Plant & Civil Engineer Feb-Mar 2022

PLANT & CIVIL FEB-MAR 2022

CONSTRUCTION, QUARRY & RECYCLING MAGAZINE

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Earning its keep on the beautiful North Coast of Ireland Purchased by

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contents PLANT & CIVIL

FEB-MAR 2022

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News

View from the Cab

12

New General Manager at Sleator Plant

06

Volvo’s FMX tipper

18

Kobelco SK130LC-11

STUNNING!

22

Business Development Manager appointed at Nicholl Oils

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JCB Electric Teletruk

EARNING ITS KEEP ON THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH COAST OF IRELAND

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Sany SY305

24

Loss of Red Diesel rebate could cost £25m

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JCB’S PotholePro Makes Its Northern Ireland Debut

42

Gordon Best, MPANI

61

Court Report

Mallon looks back at two years as Infrastructure Minister

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Hire News

98

Recycling & Waste Management

GENIE®

HYBRID

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Follow us on twitter @PlantandCivil Find us on facebook Plant & Civil Engineer

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Regular Features

Special Features

100 Auctions & Used Plant

50

Financial Services

Sales & Services

62

Ards and North Down Council

103 Plant Sales

www.plantandcivilengineer.com

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Excavators

107 Buyers Guide

Henry Ardis General Manager

comment

Find us on

David Stokes Group Editor Phil Eaglestone Commercial Editor Joel Byers Production Manager Eleanor Blane Accounts Manager Helen Beggs & Garfield Harrison Publishers Plant & Civil Engineer is Published by: 4 SM (NI) Ltd, The Old Coach House, 12 Main Street, Hillsborough BT26 6AE TEL: 028 9268 8888 FAX: 028 9268 8866 Email: info@4squaremedia.net Plant & Civil Engineer is the journal for plant, quarrying, municipal and civil engineering management. It is circulated on a controlled basis to managers in the following industries; access equipment, agricultural contracting, building, civil engineering and highways contractors, civil engineering practices, commercial vehicle distributors, concrete production, municipal and government authorities, plant dealers and operators, plant hire companies, plant manufacturers, quarrying, scrap processors, spare parts suppliers and Recycling. For those outside the terms of control, Plant & Civil Engineer is available this year at £30 per annum subscription.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: © Plant & Civil Engineer 2022.

All material in this publication is copyright, including advertisements which have been prepared for advertisers.

No part of it may be reproduced in any way whatever or stored in electronic retrieval systems without the written permission of the publishers. We are a completely independent voice and are not connected to any Institutes or Associations within the industry. Our aim is to publish accurate, specific and dedicated information, targeting each sector of the industry, throughout Ireland. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies supplied by the contributors. All rights reserved.

After a year of ups and downs, of lockdowns and social distancing, and of material and skills shortages, it is refreshing to note that construction experts across the UK are painting a positive picture for the industry over the next year with strong levels of activity expected; that’s according to the latest RICS construction survey.

That said, delays to large-scale construction projects have more than doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, while another new report suggests nine in 10 tradespeople throughout the UK are also being forced to delay projects due to the ongoing supplies shortage; the study by Simply Business unveils the devastating impact of the supplies shortage, with over a quarter of tradespeople saying they’ve had no choice but to delay projects by a minimum of four-eight weeks.

Another looming concern is the removal of the red diesel rebate in April; this is reckoned to cost the construction industry in Northern Ireland a whooping £25 million. Not surprisingly, an increasing number of contractors are switching to fuelling their machines with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO); it is hailed as a perfect replacement for diesel.

Enough bad news, so what have we for you in this issue? We have all our regular features as well as a focus on excavators, plus our View from the Cab series looks at a Kobelco SK130LC-11, a JCB ElectricTeletruk, a Sany SY305 and a Volvo’s FMX tipper. We have also introduced a new feature, Court Report.

In addition, we have been finding out from Ards and North Down Borough Council and from Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council what it is like running an extensive fleet of refuse collection vehicles.

Well, that’s it for now, but in the meantime, you can keep up to date with all the industry news 24/7 by logging on to our website at www.plantandcivilengineer.com Of course, you should also be getting our weekly newsletter which is emailed out every Tuesday; if not, do subscribe on our website so you don’t miss out. It’s FREE!

David Stokes Group Editor Email: david@4squaremedia.net

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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news

Contractor appointed for new £45m Northern Regional College campus Heron Bros Ltd has been appointed as lead contractor to develop a new £45million campus for Northern Regional College in Ballymena.

Located at Farm Lodge, the new campus will see teaching at the college’s existing sites at Farm Lodge, Trostan Avenue and the Lamont Building in the town consolidated onto one state-of-the-art campus.

Initial preparatory work is expected to begin this month, with construction onsite commencing in June 2022. The new campus is due to be operational for the start of term in September 2024 with all works, including the new car park, fully complete for December 2024.

Speaking after visiting the site, the Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “I am delighted that Heron Bros Ltd has been appointed as the lead contractor to develop this new campus for Northern Regional College.

“The new campus will consolidate teaching onto one site of more than 17,600m2 in Ballymena, to deliver an even better learning experience for students. This £45million project, fully funded by my Department, is part of a wider £85million investment in Northern Regional College to include the redevelopment of its Coleraine campus.”

The Minister continued: “The delivery of this world-class learning environment will help to achieve the aims of my Department’s 10X Economic Vision, equipping learners with the skills they need for the constantly evolving jobs market and building on Northern Ireland’s successes on the global stage. It will also help ensure that further education colleges are at the forefront of the drive to meet the evolving and wide ranging demands of a modern economy.

“This capital investment is excellent news not only for the college and its learners,

Looking at the plans for the new Ballymena campus for Northern Regional College are Karl McKillop, Construction Director, Heron Bros; Economy Minister Gordon Lyons; and Gillian McConnell, NRC Governor.

staff and wider community, but also for the local construction industry and associated supply chain, with over 150 new construction jobs to be created and a further 300 sustained during the building phase of the new Ballymena campus.

“Along with these full-time jobs, over 1,350 weeks of employment and training will be provided through traineeships, apprenticeships and Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs) across a range of construction-related trades.”

Innovation Zone The new Farm Lodge campus will feature a flexible ‘innovation zone’ that can be adapted for a wide range of activities, including cross-curriculum project-based learning, conferences and performances.

In addition, the new campus facilities will offer extensive advanced technology workshops, CAD teaching and support facilities.

Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College, commented: “Having made such fantastic progress on our new Coleraine campus in recent months, we are excited to take this important step forward in the plans for our new Ballymena campus and look forward to working with Heron Bros Ltd on the project. I would like to extend the college’s thanks to the Department for the Economy for their continued investment in our estate as we seek to deliver the aims and objectives of its 10X Economic Vision.

“The appointment of Heron Bros Ltd takes us a step closer to realising our ambitious vision to create a world-class learning environment for our students across two state-of-the-art campuses, equipping them with the skills to enter the workforce, making Northern Ireland a more productive economy, and to further enhance our ability to welcome and serve our local communities in Ballymena and Coleraine.”

Pictured outside Northern Regional College’s Farm Lodge campus in Ballymena are (l-r) Kieran Mooney, NRC Projects Director; Ken Nelson, Chair of NRC Governing Body; John Findlay, Director, McAdam; Mel Higgins, NRC Principal and Chief Executive; Karl McKillop, Construction Director, Heron Bros; Gillian McConnell, NRC Governor; Economy Minister Gordon Lyons; Damien O’Callaghan, Group MD, Heron Bros; and Sean Laverty, NRC Acting Chief Operating Officer.

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PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

Volvo FM Don’t Compromise The Volvo FM - it’s always been the work companion that helps your day run smoothly. It can also be tailored to specialise in building and construction assignments. Evolution brings you the intelligent and versatile Volvo FM, now with even more interior space and comfort, improved visibility, expanded safety features and the tools for an even more efficient day.

For more information visit www.volvotrucks.co.uk/fm

Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress

view from the cab

VOLVO’S FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE FMX TICKS ALL THE BOXES FOR ROBINSON CONCRETE 6

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

view from the cab

rete Driver.

Johnny Millen, Robinson Conc

Transporting heavy loads in the rolling countryside of Northern Ireland can be challenging to say the least. Thankfully, these days, truck manufacturers are able to supply increasingly innovative solutions to help improve manoeuvrability, ease of access and maximise payload potential.

Family-run Robinson Concrete, which has been operating in County Londonderry for the past 73 years, has recently added a new Volvo FMX 4x4 tractor unit to its growing fleet – designed specifically to solve these issues.

Like most concrete and aggregates firms, the business’ fleet was traditionally made up with rugged rigid eight-wheelers.

However, having studied the market closely, it started to explore the possibility of utilising more tractor units and trailers to increase the loads it could shift.

Gareth Robinson, who runs the firm alongside his two sons Matthew and Scott, explains: “The fleet at the moment is around the 30 mark, the vast majority of which are rigids. Before the FMX landed we had four other tractor units, but they were really only used for hauling sand between our two depots, in Claudy and Ballymoney, around 40 miles apart.

“Our core business though is delivering to farms, and we noticed that other trucks accessing these sites – such as milk tankers and those carrying fertiliser – had been getting larger, plus farm machinery in general is growing in size, so access to these sites was becoming possible for bigger vehicles.

We also had a new dual carriageway opened near our yard in Ballymoney – so the road networks were improving.

“That really made us start thinking about moving towards trailers, and because we’re processing our own aggregates, when concrete is quiet we can just unhook the concrete mixer trailer and

go and haul aggregates from the sand pits. It made sense on all fronts.

“We knew though that the set-up was only ever going to be as good as what was pulling the trailer. In terms of going onto construction sites, there are lots of options out there using double drives and tag-axles, etc. But we felt that, because of the difficulty of working in our sand pits and the terrain we are often on is quite challenging, steep and mucky, a 4x4 would be the best route for us.

“We were aware of other manufacturers bringing out these hydraulic front wheel drive options, but it was really only Volvo who could provide everything we were looking for.”

DEALER CO-OPERATION Robinson Concrete worked closely with local dealer Dennison Commercials and Volvo’s technical team to come up with the finished product – and they couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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view from the cab

CONTINUED

Built on a 3,900mm wheelbase, the FMX benefits from an X-High chassis with rear air suspension to improve ground clearance on rough terrain. The firm also selected Michelin XZY3 steer and Michelin X Works drive tyres, offering maximum durability and excellent grip.

Powered by Volvo’s D13K Euro-6 engine, producing 540 hp and 2,600 Nm of torque, the FMX – equipped with spacious Globetrotter cab – has the power to allow the firm to carry more product, while the 4x4 drive paired with the rear-steer concrete mixer trailer creates fantastic manoeuvrability.

“The team at Dennison led us through the process and really opened our eyes to what was possible,” adds Gareth.

“Basically, with this truck there are no compromises. The steering of the trailer combined with the double drive of the truck just ticks so many boxes for us.

“Only this week, for instance, we had one of our tag axle trucks doing the sand and gravel work and it had to stop because every time it went down into the pit to turn around, the vehicle was sticking and didn’t have enough traction in the loose sand to get out. The 4x4 FMX can just go in, and back out, no questions asked.

“There are always restrictions with a tag axle, in our line of work. If you’re a driver and you’re delivering to a construction site, wondering ‘can I get in and will I get stuck if I do get in’, it just adds hassle to your

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day. Using the 4x4 and the trailer, they can be ultra-confident working on any site.”

ANOTHER ON ORDER The solution has worked so well Robinson Concrete has another identical FMX 4x4 tractor unit due to be delivered in the next few months. The business also has two specifically designed new mixer trailers - supplied by Muldoon Transport Systems - on the way to join the two it already has in operation.

“The ones we have currently were specified with a hydraulics system and rated at 44 tonnes initially to pull behind either a double

drive or a tag axle,” says Gareth. “But we are getting trailers now specifically made for the 4x4s, rated at 40 tonnes, so they will be a metre shorter, which will give us even more manoeuvrability. They won’t have the hydraulics on either as we already have that on the trucks, so we gain about half a tonne more in payload capacity in the mixer.

“Down in the Republic of Ireland a lot of businesses similar to ours use 10x4rigids for this type of work, but having tested this spec now we feel this is actually a better solution and it may be something that catches on in the south as well.”

news

Pioneering App to Help Tackle Mental ill Health Issues Within Construction Industry to be helping Dr Vanessa and Tom, with the end goal being a psychologically healthier, happier and more productive workforce within the construction industry.”

A new training solution and app that has been built by and for the construction industry to help tackle its mental ill health issues, has just been launched.

Ownminder is the first industryspecific proactive psychological health solution created to help address the sector’s stark mental health situation that sees a suicide rate three times more than the national average. This equates to two people per day in the UK construction industry taking their own lives (ONS).

Founders Dr Vanessa Moulton, a Chartered Psychologist, and Property and Construction Strategic Consultant Tom Storey, created Ownminder based on their supported belief that prevention is just as important - if not more so - than reactiveonly mental health strategies.

Founding partners include key industry figures Danny Lucas (Lucas UK), Danny Chaney (blu-3 (UK) Ltd), Brian Morrisroe (Morrisroe Group) and David Darsey (The Erith Group), who have combined their knowledge, experience and insights to help develop, build and shape the initiative.

Ownminder enables organisations within the construction industry to provide their employees with a set of accessible tools and strategies to enable them to take a positive, proactive

and preventative approach to their psychological health and wellbeing. It provides them with a deeper understanding of the factors underpinning their own psychological health and enables them to take ownership of their mind fitness, which in turn reduces the risk of poor mental health in the future.

All this is achieved through senior leadership training and onsite Toolbox Talks content.

An app will be accessible for each worker, offering industry tailored on-demand modules, as well as personalised tools, strategies and techniques that can be easily incorporated into everyday life to help strengthen mind fitness.

Regular Updates Anonymised reports, that will include user engagement levels and regularly updated mental wellbeing scores to validate progress, will give businesses in the industry the evidence required to demonstrate compliance with the various health and safety legislation, public procurement

and other ESG factors related to proactive psychological health within the sector.

CEO and Co-founder of Ownminder, Dr Vanessa Moulton commented: “There has never been a more important time to launch Ownminder to the construction industry, with our sole mission to create a highly targeted solution fit for a digital age. There is a lot of focus on how we respond to mental ill health and not so much on how to prevent it. We can all positively impact our psychological health if we understand how our minds work and are armed with the right tools. Right now, mental health and fitness should be given as much focus and priority as physical health and fitness.”

Founding partner Danny Chaney, Chairman of blu-3 (UK) Ltd, commented: “Very much driven by my own personal experience, I have been championing mental health and wellbeing in the sector for years. Ownminder is with you 24 hours a day to tap into when you need it. I feel very honoured

Founding partner Danny Lucas, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Lucas, said: “Being a founding partner is something that really empowers me. It’s been a privilege to be involved with the development of the product and be able to help shape its roll out across the industry.”

CEO and Founder of the Morrisroe Group, Brian Morrisroe, also a founding partner, commented: “We all care for our workforces and the opportunity to get involved with Ownminder to do something more for them is invaluable. I’m humbled to be part of this revolutionary journey that is striving for better mental health across the sector.”

Managing Director of the Erith Group and founding partner of Ownminder, David Darsey said, “Enabling employees to be in control of their psychological health and fitness is incredibly important. As employers, we have a responsibility and a duty of care to ensure our staff across all levels are not just physically safe, but mentally safe too.”

For more information on Ownminder and how to get involved, please visit www.ownminder.com

COVER STORY

GENIE Z-60 FE HYBRID ‘TWO MACHINES IN ONE’ CP Hire have been putting their recently acquired Genie® Z®-60 FE hybrid articulating boom lift to good use on a contract on the stunning coast of Northern Ireland; the machine is featured on our front cover.

Supplied by Sleator Plant, the Genie Z-60 FE boom lift is a no-compromises hybrid an ideal, environmentally-friendly solution that delivers on performance, as well as efficiency and a low cost of operation.

In ‘all-electric’ mode, Genie FE hybrid booms offer a full workday of emissionsfree run time on a single battery charge.

In ‘hybrid’ mode, it offers one week of run time with a single tank of diesel.

The Z-60 FE boom lift features a 5 ft (1.52 m) articulating jib with a 135° vertical rotation to accurately position workers, while the

Genie Fast Mast™ boom system allows operators to descend and retrieve materials and quickly return to working height.

Electrification, of course, continues to be one of the biggest trends in the industry.

Although hybrid and electric technologies certainly aren’t new anymore, the pace of adoption is accelerating as jobsite regulations become more stringent, as electrified equipment offers better and more efficient performance, and as costs to implement the technology continues to come down.

Finding the place where these factors performance, cost and demand - come together is really at the heart of Genie’s approach to electrification. “We aim to offer the right technology, on the right products, at the right time so we

provide the performance that equipment operators need, and greater value for equipment owners and their businesses with the reliable ongoing support of our dealers,” commented Will Westley, Sales Director UK & Ireland and Nordics.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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articulated haulers

FIVE WAYS TO GUARANTEE ROKBAK HAULER PERFORMANCE THIS WINTER The Rokbak RA30 and RA40 are robust machines that can be relied upon to operate effectively and efficiently in cold weather – slippery surfaces and icy slopes are not a problem for these ‘solid as a rock’ articulated haulers.

However, their performance is not down to quality design and build alone, so here are five maintenance tips to help maximise their uptime, productivity and safety during the winter.

1. USE FACTORYAPPROVED PARTS When the weather is cold, it’s more important than ever to equip haulers with the right parts. A reliable starter motor, for example, ensures haulers fire up without problems even in low temperatures. All Rokbak Factory-Approved Parts have been designed and engineered precisely to maintain high performance and prevent unexpected downtime.

2. SELECT THE RIGHT MACHINE SPECIFICATION If operating for prolonged periods of time in extremely low temperatures, options such as fluid heaters will make the

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hauler’s operation much more efficient.

In winter, heavy rain and snow are also likely, so the hauler should be equipped with good windscreen wipers to maintain visibility and ensure safe operation.

3. CARRY OUT REGULAR INSPECTIONS Correct and frequent maintenance is crucial, especially in winter. A good routine for changing fluids or adjusting tyre pressure can make a big difference in keeping an articulated hauler in good shape, while quick daily inspections can prevent accidental wear and tear. The Rokbak global dealer network offers dedicated on-site maintenance and support services and a pre-winter inspection is ideal for getting the new season off to a productive and profitable start.

4. REMOVE ANY DIRT OR SALT Dirt or mud on a hauler can freeze overnight in winter, becoming difficult to remove and potentially damaging to the machine. Salt and other products on roads after snow can also contaminate systems and cause erosion. A daily clean will protect the body and components

of the hauler leading to a longer service life and lower repair costs.

5. CORRECTLY STORE THE MACHINE If a hauler is not being used during winter, correct storage according to the machine literature will ensure it stays in good condition and be ready to work again in the spring. For example, the tires should be blocked up and protected from the elements, while batteries should be kept away from extreme temperatures. If possible, the machine should be started up on a regular basis and put through a set of basic movements to keep it operational.

“We have many customers operating in cold climates and are ready to help them with specification or maintenance advice to keep their machines ready to work and earn. Performance, productivity and reliability are central to the Rokbak brand and we are committed to ensuring all customers experience these benefits, whatever challenges they face,” said Thomas Schmitt, Rokbak’s Customer Support Manager for Europe, Russia and CIS countries.

Carved by a lifetime of hard work, Rokbak articulated haulers are built to perform.

Day after day. Decade after decade. From the heat of the desert to the cold of the arctic, you can rely on Rokbak.

Contact your local dealer for more information.

rokbak.com

new appointment

BUSY YEAR AHEAD FOR SLEATOR PLANT’S NEW GENERAL MANAGER are getting for their money.

Sany use some of the best components on the market and haven’t taken any short cuts in producing the range. In addition, all the machines come with very generous 5 year warranties.

Sleator Plant’s newly appointed General Manager Aaron McCaul is targeting further growth for the Newtownabbey based dealership in the year ahead.

Aaron, who joined Sleator Plant back in 2009 as Parts Advisor, took up his new position at the beginning of the year, reporting to Managing Director Jonathan Campbell.

“We have a good stock of machines ready for delivery and large scheduled orders due to arrive throughout 2022; therefore excavator stock will not be an issue for Sleator this year. Sany are now dealing directly into the UK & Ireland from their recently established base in Scotland and this will undoubtedly help us grow Sany market share in Ireland,” says Aaron.

He brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, having progressed from parts advisor to Divisional Parts Manager and then to Divisional Aftersales Manager responsible for both parts and service.

Being involved in all aspects of the business over many years means he is well placed to help Sleator Plant grow their market share in what is a highly competitive and demanding environment.

“We have an excellent portfolio of products in the Sany, Genie, Rokbak and Mecalac ranges and a loyal and expanding customer base which we will be building on in the months ahead,” says Aaron who revealed that the company was also planning to re-establish an independently and permanent presence in the south of Ireland later in the year.

“We have become increasingly proactive in the current climate to ensure we have a good level of stock availability to meet demand; it takes forward planning on our part and that includes staying in regular touch with our customers, finding out what their short term and long term equipment needs are, and being well placed to satisfy those needs,” adds Aaron.

Despite the additional workload and responsibilities, Aaron says he is determined to stay in touch as much as he can with the day-to-day running of all the departments, helping them to maintain the same high level of customer service he himself always strived to provide.

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GENIE

Managing Director Jonathan Campbell (left) with Aaron McCaul.

“I have a great team of professional people behind me,” adds Aaron, who is supported by a wealth of experience in the Sales department by Brian Frizzell, Alister McClintock and Brian McCartan, and their ever supportive administrator Tracy Frame and in-house accounts person Carrie Stewart.

On the Service side, he’s supported by Service & Warranty Supervisor Joanne Weir, together with her right hand in the office Jamie Barnes, and five engineers - Alan Watters, Matt Scott, Pat Cush, Bert Wilson and Ricky Wilson – who have a combined total of over 100 years experience to call on.

The Parts department team are there too to support the customers directly, as well as the other departments, with

a wealth of knowledge and experience, being headed up by Parts Manager Mark Cobain, along with Gary Geddis and David Prout-Jones.

SANY One of the main focuses going forward will be on the Sany excavator range which has proved to be hugely popular, with Sleator Plant being official AllIreland dealers for the Chinese manufactured machines.

Ranging from 1.6 tonnes right up to 50 tonnes, there’s no doubt the Sany product is increasingly attracting the attention of operators who may not have considered them in the past; once they see the Sany up close and climb into the cab they begin to appreciate the build quality and what they

But that won’t be at the expense of the other three successful franchises held by Sleator Plant which include Genie’s full portfolio of access equipment for which they are All Ireland stockists. The Genie range of access platforms and lifting equipment include material lifts, aerial work platforms and scissor lifts, in addition to larger tracked boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts.

ROKBAK Sleator Plant are also Northern Ireland dealers for the Rokbak world renowned range of articulated dump trucks built in Scotland. In September past they brought an RA30 model to the Balmoral Show, where it took pride of place, helping them to win the award for Best Trade Stand.

MECALAC Completing Sleator Plant’s impressive product line-up is a highly acclaimed range of backhoe loaders, site dumpers and rollers from Mecalac, a leading name in the compact equipment marketplace renowned for its innovative product portfolio.

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HY-CE-00043 Plant and Civil Engineering 215mm x 303mm bleed 221mm x 309mm.indd 1

11/02/2022 09:19

website launch

KDM HIRE LAUNCH NEW K CABIN WEBSITE Rental company KDM Hire has recently launched a new website, specifically aimed at providing customers with a more comprehensive insight into their portable cabin and temporary building division, K Cabin.

With numerous ranges of temporary buildings, relevant support services and detailed in-depth product information, the company believes the new easily navigated website allows customers to quickly search and source the products best suited for their individual needs and specific applications.

The site is highly practical for users on all types of devices, mobile, tablet or computer.

The website - kcabin.com - also provides listings of containers, new and used cabins and auxiliaries for sale with listings updated every week.

An exciting new feature of the site is the ability to view 3D models of each cabin.

These interactive 360° images provide customers with the ability to move around the unit and view it from any angle. This feature also provides examples or ideas for internal layouts and shows the potential configurations available for each cabin.

With ever-increasing site safety standards and the need for instant welfare compliant solutions on the back of the pandemic, the new K Cabin website provides customers with a much greater insight into the range of solutions available. The company’s exciting portfolio includes their enhanced range of environmentally friendly products. The introduction of a range of hybrid welfare units and the use of modern battery technology has greatly reduced generator runtimes, offering potential savings on both fuel and maintenance costs.

The launch of the K Cabin website also coincides with the company’s newly designed range of premium “Executive Cabins”. In addition to Antivandal, Jackleg and Modular cabins, the Executive range provides a higher specification unit for applications such as home offices, classroom-type settings or prestigious events.

The units offer higher quality levels of fixtures and fitting plus increased insulation properties. The cabins are built using a unique flat panel and box frame design, providing a modern aesthetic appearance, ideal for more permanent applications.

To complement the extensive range of core accommodation products, the website

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provides details of their numerous support services. Partnering with the company offers customers a complete package option from site survey &building design through to final installation and handover. Services include transport & craning, water & waste management and power generation provision.

David Burns (Sales Director) said ‘‘We are very excited about the launch of the new website. KDM/K Cabin are always looking for ways of improving the customer hire experience. kcabin.com is designed to help our customers make an informed decision when choosing welfare and temporary accommodation solutions and that decision has never been more important.’’

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news

(L-R) Diane Foster NI Water, Kevin Atcheson Ulster University, Paul Harper NI Water, Jemma Lowry, Lowry Building & Civil Engineering, Michael Keown Forest Service and Dymphna Gallagher from NI Water pictured on site at Tullychurry forest marking the Green Apple award.

(L-R) Rebecca Allen NI Water, Michael Keown Forest Service, Paul Harper, Dymphna Gallagher, Roy Taylor (all NI Water) and Jemma Lowry from Lowry Building & Civil Engineering pictured on site to mark the Green Apple success for the Lough Bradan restoration work.

NI Water Celebrates Green Apple Award Success at Two Forest to Bog Restoration Sites NI Water recently scooped a major Green Apple Award 2021 for restoration work carried out at Tullychurry Forest, Co. Fermanagh and Lough Bradan forest Co. Tyrone, which involved carrying out forest to bog restoration projects.

The accolade was awarded under the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice Category and work was carried out on behalf of NI Water by Lowry Building and Civil Engineering.

felled forest area close to the Lough Bradan impounding reservoir. Importantly by re-wetting the area and encouraging the land back into functioning bog, it has slowed the water flow from the surrounding area into the Lough, thus improving the quality of the water abstracted from the Lough for treatment.

The work at Tullychurry trialled a technique called cell bunding. This technique created low bund walls from fresh oxidized peat, forming watertight cells to hold water, raise the water table and re-wet the area. This forest is located next to the internationally designated Pettigoe Plateau.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: “Congratulations to NI Water and their partners for achieving this major Green Apple Award 2021 for restoring natural habitats. NI Water are working hard to find innovative and natural solutions to improve raw water quality at source and the techniques used at both these sites also help to tackle the climate emergency. I am pleased to see these achievements recognised.”Dymphna Gallagher, NI Water Drinking Water Regulation Manager added: “The team are delighted to win the coveted Green Apple Award for our restoration work at Tullychurry and Lough Bradan forests and I would like to pay tribute to all the funders and partners involved in these key environmental projects.

After trialling the technique at Tullychurry forest, NI Water used the learning from the pilot study to implement the technique on 27 hectares of land adjacent to recently

“The restoration of this peatland will benefit biodiversity over time by allowing peatland plants and habitats to re-colonise. It also increases the area of open bog and removes

Restoration work was undertaken within the European Union INTERREG VA funded Source to Tap project over the winter of 2020/21 at a pilot study in Tullychurry forest, owned by Forest Service (DAERA).

PLANT & CIVIL

cover for predators of protected species such as Golden Plover and Hen Harrier.

As the peatland recovers and becomes wetter, it also stores more carbon, helping to mitigate against climate change.

“We look forward to applying the successes of this project to future drinking water catchment sites, helping to improve the raw water quality and reduce energy and treatment costs. Our partners at Ulster University have been monitoring water levels and Total Colour in samples at the Tullychurry site to assess the post-restoration work recovery, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative working with all our partners.”

The EU INTERREG VA Programme is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match funding for the Source to Tap project has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Ireland.

The restoration work at both sites will provide significant long-term benefits to the endangered and rare species, habitats and vegetation relying on the vital blanket and raised bog environments.

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news

Dublin City Council awards contract for €62 million Clontarf to City Centre project for all ages and abilities with Clontarf and the East Coast cycle route to Howth. It will therefore provide access to leisure and sports facilities along the north coast. In time it will connect to the South Coast via a new Liffey pedestrian and cycling bridge.

Dublin City Council has awarded the €62 million civil engineering contract for the construction of the Clontarf to City Centre project to Clonmel Enterprises Ltd. A multidisciplinary business with experience in a wide range of building and civil engineering works, Clonmel Enterprises Ltd, established in 1979, has undertaken a long list of projects in both the public and private sectors.

This transformative Clontarf to City Centre project for the North East Inner City area of Dublin will see the entire road space reconfigured, with upgraded footpaths, protected cycle tracks, continuous bus lanes as well as retaining a lane for cars in each direction. It includes delivering a section of the Tolka Valley greenway and upgrading the cycle facilities along a promenade in Fairview Park.

“The Clontarf to City Centre Project is a key mobility milestone for our city,” said the Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland. “It will very much enhance the active mobility infrastructure on this very busy route. It will also serve to connect with other already established routes and allow for a more accessible, sustainable and climate friendly city.”

