Vehicles & Machines

Boris Johnson pictured with JCB chairman Lord Bamford at JCB India’s new £100m factory in Gujurat

UK prime minister Boris Johnson took time on his trip to India last week to conduct the official opening of JCB’s newest factory.

The new factory in India, in Vadodara near the Gujarat port of Surat on the west coast of India, represents a £100m investment for JCB. It will make parts for global production lines.

JCB first began manufacturing in India in 1979 and is now the country’s leading producer of construction equipment. India has been JCB’s biggest market every year since 2007 and one in two of every construction machine sold in India today is made by JCB. JCB now has six factories in India at locations including Jaipur and Pune. The new facility, which is on a 47-acre site, will be capable of processing 85,000 tonnes of steel a year. JCB chairman Lord Bamford said: “In its first year of full production, JCB India manufactured just 39 machines and by next year will have made a total of half a million. This country is now a major engineering power and being here has transformed our business. It has been a fabulous success, with so much more potential for growth. Such progress has only been possible by continued investment and the opening of our new Gujarat facility is an important step in growing our business here and around the world.”

JCB India chief executive Deepak Shetty said: “This new facility will create around 1,200 direct jobs when complete and thousands more in the supply chain. It will also be a benchmark in the industry on gender diversity and modern technologies in laser cutting, welding and machining. Vadodara is a strategic location for JCB India given its proximity to ports and availability of raw materials and skilled talent. We would like to thank the government of Gujarat for its phenomenal support with this project.”

Mecalac set to bring ‘bags of innovation’ to Hillhead 2022

Mecalac Construction Equipment UK will showcase the latest models from its compact portfolio at Hillhead 2022. The team will be located on stand A25 throughout the event, which takes place at the Hillhead Quarry in Derbyshire between 21-23 June.

World-renowned for its unique designs and first-to-market operator technologies, Mecalac’s innovative range sets the standards in performance and capability. A number of products will be showcased on stand, including models from its MDX cabbed site dumper portfolio, TLB backhoe loader range, MWR wheeled excavator suite, AX articulated loader and MCR crawlerskid excavator collections. The ‘rentalfavourite’ MBR-71 single drum pedestrian roller will complete the line-up. MDX – The perfect blend of safety, comfort and performance, Mecalac’s MDX cabbed site dumper range has been designed from the ground up to deliver class-leading safety credentials for construction professionals nationwide. See the latest 3.5 tonne edition making it’s Hillhead debut. TLB – Combining impressive power, efficiency and capability with heavyduty design and exceptional build quality, Mecalac’s TLB backhoe loader range guarantees the highest levels of productivity and flexibility. MWR – Agile, versatile and productive, Mecalac MWR wheel excavators blend impressive performance with compact dimensions to provide an unmatched operator solution. AX – Sleek, stylish and efficient, the Mecalac AX articulated loader range offers a reliable solution for every application. Thanks to its innovative design, the operator benefits from low running costs, ease of operation and simple maintenance. MCR – Compact, capable and highly productive, Mecalac MCR crawler-skid excavators combine the speed of a loader with the swing of an excavator to deliver a completely revolutionary operator experience. MBR – Perfectly suited to applications including highway repair, footpaths, cycle lanes, playgrounds and landscaping environments, the proven design and best-in-class manoeuvrability of Mecalac’s MBR single-drum compaction roller guarantees optimum performance for operators. Mark Royse, Head of Sales at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, commented: “As a key event in the construction calendar, we’re looking forward to showcasing our full product range with visitors to the show. It provides the perfect platform to engage with thousands of industry professionals – from plant hire firms to owner-operators. “We will have lots to share with visitors from new product showcases, finance campaigns and giveaway competitions.”

For more information about Mecalac, or the company’s innovative portfolio of compact construction equipment, visit www.mecalac.com/ en, or meet the team on stand A25 at Hillhead 2022.

First of its kind

made possible within the Bucket Bundie range.

- Diesel And AdBlue Bucket Bundie for J A Jackson

Established in 1967, J A Jackson Quarries & Recycling Ltd are a family run business who supply quarried and recycled aggregates. Providers of sustainable building materials, aggregates and ready-mix concrete, the company also provide domestic and commercial skip hire and have a fully licenced waste transfer station and facilities for inert tipping. J A Jackson operates a fleet of more than 20 tippers, artics, skip wagons and concrete mixers.

