Plant Manager's Journal articles from October 2006

Plant Manager's Journal archives from October 2006

Public servants not public nuisances.(Editorial)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... It used to be said 'To err is human, for a real mess try a computer'. Now, however, things have changed and the new slogan should read 'Computers occasionally go wrong--for a proper mess get some civil servants'. Take the bureaucratic...

Ashtead on a high after US acquisition.(RESULTS)
October 1, 2006... The Ashtead Group has completed the acquisition of US hire company NationsRent and seen underlying pre-tax profit almost double to [pounds sterling]24.3m for the first three months. A-Plant's operating profit jumped by a quarter to [pounds...

Minton quits as HAE head.(Kevin Minton quits Hire Association Europe)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Kevin Minton has stepped down as managing director of the Hire Association Europe (HAE) but will remain with the organisation concentrating on technical matters, compliance and developing training services. Minton, who has been managing...

Case steps up support as Saville goes under.(COMPANY NEWS)
October 1, 2006... For the second time in recent months, Case has made emergency provisions to support users of its machines as another of its UK dealers, Saville Tractors, went into administration. Saville (no connection with Saville Belfast) had recently...

Bigger and better Bauma.(EXHIBITION)
October 1, 2006... More than 500,000 visitors are expected to attend the Bauma exhibition in Munich, Germany, next year (23-29 April), according to the organisers. Not only is the show 6% bigger than 2004 at 530,000[m.sup.2] but it is also targeting visitors...

HSE reiterates danger of vehicles.(HEALTH AND SAFETY)
October 1, 2006... The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has again warned about the danger of moving vehicles on work sites after two firms were fined for breaches of health and safety legislation after a worker's legs were crushed in January 2003. Last...

CPCS founder member resigns.(TRAINING)(Construction Plant Competence Scheme - Trevor Gamble)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... One of the founder organisations of the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) has resigned from the scheme's management committee. The resignation came after the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS) refused to give up...

Lavendon posts [pounds sterling]1.3m profit.(FINANCIAL RESULTS)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The Lavendon Group, Nationwide's parent company, made a [pounds sterling]1.3m pretax profit in the first half of the year, compared with a loss of [pounds sterling]1.5m in the same period last year. The acquisition of Panther, Kestrel and...

Hewden suffers 50% drop in Q2 earnings.(FINANCIAL RESULTS)(Hewden-Stuart PLC )(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Hewden has suffered a 50% drop in second-quarter earnings, according to results posted by its Canadian-based parent company Finning. The report puts this down to competitive pressures, process re-engineering and restructuring costs,...

Safety first.(NEWS)
October 1, 2006... Planet Platforms has introduced Safepost, a fall-arrest system for workers needing access to the roof of temporary buildings. The system uses a telescopic post that attaches to the cabin leg while the worker is at ground level. On top of the...

JCB anger at appeal snub.(LEGAL)(JCB Materials Handling Ltd.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... JCB has reacted with anger at the European Court of Justice dismissing its appeal against a [pounds sterling]20m fine for breaching EU competition arrangements. The case dates back to 1973 when the UK entered the Common Market and JCB...

Ladder Log plays safe.(NEWS in brief)
October 1, 2006... Ladder Log is offering a free download of its ladder safety checklist on www.ladderlog.com/freecheck. Those with a ladder failing its inspection can fax the form to Ladder Store and receive a 10% discount on a replacement.

Good vibrations.(NEWS in brief)
October 1, 2006... The Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre has released the latest version of its HAV-Base, which it claims will render most measurements for hand-arm vibration in the field unnecessary. For more information email Steve Wray at:...

Go Plant fined [pounds sterling]10k.(NEWS in brief)
October 1, 2006... Go Plant, has been fined over [pounds sterling]10,000 following the death of a worker at its Mountsorrel, Leicestershire depot. Mechanic Alan Garner was killed when a steel frame carrying a lorry engine fell over and hit him on the back of the...

HHH's big breaker.(NEWS in brief)
October 1, 2006... Hydraulic Hammer Hire (HHH) has been appointed as sole UK distributor for the DNB range of hydraulic breakers. These range from the D20 for micro excavators, to the D200 suitable for carriers up to 80t. They are also available for hire.

SGB's tall order.(NEWS in brief)
October 1, 2006... SGB is introducing an on-site erection service for towers, safety decking, acoustic barriers and rollaroad products hired from the company. The service helps companies without expertise in safely assembling equipment comply with Work at Height...

Central to sell and support Metso's mobile machines.(DISTRIBUTION)
October 1, 2006... In a major change to its distribution operations in England and Wales, Metso Minerals has appointed Central Crushers and Screens to sell and provide field support for mobile machines in the construction and recycling markets. Metso...

