UK Plant Operators Magazine - Issue 8 by McMoran Ltd

MAGAZINE

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The magazine specifically created for the most important people in plant - The Operators

Issue 08

THE CTA: CONSTRUCTION TRAINING MADE EASY INSIDE: Packed full of News, Products, Reviews, Events, Operator blogs & more!

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Call today on: 01767 602100 Liebherr-Great Britain Limited, Normandy Lane, Stratton Business Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8QB. www.liebherr.co.uk

Contents

8 Avant in the Pink for Charity CONNECT Alliance Launched

Construction Training Made Easy

19 - Datatag helps recover JCB 48 - AW Demolition

Hawk Partner with Prolec

CAT Celebrate 100,000 C/W Loader

14 - Liebherrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 75,000th 28 - Hill Engineering

MAGAZINE

What is a PTS Card?

54 - Operator Blog 67 - CPA News 69 - NFPEO

JPE Invest for the Future

72 MatExpo 2017

CONTACTS

EDITORS

PUBLISHER

UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6; Plant Operators 27 Wheatley Crescent Taunton, Somerset TA1 2AX

Sam Kennedy sam@ukplantoperators.com Dale Hawkins dale@ukplantoperators.com Gavin Elson gavin@ukplantoperators.com

McMoran Ltd Unit 4, The Old School Church Street, Biggleswade SG18 0JS Tel: 020 8133 3714 info@mcmoran.co.uk

ADVERTISING sam@mcmoran.co.uk

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those held by UK Plant Operators Ltd or the publishers. The publishers shall not be under any liability in respect of the contents of the contributed articles or the content of any external websites referred to in articles. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or alter articles for publication.

All material (c) McMoran Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the express permission of the publishers. The information contained in this publication is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.

UK Plant Operators & McMoran Ltd can accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, dissapointment, negligence or any other damage caused by reliance on information contained in this publication or in the event of any bankruptcy, liquidation or cessation of the trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned, is hereby excluded.

ukplantoperators.com

the editor Issue 08

MAG AZ

INE Free dig

editor’s comment

hen it comes to skills and labour, we know we are facing a shortfall if we are going to keep up with demand. While the Government is starting to address this with a push for more new apprenticeships, and as valuable as these opportunities are - they are only part of the answer.

It is good to see all the initiatives in this edition where it comes to training and upskilling the current workforce. I welcome the school’s programmes something we are passionate about at UK Plant Operators with our own backing of the OnTrack © Programme. Above all else, we need to be able to plan for the future with as much certainty as possible by anticipating future need. As an industry, we need to be proactive, not reactive, to close the skills gap, as well as the need to train a new generation of construction workers, we also need to develop the existing workforce if we are to meet the challenges coming to us, and such initiatives as simulator machine control training all help to keep the current workforce upskilled at a cost the industry can afford. This can also be done through training and apprenticeships for existing workers, but it also means supporting operatives and organisations to develop new skills. Unfortunately, we are still in a world of construction where margins are still tight and the uncertainty over Brexit means that investment decisions have to be weighed even more carefully than usual. It is therefore vital that well-planned and properly funded training programmes are crucial to the continuing success of the different sectors of our industry. We can see in this issue that companies are starting to really invest in the future with companies like the Hawk Group really setting out their stall when it comes to training operatives the way they want them. Let’s hope more and more companies follow suit and invest back into the future… .

Sam Kennedy, Editor

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UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

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This issue’s main story: Construction Training Made Easy with the CTA - See pages 42-43 Index of advertisers Liebherr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Finning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 JCB Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 NPORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Vally Plant Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ScanCert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Leica Geosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Topcon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Bobcat of London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Lighthouse Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Opti-Cal (A-Plant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Logical Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Assessor Training Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 CTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 UKPO Simulator Hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 NFPEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Marubeni Komatsu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 CTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 MPTT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 JCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

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For information about the sponsorship opportunities with UK Plant Operators magazine please contact Sam Kennedy via email at: sam@mcmoran.co.uk

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CEA Appoints First Honoury President

The CEA (Construction Equipment Association) would like to welcome David Bell, director JCB as the trade associations very first Honorary President. David joined JCB in 1974 as a graduate trainee, following an Engineering apprenticeship at Rolls Royce in Derby. During his 43-year career at JCB David has held a variety of senior roles, including managing director of JCB Sales/Service, JCB Agriculture, JCB’s Backhoe Loader and Telescopic Handler Business Units and Group HR Director. He is also a seasoned traveler and lived and worked in North America for three years. Another string to David’s bow is the JCB Academy, where he has been involved since its conception and currently holds the position as chairman of governors. In 2010, David became JCB’s chief corporate development officer focusing on growth in Brazil, China and latterly in Jaipur India.