The company’s quarries in Preston,

Leyland and Lancaster are all within easy reach of the region’s motorway network making access and distribution as efficient and effective as possible.

J A Jackson have recently added the first combined Diesel / AdBlue

Bucket Bundie Fuel Bowser to their fleet provided by manufacturers,

Ace Plant.

Ace Plant, home of the ‘Bundie Bowser’ fuel storage range, are a plant hire and sales company based in Buckinghamshire who utilise their engineering roots to manufacture Fuel Storage Solutions and Dust Suppression equipment for hire and sale throughout the UK. Based on the same concept as the patented Bucket Bundie Fuel Bowser, Ace Plant’s Bucket Bundie Store was seen shortlisted in the Institute of Quarrying’s Excellence Awards in the knowledge and innovation category - a fantastic accolade for the ‘Bundie Bowser’ name.

Ace Plant have recently launched the first Bucket Bundie that is capable of carrying both Diesel and AdBlue at the same time. This capability can already be seen in Ace Plant’s static, site tow and road tow ranges but has finally been J A Jackson first found out about the Ace Plant Bucket Bundie Bowser after searching the internet about fuel bowsers. They liked the fact that the Bucket Bundie can be transported by existing site machinery without the need for a tractor. These units remove the need for lifting chains as well as the need for the operator to leave the safety of the machine’s cab to attach any chains. It features a patented bucket loading system with special slots above the support legs that allow a wheel loader operator to easily pick up and move the bowser using the machine’s front bucket. With the loader bucket crowded back, the Bucket Bundie is held securely for safe transport across rough ground – this combination works much better than a towed bowser which can be difficult to move and reverse – particularly on rough terrain. J A Jackson say that the Bucket Bundie will be a benefit to their business as the unit will result in “less risk of contamination and we no longer need to use the 5 gallon drums”. In turn, this also makes refuelling a faster and safer processes with less risk of spillage. The Bucket Bundie Bowser is available in three different capacities: 450L, 1000L & 2250L.

To find out more visit www.aceplant.co.uk or call 01908 562191.

Toupret announces all-new app

Toupret, the professional’s choice for quality fillers, has today announced the release of its very first app, designed to make the work of tradespeople across the country as easy as possible by helping them to access all the information they need when on the job.

Available on the Apple App and Google Play stores, the Toupret app is chocfull of handy tools and provides tradespeople with an easy way to find and use the best filler for their job all in one place: whether it’s comparing products, answering questions or providing the latest Toupret news and advice. It’s an invaluable first port of call for those undertaking building, construction, painting & decorating projects For the first time, a handy product quantity calculator allows users to input the size of the area they are skimming or smoothing to calculate the quantity of filler needed to complete a job. There are also several tools to help tradespeople find the best product for a task. First up, a barcode scanner which allows you to scan the pack to be taken directly to detailed product information and downloads. There’s also a selector tool on which users can enter details about their job, such as location, surface and any specific surface conditions, in order to find a shortlist of the best products to complete the task.

There is a dedicated page for every product in the Toupret professional range. From these, users can find technical information, pack formats and sizes, key product features and ‘how to guides’ for help to get the best performance from the product. Also available is a full data sheet for each product, and Q&A specific to that product.

The Toupret app also features a handy ‘compare section’, allowing users to find the product that best suits their needs by selecting and comparing side by side what each product can accomplish and key benefits, such as application and drying time.

Other features of the app include a stockist locator, contact page and advice articles, which will be updated regularly to keep tradespeople up to date with new product releases, application processes and legislation. There’s also a FAQ section offering users the ability to quickly get answers to any questions they may have. Speaking of the app launch, Mark Squire, director at Toupret stated “We’re thrilled to have launched our long-awaited Toupret app. We are confident the app provides a plethora of helpful features designed to make everyone’s life easier, from our longstanding trade partners, to those new to Toupret filler. Toupret is a trusted brand and has always championed helping its customers, no matter their experience. As such. the app has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible. We couldn’t be more proud of how it has turned out.”