The project connects the north east part of the city to the city centre, with a high quality streetscape that includes the provision of community spaces, additional greening and tree

planting. It provides 5.4km of bus lanes, 6 km of cycle tracks and 8 km of footpaths.

In addition, it allows the North East Inner City to be connected in a safe way with facilities

It also includes the replacement of 6km of old water mains thereby reducing leakage and ensuring continuity of supply.

The project is scheduled for completion in Q1 2024.

Brian James Trailers Boast Exceptional Quality and Innovation Brian James Trailers has an excellent reputation for producing some of the very best car transporters on the market serving professionals, motorsport and car enthusiasts – and their range of general purpose and plant machinery trailers continues with the same principles of high quality trailers combined with exceptional engineering, user friendly and safety conscious features.

The current range of commercial trailers include the Digger Plant for heavy duty

machinery, Eco Plant for smaller machinery such as access lifts, General Plant which is a highly configurable general purpose trailer, Tipper 2 a sturdy configurable tipper trailer, Connect which is a highly configurable flatbed trailer, and the Connect Compact which provides a highly configurable trailer in a smaller form.

No matter where you are in the north or south of Ireland, you’ll never be far away from a Brian James Trailers dealer, with a network that has been developing over

recent years and now boasts eleven dealers covering every corner of the island.

In Northern Ireland, the market is served

by Eakin Brothers in Co. Londonderry, and Trailertek (NI) Limited in Co. Armagh.

Meanwhile the Republic of Ireland dealer network includes AD Test Centre Limited, Co. Kilkenny; Barrett Trailers Co. Limerick; BG Motors Co. Kerry; Blue Print Autos Co. Roscommon; DH Farm Machinery Co. Galway; Heneghan Plant Hire Ltd Co. Mayo; Noblewood Co. Cork; SME Group Co. Meath; and Trailerstuff (KER Group) Co. Donegal.

Our general purpose and plant machinery trailers provide rugged and durable transport for diggers, dumpers, excavators and access machinery as well as tipper and utility trailers.

11 Authorised Dealers throughout N.I & ROI

www.brianjamestrailers.ie

www.brianjamestrailers.co.uk

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view from the cab

LATEST KOBELCO SK130LC IMPRESSES WIND FARM CONTRACTOR 18

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

view from the cab As one of the leading contractors within the renewable energy industry, County Tyrone based William & Henry Alexander (Civil Engineering) Ltd has been involved in over 40 wind farm projects throughout the UK and Ireland.

The company prides itself in having an excellent record in terms of all aspects of Health & Safety and Environmental responsibilities. Indeed, it recently obtained a National Silver award in recognition of its Environmental Best Practices.

Many of its contracts, wind farms in

particular, are carried out in areas where protected species are evident so it is key that its policies and procedures are robust to prevent damage and protect these environments for future generations.

It has also been part of its investment strategy to not only keep the plant and machinery it has well maintained but also utilise the latest technological advancements available on the market, one reason it recently invested in a new Kobelco SK130LC-11 excavator, powered by the latest generation Stage V compliant Isuzu engine.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

A STABLE, WELL BALANCED EXCAVATOR WITH SMOOTH HYDRAULICS AND EXCELLENT DIGGING FORCE

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view from the cab CONTINUED

Currently, the company is carrying out enabling works for the Altgolan windfarm off the Castlederg Road in Fermanagh where the Kobelco SK130LC-11 is being utilised. Supplied

by McSharry TRACK, it is one of three Kobelco machines in the Alexander (Plant) Ltd fleet.

So what is it the company likes about the Kobelco brand? Explains Plant Manager John McElholm: “Downtime can be costly, so reliability is essential and we can depend on Kobelco which also offers better fuel economy than some of its competitors.”

He adds: “We also enjoy an excellent level of aftersales support from McSharrys; as a family run business they will always go the extra mile.”

Operator Peter Foy has been working with different brands of excavators for more than 20 years and says the Kobelco SK1340LC-11 sits up there with the very best of them.

“I am very happy with the machine,” he says.

“It is stable and well balanced. It packs plenty of power, with excellent digging force, and smooth hydraulics that are easy to set. The cab cannot be faulted, either; it is spacious, comfortable, and with right side and rear cameras it offers good all round visibility, while all the controls are well positioned and easily reached from my seat.”

Indeed, the 10-inch colour monitor – the largest in-cab visual information screen within the excavator industry – provides easily accessible and programmable menu functions, machine status information and provides clear rear and right-side views from the standard-fit upper deck cameras. An LED back-lit multifunction jog-type dial is the access point to all monitor functions. LED backlighting is also standard on all control switches.

As Peter mentioned, the machine’s hydraulic system promotes smooth hydraulic control in conjunction with shorter and horizontal control lever movements. This design alleviates stress and tension of the operator’s

fingers, wrist and arm, while at the same time providing precise control movement.

Seven pre-set hydraulic attachment modes (e.g. bucket, nibbler, tilt rotator and breaker etc.) can be accessed via the master jog-dial and on-screen selection modes. This system ensures a greater range of working versatility and the correct hydraulic performance is delivered to suit the working task.

Furthermore, four customisable modes are available and can be pre-set by service engineers to extend the range of hydraulic operations for additional machine roles.

An air suspended Grammer seat comes as standard, providing excellent shock absorption and superior ride comfort, comfort that is further enhanced by an air conditioning system that blows from the rear against the operator’s waist and the back of their head.

Worthy of note, too, is the FOPS Level II roof guard. While previous roof guards have always been rigid mounted for safety and security, this upgraded roof guard features a swing-open door section so the external roof glass can now be easily cleaned for visibility without reducing its structural integrity.

Other areas under the design spotlight

include repositioning the safety valve on the cylinder arm to further minimise the risk of accidental contact with site obstacles, and the mounting lug dimensions on the standard bucket have been uprated to suit the available digging force.

Bucket capacity: 0.24 - 0.70 m3 Engine power: 78.5 kW/2,000 min-1 Operating weight: 14,200 - 17,100 kg

EXCLISIVE DEALER - Rep. of Ireland & N. Ireland

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in profile

ROD HAWKINS APPOINTED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT NICHOLL OILS Rod Hawkins has clearly hit the ground running, returning after 17 years to Nicholl Oils as its new Business Development Manager for Northern Ireland, having spent several years at NI Trucks.

There, he had the dual role of Heavy Truck Business Development Manager, representing both NI Trucks in Northern Ireland and their sister company, Emerald Truck & Van, the Iveco distributor for Ireland.

The Carrickfergus man, who prior to his NI Trucks appointment worked at Scania dealers Road Trucks where he spent six years, has been in the industry since 1984 and that wealth of experience is already

being put to good use in his new role which he took up at the beginning of the year.

The timing of his appointment couldn’t have been any more appropriate, with two major issues facing the transport, quarry and construction sectors: the imminent removal of rebates for red diesel and the emergence of a more environmentally friendly fuel alternative HVO. Nicholl Oils are well placed to help customers meet those issues; with its Head Office located in Greysteel and depots in; Belfast, Omagh, Coleraine, Dromore, Strabane, Newtownards, Ballymena, Mallusk, Cookstown, Dungannon and Enniskillen, all strategically positioned to

ensure a provincewide delivery service.

The company has grown over the 60 years to become Northern Ireland's largest independent oil distributor.

While promoting Nicholl Oils core products - Derv, Gas Oil, Petrol and Kerosene - to the haulage, quarry and fuel reseller markets, Rod will also be focused on introducing customers to HVO, hailed as a perfect replacement for diesel.

From April this year, red diesel will no longer be available at a rebated rate for many commercial applications, and most current users of red diesel will have to switch to white diesel which will attract the full rate of tax. Industry users of heavy plant, machinery and equipment such as excavators, dumpers, loading shovels and screening plants will no longer be able to run them on red diesel and the permission to use red diesel for commercial heating and power generation will also be affected.

Not surprisingly, some of our leading contractors in the construction industry are already switching to HVO and comments Rod: “We are expecting a surge of new customers in the months ahead, so we are fully stocked to meet that demand.”

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in profile BENEFITS OF CLEAN AIR HVO RENEWABLE DIESEL AT A GLANCE Up to 90% reduction in net CO2 greenhouse emissions meaning the fuel is significantly better

for the environment than a regular diesel or biodiesel.

makes Clean Air HVO renewable and sustainable.

Great cold weather vehicle performance due to the higher cetane number which is up to 90 and a low cloud point gives a better starting performance, less chance of any waxing in extreme temperatures and a clean combustion.

High flashpoint meaning it is safer for storage and handling compared to regular diesel.

required for paraffinic fuels.

(On their websites, Scania, Volvo, Iveco, DAF, MAN, John Deere and Caterpillar all approve the use of HVO)

As a replacement for regular diesel and gas oil a wide variety of OEM approvals means the fuel can be used without requiring any vehicle modifications meeting EN15940 standards

Clean Air HVO Renewable Diesel/Gas Oil will also result in improved air quality as it reduces any notifiable particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Manufactured from waste fats and vegetable oils

He added: “For customers wanting to put HVO to the test, we can supply a bunded tank on their premises, enabling them to trial this alternative fuel in their vehicle, plant and machinery fleets.”

Meanwhile, for those businesses operating throughout the UK, the company’s Fleet Diesel card is a more appropriate alternative. It can be used at 285 sites

in Northern Ireland and a further 1,100 sites throughout the rest of the UK. For further information, Rod Hawkins can be contacted on 07760616329 or email: rod.hawkins@nicholloils.com

So, what exactly is HVO? For those not familiar with this increasingly popular fuel alternative, the clue is in its description. HVO stands for ‘hydrotreated vegetable oil,’ which is manufactured from sustainable raw materials that do not impact adversely on the environment; indeed as a clean air renewable fuel, HVO can reduce up to 90% of your net CO2 emissions.

It can also help to tackle another pressing issue, says Rod. “The continuing issue surrounding semiconductor chips has meant that truck manufacturers’ lead times are stretching into 2023, so those HGV operators looking for alternative fuel powered vehicles such as CNG or electric to reduce their carbon footprint will have to wait much longer to put their carbon reduction plans into action.

“On the other hand, by switching to HVO your trucks can be up and running within a week – and without any changes to the vehicle’s filters or engines. Essentially, you can just drain your diesel tank, fill up with HVO and off you go, no matter the size of your truck’s power unit.”

HVO can be ordered in bulk from Nicholl Oils and will become available as demand increases at its network of Nicholl Auto 365 Forecourts.

FUEL CARDS The company’s Local Account fuel card can be used across that network; it is ideal for businesses with a mobile workforce. The cards are safer than cash, both for companies and individual drivers, and more efficient than credit cards.

They can also provide businesses with valuable savings through detailed reporting on fuel spend and usage. Businesses can then use this information to identify areas of inefficiency within the fleet.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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red diesel

LOSS OF RED DIESEL REBATE COULD COST NI CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY £25 MILLION Four of Northern Ireland’s leading Trade Bodies for the construction, mineral products and manufacturing sectors are warning that material, manufacturing and construction costs are set to increase from this April.

From 1st April 2022, many sectors will lose their entitlement to use ‘red’ diesel and rebated biodiesel across a variety of applications, including manufacturing, construction and mineral products being the industries most affected.

The estimated cost of this in Northern Ireland is estimated at £20 to £25 million and according to the Civil Engineering

Contractors Association (CECA), losing the red diesel rebate could cost the UK construction industry between £280m to £490m a year.

Red diesel is just ordinary ‘white’ diesel with a dye in it, but it is taxed at a much lower rate than white diesel. One of the biggest changes for construction and minerals industry users is that heavy plant and equipment of all kinds will no longer be able to run on red diesel when used for construction and mining purposes.

This includes all non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), including excavators, dumpers, shovels and cranes. The construction and mining industry will also

lose permission to use red diesel for commercial heating and power generation, for example when using mobile generators on construction sites.

Gordon Best, Regional Director MPANI, commented: “Our industry takes its environmental responsibilities seriously, as can be seen by the areas of priority habitat created through quarry restoration over the last decade, and the 53 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emitted by the concrete and cement industry since 1990. We already pay significant levels of environmental tax through aggregates levy and climate change levy.

“As an industry, we are totally committed to Net Zero and the energy transition to lower/zero carbon fuels such as compressed natural gas, electric batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Our Industry has always been at the forefront of new technology but the new zero carbon solutions that will be used to power the heavy equipment we depend on is still some years away. We certainly do not believe the rebate should last forever. We believe that Government should have delayed the removal of the rebate or at least phased out its use over the next five years.”

Mark Spence, Managing Director of the CEF, commented: “At a

GUARDING AGAINST INCREASED RISK OF FUEL THEFTS SWITCHING FROM RED TO WHITE DIESEL

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A possible consequence of red diesel being no longer available at a rebated rate means users will have to switch to white which is considerably more expensive, thereby increasing the risk of fuel theft which already accounts for heavy losses from commercial sectors, with a reported 120,000 fuel theft incidents in 2018.

“It is an accepted fact that criminals are quick to react to new opportunities. It is highly likely that white diesel theft will become the new “criminal growth industry” and will lead to a significant increase in diesel theft across the UK,” says the MPA.

In a recent briefing note to members, the Mineral Products Association spoke of this as being a major concern and one that can literally bring the continuity of a site to a grinding halt if left unchecked

- The value of white diesel, approximately double the value of red diesel;

The government changes also come at a time when fuel prices are at an all-time high, with diesel costs around £1.50 per litre compared to £0.73p per litre for red diesel. White diesel attracts 57.95p per litre duty compared to only 11.14p per litre duty on red diesel.

- The greatly increased market for white diesel compared to red diesel, i.e., road going vehicles as well as other industry uses.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

The significant factors at play here are: - The overall increase in fuel costs to record highs;

- Sites storing large quantities of white diesel in tanks, mobile bowsers, mobile plant and trucks;

The risks and consequences of theft may not be limited to the financial loss of any asset, says the MPA. The act of

theft may result in physical damage to be repaired, while spillages can result in environmental damage that site operators are required to clear up.

OPPORTUNIST THEFT These are the most regular form of criminal attacks. Suspects will often use site tools that have not been locked away to access fuel tanks and workshops.

Empty oil drums can be used to transport fuel off site using site wheelbarrows.

These suspects will frequently target power tools, fuel from site tanks as well as fuel from extraction pumps. Thefts rarely exceed 200 litres and are normally conducted outside of operational hours.

ORGANISED THEFT These thefts are less common but are likely to increase, warns the MPA. Suspects use Transit type vans and closed lorries to carry up to five 1000 litre bulk liquid

red diesel time of unprecedented cost pressures on our industry, and in the absence of an obvious and robust alternative to diesel, the removal of the rebate at this time will do nothing to progress the carbon reduction agenda to which we are all committed, but will significantly increase the risk of business failure in our sector. A reasonable extension of time would allow the more timely transition to alternative fuels and protect jobs and our economy, ultimately enabling the carbon reduction we all seek.”

ALREADY STRUGGLING Gavin Maguire, FMB NI Director, said: “Construction continues to be leading the way towards a greener industry. Many sole traders and SME companies are making daily changes to how they operate and build. However, at this time this policy will be damaging to a sector already struggling with high costs due to materials and labour issues.

“We have concerns that an exemption has been given to certain industries such as agriculture, parts of the leisure and marine Industries but not construction? In these

challenging times there needs to be more time and urgent targeted support to help businesses in construction switch to greener alternatives which in some cases are not readily available. In the meantime, the Treasury must accept that this will be an extra cost for business, which will likely feed through to the consumer.”

Stephen Kelly, CEO Manufacturing NI, added: “The removal of the Red Diesel Rebate will have significant financial implications for most manufacturers who by necessity consume it for machinery, heating and other uses in the absence of any other or affordable alternative. As a sector we estimate that it will add tens of millions of pounds of

new cost to firm who are already struggling to cope with huge inflation in energy, supply chain and employment costs. Whilst the Chancellor may welcome a big new pot of money, firms will need to find efficiencies which may include reducing how many they employ and or pass the costs on to the end consumer.”

carriers (IBC’s). Petrol engine pumps are then used to transfer fuel up to 200m off-site utilising rolls of blue water pipe.

- History of criminal activity on site, particularly fuel theft.

- Regular analysis of site fuel usage by site management.

- Level of crime local to site.

Suspects may target sites when they are unmanned (weekends etc), making multiple return visits until the tanks are drained. Such thefts have historically varied between 6,000 and 13,000 litres.

- Security measures already deployed on site.

- Tank counter readings to be radioed to weighbridge when mobile plant being refuelled.

LOW COST/NO COST MEASURES

- All mobile plant to have fuel usage logs, detailing start and finish filler counter readings.

STAFF & CONTRACTORS Given white diesel can be more readily used increases the risk of company staff and contractors stealing fuel from site fuel tanks. The tanks that may be targeted can include site/workshop tanks as well as heating fuel tanks and fuel is likely to be stolen in regular, but smaller quantities.

Experience has suggested that these thefts will generally take place during both operational and out of hours periods, particularly at night or over weekends.

RISK ASSESSMENT Measures can be deployed on a security risk assessed basis to avoid unwarranted expense and ensure an appropriate level of mitigation. Equally, ‘low cost/ no cost’ measures should be considered before more costly options are utilised.

Some of the security risk factors to be considered, suggests the MPA, are: - Volume of fuel stored on site.

There needs to be an awareness of all site staff of the potential risks of fuel theft, the measures in place to counter these, and the need for ongoing vigilance to guard against both opportunistic and organised fuel theft. Other measures suggested are: - Remove any unnecessary dieselpowered equipment from site.

- Where possible, swap diesel powered generators for mains electric or hybrid items.

- Manage fuel levels - keeping fuel levels low, particularly over holiday periods.

- Isolate tank electrical supplies out of hours.

- Block access to tank filling points with concrete blocks or mobile plant items out of hours.

- Fit heavy duty locks on tank filling points.

- Fuel tank location – well away from site boundary.

- Ensure fuel discharge has a volume counter.

The above list is not definitive and other similar measure could be considered.

Where they are not in place, site managers should be encouraged to adopt those measures appropriate to their sites.

RECOMMENDATIONS To ensure cost-effective solutions are employed, the MPA recommend that any additional security measures are informed by a security assessment. This will avoid measures being deployed which may be ineffective and/or result in excessive costs being incurred.

The awareness of site staff is essential, both in terms of maintaining the controls that have been put in place to reduce the risk of fuel theft occurring, but also ensuring vigilance for any suspicious behaviour or activities.

Any suspicious activity within or adjacent to sites should be reported to the local police, as should any incidents of actual or attempted theft.

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potholepro

JCB’S POTHOLEPRO MAKES ITS NORTHERN IRELAND DEBUT JCB has brought its revolutionary PotholePro machine to Northern Ireland for the first time; launched last year, it can repair a pothole in less than eight minutes - four times quicker than standard methods and at half the cost of current solutions.

The Northern Ireland demonstrations follow a 22,000-mile tour across England, Wales and Scotland in 2021 and comes after more than 85,000 defects were recorded on Northern Ireland’s roads in the aftermath of last winter.

The PotholePro’s development has been led by JCB Chairman Lord Bamford.

“Potholes are a blight on our nation and the solution we’ve developed offers a quick and permanent fix. Changing the long-established ways of road repair takes time, but I’m pleased that councils across

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PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

the UK are now starting to see the benefits of the JCB PotholePro, which is exceeding expectations in speed and productivity.”

Last year Stoke-on-Trent City Council became the first authority in the UK to invest in the PotholePro machine, since then it’s repaired a staggering 10,000m² of road in just over four months – an area equivalent to eight Olympic sized swimming pools. Using traditional methods, this task would have taken almost three years.

We caught up with the PotholePro on the Derrywilligan Road in Newry and comments Dennison JCB Sales Manager, Ian Calderwood: “We are excited to see the PotholePro in operation and to gauge the reaction and level of interest from some of our potential customers. It’s great to think that Dennison JCB could be indirectly involved in improving the

driving conditions for many of Northern Ireland’s motoring population!

“We are already big fans of the JCB Hydradig with its class leading safety, operator comfort, versatility, and overall visual impact. Adding the revolutionary PotholePro to the range will offer further opportunities and benefits to our customers.”

The PotholePro allows the contractor or local authority to cut the defect, crop the edges and clean the hole with one machine – mechanising jobs traditionally done by pothole gangs and delivering up to a 50 per cent cut in daily costs.

Councils get a request to fix a pothole every 46 seconds and millions of pounds have been paid out in compensation to drivers for vehicle damage caused by potholes.

news

Kilwaughter Minerals Announces £500,000 Capital Investment Kilwaughter Minerals Limited has completed a £500,000 capital investment as part of the company’s long-term growth and development plans.

The investment has delivered a new 400 sqm warehouse and blending plant facility, significantly increasing plant capacity for the manufacture of agricultural products to meet increasing demand for the company’s products across the island of Ireland and Great Britain.

Based in Larne, Kilwaughter Minerals serves a range of sectors including construction and agriculture, with products such as through-colour renders, external wall insulation systems, soil health conditioning minerals and livestock bedding lime solutions to control bacteria.

Gary Wilmot, CEO at Kilwaughter Minerals commented: “Having established a strong reputation for engineering high performance products, Kilwaughter Minerals consistently aims to deliver new levels of performance and efficiencies to our customers.

“This investment represents the latest stage in our plans for sustained growth, further enhancing Kilwaughter’s market leading position.

“By providing a dedicated blending and warehousing facility for the production of our agricultural products we will not only be able

Pictured at the facility, Kilwaughter CEO Gary Wilmot with, from left, Cormac McNamee, Process Engineer and Adrian Alexander, Head of Operations.

to increase our capacity but will also benefit from improved efficiency and productivity.”

The investment is the latest in a series made by the business including a £450,000 spend on production operations which saw the creation of 16 jobs, as well as the expansion of the Research and Development team as part of a £3.4m strategic investment plan.

Gary added: “As we emerge from the Covid19 pandemic thanks to investments such

as this, Kilwaughter will continue to be wellplaced to meet our customers’ needs in both the agriculture and construction sectors.

We remain committed to looking forward to how we serve and lead those industries” Further information about Kilwaughter Minerals Limited, including a full list of product options can be found at www.kilwaughter.com

Nine in 10 trades people forced to delay projects due to ongoing supplies shortage Nine in 10 (87%) tradespeople are being forced to delay projects due to the ongoing supplies shortage, a new report reveals.

across the country facing a staggering £3.5bn loss. Costs are being passed down to the tradespeople and then ultimately the consumer.

The study by small business insurance provider Simply Business unveils the devastating impact of the supplies shortage, with over a quarter (27%) of tradespeople saying they’ve had no choice but to delay projects by a minimum of four-eight weeks.

The report showed that tradespeople have lost an average of £5,598 each as a result of rising material costs and a drop in earnings from needing to turn down work. One in five have lost over £10,000 each.

Nearly one in five (16%) had had to delay projects by eight-12 weeks, and a further one in six (13%) have had to delay projects by three months or more.

The supplies shortage, caused by a damaging combination of unprecedented demand, tighter restrictions on imports after Brexit, and rising costs of materials, has left tradespeople PLANT & CIVIL

Overall, 79% of the UK’s 801,000 self-employed tradespeople are affected by the shortages, amounting to a staggering £3.5 billion loss of earnings.

As the UK recovers from Covid19, 34% of tradespeople believe a post-pandemic surge in demand has been the top factor in driving the current material shortage.

A further third say the impact of Brexit on imports – with

delayed border checks, tightened restrictions and trade barriers – is adding to the challenge.

More than one in 10 (12%) feel Covid-19 travel restrictions are also playing a part.

Financial Losses Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, commented: “The ongoing supplies shortage is having a significant impact on tradespeople in the UK at a crucial time in their recovery from the effects of the pandemic.

With 79% forced to turn down work in the last three months alone due to shortages, the total loss to self-employed tradespeople is expected to exceed over £3.5 billion.

“This is a huge blow to the livelihoods and dreams of so many tradespeople across the country, but the ongoing situation

should concern us all – small businesses are crucial to the UK, contributing trillions of pounds each year in turnover.

A £3.5 billion hole in the books of self-employed tradespeople damages the wider economy, and it’s vital that they’re given the support they need to navigate this period of uncertainty.

“Thankfully, we’ve seen remarkable resilience among the trades community throughout the pandemic, and it’s encouraging to see almost half of tradespeople remain optimistic about the future despite current challenges.

Tradespeople will play a key role in the rebuilding of our economy and communities, and their resilience in the face of such challenges should give us all confidence that we’re on the right tracks to recovery.

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electronics

BRIGADE ELECTRONICS

LAUNCHES PLANT OPERATORS’ GUIDE

“We appreciate that it can be difficult to research the many different options available. Our guide helps plant operators to understand the variety of vehicle safety solutions on offer and how they meet the specific requirements and legislations for heavy plant machinery. We’ve also included some real-world scenarios and details of how these have positively impacted the operators involved.”

Brigade Electronics has launched a new Plant Operators’ Guide to help improve efficiency and safety on worksites in industries including construction, mining, quarrying and agriculture.

The guide, which is available as a free download, recognises the huge challenges heavy industries face when it comes to ensuring safety is maintained on worksites and provides information on how plant operators can improve their worksite safety through the provision of technology.

These solutions include ZoneSafe, which uses the latest Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to create detection zones around vehicles, reducing the risk of injury or damage from collisions and near miss occurrences to people and property.

Emily Hardy, Marketing Manager of Brigade Electronics UK, said: “Safety on worksites has never been more critical. As heavy

Emily Hardy, Marketing Manager, Brigade Electronics UK.

industries continue to feel the effects of a pandemic-induced skills shortage, companies must be extra vigilant. When resources are stretched, or new and less experienced workers are brought on site, the risk of accidents is heightened.

On average, seven workers die each year as a result of accidents involving vehicles or mobile plant on construction sites. A further 93 are seriously injured. The sheer size and weight of mobile plant equipment poses a very real danger to site workers if safety measures and precautions are not followed.

Plant operators who have invested in technology upgrades have reported a significant reduction in driver overload when manoeuvring vehicles in difficult conditions.

OPERATORS GIVE THUMBS UP TO ROAD SAFETY TECHNOLOGY IN BRIGADE ELECTRONICS SURVEY The benefits of vehiclemounted cameras and video technology have been laid bare in new research from Brigade Electronics.

The road safety pioneer commissioned an in-depth survey to get their views on the reasons they use cameras and video technology on their fleets, how useful they are, and what they consider when they decide to invest.

A standout finding was that 59% of respondents said the fitment of camera systems/

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PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

digital recording had reduced collisions or near misses – which means fewer accidents and fatalities on the road and in workplaces and 55% said it had improved driver behaviour.

A total of 44% said safety technology had helped with insurance claims, highlighting the benefits of cameras in protecting their drivers from unjustified claims, including crash-for-cash scams.

Clients are also playing an increasing role in the adoption of this technology: 12% of

electronics

“It is clear that vehicle safety systems should always be considered in the drive towards safer worksites,” added Emily. “Technology should be embraced as an opportunity for risk reduction and lower costs. We hope our Plant Operators’ Guide will be a useful free resource for any company considering investment in this area.”

Brigade’s Plant Operators’ Guide can be downloaded for free from https://brigadeelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ A5-Plant-Operators-Guide-V.3-RS.pdf

respondents said cameras are a contractual requirement from a client, a 3% rise on 2020.

The survey revealed that onefifth of operators have no plans to use road safety technology and the most common reason (44%) is that it is not seen as relevant to the operation.

However, changes to the Highway Code that came into effect in November with further new guidance being added in January, has increased the responsibility of commercial vehicle drivers, making it more important than ever before to be able to mitigate risk.

The new hierarchy of road users means those who are most likely to be seriously harmed, such as pedestrians and cyclists, will have greater priority over other road users – with HGV drivers ranked lowest.

This would mean they are more likely to shoulder the blame in an incident and might be the reason for a higher proportion of smaller operators investing in safety.

Chris Hanson-Abbott OBE, of road safety device experts Brigade Electronics, said: “It’s good to see that the benefits of cameras and other safety technology are being recognised by fleet operators.

“As cameras on their own are a passive technology that does not alert the driver to take action, Brigade always recommends that they are combined with active technology such as sensor systems with driver alerts to reduce collisions.

RFID detection system RFID detection system ZoneSafe uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to create detection zones around vehicles and ZoneSafe uses Radio Frequency Identifi mobile cation plant. (RFID) technology to create

detection zones around vehicles and Vehicle-mounted antennas detect RFID tags which mobile plant. can be worn by workers, or placed on objects or

Vehicle-mounted RFIDatags which property. When a antennas ZoneSafedetect tag enters detection can worn by workers, placed on objects zone,bethe vehicle operatororreceives a visual andor property.

When a ZoneSafe tag enters a detection audible alert.

A vibrating tag also warns the detected zone, operatorvehicle. receives a visual and workerthe of vehicle an approaching audible alert. A vibrating tag also warns the detected ZoneSafe RFID technologyvehicle. does not require worker of an approaching

line-of-sight and tags will be detected regardless ZoneSafe RFID technology does not require of obstructions, blind spots, adverse weather or line-of-sight and tags will be detected regardless poor visibility. of obstructions, blind spots, adverse weather or poor visibility.

“Innovative safety tech like Brigade’s Sidescan®Predict, a major improvement of the current SideScan side detection system, can reduce accidents and insurance claims when combined with cameras.

“However, there is still some way to go. Only 47% of fleets have 100% of vehicles fitted with the technology – despite overwhelming evidence they improve safety and save lives.

“That said, only 2% of operators said their fleets had no safety technology at all, which is encouraging.”

