Plant Manager's Journal articles from March 2006

Plant Manager's Journal archives from March 2006

Emissions plans a lot of hot air.
March 1, 2006... New European emissions and noise laws have ensured a blistering start to 2006, with more machine launches than it is possible to cover in PMJ. Manufacturers have spent millions of pounds making their machines conform to the new regulations and...

Wates ties up supplier deal with Hewden.(Wates Group)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Wates Group has chosen Hewden as its sole supplier for tools, plant equipment and temporary accommodation in a deal worth more than [pounds sterling]5m over the next 12 months. Hewden's key account manager Brian Jones said this is the...

Lavendon buys Panther for [pounds sterling]7m.(Panther Work Platforms)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Leading European access hirer Lavendon said it aims to be a major player in the growing scissor lift rental sector after its purchase of Panther Work Platforms. In its first acquisition for six years, Lavendon has bought Panther for a...

Firms braced for noise reg changes on 6 April.(Noise at Work regulations)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... From 6 April new Noise at Work regulations mean thousands of plant operators and employers will have to carry out risk assessments, change working practices and put additional measures in place. The legislation reduces action levels by...

Aerial Access gets ready for take-off in UK market.(international markets)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Access equipment manufacturer Aerial Access is poised for a major expansion in the UK market this year. The company, based in County Durham, said it experienced a significant rise in export sales last year, and aims to achieve the same...

Finning announces job cuts.(REDUNDANCIES)
March 1, 2006... Caterpillar importer Finning (UK) has announced an undisclosed number of redundancies. The company has made a number of redundancies at various levels across several parts of the business, including its head office operation in Cannock,...

CNH makes [pounds sterling]70m profit.(RESULTS)
March 1, 2006... CNH, Case and New Holland's parent company, has reported a pre-tax profit of [pounds sterling]91.2m ([pounds sterling]70m) for 2005, up 30% compared with 2004. The results include restructuring charges of [pounds sterling]33m resulting...

Revised code for cranes.(SAFETY)
March 1, 2006... The first part of a revised code of practice for the safe use of cranes, BS7121-1:2006, was published by BSI on 1 March. Contained in this first volume is general information covering safe systems of work, management, the selection of equipment...

Castellan takes on Wimag.(NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Construction plant and equipment distributor Castellan Group has been appointed as sole UK distributor for the Wimag range of products. Wimag makes vacuum lifting attachments, pipe pulling tools and grabs.

Young to sell Morooka.(NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Young Plant Sales of Doune near Sterling has been appointed to handle the sales and service of Morooka and Yamaguchi tracked dumpers. Working on behalf of UK importer Cautrac, Young will be responsible for mid and south Scotland.

Cat diesel gensets.(NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Caterpillar has introduced a new series of diesel-powered generator sets in the 2-4MW power range. The sets are all powered by the new Cat C175 centreline engine, said to be the first engine to offer up to 4MW of power in a single high-speed...

RDS offers barcode reading.(NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... RDS Technology's Loadmaster 8000 weighing system can now offer barcode reading. The system allows drivers to input data via a barcode gun or by swiping a card.

Iceland faces legal action.(NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Iceland is being threatened with legal action at the European Free Trade Area Court for failing to implement an EU emissions directive for non-road machinery. As an European Economic Area member, Iceland is obliged to enforce the directive.

E-mail legislation service.(NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... The Environment Agency has set up an e-mail alert service to keep companies and individuals in the construction industry up to date with changes in environmental legislation. Those wanting the update should register via www.netregs.gov.uk.

Crane Care takes over Grove crane servicing.(CRANES)
March 1, 2006... Manitowoc has had to move quickly to set up additional servicing and spare parts resources to fill the void left after its UK representative Samuel Walker & Sons went into liquidation earlier this month. The Glasgow-based firm, which also...

Romtech sets up [pounds sterling]2m Irish factory.(new facility)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Romtech, the UK's largest maker of steel piling rig cages, is set to make a [pounds sterling]2m investment in Northern Ireland with a new facility at Craigavon. According to Invest Northern Ireland, the factory will create 49 jobs and will...

World demand boosts Komatsu sales by 20%.(Komatsu America Corp.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The rise in worldwide demand for construction and mining equipment has seen net sales at Komatsu increase by 20% in the nine-month period to 31 December 2005. Combined with reduced production costs the boost in sales saw profit jump 78% to...

Nixon eyes [pounds sterling]20m target.(Nixon Hire)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Nixon Hire has reported a 34% increase in turnover to [pounds sterling]16.27m for the year ending 31 December 2005 and said it is well on its way to achieving a [pounds sterling]20m turnover within five years. The company acquired Owen...