To celebrate the launch of the app, until the end of July, anyone who downloads the app can enter a weekly competition to be in with a chance to win a £100 John Lewis e-Gift Card.

The Toupret app is available to download now, for additional info on the competition, or to download the app, please visit: https://www.toupret.co.uk/download-app.html

Why do hydraulic hoses fail?

Hoses can fail for many reasons, from incorrect installation to general wear-and-tear.

In busy work environments, hoses can become worn down through day-to-day use or be damaged through operator error. Products can also develop faults if they haven’t been correctly installed or maintained, such as insufficient routing or incorrect swaging risking a burst hydraulic hose.

The environment in which hoses are used can also have an impact. Externally, covers can deteriorate or become damaged due to the working environment, causing a hydraulic hose leak. Internally, tubes can degrade if there are spikes in the hydraulic system or incorrect pressures are used, or if fluids become contaminated or too hot.

Careful product selection and proper hydraulic hose assembly are essential – ensuring the best product is being applied and in the correct manner for the machinery or method in use. How can you minimise the risk of hose failure and/or prevent a burst hydraulic hose? Risks can develop through incorrect hose installation and usage, stresses in the hose environment, or user error. the hose, causing sudden ruptures or gradual wearing. Maintaining the environment surrounding a hose is important to reduce risk, preventing ruptures or abrasions. Inner tubes can crack, erode or even wash out if subjected to high velocities, contaminated fluids, or dry or aged air. Understanding the impact of internal fluids or gases and their temperatures or usage pressures will minimise risk.

User error

Hose environment

The environment in which a hydraulic hose is used and the fluids or gases running through it will also impact its longevity. External forces and internal stresses can degrade or damage How well a hydraulic hose is installed, used and maintained will hinge on the skill and understanding of operators. Ensuring workers recognise the importance of correct usage as well as the risks involved is key to minimising the likelihood of user error.

Hose installation & usage

Understanding what’s required of a hose and the stresses it will be subject to is central to reducing the risk of faults or failure. Different products have different tolerances for temperature, fluid flow, flexibility, and friction, both internally and externally. Installing and assembling hose parts correctly is also key. Correct insertion depths must be met, and hoses should be cut or swaged properly, without risk of inner tubes becoming contaminated or worn down.

Faulty hoses can cause operational, physical, and environmental hazards. Internal degradation can risk a hydraulic hose leak, where inner tube plastics wash into connecting machinery leading to costly repairs and downtime. A sudden burst hydraulic hose could cause serious injury to workers while a gradual leak risk creating a slip hazard. If hydraulic hose replacement or repair is not prioritised, potentially hazardous fluids could reach waterways, risking environmental harm, significant fines, and reputational damage.

What are the benefits?

It’s also important to recognise the many benefits of good hose installation and maintenance. Equipment which functions well improves overall productivity, delivers operational efficiencies, and ensures worker safety. Investing in the right equipment and regular maintenance will pay dividends over time.

What to do when a hose bursts/ fails (hydraulic hose repair):

Should a hose fail – whether through a leak, burst, breakage or disconnection – a partial repair or full hydraulic hose replacement may be required.

Broken or brittle inner tubes or coverings

Using a hose with greater resistance will prevent a hydraulic hose leak, as would applying a heat exchanger to manage fluid temperatures. Heat guards or shields can also protect hoses from external heat sources. A worn covering suggests changes to the external environment will prevent further damage. Protective coverings can be applied, or hose guards, shields or clamps can offer additional protection to connections.

Burst connection or covering

A burst hydraulic hose may be caused by a faulty connection or if it has been flexed too much in one spot by repeated high-pressure cycles. Understanding what depth of fitting is required and how much flexibility or friction a hose can withstand will prevent bursts or disconnections. Though there a number of factors that can cause a hydraulic hose to fail, many of the common causes are easily avoided through good product selection and proper maintenance. Investing in the right hoses and regular maintenance will reduce the risk of downtime to create long-term cost savings. Our team can advise on the best products to optimize your processes, ensure good product durability, and reduce the risk of failure.

Contact Hydroscand for more information or to find the right hydraulic hose for your application. Visit www.hydroscand.co.uk or contact us at info@hydroscand.co.uk or on 0115 978 9759

Insulation manufacturer joins with UK’s biggest brands to drive down heating costs

SuperFOIL insulation has secured deals with the UK’s biggest retailers, including Travis Perkins, Aldi, ScrewFix and Wickes, to heat homes for less.