01322 01322 420300 420300 brigade-electronics.com You’re safer with us

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news

Two New Appointments for Merlo UK Merlo UK have made two new appointments to the UK team. Gavin Smith joins as Merlo UK’s new Regional Sales Manager for Scotland, North East England and Northern Ireland whilst James Knight steps into the role of Marketing Coordinator.

Gavin Smith joins Merlo following a nearly two decades working in the agricultural machinery retail sector in Scotland. Based near Glasgow, Gavin is well placed to support the Merlo dealer network across his territory which extends to Scotland, North East England and Northern Ireland.

“It’s great to be joining Merlo at such an exciting point in the company’s growth and development across the UK,” comments Gavin. “I have sold the Merlo brand at dealer level for many years and as such I know the product is excellent. The innovative features and outstanding performance that the Merlo range can offer will appeal greatly to customers far & wide.”

James Knight is a recent Masters Graduate of Multimedia Journalism at The University of the West of England with a strong background in social media content creation and copy writing.

(L-R) Gavin Smith, Regional Sales Manager Merlo UK, and James Knight, Marketing Coordinator Merlo UK.

“I have been absolutely blown away by how welcoming, transparent and open to new ideas Merlo UK have been,” states James.

“I am excited to be part of the Merlo family and look forward to working with the team on marketing projects going forward.”

“The appointment of these two industry professionals is a further sign of the Merlo commitment to the UK market,” says Shaun Groom, General Manager of Merlo UK.

“At Merlo we have a clear focus on delivering the very best in innovative product, aftersales support and customer experience. As a family owned business we are not only investing in people, but UK based facilities too. These considerable investments are being made to ensure we can support the Merlo dealer network and customers across the UK to the highest level.”

Construction project delays soar by over 100% in wake of COVID-19 Delays to large-scale construction projects have more than doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data released by nPlan, a machine learning startup which has amassed a dataset of more than half a million construction schedules through its work with companies including Network Rail, Shell, Kier and Google.

Researchers at nPlan found that the median delay for projects completed before the pandemic was approximately 100 days, while pandemic-era projects have a median delay of more than 200 days. nPlan’s findings make for troubling reading for both contractors and the UK Government: costly project delays are linked to construction company insolvencies (which were trending upwards prior to the pandemic), deter clients from initiating new projects, and erode trust in the industry - taken together, these effects are likely to act as a drag on economic growth.

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Dev Amratia, CEO of nPlan, commented: “In construction, as in so many other sectors and areas of public life, the pandemic hasn’t just created new problems, it has highlighted and exacerbated existing problems - in this case the costly project overruns which are endemic to the industry. Because this issue was not dealt with before the pandemic, we are now in a situation where projects have suddenly become much riskier. This will pile pressure on contractors and may mean clients bring forward fewer projects. On the other hand, the salience the pandemic has given this issue means we now have an unparalleled opportunity to get better at anticipating and preventing project overruns using advanced forecasting and risk management techniques.”

Analysis of pre- and midpandemic projects in the nPlan schedule dataset suggests that nearly 9 in 10 large-scale construction projects (85.5%) are delivered late - nearly twothirds of them (59.4%) by at least 2 months. Nearly 1 in 4 projects (22.7%) are delivered more than 250 days late, while

more than 1 in 10 (13.4%) are delayed by at least a year.

According to Amratia, the majority of construction projects that fail to complete on time have been hampered by poor forecasting and risk management - and one of the most effective ways to solve these problems is to remove human bias from the planning process: “Time and time again we see forecasts marked by optimism bias, and risk management skewed by availability bias - that’s why we’ve developed a machine learning engine which turns our customers’ historical schedule data into a model which reflects the way they actually deliver projects. This unbiased model is then used to create superaccurate forecasts and discover risks and opportunities which would have remained hidden during the traditional planning process. This leaves planners free to get on with the important work of actually mitigating the risks and seizing the opportunities flagged by our system.”

Further delays Researchers also interrogated nPlan’s dataset to discover

the specific activities within schedules that are most likely to cause delays, and found that nearly 1 in 2 (45%) activities related to structural steel end up taking longer than planned. This finding is likely to cause further concern among contractors already struggling with steel shortages and delayed deliveries of steel. Amratia added: “Our data shows that activities involving structural steel were causing delays to capital projects long before the pandemic started. Now that contractors are also having to contend with steel shortages and delivery issues, it wouldn’t be surprising if the median pandemic project delay shot up even more.

When it comes to working with steel, contractors could well be facing a perfect storm in 2022.”

And finally, some good news for the Web3 hype-merchants…The analysis of nPlan’s monumental dataset did yield one finding likely to cheer the hearts of digital natives: datacentres are more likely to be delivered consistently and on time than commercial buildings and infrastructure projects. If the metaverse does take off in 2022, we should have the capacity to handle it.

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tunnelling project

GROUNDFORCE DIGS DEEP FOR BELFAST TUNNELLING PROJECT Groundforce has supplied specialist shoring equipment to support three deep excavations on a flood alleviation project in Northern Ireland.

The medium-duty hydraulically adjustable Maxi Brace bracing system was used by specialist contractor Active Tunnelling to support two launch pits and one reception pit during a crucial phase of NI Water’s Ravenhill Avenue Flood Alleviation project in Belfast.

The main contractor is Geda Construction.

This £7m project in South Belfast is designed to reduce the risk of out-ofsewer flooding caused by surcharges of the existing Victorian brick-lined sewers during periods of heavy rainfall.

tunnel along Ravenhill Road, Ravenhill Avenue, and nearby streets.

As part of this project, Coventrybased Active Tunnelling was employed NI Water’s contractor Geda Construction to bore a new 2m-diameter sewer tunnel is45493 replacing and upgrading 2km of sewer GF Ireland P&CE Ad 180x131mm V2.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2021 10:39 Page 1

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below the busy Ravenhill Road to help reduce disruption during construction.

DECADES OF EXCAVATION SUPPORT Groundforce has continued to innovate excavation support systems for many years. Our team of experts are committed to project success through continuous product development combined with the latest technical design and engineering processes.

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tunnelling project

THIS £7M PROJECT IN SOUTH BELFAST IS DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE RISK OF OUT-OF-SEWER FLOODING CAUSED BY SURCHARGES OF THE EXISTING VICTORIAN BRICK-LINED SEWERS DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY RAINFALL.

The tunnel extends 75m from the edge of Ormeau Park up Ravenhill Avenue; beyond this point, Geda Construction is employing more traditional opencut methods to construct the remaining sewers and manholes.

The new tunnel follows a dog-leg in the street and therefore, since the tunnel boring machine cannot navigate around a sharp bend, it was bored in two drives from launch pits at either end towards a reception pit located at the bend in the middle.

Groundforce was employed early in the design process and was consulted throughout the entire 21-week scheme as the equipment was designed, installed and removed.

The two launch pits measure 5.5m x 3.5m, while the reception pit is just 5m x 3m – but all three are 6m deep and require substantial shoring to withstand the ground pressure.

MAXI BRACE FRAMES The equipment supplied comprised three Maxi Brace frames for each excavation.

These were installed to support the 7m-long KD6 steel sheet-piles driven by Active Tunnelling to create the cofferdams.

In each excavation, the bearing capacity of the three Maxi Brace frames increased with the depth of the excavation: 260mm-wide Maxi 4 leg braces (the lightest in the range) were installed at the top of the excavation; Maxi 5 leg frames (also 260mm wide but heavier in construction) were installed half-way down and Maxi 8R leg braces – 350mm-wide were installed at the bottom.

“We designed the pits so that the tunnelling machine could be lifted into the excavation without encountering any obstacles,” says Kristian McKinley, Groundforce area manager for Northern Ireland. “We also designed them so that once a 200mm concrete base slab had been cast, the lowest frame could be removed and six of the steel sheet piles could be lifted to allow the tunnelling machine to enter the ground under the road.”

The high lateral forces (up to 81.7kN/m) within the excavations, and the fact that Pit 2 was located right next to the Ravenhill Presbyterian Church, meant that careful monitoring was required to ensure minimal ground movement.

Groundforce supplied the proprietary load-monitoring system to record loadings within the frames and additional vibration monitoring was also employed.

Rob Graham, contract manager with Active Tunnelling, commented: “This was a very delicate job, but we had excellent support from Groundforce throughout. Their service was very professional and the equipment was first class”. In addition to the Maxi Brace frames, Groundforce also supplied its Edge Safe and Davit Arm products to ensure safe working around the open excavations.

Although this is the first contract Groundforce has completed for Active Tunnelling, the two companies developed a strong working relationship during the project. They are currently in discussions regarding future contracts in Southern Ireland, including a forthcoming project in Roscommon.

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view from the cab

GOING ELECTRIC WITH JCB AT SEAFORDE SCRAP METALS Seaforde Scrap Metals located just outside Downpatrick in County Down has a long and successful history dealing with a wide range of customers, from the general public right through to multi-national companies.

A family run business established in 1920 by Peter Killen, it specialises in the reprocessing of ferrous and nonferrous metals and its continuing growth and success can be attributed to many things, not least its excellent high level of service, its ongoing investment in the most up-to-date plant and equipment and its commitment to the environment.

Against that background, the company, headed up today by John Killen, recently acquired what was the first fully electric

JCB 35-22E Teletruk to be sold in Northern Ireland by dealers Dennison JCB, with whom they have enjoyed a long and productive business relationship.

The company has employed teletruks around the yard for many years; this latest JCB model is thought to be the fifth and it clearly hasn’t disappointed.

When we caught up with Seaforde Scrap Metals, the versatile JCB Teletruk was engaged in a variety of tasks around the busy yard, taking everything that was required of it comfortably in its stride – from loading up 40-foot containers to shifting scrap cars.

Utilised both indoors and outdoors at the expansive scrap metal yard, a certified Authorised Treatment and fully licensed Waste Management facility, the JCB Teletruk has proved to be an invaluable workhorse, one which the operators love.

“Acquiring the electric JCB Teletruk was a no-brainer,” admits John Killen without any hesitation. “It’s not only a lot quieter in operation than the previous diesel powered model, it is emission free, more environmentally friendly - and it has the same 3.5 tonne lifting capacity.”

THE FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC JCB 35-22E TELETRUK TO BE SOLD IN NORTHERN IRELAND BY DEALERS DENNISON JCB

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view from the cab TIGHT TURNING CIRCLE And what is there not to like about the machine? “Its enclosed canopy keeps the operators safe not only from the elements when working outdoors, but also safe from potential accidents and hazards. It is also a lot easier to manoeuvre as it has a much tighter turning circle than our previous machine and great all round visibility which is an added bonus, especially when working in restricted areas,” says John.

Being electric powered – fitted with a lead-acid GNB/Exide Marathon Classic heavy duty - 80v, 625ah - we had to ask about the machine’s operational capacity. “It hasn’t created any problems for us; the battery doesn’t take very long to charge, we only have to charge it up twice some weeks, and certainly not every night – it all depends on the daily workload,” says John.

Battery charging is as easy as lifting the battery cover and plugging in to the GNB high-frequency charger. It can be removed through the rear access door and comes with fork pockets and a single lift point as standard, meaning you can easily change the battery with either a forklift or crane within just two minutes!

SAFE & COMFORTABLE This new electric Teletruk features a new spacious JCB CommandPlus cab with greater internal space and a new seat design. Access into and out of the Teletruk is also safe and easy thanks to intuitive, well positioned grab handles and wide access.

The JCB electric Teletruk’s unique side-mounted boom design provides unrivalled 360-degree visibility for the operator, as John mentioned. The design also allows total visibility of fork tips and attachments when fully retracted and lowered, even inside containers, providing exceptional on-site safety.

The electric Teletruk, which incidentally comes with a two year JCB warranty on the machine, 3 year/ 6000 hours on Zapi drive and controls, plus a 1200 charge cycle warranty on the battery, also features a single lever control to make operation more straightforward and precise, thanks to SMART Hydraulics.

JCB’s unique, active Load Motion Control feature alerts the operator and progressively stops the lift hydraulics when the maximum lift capacity is reached, preventing forward tip. The operator is informed through a simple progressive, green, amber and red warning light system.

The unique benefit of 111 degrees of carriage rotation makes handling goods much easier and safer. The electric Teletruk can also easily recover tipped or fallen loads, removing the requirement for manual handling. Beacons and reverse alarms are fitted as standard for additional on-site safety with the option of a blue spot reverse light.

“Without a doubt, the JCB Teletruk is a great all-rounder,” says John. “We couldn’t imagine doing without it, and the support we get from the team at Dennison JCB cannot be faulted.”

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news

Woodburn Reservoir.

Altnahinch.

£6.4 Million Water Improvement Scheme gets underway to future-proof local Reservoirs components, including refurbishment of control valves, installation of drainage, repairs to spillway structures and improvement to monitoring equipment to ensure the safe and appropriate management of the reservoirs. This ensures the safety of these significant structures is maintained.”

NI Water says that £6.4million will be invested in a major programme of reservoir improvements across Northern Ireland to refurbish and enhance the safety of the impounding reservoir portfolio.

This major programme of work has commenced with key improvements at Seagahan and Silent Valley reservoirs. Work will continue at various reservoirs until September 2024 and will involve completing improvements at 36 major reservoirs throughout Northern Ireland. The work is being carried out by BSG, and project managed by AECOM. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: “This £6.4million investment in local reservoirs is an excellent example of what can be done with the necessary funding in place. It is important that funding levels are sustained throughout PC21 to ensure that NI Water can continue the Reservoir investment programme to maintain water supply as well as ensuring

Killylane.

compliance with the forthcoming reservoir safety legislation.”

Mark Richardson, NI Water Senior Project Manager added: “Our impounding reservoir portfolio plays a critical role in the storage of raw water for future supply to our customers.

NI Water is committed to the highest standards of reservoir safety and management and we are progressing with this key programme of maintenance and refurbishment work to

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future-proof our impounding reservoirs to continue to provide a world-class water supply service for our customers.

“These improvements will also ensure our compliance with the requirements of the forthcoming Reservoirs Act, which is regarded as industry best practice in the supervision and maintenance of large reservoirs.

“The enhancements cover a wide range of the reservoir

The major reservoirs that will benefit are as follows: Altmore, Cappagh, Glenhordial, Lough Fea, Lough Fingrean in County Tyrone, as well as Ballydoolagh in Enniskillen. Altnaheglish, Ballinrees, Dunalis, and Killea in County L’Derry. Altnahinch, Dorisland, Craigahulliar, Boomers, Copeland, Dungonnell, Killylane, Leathemstown, Lough Mourne, Quoile, Stoneyford and Woodburn in County Antrim. Seagahan and Clay Lake in County Armagh, as well as several reservoirs in County Down: Church Road, Ballysallagh, Conlig, Lough Cowey, Creighton’s Green, Lough Island Reavy, Lough Money, Lough Shannagh, Ben Crom, Silent Valley, Spelga, and Fofanny.

Find us on

SAVE THE DATE THURSDAY 24th NOVEMBER 2022 CROWNE PLAZA, SHAW’S BRIDGE, BELFAST.

www.plantandcivilengineer.com

TBG 530T HIGH SPEED SHREDDER

High Speed, High Performance XL 30 Swinging Hammers 1000 RPM Upturn Rotor

Extra-large screening area with kickback for unshreddable material

35° 4.6m Discharge height at 35°

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HIGH SPEED, HIGH PERFORMANCE WITH TEREX ECOTEC’S NEW TBG 530T HIGH SPEED SHREDDER

EXTREMELY VERSATILE, IT EXCELS IN MANY APPLICATIONS AND IS PARTICULARLY SUITED TO WASTE WOOD PROCESSING AND GREEN WASTE SHREDDING.

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mobile equipment With an eye on innovation, leading environmental equipment specialist, Terex Ecotec, continue to expand their world class range of mobile equipment with the launch of the eagerly awaited TBG 530T.

hydraulic raise/lower of the screen and interlocked chamber access door allow the rotor and anvil to be inspected with ease.

Designed with the operator in mind, the TBG 530T offers the perfect blend of performance, efficiency and serviceability.

A robust track mounted high speed shredder, the TBG 530T is ideal for medium scale producers requiring an accurate and consistent end product.

TELEMATICS STANDARD

Powered by a 493HP Scania DC13 engine, the TBG 530T has been expertly designed to give operators unrivalled performance, ease of maintenance and superb fuel efficiency. Extremely versatile, it excels in many applications and is particularly suited to waste wood processing and green waste shredding.

Comments Tony Devlin, Business Line Director for Terex Ecotec: “The TBG 530T enhances our high speed shredder offering and allows our product range to further meet operators’ needs.

Inspired by the successful TBG 630, the TBG 530T has been purposefully engineered to maintain the same key features in a smaller package.

Easy to operate with excellent serviceability we are proud to have it in our portfolio

and look forward to it dominating the market.”

With a rapid set up time the TBG 530T is ready to work in a matter of minutes with no tooling required. The open fronted feeder enables the TBG 530T to be fed quickly and easily from the rear. The intelligently controlled feed system, comprising of heavy duty drag chains and aggressive feed wheel with unique lift/ downward assist, ensure optimum material flow resulting in class leading performance.

SWINGING HAMMER ROTOR At the heart of the machine is the 1,100mm diameter x 1,490mm wide swinging hammer rotor. This robust, direct drive rotor rotates at 1000 RPM and incorporates 30 up-swinging hammers. A wide selection of hammer designs and interchangeable screens are available allowing the machine

to be configured to suit the everchanging product requirements.

The TBG 530T also benefits from the added protection of a screen kickback system. Should an unshreddable object enter the shredding chamber the screen will release allowing the material to quickly pass through, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

Processed material is removed from the machine via a modular product conveyor with an impressive discharge height of 4.6m. This conveyor also lowers to ground level for inspection and maintenance.

An optional overband magnet with hydraulic height adjustment can be fitted to remove ferrous metal from the product.

Whether performing daily checks or carrying out maintenance, the TBG 530T offers unrivalled service access to all key areas of the machine. The electric/

The TBG 530T comes fitted as standard with the industry leading T-Link telematics solution designed to improve productivity, efficiency and profitability for the customer.

Manufacturing of this latest high speed shredder will take place at Terex Campsie, a dedicated state of the art facility which will support the ongoing growth and development of Terex Ecotec’s ever-expanding product portfolio.

The TBG 530T is available to purchase now via Terex Ecotec’s world class dealer distribution network that provide the sales and aftermarket service demanded for in the market.

The addition of the TBG 530T will further enhance an already significant portfolio of products offered by Terex Ecotec and demonstrates their continued passion and commitment for new product development and innovation, positioning them at the forefront of the recycling market.

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washing systems

TEREX WASHING SYSTEMS PLANT IMPRESSES AT NEW SAND QUARRY Terex Washing Systems have recently delivered a sand washing plant for Clarence Sands; this newly established site is now one of the premium sand quarries in Sydney, Australia.

from the feed material due to the grid covering the feeder. The H30 Feeder also features a hydraulic tipping grid that can be controlled from the cab so that any material stuck on the bars can be cleared.

The sandstone deposit located in the Blue Mountains produces premium quality construction sand that is washed and classified using a state-of-the-art Terex Washing Systems wash plant. The bespoke design of the plant can produce up to 300 tonnes of quality sand per hour and recycles roughly 90% of the water used during the washing process.

With the sand distributed evenly on the main conveyor it makes its way up to the modular 20x8 2 Deck Rinser Screen. This screen has been designed specifically to handle the tonnage needed for this operation.

To begin with, the wash plant features a H30 (50 tonne) Feeder that receives the raw sandstone feed material and distributes it evenly on the main conveyor.

At this point any stones or rock that are larger than 100mm are removed

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A total of 19 spray bars give the material an initial rinse as the vibrating screener shakes the sand and stone down through the polyurethane decks as it is classified by size. The polyurethane decks have a much longer wear life than that of metal decks. Any larger aggregates can pass through the screen onto aggregate

and oversize conveyors where they are stockpiled as products for sale.

Any sand, silt, clay or other fine impurities that were present within the feed material is washed to the split catchbox of the screener. Terex Washing System catch boxes have adjustable blending paddles, which assist in blending the correct amount of fines into the coarse fraction. This ensures the required spec is always achievable.

The material is gravity fed into one of two FM 200C Sand Plants. Each sand plant receives a separate split, one coarse sand and one fine sand. For this application the standard units were upgraded to separators, rather than the standard hydrocyclones. This was done to cope with larger volumes of fines, as well as to deal with potential variation in feed stocks.

washing systems Separators use centrifugal force to remove the sand from the silt and clay so that it can be transferred onto the high frequency dewatering screens. These dewatering screens remove the remaining water within the sand so that only 10-15% of water is left. The sand that is now up to spec is then transferred onto a 26-metre radial stacking conveyor that offers a large stockpile capacity, which really suits the needs of the customer.

The water that, up until this point, has been used to initially rinse the feed material, wash the sand within the FM 200C and has been recovered from the dewatering screen is pumped into the 17-metrerake thickener tank. The rake thickener allows the silt and clay particles within the sludge to settle at the bottom of the tank, while the clean water weirs over the edge to be re-used. The integral scrapers aid transportation of material from the outskirts of the tank to the outlet, thus accelerating the removal of sludge from the thickener.

This process is sped up with the use of a Flocculant Dossing Unit, which dosses the sludge on its way to the rake thickener. The flocculant that is added to the sludge causes the waste particles to bind together, creating a particle with a larger mass, which then sinks to the base of the tank faster. Dossing the sludge with flocculant dramatically increases the speed at which the clean water can be recycled back into the wash plant.

A wash plant can’t do its job without water, which can be a difficult resource to manage in Australia. Terex Washing Systems advised the customer of the

need for a robust water management system that would be both environmentally friendly and save on running costs.

to the next level. For Clarence Sands settling ponds maintenance is drastically reduced, freeing up valuable machinery and time”.

Neil Rooney, Engineering Manager for Terex Washing Systems, explains: “Over the last number of years, Terex Washing Systems have developed our water management product range to the point that we’re confident we can meet the needs of any application”. He continues, “Our wash plant at Clarence Sands is a good example of how an efficient water management system can take an operation

Servicing such a large market requires a robust and reliable wash plant, which is what Terex Washing Systems have delivered to the customer. The Terex Washing Systems engineers were faced with unique challenges during this project but managed to overcome them and deliver a wash plant that can meet the tonnage that was required for Clarence Sands.

THE BESPOKE DESIGN OF THE PLANT CAN PRODUCE UP TO 300 TONNES OF QUALITY SAND PER HOUR AND RECYCLES ROUGHLY 90% OF THE WATER USED DURING THE WASHING PROCESS.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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essential materials sustainable solutions

FROM THE DESK OF: GORDON BEST, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, MPANI

STEADY START TO CHALLENGING NEW YEAR

Gordon Best, MPANI

Speaking to quite a few MPANI members from across Northern Ireland this past few weeks business activity has certainly got off to a steady start. Obviously, there is a lot of concern over continuing rising material and energy costs, the removal of the red diesel rebate in April and continuing labour shortages, particularly related to HGV drivers and haulage.

MPANI has taken the lead, along with our colleagues in CEF, FMB and Manufacturing NI, here in continuingto highlight the impact on costs the removal of the red diesel rebate will have.

The estimated cost of this in Northern Ireland is estimated at £20 to £25 million. Remember, red diesel is just ordinary ‘white’ diesel with a dye in it, but it is taxed at a much lower rate than white diesel. Any notion that this is an environmental measure is deluded! This is a tax grab dressed up by Government as an environmental measure.

Our industry takes its environmental responsibilities seriously, as can be seen by the

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areas of priority habitat created through quarry restoration over the last decade, and the 53 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emitted by the concrete and cement industry since 1990. We already pay significant levels of environmental tax through aggregates levy and climate change levy.

As an industry, we are totally committed to Net Zero and the energy transition to lower/zero carbon fuels such as compressed natural gas, electric batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. Our Industry has always been at the forefront of new technology but the new zero carbon solutions that will be used to power the heavy equipment we depend on is still some years away.

We certainly do not believe the rebate should last forever.

We will continue our efforts, supported by other Industry bodies, to influence a change in direction by Government and possible “phasing out” of the rebate rather than a cliff edge.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY The Association has been busy responding to a number

of Government Department Consultations including the Green Growth Strategy, the Environment Strategy and currently the NI Draft Investment Strategy and NI draft Budget 2022-2025 document launched by the executive.

The NI investment strategy sets out major spending objectives in Northern Ireland for the next 30 years.

The document states that the investment required will be higher in real terms than the £1.2bn to £1.4bn per annum invested over the past 10 years.

It said areas in most need must be prioritised and there will be a push to “maximise and co-ordinate the public and private sources of finance to help us deliver our goals”.

The document does not mention specific infrastructure projects, but highlights the need for investment in new roads, schools, hospitals, social housing and public transport.However, given the fact that NI Departments have recently handed back almost £100 million in capital funding during the January monitoring round one really has

to ask the question, “How is that budgets have been so poorly?”

I believe some people need a reminding that we still have a massive infrastructure deficit here and its totally understandable that many of us are increasingly finding it hard to take Ministers seriously when they are actively standing over such an underspend and budget mismanagement.

The recent CEF State of Trade Survey detailed, some 85% of their members are currently awaiting the outcome of discussions with government departments around potential claims arising from material shortages and cost increases.

At the same time government clients have been claiming they do not have sufficient budget to cover such claims. Clearly, this argument is ridiculous!

PLANNING REVIEW Last year the MPANI, along with many other organisations, responded to the Infrastructure Minister’s review of the planning act 2011.

One of the MPANI requests was to commence the review of old

essential materials sustainable solutions

mineral planning permissions which in our view would go a very long way to ensure a more level playing field for all operators. Having reviewed the report MPANI believes the report is very much a “business as usual” strategy.

We would be supportive of other organisations views that the review recommendations simply do not go far enough to tackle the delays and inefficiencies that will hold back economic recovery and decarbonisation.

Currently a number of local council draft plan strategies are being assessed by the Planning Appeals Commission. MPANI responded with detailed responses to areas of concern within a number of the Plan Strategies. These concerns centred around proposals by a small number of councils to introduce financial bonds to ensure appropriate restoration

on sites and failure to introduce mineral safeguarding areas.

Thankfully the PAC upheld an objection from Creagh Concrete in Mid Ulster Council to have the imposition of a financial bond imposed on them.

MPANI are now supporting our members in Fermanagh Omagh Council area to have a similar introduction of financial bonds threw out.

Historically around this time of year many Government Departments and agencies review their budgets and prepare for next year. Over the years we have normally had indications that the PSNI maybe considering charging for the cost of explosives escorting.

I am delighted to say that following engagement between MPANI and the PSNI they have confirmed that given legal advice the Police are not entitled to introduce charging for escorting

as this is an operational decision based on security risk.So hopefully we have put this matter to bed for the foreseeable future.

MPANI FOCUS As we start our 2022 journey I would like to remind every reader about why MPANI exists. This year’s MPANI areas of focus again highlights why it is so important to have a well-supported and resourced Trade Association.

The ongoing work with the 11 Local Council Local Development Plans, managing the removal of the Red Diesel rebate, business rates, energy transition, Brexit and Covid recovery will involve co-ordinated work among members and with other business groups. It is vitally important, as I am sure you will agree, that our Industry’s voice is heard and your interests and right to operate is protected.

Another indispensable part of MPANI’s work will be sustaining

the relationships we have and the important work we do on areas of mutual benefit. Our goal will be to sustain and develop these working relationships going forward so that we not only protect your business but the whole NI Economy and the futures of our employees.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a special word of thanks to all of our Affiliate Members for the support and assistance they give to the Association and the Industry in general.

I would encourage all Affiliate Members to take advantage of our News Bulletin, our Affiliate section of the website and to come along to all our Local Member Forums to network and promote your services to our Membership.

May I wish you all a successful, healthy and safe 2022.

www.mpani.org

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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news

Aggreko Launches New Construction Emissions Calculator in Net Zero Drive Global temporary power company Aggreko is redoubling its support for the construction sector with the launch of a new calculator that will compare emissions and fuel consumption for onsite equipment.

The new tool, which is accessible on the Aggreko website, has been developed to help customers find greener alternatives to diesel fuel for power solutions used in construction projects. It will show site and procurement managers real-life savings in carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions, alongside overall fuel consumption.

According to Chris Rason, Managing Director at Aggreko Northern Europe, the new calculator is a necessary step to assist the ongoing decarbonisation of the construction industry. “The Government’s ambitious net zero targets continue to approach, and with each passing year,

the task of becoming carbon neutral will become increasingly difficult.”

He continues: “Alongside this, legislation is not standing still – for example, the Government’s proposed Sixth Carbon Budget will further accelerate all industries’ path to sustainability, including construction, necessitating all businesses cut emissions by 75% before 2035.

“Faced with such a situation, it is vital that decision-makers immediately identify all areas in which the environmental impact of their operations can be reduced. It is in this vein that our new emissions calculator has been launched, in order to assist those responsible for site power pragmatically transition to greener solutions via a data-driven approach.”

The calculator’s development has been informed by Aggreko’s extensive sector knowledge, and recommends real-life solutions based on prospective site applications and power profile. These

include greener technologies such as Stage V generators and hybrid battery systems, alongside alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

“Our approach to decarbonisation is that each small switch now adds up to make a big difference over the long term,” concludes Chris. “The fact the calculator can show bespoke alternatives to traditional diesel generator set-ups that can deliver environmental savings on-site is therefore key to this.

“The adoption of innovative new equipment that use more sustainable fuels more effectively is foundational to our milestone new initiative, Greener Upgrades, which will help tackle pollution across the supply chain. Indeed, it is with this strategy in mind that we have already pledged to reduce the diesel fuel used by customer solutions by at least 50% by 2030, and our new calculator is an important tool in this effort.”