He was Regional Chairman for the CBI in the East Midlands, and has recently stepped down as a National Apprentice Ambassador. On his new role at the CEA, David said, "The construction equipment industry is vitally important to the UK economy and I strongly believe it has a very bright future. The CEA is the voice of our industry and having spent my entire working life over 40 years working in different roles at JCB, I have a good understanding of the issues that everyone is facing. I'm really looking forward to championing the interests of the industry on behalf of the CEA at the highest level." Rob Oliver CEA chief executive said, “David has been a well-known leader in the construction equipment industry for

many years. His scope of experience and continuing enthusiasm for our sector is outstanding. I am thrilled that he has agreed to be our figurehead as our first ever Honorary President. We very much look forward to working with him.”

Have a news story you want published? Send it to sam@mcmoran.co.uk

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Powered Access Boom Reaches Dizzying Heights For A-Plant A-Plant, the UK’s biggest plant, tool and equipment hire company has invested a further £14million into expanding and renewing its powered access fleet. A-Plant’s investment in the latest generation of booms and scissors further cements its position as being one of the largest suppliers of powered access equipment in the UK. The company has customers from various sectors including construction, engineering, events, manufacturing and others. The machinery is used for a wide range of jobs including roofing, renovations, the removal of scaffolding and cladding from buildings, as well as for general facilities management. This summer’s purchasing spree with leading suppliers, includes JLG, Nifty Lift and Skyjack and is part of an overall £150m spend in new equipment across APlant’s product portfolio. Heading up the powered access drive is Business Development Director, Metro Werezak, who says stricter safety regulations has led to a growing demand for high-quality powered access equipment. Mr Werezak said: "The latest government figures show that last year alone over a quarter of all fatal injuries in the workplace were caused by people falling from

height and half those were in the construction sector. “Here at A-Plant, we invest heavily in equipment, such as powered access, which significantly improves safety standards on work sites as opposed to scaffolding for example.” The latest investment has seen A-Plant take delivery of 800 pieces of new equipment, a substantial addition to its extensive portfolio of powered access machines.

Leading Equipment Manufacturer Liebherr Is The Latest Brand To Adopt The Official CEA Security Marking Scheme - CESAR Liebherr, a German company with a widespread international presence, is best known for its range of tower cranes but its product portfolio also includes a broad range of earthmoving and materials handling equipment including tracked and wheeled excavators, wheeled loaders, crawler tractors, crawler loaders, telescopic handlers and large dump trucks. CESAR will be fitted to all Liebherr’s mobile equipment from August of this year and fitted on the production lines in their factories. In the UK Liebherr operates its own distribution company, Liebherr-Great Britain Ltd, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. Liebherr GB now sells and supports the full range of construction and material handling equipment and operates

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an equipment rental service, LiebherrRental Ltd, which was founded in 2007. CESAR, the most successful scheme of its type in the world, celebrated its 10th anniversary at Plantworx in June and now protects over 250,000 pieces of construction, agricultural and industrial equipment worth in excess of £15b. CESAR acts as both a deterrent to theft and an invaluable aid to recovery as each piece of equipment is given a unique ‘fingerprint’, using several layers of Datatag security marking technology that thieves cannot remove. CESAR has contributed to a 70%+ fall in equipment theft in the UK since its launch however, professional and opportunistic thieves still steal nearly 3,000 machines a year in the UK and cost the industry over £100m p.a.