New role for Taylor at JCB.(Matthew Taylor)(JCB Materials Handling Ltd.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... JCB has appointed its first chief operating officer as the company continues to pursue its long-term strategy for global growth. Matthew Taylor has taken on the role in addition to his current job as managing director of JCB Sales. He will...

Work the line.(NEWS)(L and W Engineering Co.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Rail maintenance contractor L & W has taken delivery of the UK's first rail-converted New Holland MH2.6 excavator. The compact machine was specified with a three-piece boom giving an 8m outreach, while allowing close-quarter work. Following the...

Nolan leaves chief executive post at HSS.(Paul Nolan quits and Chris Davies joins as chief executive at HSS)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... HSS chief executive Paul Nolan has been replaced. A statement from HSS said that new chief executive Chris Davies took control on 29 August, but would not elaborate. Nolan became managing director after HSS was bought from the Davis...

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

Finning sells materials arm to Sammons in [pounds sterling]85m deal.(SALE)(Sammons Enterprises Inc)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Finning has sold its UK materials handling division to US-based Sammons Enterprises for [pounds sterling]85m. The materials handling business supplies fork lifts, counterbalance and warehouse trucks to industrial and retail users. Sammons...

Grove crane aimed at the mid-range.(CRANES)
October 1, 2006... Grove is launching a 32t (35t US) rough-terrain mobile crane as a midrange option between its existing 27.2t and 36.3t models. The RT535E will feature a four-section 31m full-power boom, while its 7.6m-13.7m offsettable swinga-way extension...

Bus filter problems cast doubt on London code.(EMISSIONS)
October 1, 2006... The debate over the London Best Practice Guide for construction equipment has been reignited after it was revealed that particulate filters fitted to London buses were not working as Transport for London (TfL) had expected. Tests found...

Neuson sales up 74% in first half.(SITE DUMPERS)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Neuson announced that sales of its dumpers in the UK have increased by 74% over the first half of the year, with Europe up by 36%. John Rawnsley, managing director of the dumper production facility in Tredegar, South Wales, put the increase...

Kanga adds power.(SKID STEERS)(DA-725 compact tracked skid steer loader)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Kanga unveiled its more powerful DA-725 compact tracked skid steer loader at Saltex. The new machine offers higher ground clearance and 40mm more lift. Its 19kW (25hp) machine, powered by a Kubota D902 engine, offers nearly 4kW more power...

Debut.(KIT)
October 1, 2006... Europe's first Doosan Daewoo DX420 demolition excavator has entered service with demolition specialist Thomas Crompton from Bradford. The 47.5t machine is fitted with a 26.4m 3-piece boom capable of 14m of outreach with the 8.8m main boom is...

Fastline ready for a shake-up.(HAND ARM VIBRATION)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Fastline addressed hand arm vibration at the Rail Plant Association's annual show. The firm demonstrated an electrically driven torque multiplier system to tighten track plates--replacing the traditional impact driver. The DE08 unit used...

Nissan venture.(ACCESS)
October 1, 2006... Nissan has announced that it has teamed up with Haulotte Group to start producing truck-mounted platforms based on the Nissan Cabstar. The move, which was publicised during the CV how in Hanover, will see Haulotte Group establishing a...

Astra's 30t ADT30c steals Case's thunder.(ADTS)
October 1, 2006... Visitors to the international truck show in Hanover had a sneak preview of the new 30t ADT that will be on the Case stand at Bauma. Manufactured by Fiat stablemate Astra, the new ADT30c shares the cab first seen on the 40t machine and comes...

Upgrade.(KIT)
October 1, 2006... Liebherr has introduced a 250t excavator to replace the R 994 Litronic. The new 9250 is powered by 960kW 12-cyclinder turbo engine and the standard version has a 9m gooseneck boom, a 4m stick and a 15[m.sup.3] backhoe bucket. That means it has...

Bobcat adds mini excavator to range.(EXCAVATORS)
October 1, 2006... Bobcat has filled the gap in its mini excavator range with the launch of the 335--a 4.2t model. Powered by a 30kW Kubota engine, the 335 has a maximum dig depth of 3.56m and a 5.43m outreach with a boom offset of 90[degrees] to the left and...

Hanix launches H36CR.(KIT NEWS in brief)
October 1, 2006... Hanix chose Saltex to launch its H36CR zero tail-swing excavator, an updated version of the 3.5t H36C. The manufacturer has introduced a revised version of the Mitsubishi S3L2 engine to comply with emission legislation and has replaced the main...

Hammel ready to shred.(KIT NEWS in brief)
October 1, 2006... Hammel unveiled its new 850 primary shredder at the RWM show. The 33t machine has a 'two-shaft' system that uses counter-rotating shafts to rip, tear and discharge material. It will process wood waste at a rate of 100t/hr and industrial or...