Hill Engineering partners with Cohidrex in Spain and Portugal Northern Ireland-based specialist excavator attachments manufacturer Hill Engineering has appointed Cohidrex as exclusive dealer for the full range of Hill products to be sold in Spain and Portugal.

Cohidrex’s owner Alfonso Dominguez Fernandez has built a very successful business, based in Caceres, supplying wear and spare parts and equipment for

heavy construction and mining machinery under the Trasteel brand. Now, it will also hold stocks of Hill’s products and spare parts to support planned growth in the Spanish and Portuguese market.

Cohidrex are especially focussed on giving very high levels of customer service and have a growing and very successful online system to enable their customers to purchase their products. Hill’s portfolio will be added to this.

Hill’s head of global business development John Lines (pictured right) met Alfonso in September and then spent time with the entire Cohidrex team at Smopyc, the international machinery, construction and public works trade show in Zaragoza in November.

“I was impressed with their energy and commitment to the business,” he said. “From the outset, it was clear to me that Alfonso’s business will be an excellent fit for us, as we seek

to grow our dealer network.

We are already receiving sales enquiries and orders and I am confident the sales partnership between Hill and Cohidrex will be very successful.”

Alfonso said: “Our collaboration with John Lines and his team at Hill Engineering is already bearing fruit. We have the same target, that is to get high achievements in the Spanish and Portuguese market which is extremely competitive.”

Groundforce appoints new engineering director Specialist construction solutions supplier Groundforce has appointed Paul Garton as its new engineering director to head up its technical team.

Paul has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry and joins Groundforce from COWI UK, where he was technical director of the UK Infrastructure team, working on a range of major UK and international projects. Prior to this, Paul held leading roles within various civil and structural engineering consultancies. He has a degree in civil engineering from Loughborough University and is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

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Paul said: “As a market leader in the sector, with a very capable and experienced technical design team, I see working with Groundforce as a really exciting opportunity.

We have a fantastic team, with a number of interesting projects and product developments planned, and I am really looking forward to working with them.”

Groundforce managing director Paul Donovan said: “We are pleased to make this appointment. Paul’s experience will enhance our technical team and ensure that we remain at the forefront of delivering effective and innovative engineering solutions for our customers.”

Paul Garton

PLANT & CIVIL CONSTRUCTION, QUARRY & RECYCLING MAGAZINE

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generators

ONE GENERATOR OR TWO? THAT’S THE QUESTION When selecting temporary power for your site, choosing the number of generators to rent is not as simple as it sounds. Making this decision means factoring in your load requirements early on and determining what equipment will provide the necessary power for your site.

Here Karl Law, Applications Engineer at Energyst UK & Ireland, explains how you can make the right decision when selecting the number of temporary generators to hire.

Depending on your site and application, it can be beneficial to install just one generator or multiple units. For example, if you have a critical power requirement on site then running two generators in parallel enables you to generate extra power when your loads increase, and you can drop one unit off when the load falls below a predetermined set point. Running in parallel also gives the operator the option of starting heavy loads, with another option of manually stopping the generator or have it stop automatically when the generator is not required and being able to link generators of different sizes to produce optimum power. So, how do you know if your site needs one generator or two?

LOAD REQUIREMENTS The first step is knowing your site’s load requirements and the power you expect the unit to consume, this is called the site load profile. You can determine the total load by making a list of all the equipment that needs to be powered and calculating

the total consumption of everything from sockets to pumps and motors, this is called the maximum demand. This will also help you identify the different load types on your site —including inductive, capacitive, and resistive loads.

You will also need to determine whether these loads are constant or intermittent.

Will they have a high start followed by a low running load? If the load is constant then a single generator maybe sufficient, but if it is the latter then running two or more units in parallel may be more effective.

FUEL CONSUMPTION Investing in diesel, HVO and other fuels is a necessary evil when hiring generators —it’s vital that you have enough in reserve to cover the entire rental period and accommodate fluctuations in demand.

Although it’s intuitive to think more machines mean higher consumption, this isn’t necessarily the case. For example, if two generators are sized correctly and they are running at their optimum window of engine efficiency, which is usually around70 to 75 per cent, the consumption will be leaner than if a single machine was running close to 100 per cent load.

Whether you use one generator or several, it is best to avoid low loading where possible.

Although it may be tempting to dodge higher fuel consumption, the units will still consume other fluids like oil, combustion will be poor, and they will run at reduced efficiency as a result. This means the

Karl Law, Applications Engineer at Energyst UK & Ireland.

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rental partner may need to load bank your generators to test their performance, using more fuel than if you had chosen right the first time. A good rental partner like Energyst will support customers by weighing-up load requirements and consumption targets to recommend the perfect power solution.

ROOM FOR ONE MORE? The addition of more generators often means more cabling, extension cords and ancillaries to ensure the units are connected and running safely. For sites like hospital basements and some data centers, space is often at a premium and more equipment means less room for the generators —introducing difficulties with airflow and access for maintenance.

However, a larger footprint is offset by the greater resilience that comes with having two units running parallel and the security of knowing that your site has an extra layer of protection from unplanned downtime.

If you have a critical site that requires N+1 redundancy and you have the space, it may be better to have an additional generator or two to share the load with the primary unit.

Load requirements, fuel consumption targets and space are all important when deciding between one temporary genset or multiple sets. You can only make this choice once you have considered your application needs, and a good rental partner will help you plan for temporary power by recommending a site-specific solution.

news

Cookstown Cement Business Changes Hands in Multi Million Pound Deal Holcim has sold its Lafarge cement business in Northern Ireland to Cookstown Cement Ltd for a reported £56 million.

is a fantastic opportunity to bring new investment and a new, local approach to this established business.”

Cookstown Cement Ltd is a newly founded local construction company, established by a longstanding business partner of Holcim, and is headed up by Managing Director David Millar who has almost 40 years in the cement and construction sectors.

The deal, supported by the owners of the Lissan Coal Company, gives Cookstown Cement a cement plant with production capacity in excess of 450,000 tonnes, and a limestone quarry in Cookstown, as well as a shale quarry in Dungannon and an import/ export facility in Belfast Harbour.

Commented Miljan Gutovic, Holcim Region Head EMEA: “With Cookstown Cement Ltd, we are pleased to have found a strategic and trusted owner for the business, better positioned to continue investing in its long term growth. We are delighted about

Cookstown Cement Ltd’s vision, offering a solid platform for the team to continue to thrive.”

And added David Millar: “We have acquired a great

company with a strong team and excellent products and the investment we are making will allow us to expand further in the years to come. This

It is understood the new owners are planning to invest £12 million in the facilities to upgrade environmental capabilities and processes and to improve efficiency.

Hill Engineering appoints a new general manager Global excavation attachment specialist Hill Engineering has appointed a new general manager.

David Mehaffey joins the Northern Irelandbased business from Radius Systems (NI) where he was also general manager, leading the manufacturer of innovative plastic pipeline solutions through a successful period of transformation, sustained growth and profitability.

With more than 20 years of senior management experience, David has worked across a range of manufacturing industries including automotive, medical device, FMCG and aerospace, with extended

periods of leadership in businesses across UK/ROI and Southern Africa.

At Hill Engineering, David will work alongside founder Ian Hill to develop the company business plan and deliver against targets and objectives. This will cover all aspects of the business, from customer relationships through to product delivery, as well as NPD and operations.

“I will be leading a broad scope of experienced managers and department heads to align activities and meet these objectives together,” said David. “I am delighted to be joining a business with the pedigree that Hill has and with the opportunities that are available to us.”

David Mehaffey.

Construction Sector Business Investment up by a Third on an Annual Basis Business investment in the construction industry rose by more than a third annually in the third quarter of 2021 as Covid disruption and supply chain bottlenecks continued to ease, according to the latest ONS data.

Investment in the sector grew by 36% year-on-year to £2.8bn, up from £2bn in Q3 2020, analysis by business tax relief specialists Catax shows.

It also represents a 15.7% improvement on the £2.4bn

recorded in the second quarter of last year.

The industry is back on par with pre-pandemic norms, having recorded an almost identical £2.8bn of business investment in Q3 2019. However, there is still some catching up to do in order to hit the £3.5bn and £3.2bn recorded in Q4 2019 and Q1 2020 respectively, just before the pandemic erupted.

The sector performed more strongly than the UK’s overall performance in Q3. UK business

posted an estimated 2.5% fall in business investment on a quarterly basis, though there was a 2.6% increase on an annual basis. UK GDP increased by 1.1% in Q3 — leaving it just 1.5% below where it was pre-pandemic (Q4 2019).

The ONS business investment statistics are an indication of net capital expenditure

by UK businesses, which includes spending on items such as plant and machinery,

transport equipment, software and buildings.

Mark Tighe, CEO of business tax relief consultancy Catax, comments: “The construction industry is back on par with its pre-pandemic levels of investment, despite some of the supply chain problems which continue to afflict a number of industries. “This progress, with investment performing more strongly than the UK overall, bodes well for 2022.”

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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telehandler

JCB EXTENDS LOADALL RANGE WITH 538-70 TELEHANDLER The JCB Loadall has been expanded with the introduction of the midrange 538-70 to give farmers and growers yet more choice in an already comprehensive offering of performance, features and specifications.

The 538-70 is a genuine seven metre machine that slots into the Loadall Series III line-up with 3,800kg maximum lift capacity and 7.01m of lift height, placing it between the current 532-70 and 542-70 models.

At 3,000 to 3,800kg, lift performance is particularly strong in the 4-6m loading-at-height zone critical for bulk loading of grain into trucks and silage into diet feeders; and there is 2,500 to 2,750kg of capacity available at full height, depending upon the version.

Like all mid-range machines in the Loadall range, the new 538-70 is available with a choice of four different transmissions, three power outputs and three standard feature and specification levels.

Together with a comprehensive options list, buyers have an unmatched opportunity to

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choose the machine package that best suits their applications and budget.

The Loadall 538-70 AGRI variant comes with JCB’s Torque Lock 4 transmission, featuring torque converter lock-up in fourth gear for power-efficient direct drive on the road, coupled to a 109hp (81kW) version of the Stage V emissions-compliant JCB DieselMAX 448 engine.

telehandler The AGRI Super has130hp (97kW) from this engine and a regular four-speed Powershift as the base transmission installation; but along with the 150hp AGRI Xtra, it is also available with a six-speed Autoshift with automatic and manual shifting modes in addition to torque converter lock-up in the top two gears.

The AGRI Super and AGRI Xtra can also be had with DualTech VT, the unique JCB transmission that combines the best characteristics of hydrostatic and powershift drives in one unit.

As the ultimate telehandler transmission, DualTech VT provides precision slow speed control for loading and other handling tasks, and direct-drive auto powershift without a torque converter for high-performance, fuelefficient field and road travel beyond 19kph.

Switching between the two elements is performed seamlessly without any operator involvement; but operator-selected ‘power’ and fuel-saving ‘eco’ modes are available to suit different applications, and powershift selection can be restricted for field work.

The transmission’s Flexi mode permits a fixed engine speed to be set for optimum hydraulics performance with only the transmission then responding to the accelerator pedal – ideal for consistent loading performance and for operating hydraulically-driven attachments such as sweepers, feeding buckets and straw blowers.

In addition, DualTech VT provides permanent four-wheel drive within the hydrostatic transmission element’s speed range for maximum traction in field and yard; full-time fourwheel drive for high-speed road work such as snow ploughing when maximum traction is needed; and automatic switching to rear-wheel drive only for optimum towing performance while minimising tyre wear.

Across all variants, the high level of standard equipment includes auto wheel alignment when switching between the three steering modes, and an auto reversing cooling fan that blows dust and debris from the air intake grille.

The 140-litre/min load-sensing hydraulics system includes gravity regeneration of oil for the retract and lower services to bring the boom down rapidly but under full control, and automatic Smooth Ride boom suspension is standard on all but the AGRI version where it is an option.

JCB’s comprehensive LiveLink telematics solution is also part of the standard package, providing comprehensive machine data, pro-active fault identification,

timely service scheduling, and machine location and security features.

And as with all JCB Loadall Series III telescopic handlers, operators of the new 538-70 get to work in the advanced Command Plus cab with its ultra-quiet noise levels, great all-round and upwards visibility, push-away ‘memory’ steering column and generous storage provision.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS In stock - ready for immediate delivery Choice of models available from 15 feet to 45 feet platform height 90 day payment pause available on new JCB Access Platforms 2 year warranty on electrical and hydraulic systems including batteries* 5 years warranty on the scissor lift structure (chassis, scissor pack, work platform)*

Contact Chris Stewart to discuss our Access Platform range.

Dennison JCB, 8 Ballyhartfield Road, Templepatrick, BT39 0RB Tel: +44 7593 442187 Email: jcb@dennisons.co.uk Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @DennisonJCB 1st payment of this Hire Purchase offer is payable after the pause followed by 45 monthly payments. Available on machines ordered by 31.12.2022 for UK business users only. Terms apply. Dennison JCB are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Dennison JCB is a credit broker and JCB Finance are its preferred supplier of finance. We receive a commission from JCB Finance which is a tiered flat fee that is based on the value of the finance agreement. These payments are not additional fees that you will have to pay and do not affect the amount you pay under your finance agreement. Maximum 10 units per customer. *Terms apply.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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financial services

CLOSE BROTHERS COMMERCIAL FINANCE

REFINANCE SOLUTIONS OFFER QUICK ACCESS TO WORKING CAPITAL In 2008, Close Brothers Commercial Finance opened its doors in Ireland during the financial crisis. We were able to help businesses across the country, and our prudent approach has proved equally useful in today’s challenging market. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, the we have continued to provide specialist finance to companies of all sizes.

As part of a merchant banking group, we offer a range of funding options in Ireland, including invoice finance, asset based lending and asset finance.

Over the course of the last 24 months or so, asset finance has proved to be especially popular with SMEs battling with challenging market conditions.

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REFINANCING SOLUTIONS Refinance, for example, can provide a lifeline to businesses who need to access capital quickly. It releases capital tied up in assets, such as vehicles and equipment, improving cash flow immediately without disrupting work.

Close Brothers Commercial Finance’s refinancing solutions work simply. Working capital is released against the value of assets on your balance sheet and you lease them back over an agreed period. This means that you can continue to access and use essential vehicles and tools while benefitting from a cash lump sum.

Our agreements are designed to adapt with your business. We

can arrange for repayments to match income patterns, such as seasonal peaks and troughs, and if you already have agreements in place, we can refinance existing debt to reduce monthly outgoings and ease cash flow.

The Close Brothers team has comprehensive knowledge of the different industries and extensive experience providing sustainable funding. We aim to give businesses growth opportunities. We can help you find an affordable way to secure the new assets you need to grow by arranging a bespoke refinance package. We offer a flexible range of financing options tailored to your needs.

CLOSE BROTHERS Close Brothers is a merchant banking group providing

lending, deposit taking, wealth management services, and securities trading. Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 250.

Our core purpose is to help the people and businesses of Britain and Ireland thrive over the long term. To achieve this, all of our diverse, specialist businesses have a deep industry knowledge, so they can understand the challenges and opportunities that our customers and clients face. We support the unique needs of our customers and clients to ensure that they thrive, rather than simply survive, whatever the market conditions.

Visit our website to find out more: https://www. closecommercialfinance.ie/

re

AC T I V E LY, P R AC T I CA LLY, W E ’ LL H E LP YO U T H R I V E AG A I N These challenging times are affecting us all in many different ways.

But we’re here to reignite your plans – with expert advice and support, to help you drive forward again with confidence.

CBCF Export & Freight Thrive again A4+ 10-2020.indd 1

08/10/2020 12:20:09

financial services

TAILOR MADE ASSET FINANCE OPTIONS FROM KANE FINANCIAL SERVICES They say ‘Cash is King’ and certainly a healthy cash flow is vital to operational success, but the purchase of any asset can put a strain on business, so spreading the cost with Asset Finance along with structured repayments to free up much needed cash flow is certainly worth looking at.

All businesses, of course, have different needs at different times, so when it comes to financing your next big purchase you need to source an asset finance provider that can come up with flexible and tailor made solutions.

From straight forward hire purchase packages to finance or operating lease solutions, asset finance has become one of the fastest growing finance options for all sizes of businesses, so there are plenty of providers to chose from, but choose wisely. Which brings us to County Down based Kane Financial Services Ltd. Based in Comber, near Newtownards, Kane Financial Services Ltd is an independent asset Finance Broker with over 40 years’ experience in providing financial solutions across a wide range of sectors, including the construction industry where there

is increasing demand for new plant and machinery as the economy picks up.

Acquiring that equipment, of course, can put a strain on any company’s cash flow, but that can be alleviated with a tailor-made asset finance package.

As established, reputable and highly experienced Finance Brokers, Kane Financial Services provide a comprehensive range of asset funding options at competitive and attractive rates that can help spread the cost and keep a healthy cash flow.

Comments the company’s Managing Director Ken Finlay: “Our aim is to provide customers with the funding product that best suits their specific requirements to acquire the assets they need.”

PERSONAL & FLEXIBLE What sets Kane Financial Services apart is their personal approach and being flexible in dealing with clients. “Not all of our clients can set aside time during their working day to discuss what finance options are available to them, so we are happy to sit down with them after hours in the evening when it is more convenient; we find that approach is much appreciated. It works for our clients and it works for us.”

Other funding options available from Kane Financial Services include Hire purchase, an arrangement that allows you to decide whether or not you want to retain your purchase at, or before the end of the agreement.

Ken Finlay.

is essentially a method of renting an asset for your business over a short or medium period of time, where the customer doesn’t take on the risks and rewards of owning or maintaining the asset; it’s much the same as contract hire, but each option has different advantages and disadvantages.

Yes, it can be a bit daunting when deciding on what funding route to take, which is why you need to take expert advice before committing yourself and your business, and at Kane Financial Services you will find a flexible team of approachable professionals who are efficient, personable and understanding, so whatever your needs they’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction.

“We offer flexible terms for our hire purchase arrangements, including letting you choose the size of your deposit, and enabling you to reduce instalments by repaying a final lump sum, or balloon payment.”

Leasing is another alternative method of funding. An operating lease, for example,

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www.kanefinancialservicesltd.com

ASSET FINANCE HIRE PURCHASE LEASING LOANS

CELEBRATING

40 YEARS FINANCING PLANT, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

We are celebrating 40 years of providing tailor-made financial solutions across a wide range of sectors, including the construction industry.

We cater to the UK and Irish market offering attractive rates, helping you to spread the cost and keep a healthy cash flow.

SPREAD THE COST OF YOUR ASSETS WITH

ASSET FINANCE

40 years CELEBRATING

+44 (0) 28 8673 7181

FINANCING CARAVANS AND MOTORHOMES What we do What we

Ken Finlay, Sales Director.

do: Kane Financial Services is an independent asset finance broker, providing tailor-made solutions for all our customers. As established, reputable finance brokers, we provide a comprehensive range of asset funding options.

Based in Comber, Newtownards we offer a local and personal service with competitive rates. We will go above and beyond for our customers and we are available to meet up at locations that are suitable to you.

Kane Financial Services is an independent asset finance broker, providing tailor-made solutions for all our customers. As established, reputable finance brokers, we provide a comprehensive range of asset funding options.

We are celebrating 40 years of financing caravans and motorhomes, allowing you to spread the cost and achieve your holiday home-fromhome. We cater to the UK and Irish market in both new and used caravans and motorhomes, with something to suit all budgets.

Based in Comber, Newtownards we offer a local and personal service with competitive rates. We will go above and beyond for our customers and we are available to meet up at locations that are suitable to you.

T: 028 9187 4000 M: 07748 400055 3c Killinchy Street, Comber, Newtownards BT23 5AP

www.kanefinancialservicesltd.com

financial services

WALBROOK ASSET FINANCE PARTNER AGD EQUIPMENT TO FINANCE CONSTRUCTION ASSETS Walbrook Asset Finance has partnered with AGD Equipment to finance some of its key construction assets.

Walbrook Asset Finance specialises in providing finance, hire purchase and operating lease financing to the construction, demolition, transportation, logistics, mining, manufacturing and other sectors.

AGD Equipment is a wellestablished family-owned UK business serving the construction, civil engineering and ground engineering industries with specialist equipment hire.

AGD’s rental fleet comprises 100 items of specialist equipment including lattice boom crawler cranes, telescopic crawler cranes & piling equipment available for hire with experienced and directly employed operators.

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AGD required finance for six Sennebogen 673R telescopic crawler cranes for major projects in the UK. Crawler Cranes are specialist and expensive pieces of construction equipment that need to be ordered well ahead of deployment. The equipment often comes from non-UK sources, paid for in different currencies and with substantial lead-times.

With their flexible approach to creating lines of funding, Walbrook Asset Finance was able to supply structured finance for AGD to secure the cranes from their German supplier within a critical timeframe.

The process was hassle-free, allowing AGD to plan for currency movements and delivery.

AGD has long-standing relationships with their key customers; they needed a reliable partner that understood their company, the

equipment they provide and the timescales they work to.

Walbrook Asset Finance builds relationships with manufacturers and equipment suppliers to provide finance for their acquisition of equipment for purchase or hire, developing preapproved finance arrangements that allow the client to draw down funds when needed, increasing business efficiency and reducing delivery times. The partnership was a natural fit.

Robert Law, MD of AGD Equipment said: “In our business we rely on trusted suppliers of both equipment and finance.

Working with Walbrook Asset Finance was a hassle-free process; their ability to offer flexible lines of credit in a timely fashion allowed us to access the funds we needed to secure a substantial order in time for our hire clients to start construction.”

Chris Smith, Head of Sales at Walbrook Asset Finance said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with AGD Equipment.

We have been given the opportunity to help their business grow and help them to expand their extensive fleet of premium construction equipment for hire.

“The relationship with AGD is the beginning of an excellent partnership between two businesses that understand the complexities of doing business in the UK construction industry.

We are always keen to be involved from the earliest stage of planned acquisition of assets.

“We understood very well the complexity of the finance for this transaction, dealt with it swiftly and efficiently using our in-house finance experts and we look forward to assisting with future acquisitions.”

view from the cab

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view from the cab

ANOTHER ELEMENT FOR IMPROVED SAFETY IS THE MACHINE‘S MAINTENANCE PLATFORM. IT HAS AN ANTI-SLIP SURFACE AND NON-SLIP HANDRAIL, WHICH ENSURE A SECURE GRIP EVEN IN WET CONDITIONS.

County Derry demolition contractors A. Bonnar & Son don’t do things by half. The company recently invested in not one but two Sany excavators, supplied by Sleator Plant. Their new Sany SY305 is the first sold in UK and Ireland; the second machine is a short tail-swing 16 tonne Sany SY155.

They are the first Sany machines in their fleet and already are making a big impact as we discovered when we caught up with the company in Belfast where the 32 tonne Sany SY305 was working on the site of an old recently demolished factory on the Castlereagh Road; the SY155 was on a project in Coleraine.

Like many contractors, the company hadn’t really considered Sany until they were introduced to the brand by the team at Sleator Plant; they were quickly convinced by the build quality and value for money.

“We have been dealing with Sleator Plant since 2014 and their back-up and support has been excellent, so when they took on the Sany franchise it was natural that I would look at the brand,” says Ryan Bonner, whose father Anthony, now retired, started the company in the 1970s.

“What initially attracted me to the Sany SY305 was the five year warranty and the

fact it is powered by a Cummins engine which gives us all the power we need for ripping up concrete and clearing away other demolition debris to be stockpiled and later crushed on the site here.”

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He adds: “The Sany brand is definitely gaining support in this part of the world and I reckon we will see a lot more of them about in the year ahead. Operators who are perhaps a bit skeptical initially will appreciate the Sany once they climb into the cab and test it out for themselves.”

Indeed, such was the experience of operator Donal ‘Dodge’ McAllister who has been with A Bonnar & Son for a number of years and has driven excavators for all of his life; he was immediately impressed with the Sany SY305.

“It has a very comfortable and quiet cab with controls that are well positioned,” he says.

“The Cummins engine packs plenty of power which you definitely need in our line of work.

“Visibility is also great and bolstered by two cameras which I constantly monitor as there’s always a lot happening around the machine,” adds Dodge.

Those camera images are sharp and precise on the machine’s impressive 10” touch display; its high-resolution screen also shows a considerable amount of other vital information, including various operating functions, meaning that many of the features are easy to control using just a finger.

If it starts to get dark, the machine has eight LED work spotlights which provide the best possible illumination. This ensures that the driver always has the best possible view of the working area and travel path.

Another element for improved safety is the machine‘s maintenance platform. It has an anti-slip surface and non-slip handrail, which ensure a secure grip even in wet conditions.

Operator comfort is further enhanced by the provision of a heated air-suspended seat that can be easily adjusted; the control elements connected to the seat can be used to make any required adjustment.

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The machine also features an automatic air conditioning system, in addition to various storage options, including a large, chilled compartment behind the driver‘s seat, while the cab‘s insulation provides the driver with increased protection from noise and dust.

This creates the conditions for more relaxed, fatigue free working thanks to the quieter and cleaner driver environment, something that Dodge has come quickly to appreciate.

The Kawasaki hydraulic system offers a high performance you can rely on. It applies exactly the right hydraulic pressures required for your task. The first and second proportional auxiliary lines are fitted ex-works as standard. Their pressure and power output per litre are individually adjustable.

You can also save the required working pressures and oil flow for up to five different attachments. They can be quickly retrieved at any time. Simply enter the name of the tool on the touchscreen display and assign the required value to the tool. This makes it quick and easy to change attachment devices, enabling significant time and cost savings.

That will prove invaluable to A Bonnar & Son as the company has a wide selection of attachments to call on, including grabs, shears, mulchers, hammers and pulverisers; the Sany SY305, which is shortly being fitted with a new heavy duty grab, currently utilises a specially produced 66-inch HD bucket made by Euro-Fab in Scotland.

view from the cab EASY TO MAINTAIN All of the wear parts for the Sany SY305 have been designed to have a particularly long service life. For instance, the oil and fuel filters have long maintenance intervals and are positioned outside of the engine compartment.

Daily routine checks are also easy; the dipstick, air filter and coolant level can be readily checked from the ground.

As we mentioned earlier, the machine

also benefits from an industry leading five year warranty, as does the full range of SANY excavators sold within the UK & Ireland. The warranty, introduced last year, is available on all new SANY excavators, giving customers peace of mind for five years or 3000 hours, whichever comes first, on the mini range of excavators (9t and below) and five years or 5000 hours, whichever comes first, on the large range of excavators (13t and above), all of which certainly reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of the excavators.

SPECIFICATION Engine:

Cummins QSL9-C280

Rated power:

209 kW / 2 100 rpm

Bucket capacity: 1.7 m3 Operating mass: 32 265 kg

www.sleatorplant.co.uk

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trade exhibition

FIRST LOOK AT NEW DOOSAN PRODUCTS AT WORLD OF CONCRETE For the first time at an international trade exhibition, Doosan showed the company’s new DX140LCR-7 Crawler Excavator and DL250-7 Wheel Loader together at World of Concrete, held recently at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in Nevada in the USA. Part of Doosan’s new generation DX-7 family of medium-sized Stage V compliant crawler excavators, the 15.6 tonne DX140LCR-7 is a reduced tail swing model, allowing operators greater flexibility where space is a premium without sacrificing performance. The DX140LCR-7 also offers a new counterweight design that provides enhanced service accessibility.

The DX140LCR-7 excavator utilises a new smart hydraulic system that offers an improvement of around 30% in attachment

work, compared to the previous generation model. There is a new Tiltrotator Mode on the control panel in the new excavator, which can be selected to ensure an optimized hydraulic flow and helps to maximize the accuracy of tiltrotator work by eliminating back pressure.

Meanwhile, with a standard bucket capacity of 2.5 m3, the new DL250-7 wheel loader is also part of Doosan’s new awardwinning ‘DL-7’ wheel loader range.

It introduces a next generation design, incorporating a powerful new Stage V compliant engine and providing higher productivity, increased fuel efficiency and a low cost of ownership, coupled with a superb environment and experience for the operator. Power is provided by the new Doosan DL06V Stage V 6-cylinder engine on the DL250-7 wheel loader, with an output of 128 kW (172 HP).

The LIS (Load Isolation System) on the DL2507 provides a smoother ride and higher comfort for the operator, as well as higher productivity due to improved stability when the wheel loader is moving. The lift arm is cushioned by a hydro-pneumatic accumulator linked to the lift hydraulic system, acting as a shock absorber.The benefits include reduced cycle times, higher performance and better fuel efficiency while carrying out load and carry applications. Improvements have been made throughout the powertrain, to provide operators with an 11% increase in travel speeds up to a maximum of 40 km/h.

The new cab offers a greatly improved field of vision for the operator, with blind spots around the cab minimized and a 14% larger glass window area compared to the previous DL-5 model.

Inside the cab, the new wheel loader offers significantly enhanced operating comfort, an enhanced steering system and advanced electronic controls. Using the new Doosan Smart Key system on the control panel in the cab, the operator can start the machine using a keyless device, helping to prevent machine theft. The Smart Key system provides remote door control, door lock and unlock, door release, searching and other functions.

The new EMCV (Electric Main Control Valve) joystick fully integrated in the armrest is another standard feature in the cab, providing the operator with smoother and precise controllability of the lift arm and attachments on the wheel loader. Features available via the EMCV system include Automatic Return-to-Dig, Bucket Tilt Kick-out and the Bucket crowd stop position and shock prevention for higher operator comfort.