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Ten New Hyundai Machines are Paving the Way for New Homes in London with ODG and Galldris Construction A host of new Hyundai excavators are helping pave the way for new homes in London with Enfield based firm ODG Plant. ODG Plant Hire. “We want them to be conHyundai’s have come a long way since the centrating on their work and not distracted first 14tonner we had. We have stuck with by anything else. However, safety and limitthem because the machines have been well ing our negative impact on the environment backed up by both Molson and Hyundai is very important to us as a company and Molthemselves.” son reassured us that the adding of AdBlue Craig added, “We have a mix of machines. really is a very straightforward process.” Our fleet isn’t 100% Hyundai but we have One of the reasons the ODG team took the been more than happy with the machines we HX145LCR excavators is because of the zerohave had. It’s because of Molson that we keep tail swing they offer. Not only is this feature going back to Hyundai. The amount of effort a H&S bonus but it is also beneficial for onthe Molson team put in to make the deal site productivity, enabling larger, more powwork is rearkable. They know what they are erful machines to work in tighter spaces – talking about, they understand the machines. ODG Plant is the plant-hire arm of multiessential on compact inner-city projects. They help make life easy for us which in turn discipline construction company Galldris “The ODG team like the zero tail-swing of helps us in our work.” Construction, which is working on the masthe HX145LCR’s. They are compact, powerAnd that work could see the ODG Plant sive redevelopment project, centred around ful excavators. Perfect for the work that team move from being an in-house hirer to Silvertown on the north bank of the River Galldris Construction has lined up for them,” hiring out to other contractors. Thames in East London. says Stuart. “It is something we are looking at. We have Here plans are underway to create a new With an operational weight of 15.16tonnes a large fleet that we could hire out to other riverside community on former industrial the HX145LCR is powered by a Perkins contractors. We have hundreds of machines. land, which overlooks the Thames Barrier and 1204F direct injection Tier 4 air cooled enEverything from 23tonne down to 1.5tonne is close to Canary Wharf and London City gine which delivers a maximum torque of excavators as well as rollers, dumpers and Airport - Galldris Construction has taken a 54Kgf.m at 1400rpm. They have a height of most other pieces of equipment. We have slice of the work. 3.25m, are 2.5m wide with a tail swing rabeen solely focussed on hiring to Galldris ODG Plant is a longstanding Molson cusdius of 1.5m. They boast a maximum dig Construction and, although that will remain tomer – the company has recently updated its reach with a 1.9m arm of 7.73m, a dig depth key, we may be looking at the opportunity to fleet with the introduction of several new exof 4.89m and a maximum dig height of start hiring some of our equipment out to the cavators from Hyundai, in a deal brokered by 8.84m. Minimum ground clearance is wider market,” concluded Craig. Molson area sales manager Stuart Butler. 440mm. “We have developed a working strong reThe company has taken five Hyundai The HX220L crawler is one of the larger lationship with ODG Plant.” Said Stuart. HX145LCR and five HX220L crawlers as it machines on the ODG Plant fleet. With an “We look forward to that relationship conlooks to revamp its existing fleet of machines. operating weight of 22.1tonnes it is powered tinuing into the future as the business develThe latest additions are fully compliant by a Cummins QSB6.7 turbo charged Tier 4 ops.” with the latest and future emission requireair cooled diesel engine that delivers a maximents for working in the capital with the admum torque of 85/7Kgf.m at 1500rpm. It’s dition of AdBlue. 3.2m high with and overall length of 9.53m Initially the firm was reluctant to take the and 2.99m wide and has a tail swing radius of machines where AdBlue was a requirement 2.84m. With the 2m arm its maximum dig but after reassurance from Stuart over the simreach measures 9.14m with a dig depth of plicity of its use the ODG team were happy to 5.82m. Maximum dig height is also 9.14m go with the latest Stage-4 compliant HX sewhile minimum ground clearance is 480mm. ries of excavators. Craig is happy with the performance of “We like to keep things simple and adding both the Hyundai excavators and the post AdBlue is just another thing for our operators sales back-up and servicing he has received to remember.” said Craig Brown, manager at from the Molson team. He said, “The

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Avant in the Pink for Charity

Hampshire based plant and machinery dealers BPMS Ltd. have produced the world’s first pink Avant 635 compact wheeled loader, which will be the focal point of a fund raising charity campaign for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Construction equipment sales show 6% growth in the first half of 2017

