A leading plant hirer has purchased over 40 new JCB machines - including six new compact tracked loader models which are saving its customers up to 33% in fuel costs.
In addition to these JCB 225T models, Leicester-based Apex Plant Hire has taken delivery of seven new 85Z-1 excavators, ten tandem vibratory rollers, eight 8016 and ten 8026 mini excavators. They join an extensive range of JCB tracked excavators, telehandlers, backhoe loaders and compaction equipment in the firm’s predominantly JCB fleet.
Apex, which offers general plant hire services across the Midlands, has been quick to recognise the opportunity for compact tracked loaders in the rental sector thanks to the productivity and manoeuvrability they provide in construction, agriculture and landscaping applications. Most notable is their low ground bearing pressure and ability to operate effectively without damaging delicate or newly laid ground.
In evaluation against a competitive model, the JCB 225T - powered by a fuel-saving, Tier 4i compliant JCB Ecomax engine – has proved significantly more fuel efficient.
Apex Plant Hire Director, David Marriott said: “The first thing we noticed on the new machines were the massive fuel savings. The competition just cannot match up. We compared a JCB unit to rival manufacturer’s model and it used a third less fuel on the same work. The JCB only needed to be refuelled two or three times a week while the competitive model required four refills.
“The machines also really come into their own in applications where manoeuvrability and low ground bearing pressure are important. The tracks can either protect delicate virgin ground or prevent further damage in poor ground conditions.
“Working in wet and boggy conditions is where the safety benefits are also magnified. Slippery boots and clambering over attachments would be a dangerous combination with conventional two arm machines. The side entry door on JCB models is a massive bonus for customers when it comes to the health and safety.
“Over 85% of our fleet is JCB because we value the excellent service support and value for money on high spec machines. We have a strong relationship with our dealer and like to support a UK manufacturer. The JCB LiveLink system is also a great addition with the potential to really boost our fleet management efficiency.”
Apex Plant Hire’s compact tracked loaders showcase JCB’s unique “PowerBoom” design, which uses a single arm, rather than the conventional two-arm skid steer design. This allows a unique left side entry door which enables the operator to enter and exit the machine clear of the attachment and loader arm, making it the industry’s safest skid steer. Through this innovation, visibility is on average, 60% greater than the competition.