Plant Manager's Journal articles from October 2004

Plant Manager's Journal archives from October 2004

Time to lay down the law.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
October 1, 2004... There was genuine anger at the CPA Crane Interest Group meeting (see page 44) as members, acutely aware they work in a dangerous industry, sought advice from the Heath & Safety Executive (HSE) to help them protect workers and stay out of court....

Lloyds acquires Rumney Crane.(EXPANSION)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Lloyds British Testing has acquired Swansea-based engineering company Rumney Crane in its latest move towards building an international group of lifting equipment companies. Rumney specialises in lifting solutions for international steel,...

Target near for Brandon.(DEPOTS)(Brandon Hire PLC)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Brandon Hire said it is closing in on its target of having 130 depots by the end of 2004 with the acquisition of the Delco tool and cabin hire business from Emcor Drake & Scull. The deal involves a consideration of up to [pounds sterling]4m...

Bell set to offer more.(EQUIPMENT)(Bell Equipment)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Following the ending of talks that could have resulted in a change of ownership, South African ADT manufacturer Bell Equipment is set to start marketing wheel loaders, dozers, backhoe loaders and, potentially, even mini excavators. ...

SED 2005 launches website.(TRADE SHOW)(www.sed.co.uk)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... SED has launched its 2005 website at www.sed.co.uk. The all-new site covers all aspects of the 39th SED, which takes place at Fen Farm, Milton Keynes, between 17 and 19 May. The site carries the latest news from the various areas of the...

Market growth is forecast to continue.(RESEARCH)(plant hire market)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... AMA Research has published a review of the plant hire market, putting a value on the business of [pounds sterling]2.37bn in 2003 and predicting a growth rate of 2% to 3% through to 2007. The report concludes that most sectors are stable and...

Green light for rollers.(Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC) has published a statement on its website announcing single-drum rollers have successfully completed their trials and achieved the required compaction specification for continued use in...

Ashtead returns to profit.(results)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Ashtead Group has reported a pre-tax profit of [pounds sterling]3.5m for the three months up to 31 July, compared to an [pounds sterling]8m loss for the same period last year. According to Ashtead chief executive George Burnett, the group...

Regulations boost sales.(ACCESS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The UK access market will see sales increase in the next two years due to the imminent Working at Height Regulations (WAHR), according to the latest report by AMA Research. While the market has softened due to a downturn in non-residential...

Takeuchi launches financing.(CREDIT)(SKM Asset Finance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Takeuchi has formed a joint venture with construction industry specialist brokerage SKM Asset Finance to provide subsidised financing schemes for those purchasing Takeuchi products. TFS gives customers access to more than 20 funders and...

Dedicated glazing service.(REPAIRS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... RAC Auto Windscreens has opened a new dedicated department at its Chesterfield head office for its specialist glazing service which provides replacement glass for plant. The company said the response centre will monitor and oversee all...

Volvo goes for growth with range of new equipment.(MARKET SHARE)(Volvo Construction Equipment)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Volvo has increased its share of the world construction equipment market. It is also introducing a range of machines that will see its sales increase further, said Volvo Compact Equipment president Didier Teirlinck. Teirlinck said the new...

Thieves making off with [pounds sterling]35m.(PLANT THEFTS)(equipment thefts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... More than 3,500 equipment thefts with a value of [pounds sterling]35m were reported to the National Plant & Equipment Register (TER) in 2003, with the south east of England accounting for 30% of this total. According to the TER's first...

Jobs must go.(PLANT HIRE)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The plant hire industry will have to lose almost 11,000 jobs over the next year if it is to compete with the most efficient companies in the sector, according to a report from Plimsol Publishing. Analysis of the market identifies 225...

Lavendon on the up.(COMPANY RESULTS)(Lavendon Group)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Lavendon Group has posted a reduced debt figure for the first six months of 2004, while its UK business--Nationwide Access--returned to revenue growth. The group has reduced its overall debt to [pounds sterling]98.7m compared to [pounds...

Heights course at college.(NEWS in brief)(National Construction College)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The National Construction College is developing a new course covering the impending Working at Height Regulations (WAHR). A Safe Support of Excavations course, aimed at reducing the risks for operatives and supervisors using shoring equipment...

Platform Company move.(NEWS in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Platform Company has moved its Bristol branch to new and larger premises at Almondsbury, close to the M4/M32 junction. The new branch includes an IPAF-approved training centre and new workshop facilities.

Name change for Syltone.(NEWS in brief)(Gardner Denver UK)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Syltone UK, the Yorkshire-based manufacturer of hydraulic access platforms, compressors, blowers and on-board power systems, has been renamed Gardner Denver UK. Brand names including Priestman Powered Access, Airdrive, Drum, Emco Wheaton and...