The stunning looking machine has been on display at all the local shows that BPMS Ltd attended this summer and in addition, at each show the company has been holding raffles in which visitors to the BPMS Ltd stand will be able to win an exact replica scale model of the pink Avant 635. These scale models are also available to but on their website. When the pink machines tour of the local shows is complete, it will be sold to the highest bidder in November, with all proceeds from the sale of the machine and the replica models being split between these two very worthy charities. BPMS Ltd have also setting up a Pink & Tough page on their website, which will be dedicated to the pink Avant 635. Through this page people will be able to register their interest in the machine and to place a bid for it online as well as purchase the scale model. The machine made its first public debut recently at the Royal Isle Of Wight County Show, but you may have caught up with this special compact loader at events such as Ellingham and Ringwood Show, Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show, Royal Coun-

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

try Berkshire Show and Wiltshire Game and Country Show, to name a few. Commenting on this charity fundraising initiative BPMS Ltd Directors Claire Smith and Sam Edwards said, "We have all been touched by cancer in some way and we wanted to raise money for both of these very worthwhile charities in our own special way, by producing this amazing pink Avant!" Under its stunning pink plumage the machine features all the benefits of a standard Finnish built Avant 635 model. Powered by the well proven 37.5hp Kubota engine, the machine has a lift capacity of 1100kgs and a maximum lift height 2.8m, with a top speed of 14km/h. Terminal illness and cancer affects all of us at some point in our lives, but fundraising for these charities can and does make a real difference to people’s lives. BPMS Ltd. are hoping to make a real difference to somebody’s life with this pink machine campaign, which we are confident you will all get behind. BPMS Ltd would like to thank their staff, Avant Tecno UK and all the suppliers that have helped us to make this idea possible!

In the first 6 months of 2017, sales of construction and earthmoving equipment showed a 6% increase compared with the same period in 2016. Sales in the first quarter showed an 8% increase on the previous year, but slowed to 4% in the second quarter, in terms of a year-on-year comparison. Equipment sales in the UK market have shown a distinctive seasonal pattern in the last few years, “peaking” in Q2, and then “bottoming” in Q4. (The graph below illustrates sales on an index basis using Q1 2016 as 100). Confidence within the equipment supply chain remains positive this year, particularly within the rental sector, which is estimated to account for over 60% of supply to the UK market. Growing demand from major infrastructure projects and a buoyant housing market have underpinned demand in the first half of the year. Positive sentiment within the industry was demonstrated at the Plantworx exhibition held at Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire in June, which is held every 2 years, and attracted a record number of exhibitors. Equipment sales within the UK market have been relatively strong since 2014, with levels of sales in the last 3 years at their highest since the market crash in 2008. The most popular machine types in the UK are mini and crawler excavators, which find significant usage in the house building market, and account for over half of total equipment sales. In 2017, the construction equipment statistics exchange has been taken over by Systematics International Ltd., a specialist data processing company. The scheme is run in partnership with the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), the UK trade association. This partnership will allow regular quarterly bulletins to be issued on equipment sales in the UK market for the first time.

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Rocket Rentals boosts its Kubota fleet in significant new deal

Rocket Rentals has agreed a deal with Chepstow Construction Equipment, a reputable dealer and supplier of Kubota equipment, for the addition of 29 new excavators, to bring its Kubota fleet to over 70 machines.

Rocket Rentals is a family run business that offers plant hire in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire, with a focus on buying machines that provide safety, security and ease of operation. The recent deal will see CCE supply Rocket Rentals with numerous models from 2.5 to 8 tonne including U27-4, U55-4, KX057-4 and KX080-4a. The KX and U excavator series from Kubota are some of the most reliable and durable machines on the market to date, utilizing Kubota’s latest innovative inhouse engine technology designed to offer maximum fuel efficiency, minimal noise and vibration, as well as low emission levels to meet current regulations. Ian Whiting from Chepstow Construction Equipment managed the deal. He commented: “We’ve got a very strong working relationship with Kubota and Rocket Rentals, so it was great to oversee the new deal which bolsters the company’s Kubota fleet to over 70 machines. The performance of the KX and U excavators are second to none and will no doubt add value

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

to the success of the plant hire company.” Simon Tomblin, Managing Director at Rocket Rentals, added: “The decision to purchase additional Kubota equipment was a result of experiencing an increase in demand for the hire of the excavators. Our aim is to provide our customers with the best machinery possible in the construction industry and we feel confident that the reliability and performance of the Kubota’s allows us to continue offering this service. “We maintain a great relationship with CCE and it’s being further enhanced by not only the industry leading solutions and aftersales service Kubota UK is providing, but the residual value of the machinery they provide is also a huge benefit to our business.” For more information on Kubota and its service solutions for the construction groundcare and agriculture sectors visit www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 268000. Alternatively, follow Kubota on Twitter (@KubotaUK) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/KubotaUK).