Caterpillar thrives in the face of adversity.(financial results)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Despite experiencing problems with component supply and rising steel costs, Caterpillar said sales for the year ending 31 December 2005 rose 40% to a record [pounds sterling]21bn, and net profit also rose 40% to [pounds sterling]1.6bn. The...

Accommodation fleets boost Speedy's roster.(ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Speedy Hire has strengthened its accommodation and survey equipment hire businesses with two major acquisitions. The company has acquired temporary accommodation hirer Caledonian Safemaker for [pounds sterling]13.7m, and Mowlem's...

JCB may lose fine appeal.(legal rights infringed)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... JCB may lose its appeal against a competition fine imposed by the European Commission, with a European Court of Justice (ECJ) advocate general suggesting it be increased from [pounds sterling]20.6m by an additional [pounds sterling]593,000. ...

Firms warned over forecourt thefts.(THEFTS)
March 1, 2006... The National Plant and Equipment Register (TER) has warned plant distributors to be more vigilant after a spate of thefts from dealership forecourts. "There has been a definite increase in criminals targeting manufacturers' dealer...

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

Makita adds battery tools to range.(TOOLS)
March 1, 2006... Power tool manufacturer Makita has launched a raft of new equipment, including a range of Lithium-ion battery tools. Makita claims the lightweight Lithium-ion batteries are more reliable and longer lasting than other types, and that they...

JCB 8018 mini digs graves.(JCB Excavators Ltd. introduced excavator)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... JCB has introduced a Gravemaster version of its 8018 mini excavator, specifically modified to dig graves. The 1.5t machine is supplied with the latest JCB cab. It is also fitted with an extended (1.5m) dipper, allowing the grave to be...

Fayat rebrands road building equipment.(REBRANDING)
March 1, 2006... The Fayat Group has begun rebranding its Italian-made Marini range of road building equipment. From January this year, all Marini planers have been re-designated as Bomag/Marini with the intention of removing the latter name in due course....

Going Dutch.
March 1, 2006... Caption: GOING DUTCH: The Republic of Ireland's first New Holland E805 excavator has recently been sold to contractor Donal Walsh Dredging Equipment to work at a gravel extraction facility in County Meath. To meet the customer's requirement,...

Mecalac mixes up its machines.(EXCAVATOR)
March 1, 2006... Mecalac says its new 8MCR combines the attributes of a 6t excavator with those of a skid steer loader. When the excavator mode button is pressed, the machine works exactly like any other excavator, with almost 3.5m maximum dig depth. ...

Michelin gives wheels new spin.(WHEELS)
March 1, 2006... The future for tyres and wheels may look radically different if Michelin is to be believed. The company is developing a combined tyre, rim and wheel for off-road equipment, provisionally named the Tweel. It provides the puncture...

Paul John adds A900s to line-up.(Leicestershire)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Paul John Plant of Coalville, Leicestershire has taken delivery of the first two of an order for 10 Liebherr A900 ZW road rail excavators. This is the largest order for road rail kit Liebherr Great Britain has ever taken and it undertakes...

Sennebogen's new compact.(Multicrane 608)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... German manufacturer Sennebogen has added a new multi-purpose compact crane to its equipment line up. The Multicrane 608 features a five-piece telescopic boom offering a maximum lift height of 20m and a capacity of 4t. The company said...

Komatsu introduces Kmax.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Komatsu has launched a new excavator bucket tooth system known as Kmax. Featuring a patented reusable lock, the system's profile is elongated and elliptical to suit all Komatsu machines.

Cleave Hill buys a Manihoe.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Manitou dealer CRMS has sold its first Manihoe to Cleave Hill Developments of Winkleigh, Devon. The MLB625T is equipped with a four-in-one bucket and a backhoe mounted hammer circuit.

Volvo excavators to RMH.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... RMH Construction of Ferndown, Dorset, has taken delivery of two Volvo reduced swing compact excavators for its groundworks division. The two 2.8t ECR28 machines were supplied by Kellands Plant Sales.

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

Shorts adds to hire fleet.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Ascot-based Shorts Services has bought 10 Volvo ECI5BXTV compact excavators for its plant hire fleet. The machines are equipped with Mecloc security systems and feature long dipper arms and two-speed tracking.

F&J snaps up Cat 432s.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... F&J Plant Hire of South Wales has expanded its fleet with the delivery of four new Cat 432 backhoe loaders. The machines are claimed to offer increased performance and efficiency, with an operating weight of between 7,600kg and 9,800kg.