Compelte service in Hull.(NEWS in brief)(Complete Hire Services)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Complete Hire Services has opened for business in Hull. Comprising hire, sales, customer repairs and a training centre, the company will specialise in small plant and tools.

GenSet's award-winner.(NEWS in brief)(hire company of the year award)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Hire Association Europe (HAE) has awarded GenSet's VTI lighting tower its Best New Product award for 2004. The HAE said it took into account testimonials from several market-leading European hire companies.

Cole gets Nationwide job.(NEWS in brief)(Hugh Cole)(appointments)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Nationwide Access has appointed Hugh Cole as its new managing director. He was previously with Europcar UK as operations and franchise director and is a qualified chartered engineer.

AFT gives oil life a boost.(filtration)(Applied Filtration Technology)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Applied Filtration Technology (AFT) said its new ultra-fine bypass filtration system maintains engine oil in original condition up to four times the normal change interval thereby reducing oil purchase and disposal costs. New regulations...

HE snaps up 300 Komatsus.(excavators)(HE Services)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... HE Services has entered into an agreement with Marubeni-Komatsu to buy nearly 300 Komatsu machines over the next two years. The deal includes the UK's first batch of the recently launched Komatsu PC130-7 excavators, which have been...

Caterpillar launches TH580B telehandler.(telehandlers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Caterpillar has completed its eight model B-series telehandler range with the launch of the TH580B. Available in the UK from the end of the year, the TH580B is the largest machine in Cat's range and has 5t-rated capacity and a maximum lift...

Bobcat expands its loader range.(compact loader)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Bobcat has expanded its range of compact tracked loaders with the launch of the new T180 and an enhanced version of the T190 machine. Powered by Kubota 45.5kW direct injection diesel engines, both units have been designed for a wide range...

Atlas Copco's new grinder.(grinder)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Atlas Copco has introduced a new Brazor electric grinder offering more power (2.9kW) and less weight (2.9kg) than its predecessor--allowing single-handed grinding in confined spaces. The new models are said to have a small anglehead to...

Alaska's amphibious craft take to water.(excavators)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Alaska Environmental Contracting is utilising the UK's first two amphibious excavators. The units have Volvo EC210B superstructures mounted on Sunland-Kori amphibious under-carriages, which are 8.5m long by 5.5m wide and 1.5m high to provide...

Finning to distribute Perkins kit.(engines)(Finning International)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Finning International is to take over the distribution of Perkins Engines and Parts in Great Britain in December. The company has been awarded exclusive distribution rights for Perkins Engines and Parts, which were previously handled by three...

Daewoos take on mill job.(cotton mill demolition)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Howard Stott Demolition is using three Daewoo excavators to demolish a 150-year-old cotton mill near Colne, Lancs. Specialising in city centre and high-rise contracts, Howard Stott currently has a fleet of five Daewoo machines, ranging in...

Digga Crusher unveiled.(attachments)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Debuting at the recent RWM on the Worsley Plant stand was the Digga Crusher 900, an excavator-mounted jaw crusher bucket capable of processing 60t to 70t per hour. The unit attaches to 20t to 30t class excavators via a quick hitch, has a 900mm...

Small claim for Dig Bits.(CRUSHER)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... A prototype of what is claimed to be the smallest mini crusher on tracks made its appearance at Saltex. Aimed at the landscaping and plant rental markets, the BAV-Trak crusher from Dig Bits is based on a Yamaguchi tracked dumper chasis and...

JLG aims high with telescopic boom lift.(ACCESS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... JLG, which claims leadership in the UK powered access market with a share of more than 30%, has launched a 38m platform height articulating telescopic boom lift. The 1250AJP's two telescopic booms give a horizontal reach of 19.25m and can...

James Cruden takes first UK Liebherr R317.(EXCAVATORS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The UK's first Liebherr R317 Litronic excavator has been delivered to James Cruden Developments of Aberdeen. The R317 "new generation" Litronic excavator is a 17-18 tonnes class machine and can accept bucket sizes from 0.14 to 0.85 cubic...

JCB digs in for waste management sector.(MATERIALS HANDLER)(J.C. Bamford Excavators LTD )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... JCB has launched a wheeled excavator specifically designed for the waste management sector in the form of the JS 200W 'materials handler'. The unit comes complete with a straight boom and materials handling rig and can be specified with a...

Landmac to market Dutch vacuum lifter.(KERB LIFTER)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Landmac has started to market a Dutch-built vacuum kerb lifting attachment mounted on a Skidster machine. Once the unit is fitted, which initially takes about a day, the Skidster is controlled by the wander leads attached to the device's...