Cautrac's Italian job.(KIT NEWS in brief)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Cautrac exhibited its new Italian-built Lem Track 48-25 jaw crusher for the first time in the UK at RWM. The machine, which is suitable for transport on a 7.5t truck, features a dedicated feed-belt in the bottom of the hopper, can process up to...

Tubecube on show.(KIT NEWS in brief)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Tubecube, a vacuum excavation attachment for excavators, was the subject of interest at the Rail Plant Association's annual show--and not just for rail work. The hydraulically-driven unit, displayed by Tasty Plant Sales of Amersham (UK importer...

IQR's mobile shredder.(KIT NEWS in brief)
October 1, 2006... Swedish firm IQR has unveiled its new Flexhammer 1500 mobile shredder. The machine is able to process demolition timber, industrial and household waste and general demolition waste. It can process timber at around 50t/hr and industrial waste at...

Colin Sowman was at the Hanover truck fair and found a surprise or two.(TRANSPORT)
October 1, 2006... CLEVER COGS: Ford exhibited an 'intelligent all-wheel-drive' system on its new Transit. Based on the rear wheel drive 104kW Transit, the mechanical system automatically provides drive to the front wheels in slippery conditions. Power comes from...

Full service ahead: recognising customer problems and downtime and offering an effective aftersales service are paramount for plant hire companies to succeed, writes Neil Gerrard.(CUSTOMER SUPPORT)
October 1, 2006... The salesman sells it first, then the service guys sell the rest, or so we're led to believe--and not without good reason. Plant hire firms are acutely aware that their reputation rests on sorting out their customers' problems fast. So...

Picking up trade: with beneficial tax incentives, engine and interior improvements, pick-ups are now a lifestyle choice and a wise business investment, writes Colin Sowman.(PICK-UPS)
October 1, 2006... Pick-ups are cool. After years of being the workman's tool, they are now a trendy mode of transport, a lifestyle choice machine. But while the lifestyle brigade may never discover it, pick-ups are capable working machines and recent changes...

Decision time: emissions reduction is starting to cost money, so selecting the right system is vital. Colin Sowman reports.(TRANSPORT)
October 1, 2006... This month sees the introduction of new Euro 4 emissions limits for on-road trucks, which will increase both purchase and operating costs. However, the truck manufacturers are still arguing about the best way to meet the new regulations--and...

Playing to strengths: having shifted its focus from general to specialist plant hire, Vp's share price is riding high, says Neil Gerrard.(HIRE VIEW)
October 1, 2006... It's been over five years since Vibroplant moved away from the business of general plant hire, concentrated on specialised markets and renamed itself Vp. It was, according to the company's own official history, a "traumatic time" that resulted...

Dumper jump: sales of ADTs have shown a dramatic upturn of late--but will manufacturers be able to make them quickly enough to satisfy demand? Colin Sowman reports.(EQUIPMENT FOCUS)(Articulated Dump Truck )(Statistical table)(Statistical data)
October 1, 2006... This year has been a frustrating one for ADT manufacturers. Sales have been buoyant but many have struggled to meet demand, either because of factory allocation or through a shortage of tyres. Colin Timms, senior researcher with Off Highway...

Corporate killing--the net tightens: Joanne Wardale looks at the ramifications of the new corporate manslaughter Bill.(LEGISLATION)
October 1, 2006... The new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill, in the House of Commons, will have serious implications for companies in terms of their financial position and their reputation. Unions welcomed the Bill on the grounds that it will...

Selwood staff hit the road for charity ride.(CHECKOUT)
October 1, 2006... Four Selwood colleagues have succeeded in their attempt to visit all 29 of the company's branches in just four days. The sponsored 2,500 mile tour started in Selwood's Hampshire head office and stretched as far as Glasgow and Exeter. The...

Protected species.(CHECKOUT)
October 1, 2006... The PMJ hard that happened across this sign when it visited the Bluebell Railway museum, having viewed L & W's rail-converted New Holland MH2.6 excavator. Be the subject of attention from all your chums? We's rather not.

In the picture: win [pounds sterling]50.(CHECKOUT)
October 1, 2006... Oh dear. Several entries were again disqualified this month for getting the editor's name wrong. Colin doesn't like to be addressed as Mr Snowman--it gets you a rather 'frosty' reception! No such mistakes from Wayne Bevan of Site Gear Services,...

Minter rolls back the years.(achievements and awards of Alan Minter)(Ring Magazine World Title Belt)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Speedy Hire and Genset were responsible for presenting former World Middleweight Champion Alan Minter with the 'Ring Magazine World Title Belt', 26 years after he should have received the award. Boxing Journal Ring Magazine established a...

2006.(CHECKOUT)(Calendar)
October 1, 2006... OCTOBER 24-27 Entsorga-Enteco International Trade Fair for Waste Management and Environmental Technology Cologne Germany Web: www.entsorgaenteco.com NOVEMBER 7 RHA Security Seminar Reducing Freight Crime...