Top shots raise £640 at LiuGong - CPM Sales Clay Shoot Lighthouse Day The sun was shining down on the competitors at the LiuGong’s / CPM Sales inaugural Clay Shoot. The event was held at High Lodge in Darsham, Suffolk, which is owned by John Bidwell, 10 times Clay world champion. The day started with bacon rolls and tea, ready for a 10am start. Competitors then had the opportunity to shoot either 50 or 100 clays before the infamous High Lodge carvery. In the afternoon, there was prizegiving along with a charity auction and then John demonstrated his shooting prowess, by shooting from the hip in a display for the guests. Trucks R Us provided a LiuGong 924E for static display. Everyone had a great time and with donations on the day, the total amount raised was £600. The day was such a success that next year’s event is already being planned!

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LPM Plant Hire & Sales Ltd steps up a gear with larger Volvo excavators LPM Plant Hire & Sales Ltd of Boughton, Nottinghamshire, has opted for seven new Volvo excavators for the first time for its extensive hire fleet

The package of machines includes five reduced-swing ECR145E crawler excavators – one complete with optional dozer blade and two larger twenty-two tonne EC220E excavators. Whilst no strangers to owning and operating Volvo compact excavators thanks to an excellent relationship with SMT GB’s utility dealer Rickmar Plant Sales Ltd, this is the very first time LPM has taken the decision to purchase larger, general-purpose Volvo excavators for its plant fleet. “We’ve been particularly impressed with the build quality, performance and stability of the initial ECR145E we’ve just taken delivery of and it’s certainly lived up to our expectations,” says LPM director, Colin Clark. “Already we’re getting good customer feedback endorsing the brand and reputation of the Volvo product and we are expecting much of the same with the remaining 145s and EC220s,” he adds. LPM Plant Hire & Sales Ltd has taken just nine years from starting out as a ‘oneman band’ dealing in lawn mowers to become one of Nottinghamshire’s largest independent plant hire companies. “Since

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

it was founded, we got into buying and selling smaller equipment such as compact excavators and rollers which then very soon got us into hiring the equipment too in 2012,” comments company director, Nick Langford. “Since then, we’ve expanded our product offering substantially to include a full range of micro and mini excavators, larger excavators up to 25 tonnes, a full range of dumpers up to 10 tonnes, skid steer loaders, rollers and tele-handlers ranging from 4 to 14 metres in reach,” he says. Having a quick inventory tally, the total LPM fleet consists of some 100 site dumpers, 85 micro and mini excavators, 25 telehandlers and 40 larger general purpose excavators, which are now joined by this latest batch of seven Volvo excavators. The entire fleet is available for anything from a one-day hire to a five-year hire contract and offered on a self-drive hire basis. The company has recently enhanced its hire portfolio with the addition of welfare units. “Our aim is to run the new machines in our hire fleet for roughly three years,” explains Colin Clark. “We would then pass

them to our sales division for disposal and again, another sound reason for opting for the Volvo equipment is their solid reputation for strong residual values.” LPM Plant Hire & Sales Ltd has its headquarters located at Boughton, near Ollerton, in Nottinghamshire and covers Lincolnshire, Notts and South Yorkshire in the main, but will follow its core customers’ requirements nationwide when the need arises. The company has a busy hire team of six, back-office staff, workshop and mobile engineers to support this growing concern.

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DSM take delivery of huge bespoke CAT 6015b demolition spec excavator in UK first collaboration Leading demolition specialist DSM has collaborated with Caterpillar dealer Finning UK & Ireland,Cat OEM Solutions and bespoke excavator specialist Kocurek, to create the highest and most versatile, high reach excavator in the UK, topping out at 70 metres.