Lambert's [pounds sterling]500k job.(KIT NEWS in brief)(GSD Lambert & Sons)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Norfolk-based GSD Lambert & Sons has purchased four new-generation JCB JS220 tracked excavators as part of a [pounds sterling]500,000 deal. The machines have been deployed on deep excavation projects utilising their vibrating compaction...

Kramer for Benchmark.(KIT NEWS in brief)(Benchmark Building Supplies)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Benchmark Building Supplies of Lancashire has purchased a Kramer 180 wheeled excavator for handling loose materials at three depots near Bolton. Local dealer Parkway Plant Sales of Stockport supplied the machine.

One Call buys Kubotas.(KIT NEWS in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... One Call Hire has ordered 10 Kubota U45-3 mini excavators from local dealer Leach Lewis Plant. The machines are 4.5t class units featuring zero tail swing and 360(0) manoeuvrability.

More Volvos at AH.(KIT NEWS in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... AH Plant Hire of Mold, North Wales has expanded its fleet of Volvo compact excavators with the addition of ten machines. The new units consist of six 5.5t EC55Bs and four 1.5t EC15BXRs.

MITIE training push.(KIT NEWS in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... MITIE Generation has launched a training division to meet the increasing need for certificated training on access equipment with PASMA training for access towers and IPAF training on Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.

New Nationwide MD.(KIT NEWS in brief)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Nationwide Access has appointed Hugh Cole as its new managing director. He was previously with Europcar UK as operations and franchise director and is a qualified chartered engineer.

Award for Genset.(KIT NEWS in brief)(VTI lighting tower)(Hire Association Europe)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Hire Association Europe (HAE) has awarded GenSet's VTI lighting tower the Best New Product award for 2004. The HAE said it took into account testimonials from several leading European hire companies.

Truck cranes: CPA warning on truck cranes.(TRANSPORT)(Construction Plant-hire Association)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Users of large lorry-loading cranes are being warned that they may be breaking the law if they place loads anywhere but adjacent to the vehicle. Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) members expressed concern that the one-man operated lorry...

Heanor Haulage of Langley Mill.(TRANSPORT)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Heanor Haulage of Langley Mill has taken delivery of the UK's first line-built 8X4 FH16 tractor units in a deal for three of the highly specialised heavy haulage rigs. The 455kW trucks are plated at 200t GCW and feature T-Ride 2 heavy duty rear...

Plant transport: HE buys step frame trailer.(TRANSPORT)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... HE Services has taken delivery of a bespoke built tri-axle step frame trailer from Andover Trailers for transporting its super-reach excavators. Supplied with uprated axles and a heavier neck, the 13.6m-long trailer features a low profile...

Health & safety: FTA issues guidance on risks of driving at work.(TRANSPORT)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has launched a new compliance guide highlighting the risks of driving at work. There are about 300 deaths in the transport workplace every year and it is estimated that a third of all road fatalities...

Panel vans: Renault helps drivers stay cool with Air Con Plus.(TRANSPORT)(Air Con Plus)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Renault has added a new Air Con Plus' option pack for its Trafic van range to help drivers keep cool under pressure, whatever the weather. The [pounds sterling]500 package consists of air conditioning with pollen filter, heat-reflecting...

Land Rover launch.(in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Sales of the new Land Rover Discovery 3 start on 1 November with whole-life costs of the new models reduced by 42% against the outgoing range. Discovery 3 prices start from [pounds sterling]27,000.

Fox employs DAF tractor.(in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Fox Group is using an 120t 6X4 DAF tractor unit for moving heavy plant and using its PM 26t/metre crane to help carry out repairs on site.

HIAB launches 033T.(in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... HIAB has launched its top-of the range van/light truck crane, the 033T. The unit is said to take up the minimum loadbed space and offer a maximum lift capacity of almost 2.5t and an outreach of 6m.

Fee sat nav from Vauxhall.(in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Vauxhall is offering free satellite navigation on some 2004 model year Astravan 1.7CDTi Envoy models. The ex-VAT list price for the 1.7 Envoy is [pounds sterling]10,660 and the offer is available to most customers while stocks last.

Dennison's GCW trailers.(in brief)(Gross Combined Weight (vehicles) )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Dennison has built 15 skeletal trailers of 44t GCW which are specially adapted for carrying radioactive material for specialist trailer and vehicle hire operator RJ & I Wells of Preston, Lancashire.

Cost of fuel increases.(in brief)(Freight Transport Association)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Freight Transport Association said a one pence/litre increase in fuel prices costs UK industry [pounds sterling]130 million per year and prices have already increased by six pence per litre.

New Toyota models.(in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Toyota has replaced its S and SE Hiace models with new specification 200 (standard wheelbase) and 300 (long wheelbase) models. The 280 gets a rear tailgate and central locking as standard and prices start from [pounds sterling]11,985.