Commando drill for Sefedem.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Sandvik has supplied Scottish demolition contractor Safedem with a remote-controlled Tamrock Commando 300R drilling machine--its first use will be in a demolition project to level an oil storage bunker.

Nationwide gives debut to MK110.(Nationwide Crane Hire)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Nationwide Crane Hire has taken delivery of the UK's first Liebherr MK110 mobile tower crane as part of an order worth more than [pounds sterling]8.5m. As part of an ongoing fleet modernisation programme, the order also includes 11...

Lighthouse Club seeks help at SED.(Classic Plant and Machinery)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The Lighthouse Club, the construction industry's charity, is seeking old machines and helpers for its Classic Plant and Machinery stand at this year's SED. The charity needs: old construction machines for display, which must be older than...

Bobcat gets claws in to European market.(EXCAVATORS)
March 1, 2006... Bobcat aims to increase its UK mini excavator market share by producing more machines in Europe. The company's strategy was highlighted at the Hire Show in London, with the launch of the new 1.3t 319 model, the first excavator to be...

On the rails.
March 1, 2006... Caption: ON THE RAILS: Rexquote has built a road-rail access platform offering a 17m working height and 9m of outreach. The Accessrailer 17 is designed to provide access to elevated structures over or alongside rail lines for maintenance and...

Terex rollers get upgrade.(product enhancement)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Terex has upgraded its TV100 series of tandem vibratory rollers by equipping them with new and more powerful Kubota water-cooled engines. The smaller TV1000, TV1200 and TV1200H are now fitted with Kubota three-cylinder 24.5kW engines, while...

Cost hikes to hit Euro 4 operators.(EMISSIONS)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Operators of Euro 4 trucks face extra capital cost and (depending on which engine technology they select) higher fuel consumption. This was the conclusion of a forum organised by the Society of Operations Engineers' IRTE division. Speakers...

UK debut.(JK Environmental and Son)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Caption: UK DEBUT: Herts-based JK Environmental & Son has taken delivery of the UK's first Volvo eight-wheeler with its factory-built 5-man crew cab. The FM12 8x4 rigid truck has been fitted with a specially designed Eur-Mark 'Hercules' wet/dry...

Call for binding safety standards on van conversions.(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Kevin Tillotson, general manager of van racking system makers Modul System International, is calling for legally binding standards for van conversions. Tillotson said: "The law should ensure that all van conversions meet minimum safety...

Emissions initiative under fire.(EMISSIONS)
March 1, 2006... Industry bodies including the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) have voiced concern over a proposed London Low Emission Zone. The proposal from Transport for London will cover road-going...

Volvo upgrades engines.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... In Euro 4 configuration, Volvo's 16-litre engine will come in 492kW or 432kW versions and have a new generation of engine brake that develops 425kW of stopping power (at 2,100rpm). The overhead camshaft engine has a one-piece cylinder head,...

Yeoman gets a Kel-Berg.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... West London-based Yeoman Aggregates has taken delivery of a Kel-Berg T100 alloy-bodied tipping semi-trailer. The unit features a 30t payload capacity.

Paccar's record year.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Paccar, the parent company of DAF, has reported record revenue and profit for 2005. The truck manufacturer reported consolidated sales of [pounds sterling]8.2bn.

King Trailers in demand.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Fuel-storage tank provider, JA Envirotanks, has purchased a King MTSE48 step-frame extending trailer from King Trailers. The unit will be used to transport 4m-diameter tanks from the company's Birmingham depot.

Renault expands its CV.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Renault has launched a range of commercial passenger vehicles. A nine-seat Trafic is available from [pounds sterling]15,963 (ex VAT) with six, nine and 16-seat versions of the Master costing from [pounds sterling]20,495, [pounds sterling]17,870...

Leeds depot for Johnston.(KIT NEWS ... in brief)
March 1, 2006... Johnston Sweepers has opened a new parts and service depot in Leeds. Located in the city centre, the depot has a repair workshop, operator training facilities and a team of fully mobile service technicians.

High-rise experts: Martin Cooper looks at the high-reach demolition spec excavator sector and finds a vibrant market.(EXCAVATORS)
March 1, 2006... In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the techniques used within the demolition industry. The recycling of materials derived from demolished buildings is now an area of major importance for contractors to consider. But while...

