE STANDARD: On New Holland's stand budding James Bonds will have the chance to be photographed alongside some of the machinery used in the making of Casino Royale. The company provided 11 machines for the filmmaker with 'Bond'...

Getting hitched: attachments can be vital to getting the most out of your excavator. Paul Howard investigates the options and the market for mid-range machines.(ATTACHMENTS)
January 1, 2007... When is an excavator not an excavator? When it's a 'mobile energy centre', or a 'portable hydraulic power pack', of course. Or perhaps you prefer the similar, but simpler idea of a tool carrier. For this is what a common-or-garden muckshifter...

An eye on the future: Phil Bishop canvasses a cross-section of the plant industry for their hopes, fears and expectations for the year ahead.(2007 PREDICTIONS)
January 1, 2007... NIGEL MCKAY, HEAD OF PROCUREMENT & SUPPLY CHAIN, BOVIS LEND LEASE UK We have a long list of aims for 2007, including complying with the Lend Lease sustainability plan to ensure that we deliver a lasting legacy for the areas in which we...

Prepare for lift-off: Speedy Hire's acquisitive trail took a new turn last year when it purchased Lifting Gear Hire, in a deal worth [pounds sterling]13.5m. Colin Sowman explains.(Speedy Lifting)
January 1, 2007... Buying Lifting Gear Hire (LGH) has opened up far more opportunities for Speedy than might normally be expected when buying a rival. Claudio Veritiero, managing director of Speedy Lifting, puts it simply: "In operational terms, it is the biggest...

Smoke-free zone: Jonathan Exten-Wright outlines the impact the smoking ban will have on businesses and employees.(Jonathan Exten-Wright speaks)(Interview)
January 1, 2007... When the Health Act 2006 comes into force later this year, it will ban smoking in virtually all enclosed public places and workspaces in the UK, and oblige plant firms to both prohibit and actively take steps to prevent smoking on their...

Generating interest? Paul Howard examines the pros and cons of the 10kVA to 15kVA generator range.(EQUIPMENT FOCUS)
January 1, 2007... There's no way around it--generators are simply not the high-profile, headline grabbers of the plant industry. While backhoes and ADTs manage to turn the heads of even those not involved in the industry, generators operate at a different...

Hose line is it anyway? Hydraulic hoses are a vital component to the efficient running of your fleet, however, it is imperative they are kept in tip-top condition. Colin Sowman reports.(AFTERMARKET)
January 1, 2007... Hydraulic hoses that efficiently distribute power around most items of plant can also be one of the biggest headaches in day-to-day operation. Swift Hydraulics' Dave Johnson says that hoses are "unsung heroes that just carry on doing their...

Endurance test.(Photograph)
January 1, 2007... Caption: ENDURANCE TEST: ES Access Platforms raised [pounds sterling]2,850 for Children in Need, using machines from its own fleet as part of two David Blaine-style stunts. Two staff from the company were lifted into the air at locations in...

All's well that ends well.(firefightes borrow JCB to rescue a horse)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Firefighters borrowed what the BBC described as a 'JCB' in an attempt to rescue a horse that fell down a well in Leek, Staffordshire last month. The one-year-old dark brown colt got its hind legs stuck in the hidden well at Ashes Farm,...

2007.(CHECKOUT)(Calendar)
January 1, 2007... JANUARY 23 Construction Industry Theft Solutions (Forum) JCB HQ, Rocester Staffordshire Tel: 0800 083 8015 Email: cits@yesresponse.co.uk JANUARY 31 & FEBRUARY 1 Executive Hire Show Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way...

In the picture win [pounds sterling]50.
January 1, 2007... Oops. There was a little controversy last month, after a slightly misleading (although technically correct) caption caused a few of you to name the mystery machine as the Hydrema ADT Dumper. But the PMJ readership isn't easily wrongfooted,...

Here comes the bride.(Photograph)
January 1, 2007... Caption: HERE COMES THE BRIDE: We've noticed at PMJ over the years that readers are quite keen on their kit, but Paul Kavanagh's devotion to cranes still took us by surprise slightly: he used his firm's new Liebherr LTM 1055-3.1 mobile crane to...