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court report

Construction companies fined for health and safety failures following death of worker The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) has successfully led a prosecution against three joint contractors following an incident that led to the death of one of its employees.

The prosecution followed an investigation by HSENI into the circumstances of an incident that resulted in an employee suffering fatal injuries during a construction project involving the replacement of street lighting columns in Warrenpoint.

All three companies pleaded guilty at Newry Crown Court and were fined £30,000, £50,000 and £10,000 respectively.

Speaking after the hearing, HSENI Inspector Linda Murphy said: “This tragic death serves as an important reminder

to the construction industry that every construction project requires careful planning and management.

“Contractors, (including principal contractors), have a responsibility to communicate with each other to make sure everyone understands the risks and the measures needed to control those risks.”

The incident resulted in the deceased being struck by a lifting attachment that became detached from the quick hitch of an excavator; steps were not taken by the operator of the excavator to ensure the quick hitch was fully engaged.

The investigation also found that a thorough examination of the quick hitch and lifting accessory had not been completed; the operator of the excavator had not received training in relation to the use of excavators for lifting operations; and the risk assessment relied on was not suitable and sufficient.

Londonderry based Construction Company fined following fall from height incident The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) has successfully led a prosecution against a County Londonderry based company for health and safety failings.

The company pleaded guilty at Coleraine Crown Court to two health and safety offences and was fined £20,000.

The prosecution follows a HSENI investigation into an incident which took place on a house building site in Londonderry.

A brick layer, working as a sub-contractor, fell backwards from an unguarded trestle work platform while working on the first floor area of a house under construction. On falling from the platform, he subsequently fell through a stairwell opening and sustained serious injuries.

HSENI Inspector Kiara Blackburn said: “Falls from height have resulted in many serious injuries and deaths across Northern Ireland construction sites. Employers, including principal contractors, have a legal

responsibility to ensure work is properly planned, managed and monitored.

“Where working at height cannot be avoided, falls from height must be prevented. Simple solutions such as guard rails at open edges or secure boarding over open stairwells are all readily available control measures within the construction industry.”

The HSENI investigation found that no protective measures were in place to prevent workers falling either from the work platform or through the unprotected stairwell opening.

Company fined after failing to manage asbestos removal A property management company has been fined for health and safety failings relating to the removal of asbestos during refurbishment work at an industrial unit in Ballymoney.

The company pleaded guilty to three separate health and safety offences at Antrim Crown Court and was fined £15,000.

The HSENI investigation followed a complaint of unsafe work practices, alleging worker exposure to asbestos during construction work.

The investigation found that

refurbishment of the unit had commenced before any assessment was made as to the presence of asbestos in the building.

A prohibition notice was subsequently served by an HSENI Inspector, prohibiting any further work from continuing.

Following the analysis of samples taken by HSENI Inspectors, asbestos containing materials were confirmed to be present throughout the unit.

None of the tradespersons that were working on site had been advised that asbestos containing

materials were present before construction work commenced.

Of significance, the investigation also found that previous enforcement action had been taken by HSENI Inspectors against the company in respect of assessing and managing asbestos at the same location.

Speaking after sentencing, HSENI Inspector Julian Richmond said: “Employers have a legal duty to manage any work involving asbestos, including maintenance, which may result in harmful asbestos fibres being released and worker health being put at risk.

“In this case, the company failed to plan how the work would be carried out safely, to minimise the risk of spread of asbestos fragments and fibres.

These risks could easily have been avoided by acting on the findings of the asbestos survey and carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices” Northern Ireland statistics show that in 2019, asbestos related disease accounted for some 63 deaths where asbestosis or mesothelioma were recorded as the primary or secondary cause of death.

Preventing exposure to asbestos is essential to reduce the incidence of asbestos related disease in the future.

PLANT & CIVIL

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CONSTRUCTION, QUARRY & RECYCLING MAGAZINE

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in profile

DENNIS EAGLE & MANVIK KEEPING LOCAL BOROUGH COUNCIL’S WASTE COLLECTIONS ON TRACK With a population of around 162,000 people to serve, and seven district electoral areas to cover, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s refuse collection fleet of vehicles has to be robust, reliable and fit for purpose, which is why they’ve opted for Dennis Eagle, supplied by Dennis Eagle’s Northern Ireland distributor Manvik Plant & Hire Ltd, as Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes has been finding out.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s vehicle fleet of trucks and support vans totals around 180 vehicles of different brands including DAF, Volvo, MAN, Renault, Vauxhall and Iveco.

Significantly, it includes 26 front line Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles, in addition to eight back-up trucks, all at 26 tonnes, and fitted with Terberg bin lift systems.

The council’s Chief Executive is Stephen Reid, while Fleet Manager is Jeff Shaw, a

prominent member of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers in Northern Ireland who has many years of experience in the industry.

It is his responsibility to keep the fleet running smoothly

SIGNIFICANTLY, IT INCLUDES 26 FRONT LINE DENNIS EAGLE REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES, IN ADDITION TO EIGHT BACK-UP TRUCKS, ALL AT 26 TONNES, AND FITTED WITH TERBERG BIN LIFT SYSTEMS.

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in profile and on schedule, which can be a logistical challenge at the best of times.

Waste and recycling, of course, is set to remain high on any local council’s agenda.

Latest figures show that Northern Ireland’s councils collected 284,771 tonnes of waste during April to June 2021, a 20.4% increase compared to April to June 2020, with household waste accounting for 88.2% of all waste collected during this period.

So, like all councils across Northern Ireland, Ards and North Down has a crucial role to play in successfully managing that waste, and they can only do that by employing the best people and equipment available.

LOW ENTRY CABS “One of the prime reasons we favour the Dennis Eagle brand is its reliability and the fact the trucks feature low entry cabs, which is appreciated by both drivers and crew members,” says Jeff. “You can imagine the big difference having a low entry cab can make to the refuse collection teams who are getting in and out of the cab maybe several hundred times a day.”

The council’s area is vast, stretching from Holywood, Bangor and Newtownards right down to Portaferry on the Ards peninsula and across to Comber and Killinchy.

The vehicles are based at the council’s depots in Bangor and Newtownards and each is assigned to a specific area.

“Bearing in mind the Covid-19 restrictions, we try to assign the same driver and crew members to the same truck on each collection route,” says Jeff.

“Not only does that protect them from the potential of picking up the virus, but it also means they become very familiar with the households and businesses in that area.”

SERVICE & SUPPORT Another reason for choosing Dennis Eagle is the high level of support and service the council gets from Manvik Plant & Hire Limited who are based at Dargan Crescent on the Belfast Harbour Estate, which means their service

engineers are only minutes away in cases of emergencies.

“We do have our own workshops and carry out all routine maintenance on the refuse trucks, but it is always reassuring that Manvik is on our doorstep if and when we need them,” says Jeff. “We can’t fault the service they and Dennis Eagle provide.

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“Having that high level of support is crucial to our collection operations. The crews work to very defined schedules; households expect their bins to be emptied on a certain day of each week, and if that doesn’t happen it reflects badly on us.”

He adds: “In the past, we have considered and trialled different truck brands and manufacturers; we don’t favour one over the other, all are good in their own right. We have rigorous procurement processes and we always prioritise quality and what we believe will best service the council’s needs and activities.

“We keep a regular eye on what is coming on to the market and before Covid-19 we attended some of the big transport shows to stay abreast of all the latest technologies and innovations.

“However, at the end of the day, Dennis Eagle vehicles have proven very fit for our purposes, and as I said our crews like them; indeed, they all take a certain amount of pride in their vehicles, as most truck drivers do. We provide them with all the necessary cleaning materials to ensure the vehicles present a clean image; after all, rate payers’ money is used to acquire the trucks in the first instance, so we need to care for those assets.”

All the front line trucks, which are replaced every seven years, are fitted with camera recording and tracking devices for both the protection of the driver and crew and for the general public; equipment suppliers include Brigade Electronics and Mantis.

“The cameras produce fantastic images and give our drivers an all round view of what’s happening in the immediate areas they are working in, which is vital considering the working environment takes in heavily built up housing estates, town centres and rural locations.

Having such cameras fitted to the trucks means any incidents or accidents can be quickly dealt with and resolved.”

SOLAR PANELS In recent times, the council has been running a pilot scheme to fit several trucks with solar panels on the roof of the vehicles; they have been provided by a company called Trailar who have UK bases in Rugby & Oldham and who operate across the globe, with many blue chip companies as customers.

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Jeff Shaw, Transport Manager, Ards and North Down Borough Council.

T​ he shatter proof and ultra thin solar panels - or mats, as they are called – are said to save fuel, CO2 and maintenance costs, so has Jeff found that to be the case?

“Without doubt,” he says. “We have made comparisons and find that the vehicles with solar panels benefit from better fuel efficiency, and we are saving up to a tonne and a half of carbon per vehicle. We are very pleased with these outcomes, which make a excellent contribution to the Council’s ambitious commitments around sustainability and tackling climate change.”

The council’s fitters have been trained on how to install and maintain them, so going forward every new vehicle that is added to the fleet will now feature solar panels, such has been the success of the pilot programme.

Undoubtedly, other local councils will follow Ards and North Down Borough’s lead.

Manvik Plant & Hire Ltd, Unit 3 Clifton Industrial Park, 161 Dargan Crescent, Belfast, BT3 9JP T: (028) 9077 6330 E: info@manvikplant.com W: www.manvikplant.com Manvik Plant & Hire Ltd, Unit 3 Clifton Industrial Park, 161 Dargan Crescent, Belfast, BT3 9JP T: (028) 9077 6330 E: info@manvikplant.com W: www.manvikplant.com

in profile

CULLION PLANT SERVICE DRIVING ROTOTILT’S MARKET SHARE IN IRELAND and contributes to increased performance, better handling and more options for settings.

As the all-Ireland dealer for Rototilt Tilt Rotators and attachments, Cullion Plant Service is aiming in the year ahead to build on the successes of 2021.

Since taking on the Rototilt franchise in 2014, the County Tyrone based dealer has significantly increased the brand’s market share across Ireland, with increasing numbers of operators opting for this innovative and versatile tiltrotator.

Regarded as attachment and equipment specialists, Cullion Plant provide a growing customer based with a comprehensive sales, service and installation package, all in house with fully equipped service vans and highly trained technicians that cover the whole of the island of Ireland.

Now with a dedicated UK office, Rototilt – and Cullion Plant - is fully focused on further strengthening its position in this part of the world in addition to offering invaluable technical training along with sales training.

Tiltrotaters from Rototilt system virtually transforms an excavator into a flexible machine that opens up the opportunity for operators to take on more challenging tasks; not only can they get them done faster, and more efficient, but with less manpower such is the product’s versatility.

Rototilt’s tiltrotators are robust and reliable thanks to their

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cast rotor housing which is both stronger and lighter than welded alternatives. The specially designed guard for the hydraulic motor is integrated with the cast rotor housing and protects it against impact and shocks from beneath.

OIL FILLED Rototilt’s tiltrotators are oil filled. The advantages of oil over grease are numerous, including continuous lubrication, better heat dissipation, a longer service life, particle removal, fewer lubrication points and cleaner components, the latter simplifying maintenance.

Rototilt’s central lubrication system offers convenient tiltrotator lubrication. It is

designed to be connected to the machine’s central lubrication system and features an easily accessible interface on the mount. The system also simplifies manual lubrication if the machine lacks a central lubrication system. Self-lubricating bushings on the cylinder attachments mean fewer lubrication points and consequently simpler maintenance.

All Rototilt cylinders feature load management as standard, which increases workplace safety; the load is secure, even in the event of a hose rupture, for example

CONTROL SYSTEMS With Rototilt you can choose the control system that optimises your excavator

The Innovative Control System, ICS, is a smart control system that features a clear and simple display that quickly gives you overview and control. With the ergonomically designed handle you can control tilting, rotation and any extra function during the same excavation movement.

Choosing the pulse function, for example, will help you to quickly and evenly spread the material. You can also get individual operator settings and smart troubleshooting that even suggests corrective actions.

An important ICS function is the safety solution SecureLock.

With a built-in sensor in the quick coupler, you get a warning both on the display and with an audio signal if anything is wrong with the tool coupling.

Continuous monitoring ensures that the tool remains locked in place. The safety lock also lets you know when tools are worn and require attention.

For dual hydraulic circuits common on smaller excavators, TLE (Tilt Lock Extra) is an attractive and cost-effective control system alternative; it also works with larger excavators with dual circuits and can be complemented with SecureLock.

ICS™ - INNOVATIVE CONTROL SYSTEM RPS – ROTOTILT POSITIONING SOLUTION FULLY AUTOMATIC QUICK COUPLER SYSTEM – QUICKCHANGE®

TILTROTATORS FOR 1.5-40 METRIC TONS

SECURELOCK™ – A SAFE LOCKING SOLUTION

ORIGINAL TOOLS - OPTIMISED AND DURABLE

Transforming your excavator.

And your business.

Open-S

– the open industryyour excavator into a flexible tool carrier.

The Rototilt® tiltrotator transforms standard for fully This opens the way for newautomatic types of jobs, and maximise both safety and productivity.quick The couplers. whole tiltrotator Read morefamily at is packed with innovative technologies and ingenious design solutions that make your work safer, easier and more www.opens.org profitable. With Rototilt® you get a tiltrotator that fits your specific need, whether you require dexterity and precision, or muscles and capacity.

Rototilt® makes it possible.

Rototilt Ltd | Sales & Service 0800 772 3355 | info.uk@rototilt.com | rototilt.com Rototilt Ltd | Sales & Service 0800 772 3355 | info.uk@rototilt.com | rototilt.com

Our tiltrotators • R1 | 1.5-3.5 tonnes • R2 | 3–6.5 tonnes • R3 | 6-12 tonnes • R4 | 10-16 tonnes • R5 | 14-19 tonnes • R6 | 15-24 tonnes • R8 | 23-32 tonnes

in profile

MALLON LOOKS BACK AT TWO YEARS AS INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTER Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has been looking back and reflecting upon her two years in office, saying she is proud of her team who have responded to the challenges of Covid19 and Brexit, while building a better future with plans that include all-island rail connectivity, delivering the iconic Narrow Water Bridge, connecting Derry-Belfast with the new A6 and approving a new stadium for the GAA in Ulster at Casement Park.

Commenting on her key priorities over the last two years, the Minister said: “To address the historic underfunding of our water and sewerage infrastructure, I allocated £344.5 million this year from my budget for essential water and sewerage services. This was the first time in many years that we had been able to fully fund this essential public service as recommended by the Utility Regulator.

“Unfortunately, the road network, including footways, cycle lanes and bus lanes, maintenance has suffered due to a historic lack of investment, but this year I was delighted to be able to allocate £17 million towards a Roads Recovery Fund of which £15 million is being targeted towards rural roads. This investment, the highest level of funding to date for a specific rural roads fund, is being used to address areas of immediate concern across the rural roads network.

“I have also allocated £19 million for flood protection schemes across the North, including Belfast, Newcastle, Lisburn and Newry, to protect homes and businesses from the devastation of flooding, which can be a distressing and frightening experience for those affected.

“Playing my part in tackling the climate crisis has been of huge importance to me. I set up a new £20 million per year blue/ green infrastructure fund to support the transformation of our communities, promote active travel and shape our places.

RAIL & ROAD “I have invested in public transport to encourage a shift away from the car to more sustainable transport.

One hundred and forty five zero and low emission buses including 20 hydrogen fuelled buses costing £74 million will begin to go into service from Spring this year. In addition, I have invested £30 million for the purchase of 38 new zero emission battery electric buses for the Foyle Metro fleet, making it one of the first cities across these islands to have a zero emission bus fleet.

“I have also invested £66 million in 21 new train carriages and depot infrastructure to transform rail journeys.

This will help to reduce carbon emissions and attract more people to make cleaner public transport choices.

“I have allocated funding for the feasibility study for the Phase 3 upgrade of the Derry to Belfast railway line. This crucial investment is the first step to getting rail in the North West of Ireland back on track.

“The North West Transport Hub has been completed and work on the Belfast Transport Hub is underway. The A6 is nearing completion and other key infrastructure projects including the A1 Junctions safety programme, Narrow Water Bridge, York Street Interchange and a range of bypass projects are moving forward. All of these will have economic multiplier effects and help to address safety, connectivity and regional imbalance.

ALL ISLAND APPROACH “It is important to recognise the island-wide benefits of iconic cross-border projects like the Narrow Water Bridge that will not only connect people but the economies of this island. I am delighted that working with the Irish Government I have launched an all-island strategic rail review, the first review in over 100 years, looking at how we can connect communities and businesses across Ireland and deliver cleaner rail travel across our island.

A6 dual carriageway.

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“Road safety is of course an issue I take very seriously. A consultation on a new Road Safety Strategy to 2030 has just ended which will provide the framework for implementation

in profile to improve road safety. Other initiatives such as the 20 mph scheme at schools; the road safety grant scheme; the introduction of tougher penalties for mobile phone use while driving; and enforcement actions by the DVA, in collaboration with the PSNI continue as we work to make roads safer for all users.

“I firmly believe in the need for a long term shared vison and an agreed approach to infrastructure delivery. That is why in August 2020 I established the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure, which recommended that an Infrastructure Commission would more effectively support the long term planning and development of relevant infrastructure here.

I was pleased that this has been included as a key action in the Executive’s Covid Recovery Plan and is now being progressed in a positive way via a cross-departmental working group. I will keep pushing for delivery of this ambitious project alongside my commitment to a youth assembly, where we not only work with experts on the future of infrastructure here but also with our young people, the leaders of tomorrow.”

She added: “The COVID-19 pandemic remains and was ever present over the last two years which brought many challenges for the delivery of the frontline services for

Proposed Narrow Water Bridge scheme.

which I am responsible. In this challenging time my team has pulled together, we have worked with others to find creative and safe solutions to keep our services running and to help others struggling

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: • Granted planning permission for a new stadium at Casement Park, Belfast.

• Contract awarded for a new regional planning IT system in conjunction with 10 local councils.

through the pandemic. For my remaining time in office I remain determined and focused on delivering good governance and improvements to the lives and livelihoods of all the people who live and work here.”

• Work begins on a £19 million major refurbishment of rail infrastructure for the Whiteabbey area.

• £10 million investment project underway for a new train station at York Street, Belfast.

• North West Multi Modal Transport Hub project completed.

• Rail infrastructure upgrade works costing £31million underway in the Cullybackey area

• Work on Belfast Transport Hub progressing.

• £17.85 million Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme underway.

• £23.5m in financial support for Taxi Drivers and Private Coach and Bus Operators.

• £2.9 million Phase one river Flood Alleviation Scheme in Newry underway.

• £20million per year Blue/Green Infrastructure Fund set up to promote active travel and support the transformation of communities by providing/ improving cycleways, footways and green/ blue spaces that will encourage people to walk, wheel and cycle as part of their everyday lives.

• £5.1 million Shimna River flood alleviation scheme begins

• Published ‘Belfast Cycling Network’.

• £365,000 flood alleviation scheme on the La Salle Stream in West Belfast.

• £2.8 million flood alleviation scheme on the Glenbrook River in the Cregagh Road / Montgomery Road area of East Belfast

• Work underway to build a new £16.5m Driver & Vehicle Test Centre and Depot at Hydebank, Belfast.

• £900,000 flood alleviation scheme on the Flush Bridge Stream in the Prince William Road area of Lisburn

• Introduced a new online booking system for driving and vehicle tests.

• Published ‘Living with Water’ plan for Belfast.

• Introduced a new Commercial Licensing System for taxis and buses.

• Planning for the Future of Transport - Time for Change published.

• Between 1 August and 31 December 2021 conducted 325,220 full vehicle tests, which is 6% higher than the five-year average for that period.

• Between 1 May and 31 December 2021 conducted 46,525 driving tests, which is 39% higher than the five-year average for that period.

• Second Cycle Flood Risk Management Plan 2021-27 published.

• Implementation of a part time 20mph speed limit programme at more than 200 schools.

• New legislation to increase penalty points and fines for those using a hand-held mobile phone while driving introduced, • Consultation on proposals to reduce the number of minor motoring offences coming before our courts taking place.

• Introduced new legislation to exempt vehicles of historic interest from MOT.

• Options paper and online questionnaire published to help inform a future policy for pavement parking.

• The A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme completed.

• Provided £350,000 of match-funding for local councils to grow the e-charging network.

• The A6 Dungiven – Drumahoe dual carriageway scheme progressing.

• A £1.1 million extension to the M1 bus lanes has been completed.

• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force established and new legislation to extend permitted development rights for electric vehicle charging points.

• Five new Park and Ride projects at Newtownards (Bus), Comber (Bus ), Cairnshill, Belfast (Bus), Downpatrick (Bus), Trooperslane, and Carrickfergus (Rail) underway.

• Legislation to extend permitted development rights for telecommunication development and also to remove permitted development rights for oil and gas exploration.

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demolition

DEMOLITION WORK MUST BE PROPERLY PLANNED AND MANAGED TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY Great Britain’s workplace regulator is asking demolition and construction firms to double-down on thorough planning, management and control of demolition and refurbishment work.

In the past year HSE has dealt with prosecutions involving severe injuries and fatalities as a result of poorly planned demolition work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is asking that businesses properly plan, organise, manage, and monitor their work and use competent people to avoid incidents and ill health amongst their workers and the public.

• A contractor who suffered serious injuries when a single-story roof he was demolishing by hand, collapsed at a construction site in Cobham, Surrey.

It is reminding companies that the safer they are, the more efficient they are. Good health and safety management increases the likelihood of contracts coming in on time and within budget with fewer added costs, and often to a higher quality.

This has included:

• A 64-year-old man who was killed when a garage wall at a garden in Hampshire collapsed on him during demolition, after a contractor who was operating a digger failed to put an exclusion zone in place whilst carrying out the work.

• A 21-year-old employee who was killed whilst dismantling a redundant grain drying tunnel at a farm in Kent when a farming partnership failed to ensure the integrity of the structure during the dismantling process.

• An employee who sustained injuries to his shoulder, and a fractured heel and ankle when he was hit by falling debris from a garage wall in Clitheroe that was being demolished in an unsafe manner.

• A contractor who was prosecuted for disturbing asbestos and damaging underground cables during demolition works at a site in Blackburn, causing severe disruption to services.

• The operator of a cherry picker who sustained lifechanging injuries when he became trapped during a demolition operation at a site in Greater Manchester. A HSE investigation found the vehicle he was operating was not suitable for the task and had not been fitted with propriety devices to avoid the likelihood of operators being crushed.

INVESTIGATE & APPRAISE HSE is reminding contractors that it is crucial to complete a survey ahead of demolition work including structural investigation and appraisal, which considers the age of the structure, type of construction, history of the building including alterations and design codes used to avoid an uncontrolled collapse. Specific consideration should also be given to the effect of additional weight of demolition machinery and debris on suspended floors; and the risks to nearby buildings and structures.

HSE’s head of construction Sarah Jardine said: “Structural instability can be a problem in buildings that are old, decayed, poorly maintained, and in newer buildings that have been badly designed and constructed or abused in use.

“Even sound structures can become unstable because of a lack of planning of construction and demolition work.”

She added: “It is easy to get it wrong even on small, straightforward structures, which makes it even more important to put the planning in place when it comes to demolishing large, complex structures. Demolishing

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these types of structures is a particularly hazardous activity and doing it safely is highly complicated and technical, so relevant expertise is vital.

These jobs require careful planning and execution by contractors who are competent in the full range of demolition techniques and have access to designers and engineers with the right knowledge, skills, and experience in this area.”

A systematic approach to demolition projects should be a team effort. Clients must appoint professionals who have the relevant skills, knowledge, experience, organisational capability, and who are adequately resourced.

Clients, with the help of the principal designer must provide essential pre-construction information to the relevant designers and engineers. This

should include a range of surveys and reports to check for presence of asbestos, structural stability, and the location of above and below ground live services.

RESPONSIBILITIES It is the principal designer’s responsibility to plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health

and safety issues in the preconstruction phase to ensure principal contractors are provided with relevant information to enable them to put safety measures in place. Once the demolition work has begun it is the principal contractor’s responsibility to plan, manage and monitor the demolition

activities and coordinate work to ensure that it is carried out without risks to health and safety.

While site managers must ensure workers are supervised and are following safe working practice.

Sarah Jardine added: “Incidents caused by poor planning and risk management can have substantial human costs that are felt for many years by the victims and their families.

“In addition to the impact on people’s lives, incidents can also lead to substantial remediation costs, higher insurance premiums, and, if HSE investigates, court fines and prison sentences, which will inevitably impact reputations.

“As well as being morally right, it is simply common sense and good business to ensure rigorous planning, organising, managing and monitoring of the whole project.”

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news

Record-breaking Year for Safe Digging in the UK LSBUD, the UK’s leading online safe digging resource, welcomed more than 3.4 million searches for underground pipes and cables pass through its central system in 2021.

This figure is up 13 percent on 2020, showcasing how all industries, particularly the farming, construction, highways, telecoms, water, gas and electricity sectors, are more committed to safe digging than has ever been the case before.

Richard Broome, MD at LSBUD, comments: “In order to approach the 3.5 million milestone, our portal has received a search enquiry every two seconds during the average working day. This is more often than we blink, which is just phenomenal. These searches precede all sorts of activity, such as farmers checking before replacing fences and excavation workers keeping safe digging in mind before digging up a road to install broadband and electricity cables or water and gas pipes.

“Clearly, operators from all industry sectors are taking the right steps to avoid the negative consequences that come from hitting an underground asset, chiefly health and safety disasters, plus significant financial and brand implications. It’s such brilliant news that the majority of people involved in digging work are taking note of the fact that this can all be avoided through asset searching.

“We want to thank every farmer, construction, highways, telecoms, water, gas and electricity worker, that searches before they dig. They’re keeping themselves and those working nearby safe while protecting all-important infrastructure from unnecessary damages.

It is also great to see more homeowners and consumers performing a search. Out of the 3,000 new registrations we are now receiving every month, domestic customers are actually one of the fastest growing groups. It is great to see.

“We’re also seeing more and more decisionmakers appreciating the importance of data sharing through making their networks visible on our platform. They are able to benefit from the ‘safety of the herd’ effect – the more asset owners who share their information through one central portal, the more enquiries they receive, while keeping everyone safe.”

LSBUD now has over 100 members signed up across industry, including two out of three of the UK’s utility operators, 90 percent of gas distribution networks, 92 percent of electricity distribution networks and 99 percent of fuel/ oil pipeline operators. This has led to LSBUD hosting over 1 million kilometres of the UK’s 1.5 million kilometres of underground network on its portal. Two thirds of this has been added since 2017, that is the equivalent to travelling around the world 25 times. As a result, the number of ‘affected’ notifications, the number of responses sent on behalf of

Members are up to over 600,000 per month, compared to 250,000 just three years ago.

Adds Richard Broome: “When you consider all of this, it’s laughable that the UK Government’s new National Underground Register (NUAR) is attempting to portray the safe digging industry as a disjointed community that needs Government intervention. The evidence wholeheartedly rejects this.

“It’s therefore immensely disappointing to see the Geospatial Commission ploughing millions of pounds of taxpayers money into a ‘solution’ that will in fact only be able to help a small minority of LSBUD’s users.

“The important thing is that industry continues its momentum with LSBUD to take safe digging in the UK to the next level.”

Molson Group Join Prostack as Authorised Distributor for UK ProStack has welcomed Molson Group as their latest distributor; Molson are a long-established partner to Terex and will represent the full portfolio of bulk material handling and product stockpiling conveying equipment across the UK. ProStack offers a comprehensive portfolio of products to address the needs of the bulk material handling and product stockpiling markets. Key markets and applications include aggregate, mining, recycling, agriculture, ports and terminals and many other bulk material handling industries. The ever-growing range of ProStack machines include tracked and telescopic conveyors, port hoppers and bulk reception feeders.

Molson Group was formed over 25 years ago and has earned itself a place as the UK’s largest independent new and used equipment dealer. They currently have 13 locations strategically

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Pictured together at the recent Molson Group Open day and launch of the partnership are (L-R) Lee Nesbitt, ProStack Global Sales Director, Jason Powles, Molson Group Chief Operating Officer, Kieran Hegarty, President of Terex Materials Processing, Thomas McKiver, Molson Group Sales Manager, Terence Bratton, ProStack Technical Sales Director and Steven Aiken, ProStack Business Line Director.

placed throughout the UK, from Cornwall to Inverness, allowing them to provide a truly local and prompt service.

With over 85 fully trained service engineers and £8m worth of parts stock at any time, Molson Group are always there to keep operations running. A customer

focused approach is what sets Molson apart, they are able to provide clients of all sizes a single source supply option of market leading products, backed up by a team that care about their customers’ business.

Lee Nesbitt, ProStack Global Sales Manager said: “Molson have

strong relationships with other Terex brands and we feel they are the perfect fit for ProStack.

Their wealth of experience in the industry and reputation in the UK is invaluable to us and I am confident they can help us grow and dominate the bulk material handling market in the UK. We look forward to a long and prosperous working life together.”

Commenting on their recent appointment, Jason Powles, Molson Group Chief Operating Officer said, “ProStack products are a fantastic addition to our product portfolio. Like the other Terex brands we already offer, ProStack are known throughout the world for their build quality and innovation. Their range bulk material handling and product stockpilers will further enhance our single source supply strategy, particularly to the Ports sector.”

In addition to sales opportunities, Molson will provide parts, service and warranty support for ProStack equipment by factorytrained technicians. A range of financing options will also be available to qualified customers.