Sixty not out: pump manufacturer, plant hirer and equipment dealer, Selwood is many things. This year it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Martin Cooper reports.(markets)(Company overview)
March 1, 2006... Plant hirers are two a penny in many areas. Plant hirers that are also involved in equipment sales aren't that rare either. But a plant hirer that sells equipment and also manufacturers a large proportion of its own hire fleet is indeed a rare...

Upbeat predictions: PMJ looks at one of the busiest sectors of the market for ride-on tandem vibratory rollers. More specifically, the line has been drawn at machines weighing in at less than two tonnes or, to put it another way, models with a drum width of 80cm. Paul Howard investigates.(PLANT FOCUS)
March 1, 2006... Although small in comparison with other ride-on rollers, machines in the 80cm drum width category should not be overlooked. According to Alan Batty, managing director of Bomag in the UK, this size of machine is probably the second biggest...

French connection: plant manufacturers will soon be heading towards Paris for this year's Intermat exhibition. Colin Sowman provides a preview.(INTERMAT)
March 1, 2006... With the advent of new noise and emissions legislation, this year's Intermat exhibition at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, from 24 to 29 April, will be the launch pad for a wide range of equipment. Those looking for excavators...

People power: if you head one of the UK's larger plant hirers, should you know each member of staff individually? GE's Sian Wycherley tells Colin Sowman why she thinks she should, and what she's doing about it.(BUSINESS)
March 1, 2006... Managing people is one of, if not the, biggest challenges companies face--and plant hire is no exception. As it is not a glamorous industry it does not attract masses of school leavers or graduates, therefore it suffers from an inbuilt shortage...

Happy returns: return on capital is one of the most effective ways of measuring a company's success. Colin Sowman explains.(TOP 25)
March 1, 2006... Business is about making money and the plant hire business is no different--albeit that there are a few examples of plant hirers making a loss. While big companies may make large profits, smaller companies can be equally as profitable on a...

Cutting a dash: Komatsu says the cab on its new dash-8 excavator is both stronger and quieter than on previous models. Colin Sowman reports.(KOMATSU)
March 1, 2006... Komatsu has launched its dash-8 range of excavators spanning 20t to 30t. There are three models--PC210-8, PC240-8 and PC290-8-all of which sport a number of upgrades, including a new cab with enhanced roll-over protection to the operator. ...

Going green at SED: this year at SED, more environmentally friendly kit than ever before will be on display at the Site Clearance Zone.(SED)
March 1, 2006... In the run-up to SED 2006 at Rockingham Performance Park in Corby, Northamptonshire, on 16 to 18 May we have been touring the various zones to see what will be on show. This month we look at the Site Clearance Zone. Recycling and...

Make pay while the sun shines: the complex regulations surrounding holiday pay are even vexing the courts, as Adele Aspden explains.(HOLIDAY PAY)
March 1, 2006... When the Working Time Regulations came into force in 1998 it gave workers the legal right to at least four weeks' paid time off work in every full year they work. But putting this into practice is complicated by workers starting partway through...

Aneta is a Pole apart.(CHECKOUT)
March 1, 2006... Visitors to the stand of Swedish equipment website Mascus, at the forthcoming Intermat exhibition, will be able to ogle at Poland's Aneta Florczyk, the world's strongest woman. Those visitors feeling brave enough will even be able to compete...

No business like snow business.(product information)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... HE Services recently came to the assistance of sister company Diggerland and provided it with an excavator to help level more than 1,000t of artificial snow. The snow had been specially brought in to create the only outdoor ski slope in...

Events diary 2006.(Calendar)
March 1, 2006... MARCH 21 OPERC annual conference HSE, Rose Court, London www.operc.com APRIL 7-8 Scotplant Ingliston, Edinburgh Tel: 0141 567 6000 APRIL 24-29 Intermat 2006 Paris, France www.intermat.fr ...

In the picture win [pounds sterling]50.
March 1, 2006... It seems we set quite an easy competition last month as we received sacks of correct answers. The first right answer out of the PMJ lucky dip was B Pitt (not sure if its THE B Pitt) of Dunnington in York, who correctly identified the bucket of...

International rescue.(supply of goods by Panther Platform Rentals to International aircraft )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Panther Platform Rentals has recently taken part in a cross-Atlantic rescue mission to save a stranded Boeing 767 in the Dominican Republic. International aircraft rescue specialist Support Air urgently required a 23m telescopic boom and...

Ground engagement tools.(Toolbox Tips)
March 1, 2006... For many in the industry, ground engagement iron is sacrificial so you simply replace it once it is worn out. But it is also the business end of most items of earthmoving plant and a machine's efficiency and integrity depend on the replaceable,...