Tools of the trade: with an ever-increasing array of attachments available for plant machinery, the market is becoming more competitive. Martin Cooper reports.(ATTACHMENTS)
October 1, 2004... Today, most OEMs endeavour to supply a large array of attachments for their equipment. The tool carrier concept has become universal and attachments are seen as 'solution providers' that give the machine the tool to do specific jobs. The...

In the trenches: many UK contractors are discovering the benefits and versatility of the transverse cutting unit. Martin Cooper investigates.(ATTACHMENTS)
October 1, 2004... Two extremely common problems facing trenching contractors working in confined inner city sites are the noise levels of the machinery and what to do with the spoil. Using a trencher, or working with breakers, causes a fair amount of noise and...

Hire maintenance: an increasing number of firms are taking steps to encourage both clients and staff to take better care of equipment. Colin Sowman reports.(INCENTIVES)
October 1, 2004... Hardly a week goes by without somebody relating a tale of operators abusing plant or their van, or of dozens of grinders being lost from this site or that. Such neglect costs companies thousands of pounds every year through repairs, lost...

Growth industry: Rushlift is not a name many people in the hire industry are aware of--but chairman Peter Cosgrove has his mind set on expansion. Colin Sowman reports.(HIRE VIEW)
October 1, 2004... Peter Cosgrove isn't your typical hire company boss. His background isn't the usual 'started with one backhoe 30 years ago' often heard in this industry. Instead, he spent 17 years with Lex Service plc, culminating in the position as managing...

Can you afford not to borrow? Cash or credit? There's no easy answer to the question facing plant hirers looking to add to their fleets. Martin Cooper examines the options.(FINANCE)
October 1, 2004... Is it better to borrow money or use your own cash when purchasing new plant? The question as to whether it's better to enter into a hire purchase or contract lease agreement or simply pay with cash in the account is a dilemma encountered by...

Lightening the load: Paul Howard investigates the ongoing popularity--or otherwise--of the backhoe loader.(BACKHOE LOADERS)
October 1, 2004... It's no secret that the market for backhoe loaders has been in decline for some years. In fact, according to some sources, the market has more than halved in the past ten years. From a peak of between 5,000 and 6,000 backhoes per year--and...

Compact package: Volvo looks set to make its mark on the compact radius market with its new range of mini excavators.(VOLVO LAUNCH)
October 1, 2004... Performance equal to that of traditional excavators was the aim of Volvo's design team when developing its new range of compact radius mini excavators. And it believes it has achieved that with the launch of the four model ECR range consisting...

Fair trade: in his fourth article on corporate finance, James Stirling looks at the sale of a business to a trade purchaser.(SELLING A BUSINESS)
October 1, 2004... There is an old saying: 'Never look a gift horse in the mouth.' For livestock that may be true, but not when that gift horse is in the form of an unsolicited approach for the purchase of a business. No matter how prestigious the...

Safety measures: a meeting of the CPA's Crane Interest Group was dominated by concerns about safety on site. Colin Sowham reports.(Construction Products Association)
October 1, 2004... Health and safety issues dominated an open meeting of the Construction Plant-Hire Association's Crane Interest Group. "We work in a very dangerous industry and if something goes wrong the consequences are very serious," said group chairman,...

Gun crushing time.(CHECKOUT)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... CBL recently supplied a Bomag roller for an unusual stunt at Bristol's Castle Park. The machine was used to symbolically crush more than 20 copy AK47's as part of the recent International Gun Destruction Day. Bristol MPs Valerie Davey and...

Viva Las Vegas.(CHECKOUT)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... A-Plant customers are being offered the opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas to attend next year's Conexpo-Con/Agg construction exhibition. As part of a nationwide promotion, A-Plant Tool Hire shop customers who purchase a Belle diamond...

In the picture: win [pounds sterling]50.(CHECKOUT)
October 1, 2004... The correct answer for September's competition was a Takeuchi TB175 excavator, photographed working at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge football ground. The winner drawn from the hard hat was Wayne Bevan of Site Gear Services in Cwmbran. If you think...

Walking for Cancer Research.(CHECKOUT)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Fifteen Manchester-based staff from Hewden plant and tool hire have raised [pounds sterling]3,000 for Cancer Research, by walking 66km across the Peak District. The trek was organised in memory of their colleague, Jenny Hollinworth, who died of...

Events diary.(Calendar)
October 1, 2004... 2004 OCTOBER 13-17 SAIE 2004 Fiere Bologna Bologna, Italy Tel: +39 051 282111 www.saie.bolognafiere.it OCTOBER 24-25 Lighthouse Run John O'Groats to Land's End www.lighthouserun.net NOVEMBER 16-19...