Hidromek’s 102B Supra Backhoe Loader

view from the cab HIDROMEK’S 102B SUPRA BACKHOE LOADER

There is a lot going for the top of the range Hidromek Supra backhoe loader, as Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes discovered when he not only took a closer look but got the view from the cab from several operators who recently put a 102B model to the test, courtesy of the Northern dealers for Hidromek machinery in the UK, Buntons.

The Turkish manufacturer’s extensive range of machines, which begins with the 62ss mini backhoe loader and stretches right up to a 50 tonne tracked excavator, is now firmly on the map in this part of the world, with sales volumes on the increase since their first appearance here just over three years ago. Among the increasingly popular backhoe loaders in the range is the 102B Supra which has been impressing operators with its excellent performing front loader and its tough and durable constructed boom. Comments David Johnstone of D.A. Johnstone Plant Hire Ltd, based at Morpeth in Northumberland: “We had known about the Hidromek brand for a while, but this is the first time we have actually put one on trial. We operate a wide variety of machines of different brands. We had the Hidromek for about a week, so we were able to really put it to the test and to be honest it is up there with the best of them, certainly in the top five,” says David. “It is strongly built, has a solid feel about it and packs plenty of power. “It performed very well on site, was good on the open road and the cab provides a comfortable and spacious working environment. The controls were well positioned and easy to operate.” He added: “We are planning to make some changes to our fleet this coming year and the Hidromek machine is well in the running as it represents really good value for money.”Andrew Conley from D. W. & E. E. Conley, a plant hire and haulage company based at Stocksfield in Northumberland,

was also equally impressed. “When we first put it on trial we were a bit wary of the machine, but once we got used to it we were quite impressed, to be honest. This was our first experience of the brand; we had seen the Hidromek at some shows in the past, but we never stopped to have a proper look, until now.” Andrew added: “Overall, the performance and handling of the Hidromek compares very favourably with other brands; we were quite impressed with it during the week and a half we had it. The hydraulics, for example, were absolutely excellent, really smooth and the cab couldn’t be faulted. “All our drivers tried it out, they found it very easy to operate and all had really good things to say about it, so we’ll certainly consider adding one to our hire fleet.”

Wrights of Crockey Hill are one of the most popular Plant Hire suppliers in York, with an extensive fleet of machines and an excellent reputation for reliability and high quality, so it was perhaps only natural they should take a look at what Hidromek had to offer. Commented Alan Wright after a week trialling the Hidromek Supra backhoe loader: “We place great emphasis on supplying what the customer demands and pride ourselves in living up to those demands over and above expectations. We looked at the Hidromek with a view to perhaps adding one to our fleet. “Both myself and my plant manager take a ‘hands on’ approach to the business and neither of us could fault the machine. It is well built, with solid components, including a Perkins engine; the cab is well insulated and quiet, with plenty of room and it performed very well on the road and on site. Like I say, a good all round machine that compared favourably to what we already have in our fleet.” Tim Garland, Managing Director of Elvinton Plant Hire, was similarly impressed. His company is based just outside the city of York and covers a diverse range of activities including plant and tool hire, groundwork contracting and muck shifting. “The Hidromek is a very good machine, we were very impressed with it; there is a lot to recommend it. We would certainly seriously consider adding one to our fleet for the hire side of our business,” said Tim, who spent a week working with the loader. “The cab is very comfortable, with all the controls well laid out, and its performance more than met our expectations.” Bunton’s Hidromek Sales Manager Alistair Russell is obviously delighted with the reaction from potential customers. “Everyone who has taken us up on the offer of a demonstration model to test it out for themselves in real working conditions has been very positive in their responses; people do appreciate what the Hidromek brand is all