Uttoxeter-based structural steelwork and cladding contractor MJ Barrett Constructions has expanded its telescopic handler fleet with the addition of JCB machines.
The company has bought two JCB Loadall 535-140 Hi-Viz telehandlers in a deal worth around £115,000. Supplied by JCB dealer Gunn JCB, the Loadalls are manufactured just down the road from the company’s base at JCB’s World HQ in Rocester.
MJ Barrett Constructions Operations Manager Paul Leadbetter said: “We’ve bought the two new machines due to a growing order book and to meet the additional capacity of work, erecting and cladding steel frame buildings. The 14m model is our standard machine for this type of work.
“We run a variety of telescopic handlers along with the two JCBs with baskets. Our Chairman Malcolm Barrett struck the deal with Gunn JCB, as the latest JCB machines have a very good specification. And with JCB being just up the road it was an easy decision to make.”
The models purchased can lift to a maximum of almost 14 metres and can handle loads of up to 3.5 tonnes.
National contractor MJ Barrett Constructions - part of the MJ Barrett Group - specialises in steel frame construction, for both the agricultural and industrial markets. The company operates a fleet of seven telehandlers, along with the two JCB Loadall machines plus a fleet of aerial work platforms.
The 535-14 Hi-Viz Loadall is powered by the highly efficient JCB EcoMAX diesel engine. This Stage IIIB/Tier 4i engine provides a powerful 75hp (55kW) and a maximum travel speed of 29mph.
With the machines working mainly in steel erection, MJ Barrett’s JCBs will not amass huge operating hours, resulting in very strong residual values for the future. “We have our own engineers, but Gunn JCB will provide a maintenance package for these new machines,” said Mr Leadbetter.
“One of the telescopics will have a dedicated driver, but the other will be used by a number of our team. All of the operators like the JCBs.”