Lincoln-based SuperFOIL Insulation is supplying 70,000m² of insulation to every one of Travis Perkins’ 48 stores across the UK, and its products will also be available at ScrewFix and Aldi as a Specialbuy.

With the energy price cap having risen by £693 and energy company bosses forecasting a further £1,000 rise from October, key retailers are stocking SuperFOIL in an effort to help customers drive down heating bills.

SuperFOIL, which employs 31 people at its headquarters in Lincoln, is supplying enough insulation to completely cover over 275 tennis courts - or 26 football pitches - to Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading builders’ merchant.

The equivalent of eighteen and a half truckloads, this deal is a major undertaking for the family-run business. Alongside this, the company has struck a £500k contract with ScrewFix and it will be featured as an Aldi SpecialBuy this coming October, with 30k rolls of insulation and a further 70k rolls of securing tape to be supplied. This will be followed with a further Specialbuy offer in January 2023 - this time for all-important pipe insulation.

Managing director of SuperFOIL Insulation, William Bown said: “At a time when energy bills are making headlines and putting millions of households under real financial strain, it makes us tremendously proud to know that we’re helping thousands of families and businesses across the nation drive down energy bills with proper insulation. Insulation really is the first line of defence against spiralling energy costs and even simple DIY improvements are a cost effective way to reduce energy use.

“With SuperFOIL insulation being stocked by so many major retailers and wholesalers, we can reach an enormous range of customers, from expert tradespeople to those who dabble in DIY.

“For a family business with just 31 people, the support of these big names is a fantastic opportunity and it’s great to have our products get the recognition they deserve, taking pride of place among some of the best-known brands in Britain.”

This month, Keith Anderson, the chief executive of Scottish Power has warned that 40% of households could be in fuel poverty this winter with analysts signalling that annual energy bills for the typical household could rise to £2,600 from October.

Among other measures to support households, the government has reduced VAT for insulation products to zero in order to help people make energy efficiency improvements to reduce costs.

The SuperFOIL range of products offer thermal resistance as well as serving as a reflective barrier, which helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The products also provide a vapour control layer or breathable membrane, further

improving thermal resistance and product lifespan. Flexible, easily installed and cut to size, SuperFOIL products are ideal for DIY consumers and professional builders.

Its products range from 3mm thick bubble foil insulation which offers core thermal resistance of 0.12-0.14 R and is available as a radiator reflector, garage door or shed insulation, through to high performance multi foil insulation which has an R Value of up to 5.22 for its 65mm product. This compares to glass wool insulation which has an R Value of 1.36 for 60mm of product. R Value is the standard industry measurement of a material’s resistance to conductive heat flow. SuperFOIL’s latest contracts follow the company’s runaway success after being featured as an Aldi Specialbuy last year. Taking pride of place in its famed ‘middle aisle’, it supplied the supermarket giant’s UK stores with 43,074 rolls of SuperFOIL Multipurpose Insulation and 9,980 rolls of SuperFOIL SF6 Multifoil Insulation.

The family-run business is also undergoing talks with Wilko, as well as finalising an upcoming in-store promotion with Wickes, one of the nation’s top home improvement retailers and garden centres. This would consist of supplying shed insulation kits consisting of three rolls of bubblefoil insulation, tape and a staple gun for just £85. To help the company meet demand, it is investing half a million pounds into its production line this year, enabling it to manufacture more insulation at its HQ in Lincoln and produce a wider range of products. To see the range of SuperFOIL products available at Travis Perkins, visit www.travisperkins.co.uk/ search/?brand=SuperFOIL. For more information on Aldi Specialbuys, visit www.aldi.co.uk/c/specialbuys or pick up a printed leaflet in store. SuperFOIL products are also available from other high street retailers including Yorkshire Trading Company, The Range and from a wide range of DIY stores and wholesalers including Wickes, Chadwicks and Builder Depot. For a full list of in-store and online retailers, visit www.superfoil.co.uk/where-to-buy/. Visit www.superfoil.co.uk for more information on SuperFOIL products.