AshbourneTruck TruckCentre, Centre,Ballymadun, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Ashbourne, Co. Co. Meath, Ashbourne Meath, Ireland Ireland Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 Tel: 00353 18350573 255 66 66 77 77 Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255

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electric

BOBCAT UNVEILS WORLD’S FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC COMPACT TRACK LOADER Doosan Bobcat unveiled its new, all-electric Bobcat T7X compact track loader at the recent CES 2022, the world’s most influential technology event, held in Las Vegas in the USA. The T7X is the first machine of its kind to be fully electric, offering the full benefits of eliminating hydraulic systems, components, emissions and vibrations – all while providing a cleaner, quieter machine.

The Bobcat T7X was honoured with two 2022 CES Innovation Awards in the categories of Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation and Smart Cities. The CES Innovation Awards programme recognises recipients in a multitude of technology product categories and distinguishes the highest rated in each.

The Bobcat T7X was developed for the North American market initially, but internal testing and the gathering of customer feedback is planned for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region to identify its commercial potential.

Scott Park, President and CEO of Doosan Bobcat, said: “Doosan Bobcat is at the forefront of innovation, and we are proud to debut the all-electric technology of the T7X to help customers maximize both sustainability and productivity. Our focus remains on providing solutions and products that empower people to accomplish more and build a better world.”

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The Bobcat T7X is the world’s first all-electric compact track loader. This machine is fully battery-powered, built to be more productive from the ground up with electric actuation and propulsion, quieter with high-performance torque and more powerful than any diesel-fuelled track loader that has ever come before it – all while eliminating any carbon emissions.

“This machine is a technological feat for Bobcat and for the entire industry,” said Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “We challenged the status quo to deliver a connected, all-electric machine designed for power and performance that previously was not possible.

We are excited to share this advancement with the world and proud of the hard work that has gone into making this a reality.”

ZERO EMISSIONS In the T7X, the traditional hydraulic work group has been

completely replaced with an electrical drive system consisting of electric cylinders and electric drive motors, which means virtually no fluids. The new, all-electric Bobcat T7X uses just under one litre of eco-friendly coolant compared to around 216 litres of fluid in its diesel/ hydraulic equivalent model.

The all-electric platform enables instantaneous power and peak torque available at every operating speed. The operator no longer must wait for the standard hydraulic system to build up power.

The T7X operates with zero emissions and reduced noise and vibration generated by the machine. It works quietly and efficiently in noise sensitive areas and indoors, which significantly lowers

sound levels and improves the working environment. It can also significantly lower daily operating costs, when considering the reduction in annual maintenance costs and elimination of diesel, engine oil, diesel exhaust fluid and hydraulic parts.

At the heart of the T7X is a powerful 62 kW lithium-ion battery from technology partner, Green Machine Equipment, Inc. While applications vary, each charge can support common daily work operations and the use of intelligent work modes for up to four hours of continuous operation time and a full day of operation during intermittent use.

The intelligence of the power management system is programmed to sense when loads are increasing, automatically backing off power when not needed to preserve the total energy use and extend the machine’s runtime.

flat-top crane

LARGEST CRANE IN LIEBHERR’S “TOUGH ONES” SERIES IS UNVEILED Liebherr’s successful EC-B series has a strong new addition: the new 470 EC-B Flat-Top crane. With a maximum lifting capacity of 16 or 20 tonnes, this crane is now the largest in the “Tough Ones” family.

The flagship crane with intelligent assistance systems offers a jib length of 80 metres.

This reach can be increased to 83 metres by means of a jib extension, thereby breaking new ground in the competitive market.

At a jib length of 80 metres, the 16-tonne version of the 470 EC-B has a jib head load capacity of up to 3,200 kilograms; the 20-tonne version impresses with a jib head load capacity of up to 3,000 kilograms. The jib can be divided into twoand-a-half metre sections so that it can be perfectly adapted to meet a variety of operational requirements. The 470 EC-B went on sale in January of this year.

The focus during development wasn’t only on performance but also on assembly and transport. As a result, the jib and counter-jib can be attached to the slewing platform easily, conveniently and safely. Liebherr’s proven quick assembly connections make it all possible.

Only five trucks are needed to transport the slewing part with jib, including counter-ballast, to the construction site. This saves time and money, and also helps reduce emissions.

The 470 EC-B features a connection for both 24 HC 420 and 24 HC 630 tower systems. The 24 HC tower system is a perfect match for large cranes with high lifting capacities. Its compact dimensions allow individual elements to be moved cost-efficiently from A to B.

The 470 EC-B has been optimised for the 24 HC 420 tower system; together they are the most cost-effective combination for freestanding hook heights of up to 67.8 metres. The maximum freestanding hook height of up to 96 metres is achieved with the 24 HC 630 system.

EXCELLENT SITE OVERVIEW The top-slewing crane is available with one of three versions of the sophisticated LiCAB crane operator’s cab: LiCAB Basic, LiCAB Air or LiCABAirPlus. All three offer a floor space of more than two square metres, an unrestricted view for precision lifting and an ergonomic control stand. These and other comfort features enable the crane operator to stay fully focused on the job at hand. Thanks to the cab’s extensive field of vision, the crane operator has a clear view of the site and the load to be lifted, which contributes to the safety of both operator and machine. Also included in the cab is the newly developed twelve-inch display screen with intuitive operability.

The Tower Crane Operating System (TC-OS) provides crane operators and assembly engineers with specific menus, an extensive choice of languages and user-friendly units of measurement. The intention is that every user should be able to find the parameters relevant to their work without difficulty.

Users navigate their way through the streamlined menu structure via touchscreen.

To maintain an overview during crane operation or scaling, display masks can be

combined in various ways. The exceptional usability of the TC-OS means that training and familiarisation times are reduced.

LED LIGHTING LED advertising panel lighting can be configured to ensure a substantial longdistance effect and visibility, particularly at the onset of twilight and at night. With a total area of 8.6 square metres, the robust lighting is capable of delivering a powerful and effective promotional impact. The panels don’t have to be mounted separately during assembly and can remain in place on the counter-jib end section during transport. Signage is easily applied.

As they don’t have a tower head structure, several EC-B series Flat-Top cranes are able to work together safely on the same site, even in tight conditions. Transport, assembly, handling capacity and safety: EC-B cranes are specifically designed to meet the requirements of modern construction sites.

They cover a wide performance spectrum, ranging from small city to large handling cranes. The new 470 EC-B completes the top end of Liebherr’s successful series, with the crane reflecting the construction industry’s trend towards ever heavier components.

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industrial diesel engines

THE BENEFITS OF REBUILDING YOUR CONSTRUCTION DIESEL ENGINE On brownfield construction sites, industrial diesel engines power equipment including cherry pickers, cranes and screeners. Each of these machines are vital in keeping projects on schedule, meaning construction companies must regularly maintain their equipment to ensure productivity and reliability. When the engine finally reaches the end of its life, construction businesses can then rebuild it so that it runs like new again.

Here Peter Hutyan, Product Manager for Energy and Transportation at Finning UK &

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Ireland, explains the benefits of an industrial engine rebuild and offers some tips.

Industrial diesel engines can be found in a wide range of construction machines, on anything from small commercial sites to large infrastructure projects. Whatever the equipment or project size, it is essential that the engine can continue to provide the hydraulic and rotational power that these machines require.

Traditionally, an industrial engine will last anywhere between 10,000 to 30,000 hours before requiring a major overhaul. When

the engine reaches the end of its life, it may be tempting to simply replace it with a newer model.

However, keeping the engine running until failure can increase costs and introduce various risks.

MAINTAINING UPTIME Most construction projects have tight deadlines and require specialised equipment at different stages. For example, this could be a specific type of crane, an excavator or any other machine. Project progress is vital for every construction firm, which means having each machine running so that work does not come to a sudden halt.

While not every industrial machine is critical, most operators rely on engine uptime.

For example, machines like crushers and cherry pickers are only on site when they are needed and having just one out of action can cause delays, extending lead times significantly. If operators keep their engine running until the end of its life, this can compromise performance because legacy engines are typically less productive and efficient than new machines.

One example of reduced productivity is when a screener is unable to sort waste from

industrial diesel engines

usable materials. If the screener is using an engine nearing the end of its life, it may not be running efficiently, and the operator will need to keep the machine running for longer to compensate. As well causing delays, extended runtime can increase costs, particularly if the operator faces downtime while they source a replacement from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) when the machine does eventually fail.

Rather than face unnecessary downtime, operators can order a complete overhaul of their engine before it reaches the end of its life. By planning in advance, they can they shut down part of the construction site in a controlled way without worrying about and extended period of unplanned downtime. Scheduling a rebuild also gives the operator time to source a rental replacement, ensuring business runs as normal.

SELECTING A REBUILD Many industrial engines are built in a similar way, with minor component variations. In reality, the difference between an engine in a crusher or a crane can

come down to its turbocharger.

Therefore, the repair strategy is often determined by budget and power restoration requirements, rather than by application.

If construction companies have a limited budget and want to save time, a basic value repair will recondition the cylinder heads, piston rings and liners.

This option is ideal if a cherry picker or crane, for example, is experiencing a slightly increased fuel consumption and a short-term solution is needed that will see the engine through to its next service.

If the engine is experiencing a loss of power or excessive fuel consumption, operators can go that extra mile with a mid-range top and tail recondition. This approach involves renewing all major components, including the cylinder packs and heads, the injectors and pistons. All slowerwearing parts, such as lube oil and water pumps, are also replaced. If the engine is halfway through its 30,000-hour lifecycle, this option will restore vital power and can provide an additional 15,000 hours of runtime.

Finally, if they require a like-new engine, operators can select a complete overhaul. During a full workshop recondition, all major components are stripped out, inspected and replaced. This includes the seals, gaskets, bearings and filters. Approximately three quarters of engine parts can be recycled and,with this more thorough option, operators can swap out these components so that they can be restored and reinstalled on another engine.

GET THE SUPPORT YOU NEED When rebuilding an industrial engine, it is essential that operators receive lifecycle assistance, which means having a partner that can offer good technical and commercial support. The rebuild process does not end the minute that the engine leaves the workshop - a good partner will reinstall the engine on the operator’s site and regularly service it to ensure that it is running as intended.

By selecting a partner early on, construction companies can understand where the engine is

in its lifecycle and collaborate with the service provider’s engineers to devise a tailored support strategy. Look for a partner that uses genuine OEM parts on all its engine rebuilds, supports its customers with preventative maintenance, using scheduled fluid analyses and offers machine telematics to regularly monitor engine condition and performance.

Industrial engines are vital in keeping construction projects on track. By tailoring the engine rebuild to the machine and the application, construction firms and hirers can keep their equipment running as intended and ensure maximum uptime.

If you partner with Finning, Cat®-certified engineers will carry out a thorough inspection and evaluation of your industrial engine and can replace up to 7,000 of its components with genuine Cat parts. We have engineers working across the UK and Ireland, meaning we can react promptly to your needs.

Want to know more about our industrial engine rebuilds?

Visit the Finning website.

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excavators

HYUNDAI LAUNCH EU STAGE V POWER FOR 13-15 TONNE A-SERIES EXCAVATORS 78

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excavators

Hyundai Construction Equipment is launching three EU Stage V compliant A-Series crawler excavators in the popular 13-15 tonne sector.

Powered by the latest Cummins diesel engines, the reduced tailswing HX130ALCR, conventional HX140AL and the reduced swing HX145ALCR feature improved hydraulic control, for enhanced productivity and increased uptime.

Though offering similar operating weights, the machines deliver very different performance operating envelopes, to suit a range of customer requirements. The reduced swing HX130ALCR, which will appeal to rental customers, is powered by a 55kW (74hp) version of the Cummins F3.8 engine. The engine meets the EU Stage V emissions standard without the need for an exhaust fluid such as AdBlue.

When using a CK-4 E/G engine oil, this engine offers service intervals of up to 1,000 hours, twice as long as the previous machine. This reduces operating cost for the customer, boosting uptime on site.

The HX130AL also benefits from Hyundai’s ECD engine connected diagnostics, providing remote diagnostics and ensuring that technicians arrive at the machine with the required parts and tools.

The conventional counterweight HX140AL uses a more powerful 100kW (134hp) version of the Cummins engine, to deliver maximum digging forces and higher productivity. Appealing particularly to contractors and those looking for the ultimate digging and lifting machine in the class, the excavator offers 3% more power and 12% more torque than its predecessor.

With easy, ground-based access to all filters and fill points, the HX140AL also benefits from 1,000-hour service intervals when using CK-4 engine oils. Engine connected diagnostics and Hyundai’s HiMATE remote management system, provide the fleet manager with the highest level of service and product support.

The third model to benefit from the Stage V update is the HX145ALCR. Like the HX130A LCR, this reduced tailswing model is particularly suitable for applications where space to manoeuvre is at a premium, such as utilities, road working and housebuilding. Boasting the same 100kW (134hp) output as the HX140AL, the engine delivers an 8% power boost over its predecessor, while delivering a 4%

fuel economy gain and a 60% reduction in PM emissions. The HX145ALCR delivers up to a 6% fuel improvement in levelling work and a 3% drop in consumption during truck loading, compared to the HX Series model working in P mode.

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excavators

CONTINUED

As with the conventional tailswing models, the compact radius excavator offers service intervals of up to 1,000 hours, when operating with CK-4 E/G oils. The machine also features Hyundai’s HCE-DT Air, permitting wireless connection to the excavator from a smartphone or laptop computer on site. This promotes rapid diagnosis and reduces costly downtime.

HYDRAULIC SETTINGS The HX A Series machines have an upgraded IPC system, tuning pump flow rate and power to meet operator demand. The design of the main control valve and the hydraulic pipe layout has also been optimised, to minimise energy loss throughout the system.

A new Lifting Mode improves fine control and lift capability, reducing engine rpm, activating power boost and offering improved pump flow control. The machines are also offered with an optional Fine Swing Control, smoothing the movement of the boom at the start and stop of the swing movement.

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The operator can also set boom-lift speed compared to swing speed, by activating and deactivating the boom priority function. Dipper arm in speed can also be fine-tuned by activating and deactivating the arm regeneration function.

It is now possible to save machine settings through the Key On Init work mode, to apply the settings on engine start-up.

COMFORTABLE CONTROL Cabin space in the three machines has been increased by 13% and they feature an improved grab handle design in the cabin door, making it easier to access the driver’s seat and improving visibility to the side of the machine from the cab.

The excavators have a modern cab interior with an 8” capacitive-type touchscreen for all major information, which can also be controlled through an automotive-style jog/ dial module. This also controls the accelerator and remote air conditioner as well. Centralised switches below the display allow easy control of all functions and the excavators can be specified with optional proportional

auxiliary controls in the servo lever heads. Single pedal straight travel is also offered as an option.

Safety remains a priority for Hyundai and the HX A Series excavators benefit from a new electronic swing parking system, to control the swing brake function. An Auto Safety Lock prevents unintended operation of the machine and the excavators can be specified with mirror view cameras and Hyundai’s AAVM (Advanced Around View Monitoring) camera system. This includes IMOD (Intelligent Moving Object Detection) that informs the operator if people or objects are detected within the range of operation.

For more information on the new Hyundai A Series, please contact Northern Lift Trucks on 028 9267 3111.

www.northernlifttrucks.co.uk

NEW

NEW

HX130ALCR

HX140AL

NEW

HX145ALCR

NEW HX130A LCR / HX140A L / HX145A LCR Our new A-Series Stage V range has the performance, efficiency, comfort and safety to change your world.

READY TO CHANGE?

028 9267 3111 sales@northernlifttrucks.co.uk www.northernlifttrucks.co.uk

HY-CE0043 Pro Housebuilders Advert 210x289.indd 1

14/01/2022 11:58

excavators

LATEST CAT® 336 EXCAVATOR DELIVERS LOW OWNING AND OPERATING COSTS The new Cat® 336 hydraulic excavator offers classleading production and low-cost operation, says the manufacturer. Its powerful hydraulic system delivers strong digging forces and swing torque to boost production in the most demanding applications.

With its strong structures, the 336 excavator will deliver reliable operation in a variety of applications. The Cat C7.1 engine’s 4 million hours of service attest to its long-term reliability. Three engine modes match excavator power to the demands of the job while saving fuel. Power mode delivers maximum power to meet the most demanding tasks; Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to lower fuel consumption.

Reducing engine speed to a constant 1500 rpm, Eco mode minimizes fuel consumption.

Synchronized 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals reduce downtime. The extended intervals also eliminate labor

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cost for nine oil and fuel filter changes and parts cost for 27 oil and fuel filters over 10,000 machine operating hours compared to many competitive 30-40 ton excavators.

High-ambient temperature capability of 52˚ C (125˚ F), coldstart capability at -18˚ C (0˚ F), and the ability to work at up to 4500m (14,764 ft) above sea level enable the 336 to work in various climates. Auto hydraulic warmup in cold temperatures gets the machine to work faster and prolongs the life of machine components. The air intake filter with pre-cleaner features high dust capacity, and a highefficiency hydraulic fan offers optional automatic reverse to keep cores free from debris.

Product LinkTM collects data automatically. View information like location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes, and

machine health online through web and mobile applications.

Maximizing machine uptime, Remote Troubleshoot and Remote Flash allow dealers to remotely connect with the machine to diagnose fault codes and update operating software.

SIMPLE, COMFORTABLE OPERATION From Deluxe to Premium, Next Generation cab trim levels are available. Deluxe cabs come with a heated air-suspension seat; Premium cabs come with a heated and ventilated airsuspension seat. Both have a tilt up left-hand console for easier access in and out of the machine.

A touchscreen monitor and jog dial offer quick navigation through machine controls and provide easy access to the machine’s digital operator’s manual. Keyless pushbutton start is standard, and Bluetooth® key fob is available. An Operator ID passcode allows

for engine starting, and Operator ID can quickly save and restore joystick button, response, and pattern preferences for individual operators.

Optional Cat Stick Steer makes travel and turning much easier. A host of standard technologies – Cat Payload on-board weighing, Grade Assist for maintaining grade, and 2D Grade with depth and slope indication – elevate operator efficiency and machine productivity.

All Cat Grade systems are compatible with radios and base stations from top third-party technology suppliers. Operators can store up to four depth and slope offsets to quickly cut to grade without a grade checker.

Auto Hammer Stop warns operators after 15 seconds of continuous firing and then shuts off the hammer after 30 seconds to prevent wear and tear. Auto Dig Boost and Auto Heavy Lift increase bucket penetration and lift capacity by 8%, and Lift Assist helps operators avoid tipping the machine.

AN ALL-ROUND IMPRESSIVE PACKAGE

Doosan’s new mid-size DX-7 Series Wheeled Excavators offer a host of innovative features and technologies to ensure smooth operation, enhanced attachment work, superior productivity and high stability, top-class operator comfort and improved fuel efficiency. These powerful machines will give your job site a huge boost!

For more information visit: eu.doosanequipment.com

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excavators

DOOSAN COMPLETE MEDIUM-SIZED ‘DX-7’ EXCAVATOR RANGE a strong traction system with reinforced upper rollers for work in harsh environments and on projects where larger travelling distances are involved. This new High Track model is particularly suited for constructing roadways, mounding, earthmoving and other duties in the forestry industry.

With the introduction of 10 more new models, Doosan has completed the launch of its new medium-sized ‘DX7’ range of 17 Stage V crawler and wheeled excavator models from 14 to 25 tonne. As Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes reports, the new models provide significantly higher performance in every area than the previous generation Stage IV machines.

Meanwhile, the new DX170W-7, DX190W-7 and DX210W-7 Stage V compliant wheeled excavators all offer improved front movement for rotating tools such as mulchers and the working range for articulated fronts has been improved. The articulated boom cylinder stroke has also been increased whilst the mounting position remains the same. A lock valve has now been added on top of the boom cylinder, to prevent unexpected releasing of the articulated boom cylinder when doing digging work.

The completed DX-7 line-up combine enhanced comfort, increased tool carrier capability and novel operator assist technology, with new features to boost fuel efficiency, uptime and return on investment, with a focus on increased power, robustness and agility. Maintenance of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) has also been greatly reduced, with no maintenance required until the machine has operated for 8000 hours.

The 10 new models are DX140LC-7, DX140LCR-7 and DX160HT-7 14-16 t Crawler Excavators; DX235LC-7, DX235LCR-7 and DX255LC-7 23-25 t Crawler Excavators; DX165WR-7 17 t Wheeled Excavator; and DX170W-7, DX190W-7 and DX210W-7 18-22 t Wheeled Excavators.

So, let’s take a closer look at some of these latest additions. The new DX235LCR-7 reduced radius crawler excavator, for example, offers superior digging performance together with flexibility, convenience and low operating costs in a compact design with a rear swing radius of just 1724mm. It meets increased demand for reduced radius machines for work near buildings and in confined areas.

The trend towards reduced radius machines has been driven by the space

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premium, particularly on inner city and urban construction sites and by the requirement in road and rail construction to keep adjacent lanes and tracks open while working alongside them.

The DX140LCR-7 is a reduced tail swing model, allowing operators greater flexibility where space is a premium without sacrificing performance. It also incorporates a new counterweight design that offers enhanced service accessibility, while the new DX160HT-7 High Track model is designed to meet the needs of customers requiring a combination of higher ground clearance, a reinforced track frame and

The new wheeled excavators also have a new smart hydraulic system that offers an improvement of around 30% in attachment work, compared to the previous models. The new system applies a smart hydraulic logic for optimal distribution of the hydraulic flow rate when both the arm and attachment are working simultaneously, with a new priority valve and an additional hydraulic line maintaining continuous hydraulic flow to the attachment, even when the arm is being used.

Completing this latest line-up is the DX165WR-7 Stage V compliant wheeled excavator, a new short tail machine that is perfect for jobs in tight spaces, particularly in urban areas or on narrow roads with heavy traffic.

The DX165WR-7 is built with the same undercarriage as the new DX160W-7 Stage

excavators

MAINTENANCE OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) HAS ALSO BEEN GREATLY REDUCED, WITH NO MAINTENANCE REQUIRED UNTIL THE MACHINE HAS OPERATED FOR 8000 HOURS.

V model, providing an optimal centre of gravity thanks to the long wheel base and the ideal weight distribution. As a result, the DX165WR-7 offers maximum performance, combining the very short swing radius with the best stability and lifting capacities for this class of machine.

TILTROTATOR MODE Common to all of these new models is a new Tiltrotator Mode on the control panel, which can be selected to ensure an optimized hydraulic flow and helps to maximize the accuracy of tiltrotator work by eliminating back pressure. This new tiltrotator mode is a special two-way flow mode, but it is managed by the EPOS like a one way flow mode, with direct return to the tank in each direction, to avoid back pressure and increase flow and controllability.

FINE SWING FUNCTION Another standard new feature is the Fine Swing function which minimizes the shaking that a lifted object undergoes at the start or stop of a swing movement with the excavator, to increase the safety of nearby workers and to prevent damage caused by the object falling from the excavator. When Fine Swing activates, the overrun disappears, allowing the excavators to smoothly reach maximum swing speed, whilst removing the shock from the turn reversal at the moment of stopping, resulting in a smooth stop.

The new excavators also incorporate as standard a new lifting eye that forms part of the casting for the push link for the bucket attachment at the end of the arm. The new lifting eye has a maximum capacity of 5 tonne and has a special bush insert to prevent deformation of the lifting hole.

COMFORT AND CONTROLLABILITY The state-of-the-art cab on the new excavators excels in terms of spaciousness and ergonomics, taking operator comfort

and ease of operation to new levels.

As well as a new high quality seat, the enhanced cab offers more features as standard than other machines on the market, ensuring super controllability and high precision in all applications.

For example, the wheeled excavators offer as standard the new Auto Digging Brake feature, which automatically holds the service brake in position when the vehicle stops (speed is zero), without the driver having to step on the brake pedal. The driver can activate or deactivate the Auto Digging Brake function by pressing the Auto Digging Brake button on the control panel. When the accelerator pedal is then pressed, the Auto Digging Brake function is released.

Joystick Steering is a new option, enabling the driver to steer the machine by using the joystick thumbwheel (without using the steering wheel) when working and driving in the work mode. The Joystick Steering system only works under 20 km/h when

first or second speed gears are engaged.

The function is activated or deactivated by pressing the thumbwheel steering button on the control panel for at least one second.

The Load Isolation System (LIS) is another new option that enhances the operator’s driving comfort by mitigating the impact transmitted to the front of the machine, when driving off road on uneven and tough terrain. The Boom Suspension (LIS) function is also actuated by pressing a button on the control panel - it can be automatically activated when the driving speed is 5 km/h ± 0.5 km/h or higher, and the function is deactivated at 4 km/h ± 0.5 km/h.

The cab features as standard a deluxe steering wheel with a chrome plated spoke and logo. The new two spoke wheel design provides increased operator visibility. The steering column also has a new design including an 80 mm telescopic function, which allows the operator to bring the steering wheel closer to them, so that they can find their optimal driving position. In addition, there is a new tilting lever, providing a 15-degree tilt towards the operator, to increase visibility over the top of the steering wheel, when they are doing trenching work, for example.

The narrower design of the steering column also contributes to enhanced visibility.

SPC3 SMART POWER CONTROLS In all the new excavators, the enhanced fuel efficiency of the engines in combination with a new hydraulic main valve and the new generation SPC3 Smart Power Controls, provides increased fuel saving compared to the previous generation machines.

There are four power modes now available on the excavators, which help to simplify the operation of the new excavators compared to the more complex choice of eight power modes and SPC combinations in the previous machines. The operator is able to set the power mode (P+, P, S or E) in both one-way and two-way working modes.

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news

Growth in Construction and Forestry Sectors Creates Job Openings at McHale Plant Evidence of growth within the construction plant and forestry sectors can be seen in a number of job openings at leading Komatsu distributor, McHale Plant Sales – all fuelled by what company chairman, Michael McHale says is “an uplift in the economy, renewed confidence on the part of plant users, and a need to expand and upgrade plant inventories”.

In their Komatsu Forest division - which services clients across the entire 32-counties - openings exist for a Sales and Customer

Support Manager and a Mobile Service Engineer.

A number of construction plant apprenticeship vacancies also exist.

In their Komatsu construction plant division, openings exist at the Birdhill and Rathcoolebased firm for three Service Engineers, including one Leinster based and another based in the UK to service the needs of Irish contractors carrying out contract work in that market.

“In addition, for young applicants seeking a foothold in the industry and qualifications recognised and accepted in countries across the globe, we have a number of apprenticeships available,” he added.

John Deere Reveals Fully Autonomous Tractor John Deere has unveiled a fully autonomous tractor that’s ready for large-scale production. The machine combines Deere’s 8R tractor, TruSetenabled chisel plow, GPS guidance system, and new advanced technologies.

The autonomous tractor will be available to farmers later this year.

The 8R410 looks very similar in appearance to a conventional tractor of the series

Comments Michael McHale: “Currently experiencing significant growth, the plant sector offers a host of highly interesting, rewarding and career fulfilling opportunities. Being one of Ireland’s foremost operators with ‘big name’ distributorships, a well-managed structure and an all-island client base, the roles we have on offer provide solid, secure and exciting opportunities for qualified applicants.

but is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for controlling and monitoring the tractor and mounted excavator.

• The autonomous tractor has six pairs of stereo cameras, which enables 360-degree obstacle detection and the calculation of distance.

• Images captured by the cameras are passed through a deep neural network that classifies each pixel in approximately

100 milliseconds and determines if the machine continues to move or stops, depending on if an obstacle is detected.

• The autonomous tractor is also continuously checking its position relative to a geofence, ensuring it is operating where it is supposed to, and is within less than an inch of accuracy.

To use the autonomous tractor, farmers only need to transport the machine to a field and configure it for autonomous operation. Using John Deere Operations Center Mobile, they can swipe from left to right to start the machine. While the machine is working the farmer can leave the field to focus on other tasks, while monitoring the machine’s status from their mobile device.

John Deere Operations Center Mobile provides access to live video, images, data and metrics, and allows a farmer to adjust speed, depth and more. In the event of any job quality anomalies or machine health issues, farmers will be notified remotely and can make adjustments to optimise the performance of the machine.

Currently, the technology for the 8R410 is available in combination with a special John Deere chisel plow. A limited number of tractors will be delivered to North American customers this year. In the coming years, John Deere will work on the availability of the technology for further machines and attachments.

Alas, the launch of the brand in Europe is currently not planned, as safety regulations currently do not allow the use of autonomous vehicles.

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news

Doosan Signs Exclusive Supply Agreement with Tobroco-Giant Doosan Infracore Europe has signed an exclusive supply agreement with Netherlands-based TobrocoGiant, a leading manufacturer of Compact Wheel Loaders for materials handling, construction, rental, agriculture and landscaping.

Under the new agreement, selected Compact Wheel Loader models will be manufactured by Tobroco-Giant in the orange colours of Doosan and will be sold under the Doosan name through the brand’s European dealer network.

Chris Jeong, CEO at Doosan Infracore Europe, stated: “We are delighted with our new partnership with TobrocoGiant. Doosan Infracore is constantly looking at improving and extending the product offering from the company, to ensure our customers have the most innovative and competitive solutions for their needs. With Tobroco-Giant, we have a partner with long-standing experience and a high-performing range of Compact Wheel Loaders.”

Toine Brock, CEO at Tobroco-Giant, said: “This new partnership with Doosan Infracore Europe is the next milestone

in the growth of our company. Doosan is well known for their innovative products and customer service, which is a great fit for Tobroco-Giant. We are looking forward to working with Doosan Infracore Europe to grow the market for Compact Wheel Loaders.”

Doosan Infracore Europe will introduce the first models to be supplied under

the new agreement in the weight category from 3500 to 5000 kg in 2022.

Overall, the new partnership covers a total of five Compact Wheel Loader models, which will be distributed across all of Europe. Doosan Infracore Europe will also provide more details on attachments for the range in 2022.

New smart creep for Cat D3 Series Skid Steer Loaders & Compact Track Loaders system and set the maximum creep speed on the advanced display inside the cab. Once the tool engages the cut, smart creep measures load on the attachment and adjusts the drive command automatically as cutting begins. In the event of the cutter jamming or stalling, an auto reverse feature within smart creep quickly changes machine direction to allow the tool to clear the jam.

Caterpillar will soon launch a new smart creep feature for the full range of Cat® D3 Skid Steer Loaders (SSL) and Compact Track Loaders (CTL) for operating Cat cold planer and wheel saw attachments.

Smart creep senses the load on the attachment and automatically adjusts the drive command to keep the cold planer or wheel saw running at the most productive speed.

A combination of attachment sensors and proprietary software optimally balances attachment load and machine speed to maximize productivity. By continually sensing the load on the attachment, smart creep increases machine speed when encountering less resistance and automatically slows the machine when encountering higher load. Engine load remains constant, while the operator PLANT & CIVIL

can monitor hydraulic pressure on the in-cab display panel.

Smart creep takes the guess work out of setting the right creep speed for operating the attachment. Without the aid of this feature, setting creep speed too fast can lead to stalling the attachment, and

too slow of speed results in productivity loss. Smart creep software smoothly and efficiently determines the optimal machine speed for cutting conditions.

With this new smart attachment feature from Caterpillar, the operator needs only to activate the standard creep control

Targeted availability for smart creep on Cat D3 SSL and CTL machines is the third quarter of 2022. A field installation kit consisting of sensors and machine software for operating the new feature will be made available for existing fleet loaders and attachments. Once commercially available, new cold planer and wheel saw purchases will be shipped from the factory with the required hardware installed, and new D3 SSL and CTL models will come smart creep ready from the factory.

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compact equipment

YANMAR’S PREMIUM RED MACHINES PAVE THE WAY TO A NEW ERA Yanmar Compact Equipment has adopted an eye-catching Premium Red paint colour across all its machines globally, bringing Yanmar’s compact equipment in-line with Yanmar Group’s image; the colour was first introduced onto the North American market in 2020.

“Our dealers and our customers really like the new colour,” commented Jeff Pate, Sales Director, Yanmar Compact Equipment North America.

“Everyone feels that Premium Red attracts attention on the jobsite, and just as the quality and reliability of our products stand out from the competition, in a sea of yellow competitive machines in North America, our Premium Red colour stands out too.”

But this shift from the well-known Yanmar yellow is more than simply a cosmetic colour change.

For Yanmar Compact Equipment, the symbolism of this change resonates on a deeper level.

“Yanmar Compact Equipment is on a journey of transformation,” explains CEO, Giuliano Parodi.

“We aim to be a global leader in Compact Equipment and, with the help of our dealer partners, deliver sustainable business solutions for our customers and the societies in which they operate.

“Our acquisitions of the past few years are now fully integrated

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into a harmonised, Yanmar CE way of working, with common processes and customer focus right across our enlarged product and services portfolio.

For us, Premium Red sends out a clear signal that we are one company, with a clear product strategy. But our transformation goes far beyond our machines.

Indeed, we are challenging the way we think and the way we work, to transform our products, our business, and our brand to create even more value for our customers.”

ALTERNATIVE FUEL In product transformation, Yanmar CE is currently evaluating several alternative fuel and powertrain technologies and recently unveiled its first electric mini excavator prototype, the new SV17e. Proudly featuring

the new Premium Red colour, the SV17e is aimed at customers in the European market in the 1.5 to 2.0 tonnes segment.

“Our prototype is significant because it demonstrates our capability to bring the quality and reliability of our highly respected conventional engine technology into the arena of electrification,” explained Director Product Management EMEA, Cedric Durand.

In business transformation, Yanmar Compact Equipment is continuing to invest in manufacturing infrastructure and in expanding their global dealer network to increase the proximity to customers, reduce lead times and improve service. Closely linked to these investments is the focus on creating an amazing customer experience.

MORE CHANGES “Our move to Premium Red across our machines certainly signals a change and we are confident that our customers will start to see other changes too,” explained Elsie De Nys, Global Director Channel and Brand Development. “We have the ambition to be a leader, not only in machines but in the customer experience too and are working hard to get closer to our customers to identify new and innovative ways in which we can add value to them.”

The change to the new Premium Red also heralds a new confidence in the Yanmar Compact Equipment brand and coincides with the launch of its new tagline, ‘Together We Build’.

“Our aim, together with our dealer partners, is to build stronger relationships and create even greater customer value,” said CEO, Giuliano Parodi.

‘Together We Build’ really underlines our commitment to transforming Yanmar CE and, with the help of our dealers, to focus on creating a new and exciting experience for our customers.”

For Yanmar Compact Equipment, change is in the air and the fresh, new image of the Premium Red machines certainly reflects the optimism running through the business. This milestone moment is about shared goals and ambitions and about building a better future for everyone.

compact loaders

LIEBHERR EXPAND COMPACT LOADER SERIES WITH NEW L 504 COMPACT MODEL The new Liebherr compact loader series comprises three models which have been optimally coordinated with one another; the new L 504 compact joins the company’s wheel loader range. Liebherr’s smallest wheel loader embodies the qualities of the larger Liebherr wheel loaders while also being an excellent value for the money. With numerous new features, the L 506 compact has consolidated its already strong position in the market.

As is the case for the L 504, the machine height of the L 506 remains under 2.5 metres, making it easy to transport on a trailer. The new L 508 compact, meanwhile, has become larger and wider than both of the other Liebherr compact loaders. Its powerful travel drive and high tipping load have received praise from customers.

The new compact loaders have robust lift arms with z-bar kinematics, which facilitates the use of a wide variety of attachments. Liebherr has optimised the parallel guidance for safe and precise operation when working with forks. This is critical, for instance, when transporting palettes with paving stones or decking tiles in garden and landscaping applications.

To increase versatility even more, Liebherr offers High Lift lift arms for the L 506 and L 508 models on request. This is an extended version of the lift arms with a greater reach. This enables the compact loaders to also load taller transport vehicles.

Wheel loaders are confronted with a myriad of challenges when used in municipal services: Transporting materials with various buckets or forks, excavating with a 4 in 1 bucket, cleaning work with a sweeper, or winter services with a snow plough are just some examples of this.

To ensure the mastery of this wide variety of applications, Liebherr offers its fully automatic quick coupler system LIKUFIX for

the three compact loaders. LIKUFIX allows the machine operator to change between mechanical and hydraulic working tools from the cab within seconds at the touch of a button. This saves time and reduces the risk of accidents as the operator doesn’t have to leave the cab when changing the equipment.

COMFORTABLE AND SAFE Well thought-out solutions can also be found in the redesigned cab, which can be entered via a sturdy, reinforced step. Of particular note, Liebherr has increased the amount of glass throughout the cab. The windscreen now even reaches into the foot area of the operator’s cab. This ensures better visibility in all directions, particularly of the attachment and in the articulation area.

The rear screen is curved on the sides, enabling an unobstructed view of the rear area. The new compact loaders can be equipped with a backup camera on request, for even more safety when reversing.

Numerous details, such as the clearlyarranged control elements or the practical storage areas, increase comfort in the

operator’s cab. With the proven Liebherr control lever, the machine operator can operate the lift arms and the attachment safely. This also applies to the optional mini joystick on the control lever, which is used to control additional hydraulic functions.

Optionally available is an infinitely-adjustable steering column; the display, standard on all machines, is also adjustable and located on the A pillar in the cab. These measures ensure simple and intuitive operation of the compact loader, which plays an important role, especially, for example, for rental construction machines.

Liebherr’s new compact loaders feature a modern and functional design. The engine bonnet has a dynamic and clean design, with great visibility from the cab.

The lift arms have a tapered design, which optimises the view of the attachment and the material. The compact design with a low centre of gravity ensures optimum weight distribution on the new compact loaders. The result is high stability and safe, comfortable operation, day in and day out.

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in profile

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR SPENCER ECA & HIAB 90

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World leading provider of on-road load handling equipment, Hiab, was the supplier of choice for Llandysul-head quartered Spencer Environmental Care Associates, when investing in a new hooklift to support its ongoing work on the nationwide HS2 project.

The land and forest management company selected Hiab’s next generation hooklift, the MULTILIFT Ultima 21S, specially fitted to a Scania truck, to join its 10-strong fleet of trucks.

The specialist equipment will be used by Spencer ECA to deliver construction vehicles, machinery and materials, including excavators and Signaroad temporary roadway, to gain access and facilitate development at various sites across the country.

in profile

Established in 1991, Spencer ECA is one of the most respected operators in the land, forest maintenance and groundworks sector and currently operates from locations across the UK, including Llandysul, Swansea, Exeter, Bicester and Colchester.

Nathan Best, transport controller at Spencer ECA, commented: “Due to the nature of our work, precision and reliability is of paramount importance and so we needed a hooklift that would enable us to do our job with as much ease, accuracy and control as possible.

“The MULTILIFT Ultima does exactly that and more. The Hiab name alone is one we associate with quality and reliability and this piece of kit goes to the next level with features that further boost our confidence in what we are doing.”

HOOKLIFT ASSIST One example of the technology featured on the MULTILIFT Ultima is its HookliftAssist camera-guided control, which provides exactly the level of control each loading task require, with four different levels designed to meet a range of needs.

Dek Butler, MULTILIFT specialist for Hiab UK added: “We’re proud to have been selected by Spencer ECA who really are known as one of the best in their field and it’s great that they were able to find a product that met all of their requirements.

“The MULTILIFT Ultima really does stand out from the crowd thanks its vast amount of

features that have been expertly engineered to ensure ultimate precision and safety and therefore confidence for the operator.”

The MULTILIFT Ultima forms part of Hiab’s wider MULTILIFT range which features a range of pioneering load handling solutions.

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hire show

EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW 2022 A SELL OUT Regarded as the national event for tools, plant and equipment hire and first launched in 2007, this year’s Executive Hire Show was a sell out.

An unmissable national exhibition for the tools, equipment and plant hire industry, the two day event was staged at the popular Coventry Building Society Arena, located at the heart of the UK motorway network.

There were 154 exhibitors and of those, an impressive 42 were making their firstever appearance at the Show. Many exhibitors also doubled their stand space this year, while the venue received a cash injection of more than £7.5 million for a revamp which has delivered a world-class exhibition, event, and conference centre.

A trade-only event open to hire executives throughout the UK and Ireland, it also attracted hire industry visitors from Europe and beyond, with senior executives from the procurement and purchasing departments of the national hire operations attending, along with large numbers of independently-owned entrepreneurial hire outlets. Indeed, at this year’s Show, 86% of visitors were from independent hire companies.

Plant & Civil Engineer was there to capture some of the show’s highlights on camera.

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hire news

Employers Invited to Recognise and Reward Construction Plant Apprentices and Trainees for 2022 Employers across the construction plant sector are being invited by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) to recognise and reward their construction plant apprentices and trainees.

The CPA’s Stars of the Future Awards 2022 are now open for entries and with around 900 apprentices across the six main plantbased occupations, employers again have the opportunity to nominate their outstanding apprentices and trainees who they see as being the industry’s future leaders.

Nominations are welcomed from all employers including plant-hire companies, manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and others operating in the construction plant sector with apprentices and trainees in their workforce.

Stars of the Future is a national awards scheme for apprentices and trainees in the construction plant industry, organised by the CPA, the leading trade association for the plant-hire sector in the UK. The CPA has over 1,800 members who supply some 85% of hired plant to the construction and allied industries.

awards. It is now firmly established as the premier event of the construction plant sector for recognising and rewarding the skills and calibre of the industry’s apprentices and trainees. There were 70 nominations from across the industry for Stars of the Future in 2021, and we anticipate there will be even more nominations this year.

“As the nominations closing date is 31 March 2022, we urge employers to act now and complete and submit their nominations in good time. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the CPA website at www. cpa.uk.net/skills-training/stars-of-thefuture. You can also watch a video clip of last year’s event to find out what Stars of the Future is all about,” he continued.

The 2022 winners will be announced at a live awards presentation at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley, near Coventry, on 7th July 2022. Stars of the Future winners will be in contention for a number of prizes, as well as national recognition. Previous prizes have included Snap-on tool kits, iPads and an all-expenses paid trip to Germany to visit a Liebherr crane manufacturing plant.

For more information, contact https://www. cpa.uk.net/skills-training/stars-of-the-future st

2022 marks a landmark year for the CPA’s Stars of the Future Awards as it is the tenth year of the awards programme.

This year, six national titles will be awarded - Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2), Plant Technician of the Year (Level 3), Plant Operative of the Year, Plant Installer of the Year, Lifting Technician of the Year and Hire Controller of the Year - as well as some special awards.

10 Anniversary th

Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPA said: “Each year, Stars of the Future gets bigger and better and we’re very excited that this year marks the tenth year of the

Speedy Moves Decarbonisation Up a Gear with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil Switch the overall carbon footprint of their projects.”

National construction equipment and services provider Speedy is now fuelling its delivery fleet with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) that will save 5,000 tonnes of CO2e over the next 12 months.

“The switch to HVO fuel across our commercial fleet also helps the business to instantly reduce carbon emissions without wastefully retiring diesel powered assets early in favour of new vehicles, particularly while electric and hydrogen technologies continue to advance and mature.”

The move covers delivery vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and tankers at 21 of its biggest locations across the country, representing 92% of the company’s HGV fleet HVO emits up to 90% less carbon compared to red diesel and the switch

by Speedy will save the equivalent CO2 of heating 1,820 UK homes for a year.

Speedy will use Green D+ enhanced HVO as its preferred fuel, which removes 11% of Nitrogen Oxide emissions and is 20% lower in particulates than standard HVO, contributing to safer air quality for site workers and neighbouring communities.

The move will see the business become the first hire provider

to deliver low-emission fuel and equipment in vehicles also run-on biofuels, helping to cut emissions in the construction supply chain. It represents the first major phase of the firm’s transition to a fully low-carbon fleet by 2030.

The company is also reviewing how staff vehicles can refuel with HVO at Speedy sites to help further reduce its overall emissions.

Mike DeRome, Head of Fuel at Speedy, said: “We’re

setting ambitious targets for reducing our environmental impact while simultaneously investing millions in low carbon equipment for contractors, as we set out to lead the way in decarbonising construction hire.

The switch is part of a wider rollout of HVO across the business, which has already seen Speedy’s Powered Access division move to refuelling all machinery with HVO as standard. Its power division is also set to make the swap before the end of the year.

“Our fuel usage comprises the largest part of the business’ carbon footprint, making it a priority area for us to take action. Reducing emissions in our delivery fleet helps customers to make big gains in decarbonising their supply chain, reducing

Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers.

It operates from 200 sites across the UK and Ireland.

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wheel loader

ELECTRIC DRIVE CAT 988K XE WHEEL LOADER FEATURES TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENCY UPDATES Built on a solid switch reluctance technology foundation leveraging more than 15 years of Caterpillar electric drive experience, updates to the Cat® 988K XE deliver up to 10% faster downhill speed, improved rimpull and increased hydraulic breakout force for up to 5% better production.

The updated design improves cycle times in load and carry applications, while an optional counterweight increases stability and offers faster maneuverability with these tasks.

A new Go-Pedal for the 988K XE features three dynamic breaking levels to give operators easier, single right-hand pedal operation. Standard Tire Slip Prevention reduces tire slip and wear to increase tire life and lower owning costs.

New optional Cat Autodig features simplify the digging phase to increase dig cycle optimization by up to 10%.

Further reducing tire slip and wear, available Auto Set Tires sets the front tires to promote

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proper loading techniques. Lift stall prevention technology automatically manages rimpull in-dig to prevent hydraulic stall while lifting through the face, so the 988K XE spends less time in the pile.

Teaching proper operating techniques, new available Cat Operator Coaching helps increase machine efficiency and delivers up to 15% faster cycle times and 10% better bucket fill factors.

Among other procedures, it shows how to properly shorten travel, avoid unracking in-dig, enter the pile with a level bucket, reduce the dump height and use the kickout. The coaching feedback also results in up to 15% less fuel consumption.

INCREASED EFFICIENCY The field proven switch reluctance electric drive technology of the 988K XE increases overall efficiency by 25% and face-loading application efficiency by up to 49% compared to the 988K. Economy mode operation reduces rated

speed of the durable Cat C18 engine to further reduce fuel consumption. Increased hydraulic speed and faster cycle times achieved by the 988K XE decrease idle time and fuel burn to increase loader efficiency.

Greenhouse gas reductions through operating the electric drive versus the mechanical drive model are equivalent to up to 1 year of electricity use for nearly 10 homes.

A new steering and integrated control (STIC™) valve offer up to 47% quieter operation, and the system delivers precise machine control with minimal arm movements to increase comfort and improve loading accuracy and efficiency. Modulating the left pedal from 100% to 25%, the new rimpull control system (RSC) reduces the potential for wheel slippage without reducing hydraulic efficiency.

The loader’s new positive flow control (PFC) hydraulic system increases efficiency, bucket feel and responsiveness to deliver consistent performance.

With data displayed inside the cabin in real-time, available Cat Payload on the 988K XE provides

accurate weighing of loaded materials to improve truck loading efficiency by reducing overloading and underloading. When combined with optional Advanced Productivity technology, the 988K XE provides comprehensive actionable payload information to help improve operational productivity and profitability.

With standard Cat Vision to enhance visibility behind the loader, the 988K XE features 43-degree steering articulation to achieve precise positioning in tight areas for efficient truck loading. The loader offers a rated payload of 11.3 tonnes (12.5 tons) when working with face material and 14.5 tonnes (16 tons) with loose material and can be equipped with a range of buckets with capacities from 4.7-13 m3 (6.2-17 yd3).

It is performance matched to offer efficient 3-pass loading of the 38.2-tonne (42.1-ton) Cat 770G and 4-pass loading of the 46.8-tonne (51.6-ton) Cat 772G. Its high-lift configuration delivers 5-pass loading of the 55.3-tonne (61-ton) Cat 773G and 6-pass loading of the 64-tonne (70.5-ton) Cat 775G.

hydrogen-treated vegetable oil

SANDVIK MOBILES AND FINNING SUPPORTING HVO “Working alongside Finning to performance engineer the feasibility of HVO, means we can data collect and monitor any impact on the performance and output.

It’s an exciting step in our contribution to sustainability and we will work together with our customers and suppliers for more productive, safer, and innovative solutions.”

To power large, mobile crushing and screening equipment, Sandvik are putting sustainability in focus and investing in renewable fuel. Working alongside Finning, Sandvik have successfully used HVO with C series Cat® engines without making any modifications to the engine or fuel tanks.

HVO is a form of renewable synthetic diesel, its acronym standing for ‘hydrogentreated vegetable oil’. Forming a part in both company’s journey towards a more sustainable future, the use of HVO reduces net carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel.

CARBON REDUCTION Steffen Barrett, Sales Manager – Industrial Engines, Finning UK & Ireland, comments: “As Sandvik strive to balance environmental and business sustainability we are ready to provide the solutions they need to achieve their goals. Our customers’ priorities are evolving toward a carbon-reduced future and our products and services are evolving with them.

The HVO Sandvik use is only made from renewable feedstocks certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC). Its performance is similar to regular diesel, so your power output and uptime are not compromised.

Hydrotreating of vegetable oils is a modern way to produce very high-quality renewable diesel fuels without requiring any changes to fuel logistics, engines, or exhaust aftertreatment devices. Unlike other biodiesels, HVO is not sensitive to low or high temperatures, or indeed to exposure to sunlight, as all oxygen is removed during the production process. Also, due to the use of hydrogen in the production process, HVO has an impressive shelf life, compared to other biodiesels. Since no iron or system changes are required, it can be considered a drop-in replacement for diesel.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS Jesper Persson, Sandvik’s Vice President Life Cycle Services comments, ‘We are committed to using engineering and innovation through our products to make the shift towards more sustainable business.

With a host of innovations in the pipeline, including electrification of our offering, we are excited to be pioneers in the industry and invest in renewable fuel sources sustainable rock processing solutions.

“We are actively supporting the use of plant-based and waste-derived fuels in our engines as alternatives to traditional fuels. Our engines are engineered for use with a range of renewable fuels, including up to B100 HVO (EN15940 or ASTM D975), that have a significantly lower net carbon footprint than conventional diesel.

“Working with our partner Caterpillar, and through our sustainability strategy, we are focused on being an even more responsible partner to help our customers transition to a low-carbon economy and take better care of the communities we serve. This helps us to fulfil our company’s purpose to build and power a better world.”

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recycling & waste management

REFUSE COLLECTIONS ARE ‘AS EASY AS ABC’ WITH FARID HILLEND ENGINEERINGBODIED MERCEDESBENZ ECONICS Impressive reliability combined with positive feedback from crews and customer-focused parts back-up all help to explain why waste and recycling managers at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are delighted to be running another six MercedesBenz refuse collection vehicles.

The 26-tonne Econics were supplied by MBNI Truck & Van, of Newtownabbey. It worked closely on the successful tender with primary contractor Castlereagh Motors, which represents specialist bodybuilder Farid Hillend Engineering in Northern Ireland.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council – or ABC Council as it

is commonly known – was established in 2015 and is Northern Ireland’s second largest local authority by population and economic activity.

Its latest 6x2 Econics have rear steer axles for enhanced manoeuvrability on residential streets. As 2630 L variants they are powered by 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engines that produce 220 kW (299 hp) and are paired with six-speed automatic Allison gearboxes.

Their Powertrak compaction bodies, meanwhile, have 21m3 capacities and are fitted with Zoeller Delta high level bin lifts.

The trucks’ introduction

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PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

recycling & waste management

coincided with the launch of a new service for the residents of Armagh.

Collections of recyclables in kerbside boxes and food caddies were previously outsourced to an external supplier. This arrangement had been in place for nearly 20 years, but came to an end in November following a public consultation that saw 85% of respondents opt for the wheeled bins already used in other areas.

Waste Development Manager Lisa Doherty explained: “We’ve effectively harmonised the system by bringing the Armagh collections in-house. The result is a single, standardised, council-managed service, with the efficiencies this implies, for all residents across the borough.”

To deliver this extended service Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has been growing its refuse and recycling fleet, which now extends to more than 70 trucks of various sizes and marques. All are inspected and maintained at its purpose-built workshop on the Carn Industrial Estate, Portadown.

These vehicles make fortnightly collections of dry recyclables in green bins and organic waste in brown bins, and, on alternate weeks, the residue in black bins. Of all the waste it collects, 54% is currently recycled but the authority is focused on improving this rate by reducing contaminations – a recent campaign urged households not to put items such as foil, aerosols, and shampoo and bleach bottles into the general rubbish.

Pictured with two of their new Mercedes-Benz Econics, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Waste Development Manager Lisa Doherty, Operations Manager John Farrell, left, and Workshop Manager Simon Smyth are all playing their parts as the authority strives to further improve its recycling rates.

The authority’s fleet already included a number of Mercedes-Benz Econics that were supplied by MBNI Truck & Van five years ago. Workshop Manager Simon Smyth confirmed: “In terms of uptime those vehicles have been excellent.

They’ve given us very few problems, while the parts delivery service we receive from the team at the Dealer’s Dungannon branch is first class.”

He added: “The Mercedes-Benz is also liked by a lot of our crews. It’s exceptionally well built, easy to access and comfortable, thanks to its spacious, airconditioned cab and full air suspension.”

The Econic affords drivers an unrivalled view. The truck attracts the maximum five stars from Transport for London’s Direct Vision scheme, thanks to its deep, panoramic windscreen, and the full-height, glazed folding side door specified by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. This, coupled with the low seating position, allows drivers to make direct eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians at junctions or in traffic queues.

The Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking aid is also standard equipment.

Active Brake Assist 5 can detect vehicles ahead and stationary objects in its own lane, at speeds of up to 56 mph (90 km/h). Detection of a dangerous

situation triggers a three-stage reaction: first, the system warns the driver with visual and audible alerts; then, if the driver fails to react, it applies partial (approximately 50%) braking; finally, if the driver has still not intervened, it initiates maximum braking to bring the truck to a halt, activating the hazard warning lights to alert drivers behind.

The new sensor fusion has dramatically improved response to moving pedestrians at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h).

Active Brake Assist 5 is now capable of applying full braking when encountering pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or walking ahead. Not only does this remarkable technology increase safety for vulnerable road users and vehicle crews, but it also helps to relieve stress for drivers.

Meanwhile, the electronic architecture required for operation of Active Brake Assist 5 means Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s new Econics benefit from Electronic Parking Brakes too. The EPB is applied automatically when the engine is switched off. When the truck is at a standstill after emergency braking, the automatic HOLD function also prevents it from rolling away.

Farid Hillend Engineering added to the vehicles’ comprehensive safety armouries by fitting Backeye®360 camera systems.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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recycling & waste management

RiverRidge Helps Reunite Scottish Tourist with Misplaced Jewellery RiverRidge has helped to reunite a Scottish tourist with her beloved jewellery collection, after it was mistakenly disposed of as rubbish and taken on a round trip across Northern Ireland, before being found by the company’s dedicated waste process operators at its Materials Recovery Facility in Mallusk.

Retired schoolteacher, Kathleen McKimmon and husband Eric, from Cupar, near Fife, had planned a relaxing trip to Northern Ireland.

However the trip ended up being anything but, when her husband unknowingly put Kathleen’s jewellery collection of huge sentimental value, which included six necklaces, three rings and a charm bracelet, in a waste bin.

Speaking about the ordeal, Kathleen said, “We were looking forward to our postChristmas trip to Northern Ireland, visiting friends and family, as well as finding out more about my husband’s family history.

As a result of a break in at our home a few years ago, where my complete jewellery collection was stolen, I took my jewellery with me, disguised in a plastic bag. Following a trip to Belfast from where we were staying in Omagh, we made a stop at Sprucefield, where my husband offered to dispose of the litter – which included the plastic bag, without realising its contents.”

It wasn’t until Kathleen went looking for her jewellery the following morning that she realised it wasn’t in the car. After a frantic search, the couple realised that the jewellery had been thrown out during their stop at Sprucefield.

Kathleen continued, “When we realised what had happened, we drove back to Sprucefield to see if there was any chance of retrieving the jewellery but as expected, the bins had been emptied. At this stage, I had lost all hope of ever being reunited with my jewellery collection again.” But all was not lost.

After speaking with John McGuigan at M&S, Sprucefield and contacting the Centre Manager, who said there was a possibility of stopping the process before it was too late, Kathleen was put in touch with the team at RiverRidge.

In most instances, all waste is processed on the day of collection at one of the company’s PLANT & CIVIL

Pictured with the jewellery are (right) Danny McErlain, Operations Manager at RiverRidge and (left) Vytautus Skurdauskis.

three MRFs, so it is very rare to find anything that someone mistakenly throws away.

Senior Commercial Manager at RiverRidge, Pamela Jordan said, “When I received Kathleen’s email on Monday morning, I knew how distressing this must have been for her. However, given the nature of our business and the large amount of waste we collect, we were unsure about what the outcome would be.

“We always try to accommodate as best we can though, and after contacting our Operations Manager at the Mallusk facility, Danny McErlain, the team got to work – literally on their hands and knees seeing if any of the jewellery could be recovered.”

At this point, Kathleen and Eric had arrived at the ferry port, and were waiting to board the boat for their return to Scotland, resigned to the fact that the jewellery was

gone. “I had accepted that the jewellery was lost, and I was devastated. That was until, like divine intervention, I received a call from Pamela telling me that the plastic bag containing my jewellery had been found. I couldn’t believe it, I was elated.”

Kathleen says it is a miracle that the jewellery was found, and that this experience has renewed her faith in human kindness. “I am so grateful to everyone who helped out along the way – from the team at M&S Centre, Sprucefield, to Pamela, and all the team at RiverRidge who went above and beyond to retrieve the jewellery. Everyone was so incredible.

“We hear so many stories about unhelpful people and poor customer service, but rarely about the good. On this occasion, nobody could have been more helpful, comforting and reassuring. My sincere thanks to everyone who was involved.”

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SAVE THE DATE THURSDAY 24th NOVEMBER 2022 CROWNE PLAZA, SHAW’S BRIDGE, BELFAST.

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news

UK construction activity expected to grow despite labour shortages and soaring material costs Construction experts across the United Kingdom painted a positive picture for the industry over the next year with strong levels of activity expected despite mounting concerns around sourcing materials and labour, this according to the latest RICS construction survey for the final quarter of 2021.

In terms of workloads for Q4 2021, +33% of respondents said they continued to see increases in demand for construction work (the same level as reported in Q3). New infrastructure projects are seen to be behind the much of the increase in workloads, with a net balance of +40% - with energy developments particularly leading the way.

Elsewhere the private housing sector also continued to show solid momentum with a net balance of +37% of respondents reporting new works in this area.

Looking to the year ahead, expectations of upcoming workloads edged up to a net balance of +45%. Infrastructure continues to be viewed as

likely to lead the sector but both the private residential and non-residential works are anticipated as also delivering strong growth in output. The government’s newly announced ‘Levelling Up’ white paper, which sets out how billions in funding will be allocated toward regenerating towns and cities across the UK, could also support construction workloads through new infrastructure, housing and non-residential works.

Upbeat Business enquiries were still firm in the final quarter (+37% in Q4 2021) which is also consistent with a more upbeat outlook for activity looking out over the next twelve months. Additionally, +10% of respondents also said profit margins are now anticipated to increase over the course of 2022 compared with just +2% in the last survey – which reflects the upbeat picture of the year ahead.

Despite the positive picture, concerns around the availability of materials (84%) and labour (77%) suggested these problems

continue to dominate the UK construction sector – with factors like Brexit and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic giving building firms a headache.

insufficient to address the immediate problem which significantly, is being reflected in expectations for a sharp uplift in wage costs over the next year.

In terms of skilled labourers, 65% of respondents saying they had difficulties finding bricklayers and carpenters to deliver projects (although this was slightly less apparent for other skilled trades like plasterers and electricians). That said, the estimate for material costs is expected to jump by a further 9% over the period in question with skilled labour costs rising by more than 7% and unskilled costs by between 5 and 6%.

“The presumption from professionals working in the industry is that this rise in pay will help provide a short-term fix as the strong projections for activity through the course in 2022 are premised on a further rise in headcount.”

Concerns Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, commented: “There is clearly an upbeat tone to the feedback received from across the construction industry.

However, the concerns around labour and in particular, skilled labour are just not going away.

“The long-term fix is to attract more younger people to the sector but that may be

Bradley Tully, Senior Public Affairs Officer at RICS, said: “The levelling-up agenda offers important opportunities for the construction sector to play a vital role in transforming areas that are in need of regeneration, and to demonstrate the power of the built environment in tackling inequalities.

“In order to create thriving places where people can live and work, we are clear that the levelling-up agenda must be underpinned by a reformed planning system that offers greater certainty, provides for sufficient local accountability and allows for the timely delivery of vital social infrastructure.”

Mastenbroek’s Magic Eye Minimises Gravel Waste Mastenbroek has launched an innovative new product to help contractors save money and improve the accuracy of backfill levels when installing drainage schemes or utilities.

Cotton Contractors. Operating in Suffolk and undertaking agricultural and sports field drainage across East Anglia, Les and his team also helped test the Magic Eye as part of the development process.

Developed and refined over a sixmonth period Mastenbroek’s Magic Eye package combines a radar sensor with a software application to control the amount of gravel or sand that is dispensed by the hopper when backfilling.

“Gravel is increasingly expensive and having someone follow the hopper to ensure the levels are right or using a plumb bob to check that we’re not wasting aggregate isn’t the most effective or consistently accurate method,” says Les.

Available now as an optional extra on Mastenbroek’s trenchers and retrofittable to any machine with a suitable hydraulic variable height gravel hopper, the Magic Eye regulates itself to the ground level ensuring the optimum amount of gravel is dispensed.

Mastenbroek developed the Magic Eye in response to customer requests for an automated way of minimising wastage.

The costly issue was first raised with Mastenbroek by Darren Cotton of Les PLANT & CIVIL

“Darren mentioned this to Mastenbroek and they got straight onto it! The Magic Eye is a very neat solution and is easy to set up and use. It has proven to be incredibly accurate during testing and I’m sure it will be a popular feature with contractors looking to minimise waste and not spend more than they have to on aggregates.”

Mastenbroek’s Commercial Director, Christopher Pett, adds: “We have a history of problem solving and developing innovative solutions to help our customers

work more efficiently and effectively.

Developing the Magic Eye was an interesting project to oversee. It was very rewarding to see how our whole team – electrical, mechanical and software engineers – came together to work out an effective solution to Les and Darren’s request.”

Les Cotton Contractors recently bought a Mastenbroek CT12 crawler truck. As well as fitting the Magic Eye control to the trencher hopper, Les and Darren are working with Mastenbroek to adapt the technology to work with a front-mounted gravel hopper on the CT12, which is interchangeable with the front swing conveyor.

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auctions & used plant

EURO AUCTION FIRST SALE OF 2022 STARTS ON A HIGH MARKET TRENDS

At the first sale of 2022 the team at Euro Auctions, Leeds, amassed a truly impressive inventory of new to 48 month old machinery, in addition to attracting one of the largest registrations of bidders.

At Europe’s largest auction site for used construction and agricultural machinery, market confidence was high at the recent Euro Auctions four-day sale in late January, at their Leeds ‘flag ship’ site. Providing buyers with no shortage of excellent quality equipment and machinery, during the four days over 4,600 lots went over the ramp, with a hammer total for the sale at just under £39 million.

The sale was well attended, with the largest physical crowd attending since pre Covid times, showing the optimism that exists in the marketplace. 30% of all successful bids were from buyers on the floor, on the day, with the remaining 70% of sales coming from internet bids from registrations in 97 countries.

However, the hunger of the home markets was evident with 60% of all successful bids coming from the home shores of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and 96% of all successful bid coming from the UK and Europe alone. However, such is the demand for good clean and late machinery, the global audience always has interest in this sale, with world buyer registering to bid, but the home market was more determined, bidding harder and ensuring the majority of equipment stayed local.

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Chris Osborne, Euro Auctions Sales Manager comments, “There is always a pattern to every Euro Auctions sale. This sale was very different to any of the Covid sales we have conducted in the last 18 months for a number of reasons.

being no exception. Over and above the sale in December 2021 the number of firsttime bidder registrations increased by 20% with 25% of those first-timers buying at this sale, showing the Euro Auctions brand continues to attract new customers.

With Covid restrictions still in place, this sale was a physical auction, as well as being conducted live and ‘online’ via the roust bidding platform the Euro Auctions operates.

This now popular format gives buyers the chance to view machines for sale and then bidding via the internet, with a Timed Auction taking place on the last day of the sale.

“Prices were strong, with the same number of lots going over the ramp as in January 2021, however at this sale the hammer was £39m, an increase of over £10m over the January sale in 2021. Clearly bidders were determined to purchase new stock.

“The prices achieved for ‘telehandlers’ and ‘mini-diggers’ were literally on fire, with 17 and 18 plate machines making close to new money. With good stock on offer in the 2018 to 2021 bracket there were over 123 Excavators and 22 Telehandlers less than four years old.

With OEMs passing three price increases to their dealers over the last 18 months this has had a startling effect on the price of used machinery. There were many gems making very good money, with hot bidding for telehandlers and mini diggers.

The best performing lots in the sale included: 2017 CAT D6T LGP Straight Blade & Tilt - 2158 hrs

£197,500

2021 CAT 301.5 Mini Excavator, Rubber Tracks, Blade, Offset

£19,000

2019 Kubota KX080-4 6t excavator, Rubber Tracks, Blade, Offset, 1,547 Hrs

£47,000

2019 Thwaites 9 Ton Dumper, Full Cab

£37,500

2019 JCB 3CX P21 ECO Backhoe Loader

£44,000

In a market depleted of good new stock, buyers were eager to purchase good late, low hours equipment, and multiple compliments of new to 48 month old machines were evident and in high demand, creating a real buzz with bidders at this sale.

2018 Manitou MT1840 Easy Turbo Telehandler

£52,000

2018 JCB 535-95 Turbo Powershift Telehandler

£42,000

2017 JCB 540-140 Hi Viz Turbo Powershift Telehandler

£46,000

2017 Kobelco SK350LC-10 20t excavator

£89,000

2017 CAT 320FL 20t excavator

£70,000

Approved bidder accounts at Euro Auctions sales continue to increase, with this sale

2016 JCB 540-170 Turbo Powershift Telehandler

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

48,000

UPCOMING LEEDS, UK AUCTION

COCNOSN IS GINGN TOTD OADYA!Y!

9th - 12th March 2022 @ 8.00am Roall Lane, Kellington, Nr Goole, Leeds, DN14 0NY

2021 Doosan DX235NLC-5

Unused Komatsu PC210LC-10

2017 Volvo EC140EL

2016 Hydrema MX14

17-18 Hitachi ZX85USB-5A - choice

Unused XCMG XE35U - choice

2018 Komatsu D65PX-18 - choice

2015 CAT 120M2

17-18 CAT 745C - choice

2009 Volvo L120F

2017 Mecalac TLB990

2018 JCB 540-170 - choice

12-16 Bobcat S630 - choice

2016 Wacker Neuson DW90

2016 Bomag BW120AD-5

2017 Sandvik QJ341 Tracked Crusher

THINKING ABOUT SELLING? WE CAN HELP, TALK TO US TODAY! Chris Rankin +44 7739 641 518 David Betts +44 7834 600 040 Chris Osborne +44 7769 204 732 Mark Pyle +44 7909 119 693

Jim Malia +44 7738 457 496 Dermot O’Connor +44 7741 906 132

www.euroauctions.com

2007 Kleemann MC120Z, Mobile Jaw 2014 Komatsu PC700LC-8, Crusher,Hours 10,500 Hours.

10,500

DEPOT LOCATIONS Unit 525 Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, Ireland.

Birdhill, Co Tipperary, Ireland

2007 HM300-2, 10,800 Hours, 2013Komatsu Komatsu PC360LC-10, Tailgate fitted.

8,400 Hours

2007 Komatsu PC130-7, 11,900 Hours, 2013 Komatsu PC240LC-10, Hammer Lines and QH. 6,000 Hours

SALES CONTACT Denis McGrath Tel: +353-1401 8550 Mob: +353-86387 2881 Email: usedequipment@mchaleplant.com Web: www.mchaleplantsales.com

2007 DBM2500, Concrete Mixer.

2016Merlo Komatsu PC210LC-10, 6,500 Self Loading.

3,000Hours, Hours

2013 Komatsu Hybrid HB215LC-1, 8,700 2014 Komatsu PC210LC-10, Hours, Hours Hammer Lines and QH. 5,500

2007 CAT 330DL, 2015 Komatsu 840TX Forwarder, 9,000 Hours.

13,000 Hours,

2015 865Robex Forwarder, 2016Komatsu Hyundai 140LC-9, 12,500 with Chains.

4,500 Hours Hours

2018 Komatsu PC55MR-5, 2016 Komatsu PC210LCI-10, 4,700 Hours, Full Facrory 200 HoursGPS system fitted..jpg

2008 Komatsu PW160-7, 2016 Terex Fuchs MHL250, 1,900 Hours, Waste Material 14,000 HoursHandler.

2015komatsu Komatsu HM300-3, Hours, 2019 PC210LC-11,1,600 Hammer Lines, 360 camera, KomTrax.

4,600 Hours

2019 Komatsu WA380-8, 2015 Hydrema 912E,1,100 Hours, Quick-Hitch fitted.

3,000 Hours

2019 Terex Ecotec TDS820 2015 Komatsu ForestShredder, 600 Hours.

901.5 Harvester

2020 WB93R-8, 650 Hours, 2016Komatsu Terex Fuchs MHL 250, 4 in 1 Bucket, QH. 1,800 Hours

plant sales Specialist finance for the purchase of new and second hand assets Call us on 028 9517 0414 or visit www.closecommercialfinance.com Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 00195626) and it’s registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, United Kingdom EC2A 4FT.

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New CX85D supplied by Cowan Bros to William Stronge, Enniskillen.

Ronald Coulter in Fivemiletown with his new Takeuchi TB230 sold by Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

New CX145D supplied by Cowan Bros to DMCC Groundworks Ltd, Ballymena.

A new Dieci Agri farmer 30.7 GD delivered to Greenacres ltd Armagh by Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

Balloo hire take delivery of another Messersi High Tip Track Dumper from Crumlin Plant Sales.

Paul Clarke Sany SY135 being delivered to Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh from Sleator Plant.

New Rotair compressor again for Brian Horner collected from Keith at Crumlin Plant Sales.

2 x Hitachi ZX85USB-6 - McCallion Group, Buncrana sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

A new Truxta B450E Electric mini dumper for Millwood Construction from Ballyward Plant Services.

Hitachi ZX350LC-7 - O’Kelly Bros, Ballingarry sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

RF Lifting & Access collecting 3 X SLA10 7 x SLA15 and 2 x SLA20 from Sleator Plant.

New Komatsu PC228USLC-11 ready for delivery to Belton Construction from WAC McCandless.

Hitachi ZX135US-7 - H & N Walker Ltd, Hillsborough sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

Tony Marley with his new Yanmar VIO26 from Crumlin Plant Sales.

New 821G supplied by Cowan Bros to Bricklin Skip Hire, Londonderry.

Declan McCarthy, Skull, Co. Cork with this SK28SR-6 from McSharry TRACK.

Another double delivery of Yanmar SV26 for Monaghan Hire from Crumlin Plant Sales.

A new Takeuchi TB250-2 and a Demoter rock breaker delivered to JAE Engineering in Kilkeel by Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

New Hidromek 230 LC sold to Chris O’Leary Plant & Civils in Cork.

Scullion Construction Ltd SY26 getting ready to go out. Hill Hitch and Geith Buckets from Sleator Plant.

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plant sales Unlock the value of your existing assets to support cash flow Call us on 028 9517 0414 or visit www.closecommercialfinance.com Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 00195626) and it’s registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, United Kingdom EC2A 4FT.

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A new Giant G3500z for Raymac Hardware & Hire from Ballyward Plant Services.

A New Dieci Icarus 40.17 sold to Northland Developments in Newtownards

by Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

2 x Hitachi ZX130LCN-7 Mulchrone Brothers Ltd, Westport sold

by TBF Construction Machinery.

New Komatsu PC490LC-11 Quarry Spec sold to FP McCann Group by WAC McCandless

Liam from LM Rice Trading in Dundalk with his used Dieci Agri farmer 26.6 sold by Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

Balloo Hire collecting their Mecalac TA3SH Dumper from Sleator Plant.

PRO HIRE with another new Yanmar SV26 added to the fleet from Crumlin Plant Sales.

Dermot Bradley, driver with Alexander Plant Ltd., Co. Tyrone receiving their new SK210LC-11 from McSharry TRACK.

Hire Direct Dundalk taking delivery of Genie GS2632 E Drive and 4 GS1932 Hydraulics from Sleator Plant.

New Merlo P40.14 recently delivered to O Rourke builders by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

Garreth McCormick, McCormick a Contracts Ballycastle taking delivery of a new Manitou MT1840 comfort.

New Komatsu PC170LC-11 for Porter & Co from WAC McCandless.

New CX130D supplied by Cowan Bros to Jamie Peace, Strabane.

Stephen and Heather from Annetts Garden Centre in Warrenpoint taking delivery of a new Takeuchi TB216 sold by Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

New Dieci Agri farmer 30.7 GD sold to T&J Dunlop in Glenarm by Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

New Komatsu PC210LC-11 delivered to Paddy ryan & Sons by Mchale Plant Sales Ltd.

New Komatsu 901XC harvestor delivered to Willie O Dwyer by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

Hidromek 310 LC sold to Liam Whelan Plant Hire in Waterford.

SK270SRLC to Ronan Sheridan Plant Hire, Co. Dublin from McSharry TRACK; sale completed by Conor McSharry, their Sales Agent for the Eastern Region.

A new Engcon EC206 for Ancore Services Ltd from Ballyward Plant Services.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

plant sales Spread the cost of new assets over a fixed period with hire purchase Call us on 028 9517 0414 or visit www.closecommercialfinance.com Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 00195626) and it’s registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, United Kingdom EC2A 4FT.

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Adding another JCB to the mix, is Calmor Properties with this superb, NEW JCB 86C-2 from Dennison JCB.

A new Giant G2200HD Xtra for A Lambert Builders from Ballyward Plant Services.

New Merlo P27.6 delivered to O Keefe Concrete Products by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

SK130LC-11 delivered to John Armstrong, Co. Mayo from McSharry TRACK.

New Komatsu WA320-8 recently delivered to grassland by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

Thwaites AD9 - MJS Civil Engineering, Newtownmountkennedy sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

Hidromek 145 SRLC sold to Celtic soil solutions in Wexford.

New CX130D supplied by Cowan Bros to David Steele, Dungiven.

Package of New Komatsu PC16 minis delivered to Treaty Hire Ltd by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

John Sinclair & Basil from Sinclair Hardware taking delivery of their second new Manitou….

This time it’s a new MT420.

Hitachi ZX135US-7 - B Smith Plant & Civil Ltd, Kingscourt sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

A new Giant GT5048 & Adler sweeper for Lowry Construction from Ballyward Plant Services.

Hitachi ZX135US-7 & ZX225USLC-7 Harte Civil Engineering sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

New Komatsu PC228USLC-11 recently delivered to Rossmore Civils by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

New merlo TF33.7 delivered to Brendan Sheridan recently by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

New Metso LT106 and Komatsu PC360LC-11 delivered recently to Castle Quarry by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.jpg

SK230SRLC to Harbour View Construction, Co Meath from McSharry TRACK; sale completed by Conor McSharry, their Sales Agent for the Eastern Region.

A new Venieri VF 8.63TL for Goldplough Farm from Ballyward Plant Services.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

105

plant sales Leasing agreements designed to suit the cash flow of your business Call us on 028 9517 0414 or visit www.closecommercialfinance.com Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 00195626) and it’s registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, United Kingdom EC2A 4FT.

CF Plant & Civil sponsor banners 180x30mm V4 PRESS.indd 4

Hitachi ZX135US-7 & ZX85USB-6 Lynch Bros, Buncrana sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

A new Engcon EC214 for Conal Quinn, from Ballyward Plant Services.

SK380SRLC to Ronan Sheridan Plant Hire, Co. Dublin from McSharry TRACK; sale completed by Conor McSharry, their Sales Agent for the Eastern Region.

New Komatsu JMHV470 Rock Breaker recently delivered to Roadstone by McHale plant sales Ltd.

Mark Flynn with the new SK17SR for P Flynn Construction, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway from McSharry TRACK.

New Chemical Spec Komatsu WA320-8 delivered to Gouldings by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

Hitachi ZX145W-6 - Cowman Civil Engineering, Royal Oak sold by TBF Construction Machinery.jpg

CP Hire starting 2022 off well with a another load of new Manitou equipment. Pictured is a new Manitou 200 ATJ Ariel platform and 3 x Manitou MI30d forklifts.

Hitachi ZX135US-7 - VBCL Ltd, Newtown sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

SK10SR cw Servo Controls to Rothwell Construction, Co. Meath from McSharry TRACK.

A new Giant G3500z for D&S McMurran from Ballyward Plant Services.

plant

New Komatsu WA600-8 recently delivered to lagan Cement by Mchale Plant sales Ltd.

sales PLANT & CIVIL

HENRY ARDIS T: 028 90 721352 E: henry@4squaremedia.net

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PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

Hitachi ZX130LCN-7 - G & Orin Moynagh Plant Hire, Lisnaclay sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

BUYERS GUIDE

henry@4squaremedia.net t. 028 90 721352 COMPONENTS

ABRASION RESISTANT STEELS

World’s No 1 Wear Plate

400, 450 500 & 600 Brinell Hardness Under Water Plasma Cutting Heavy Duty Bending Equipment CNC Profiling Service

33 Lindesayville Road, Cookstown BT80 8UH Tel: 028 8676 3684 Fax: 028 8676 6144 E-mail: sales@bruce-eng.co.uk www.bruce-eng.co.uk www.hardoxireland.com

VACUUM

EXCAVATION

Directional Drilling & Vacuum Excavator For Hire

Directional Drilling & Vaccuum Excavator for Hire

Vacuum excavation is the safest method of excavation around multiple utilities in congested city locations eg electric cables, gas and water mains, telecom and sewers.

Gerald: (ROI) 00 353 87689 7908 (NI) 07823 526240 Conor: (UK) 07967 445556 Office: (UK) 028 3751 1911

WE COVER IRELAND & THE UK AT COMPETITIVE RATES

info@gmacutilities.com

www.gmacutilities.com

HIRE

AUTO ELECTRICS

Tel: 028 9262 1911 Fax: 028 9262 1912 Mob: 07850 621911 CAB GUARDS

CAB GUARDS BEAT THE VANDALS! We make alloy cab guards for any machine, excavators, handlers etc. and fit them on site.

FARLOW ENGINEERING

39 Ballynameen Road, Garvagh, Coleraine, Co L/derry BT51 5PN Tel: 028 2955 8330 (2 lines) Fax: 028 2955 7081 FACILITIES

HIRE

Plant & Design

ENGINEERING

...the alternative

Manufacturer of Sand, Gravel & Quarry Plant, Structural Steelwork & General Engineering

KELLYS Point Hire

HIRE | HARDWARE | BUILDING SUPPLIES | GARAGE SERVICES

T: (0044) (0) 28 4177 3674 F: (0044) (0) 28 4175 9260

224 Ballygawley Road, Dungannon, Co.Tyrone

Contact Billy McClean

T. 028 8772 5765 M. 0785 0866793 www.plantanddesign-eng.com

Kellys, Milltown East Industrial Estate, Upper Dromore Road, Warrenpoint, Newry, County Down, BT34 3PN

www.kellys-group.com

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

107

BUYERS GUIDE

Find what your looking for...

HOSES & HYDRAULIC SERVICES

HOSES & HYDRAULIC SERVICES

Pioneer 25 years: electricity, high pressure water, compressed air, magnet, vibration, etc. powerfully and reliably to all machines/hundreds of works. World’s best power-to-size ratio without extra engines – zero emission.

HIGH PRESSURE WASHER Power washing, street-, pipelineand bin cleaning, dust suppression, water cutting...

Onsite Hydraulic Hose Replacement

Sealed to IP67 rating against water ingress Ideal for off-highway cabless applications

24 hours a day 7 days a week Anytime, Anywhere.

ETA… 1 Hour

Moreway LTD - Dynaset Dealer for Ireland Email - info@dynaset.ie

Website: www.dynaset.ie

SPECIALISTS IN COMPLETE Phone 00353 (0) 86 152 8237 Phone 00353 (0) 1 5332875 STEERING ASSEMBLIES HOSES & HYDRAULIC SERVICES • • • • •

Hydraulic orbital steering unit Steering column Steering wheel Electrical Sealed forward reverse shifter to IP67 rating ingress Electrical against turnwater signal indicator

LoSi Ltd. PO Box 1214, Kings Lynn, PE30 9EH T: +44 (0)1553 676878 F: +44 (0)1553 639006

Ideal for off-highway cabless applications

www.pirtek.co.uk/belfast

028 9036 9522

info@losiuk.co.uk www.losiuk.co.uk

SPECIALISTS IN COMPLETE STEERING ASSEMBLIES •

Hydraulic orbital steering unit

column LoSi Ltd.•• Steering Steering wheel • Electrical forward reverse shifter PO Box 1214 Kings Lynn PE30 9EH • Electrical turn signal indicator T: +44 (0) 1553 676878 F: +44 (0) 1553 639006 info@losiuk.co.uk www.losiuk.co.uk

LoSi Ltd.

HOSES & HYDRAULIC SERVICES

EPMM ® EPM ® EPRM ® EPMS ® EPMT ® EPMV ® ELB ® are registered trademarks by LöSi

EPMM ® EPM ® EPRM ® EPMS ® EPMT ® EPMV ® ELB ® are

PO Box 1214 Kings Lynn PE30 9EH HOSES & HYDRAULIC SERVICES T: +44 (0) 1553 676878 F: +44 (0) 1553 639006 info@losiuk.co.uk www.losiuk.co.uk

registered trademarks by LöSi

HOSES • FITTINGS • ADAPTORS • HAMMERS

www.nihoses.com

24/7 ONSITE EMERGENCY HYDRAULIC HOSE REPAIR NORTHERN IRELAND

Hose Tec are suppliers and distributors of Industrial and Hydraulic Hose, Fittings and we offer a comprehensive range of Hydraulic Components. Full range of hydraulic and industrial hose in stock.

We manufacture all types of hydraulic hose assemblies ranging from 3/16” to 6” rubber, P.V.C and stainless-steel hose.

We offer these services from our Trade Counter in Hillsborough

• Hydraulic Hose • Agricultural Hose • Quick release Coupling • Pumps, Valves • Oil’s & Lubricants • Power Wash Hose

IRELANDS DISTRIBUTOR FOR STELCO ROCKBREAKERS

• Industrial Hose • Fittings & Adaptors • Hydraulic Filters • Seals • Hydraulic Motors • Lances & Accessories

HYDRAULIC HOSES REPLACEMENT SERVICE

CALL: 07731 576 159 or 07523 488 010 MONITORING & CONTROL EQUIPMENT

For all your hose or hydraulic needs just give us a call 028 92 682573, 07824479387, info@hosetec.co.uk

MEASUREMENT, MONITORING & CONTROL EQUIPMENT, & RDS TECHNOLOGY’S ONBOARD VEHICLE WEIGHING SYSTEM 21 Shinn Road, Newry BT34 1PE

Hose Tec Hydraulics 39 Old Coach Road Hillsborough

108

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

+353 (86) 395 7258 +44 739 363 4192 weltechrds@gmail.com

BUYERS GUIDE

henry@4squaremedia.net t. 028 90 721352 PLANT DISTRIBUTORS

SALES

Crumlin Plant Sales Ltd DISTRIBUTOR OF: Ammann rollers & compaction equipment, Ausa mini dumpers, Beton concrete vibratory equipment, Radiodetection cable and pipe detection equipment, Hycon hydraulic power packs and tools, Rotair tools and compressors, Yanmar mini excavators.

Kearns & Murtagh Ltd

90a Blackisland Road, Annaghmore, Portadown BT62 1NH

Tel. 028 3885 2540 Fax. 028 3885 2541 E: info@crumlinplantsales.co.uk PLANT HIRE

D & S CONTRACTS LIMITED Plant Hire, Civil Engineering, & Building Contractors

• Dozers & Diggers • Dumptrucks • Low Loader Hire • Driver operated Sweeper Hire • JCB 3CX

• • • • • •

CPCS/CSR Trained Drivers Excavators 1 – 45 tonne 6 – 8 Wheeled Tippers Mini Digger Hire Rockhammers Rollers

22 FORTHILL ROAD • DROMORE • CO. DOWN BT25 1RF

Tel/Fax: (028) 9269 2542 • Mob: 07860 704502 E.mail: info@dandscontracts.com

Unit 3a, Derryboy Road, Carnbane Business Park, Lisduff, Newry, Co. Down BT35 6QH

T: 028 3026 5720 M: 00353 87993 8775 E: info@kearnsmurtagh.com W: www.kearnsmurtagh.com ROCK BREAKERS

PLANT HIRE

LONG-REACH EXCAVATORS BARGES & WORKBOATS

UK mobile 07802 586366

ROI mobile 078 2127933

Fax 028 2765 7305

www.raoneillplant.com UNDERGROUND SERVICES

PLANT HIRE

Crumlin Plant Sales Ltd DirectionalDirectional Drilling & Vacuum Excavator Drilling & For Hire

Vaccuum Excavator for Hire

We specialises in • Directional Drilling • Hire of Vacuum • Excavators • Pipe Bursting

• Moling • Butt and Electro Fusion Welding • Gas and Water

WE COVER IRELAND & THE UK AT COMPETITIVE RATES

Gerald: (ROI) 00 353 87689 7908 (NI) 07823 526240 Conor: (UK) 07967 445556 Office: (UK) 028 3751 1911

info@gmacutilities.com

www.gmacutilities.com

NORTHERN IRELAND AGENT FOR RADIODETECTION CABLE AND PIPE LOCATORS AND ACCESSORIES. PEARPOINT DRAIN CAMERA EQUIPMENT. FAST LEAK DETECTION EQUIPMENT. 90a Blackisland Road, Annaghmore, Portadown BT62 1NH

Tel. 028 3885 2540 Fax. 028 3885 2541 E: info@crumlinplantsales.co.uk

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

109

BUYERS GUIDE UNDERCARRIAGES

Find what your looking for...

TRANSMISSIONS

TRANSMISSION SERVICES

Solving Undercarriage Needs

Allison Transmission SOLE DEALER for N.Ireland ALL-IRELAND DEALER FOR SPICER, CLARK-HURTH & VM ENGINES Also specialising in repair & rebuild of ZF, Clark, Twin Disc, Caterpillar. Transmissions for dump trucks, loading shovels, refuse vehicles etc. Also Detroit Diesel engines, Cummins, Caterpillar.

10 Riada Avenue, Ballymoney, BT53 7LH

Tel: 028 2766 4455 Fax: 028 2766 9444 Mobile: 07710 603000

Steel & Rubber Tracks

TRAILERS

Workshop Services +353(0)90 (0) 90 6629500 Tel:Tel:+353 6629500 Web: Web: www.mcsharrytrack.com www.mcsharrybros.com UNDERCARRIAGES

Undercarriage Ireland

TRENCHLESS INSTALLATIONS

•GUIDED AUGER BORING •ROCK DRILLING •PIPE RAMMING •DIRECTIONAL DRILLING CONTACT: Pat Dunne: + 353 87 2445335Office: + 353 41 9826904 Email: pat@dunnesdrilling.com info@dunnesdrilling.com Web: www.dunnesdrilling.com

110

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SERVICE

OVER 50 YEARS OF MOVING IRELAND

VOLVO CE

Pat O’Donnell & Co. has been supplying and distributing quality plant equipment to the island of Ireland since 1970.

We have helped dig, demolish, forest, excavate, carry, cultivate, harvest, import, export, engineer, pave, save, landscape, power, lift, load and dump all over Ireland.

Every machine we supply comes with a nationwide team Of qualified service engineers, a next-day parts delivery system and an all-island branch network.

ORDER ONLINE24/7: PATODONNELL.COM California Heights Chapelizod t:+353 1 616 1000

Cork

Sallybrook, Glanmire Co.Cork t:+353 21 482 1288

Galway

SALES & SERVICE

Portadown

Carnmore West Seagoe Industrial Area Oranmore, Co.Galway Portadown, Co. Armagh t:+353 91 790 722 t: +44 28 38 337 222

Articulated Haulers Excavators Wheel Loaders Pavers

VOLVO PENTA Engines

SENNEBOGEN Material handlers

AVANT Loaders

SERVICE AVAILABLE 364 DAYS OF THE YEAR