Designed to allow for three very different machine configurations, the powerful demolition spec Cat 6015B boasts unrivalled tool carrying capability. In its 70 metre configuration, it weighs 225 tonnes, including an attachment weighing up to 2,500kg’s By reducing the boom size, it can operate a 7,000kg attachment at up to 38 metres, at the same weight, with its final 32 metre configuration allowing the 230 tonne unit to use a 12,000kg attachment. This has all been made possible due to extensive design changes and bespoke engineered components. These included lengthened track frames, the addition of a hydraulically extending undercarriage and the modification to four hoist cylinders. To turn the machine into a typical demolition specification, a tilting cab with complete FOPS guarding has been added, with full machine walkways for access and safety. The additional of a counterweight, including a bespoke removal mechanism to allow it to be stored onto the trailer, completes the main machine changes. But in order to carry out its operations, bespoke booms were designed to support

the three different configurations. By having an interchangeable combination, including intermediate booms, dippers and triple articulating booms, each configuration could be setup onsite by the team from the trailer. For DSM Director Des Kelly, a major investment in time and resources was required to make the project happen, as he explained: “This project is what true industry collaboration is all about. What we really wanted was to create a step change for the industry. So our vision was to invest in a much more versatile machine, that

could cope with both high reach demolition and very heavy duty hammer or processor work, to speed up the clearance of a site for our customers. “So in practical terms, what we now have is a machine that has safety and versatility built into its design. This allows us to sit one unit on a project that can take down a high structure, reconfigure itself once the high rise work is done to speed up the demolition process and reconfigure itself again to complete the below the ground works using heavy duty hammers. “Commercially the whole project really stacked up for us. Because we co-ordinated and agree a project cost and timeline with Paul Edwards from Finning, we could engage with Cat OEM solutions and Kocurek to make the vision a reality. “It was definitely not a simple task, as many hours were put into delivering the final product, but now we have tested the unit out demolishing the White Hart Lane stadium, we can see just what a difference it will make to the business and our customers. “With the backup and service capabilities of both Finning and Kocurek supporting us, I am confident we will be able to safely speed up the demolition process for projects up and down the country. All with the end goal of getting our customers onsite faster.” For the complete specification of the DSM Cat 6015 visit www.finning.com

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Anniversary: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH celebrates its 75,000th excavator

The 75,000th excavator at Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH, the founding plant of the Liebherr Group, has been delivered. This is a good reason for the company and its around 1,700 employees to celebrate. The anniversary machine was unveiled to the staff during a celebratory event in the production plant. The A 918 Compact Litronic wheeled excavator received a special graffiti design by Claudia Walde, aka MadC, one of the world's most well-known graffiti artists. The compact wheeled excavator will join the fleet of Liebherr Rental Services. The properties of the A 918 Compact Litronic still correspond to the original requirements of the company's founder Dr.Ing. E.h. Hans Liebherr for a mobile, robust and ergonomic earthmoving machine with high availability. Liebherr wheeled excavators are known all over the world for their efficiency, flexibility and performance because they combine modern technology with many years of experience in the development and production of construction machines. This linking of tradition and innovation is decisive for the success of the company. The key developments in the history of

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Liebherr wheeled excavators Back in 1954 Hans Liebherr laid the foundation for a new type of machine with his first L 300 wheeled excavator which to this day is still among the best in the world. With its six wheels the lightweight (7.5 tonnes) and very powerful (25 hp) L 300 was the first hydraulic excavator in Europe. Other aspects of its design were also unique: The operator's cab, the boom, as well as the combined face shovel/backhoe bucket, appeared for the first time on a construction machine. The slewing ring was developed and produced in-house. However, the drive of this machine was

still mechanical. The new concept quickly convinced a large number of construction companies and around 110 machines were already delivered in the first three years. Another big innovation followed a short time later. The A 650 wheeled excavator was the first fully hydraulic wheeled excavator from Liebherr in 1960. In addition to the hydraulic equipment, it also had a hydraulic drive. With its operating weight of 16 tonnes the machine had a power rating of 60 hp, thus representing an important milestone in the history of the wheeled excavator. Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH also

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has another anniversary to celebrate this year. In 1967 Liebherr developed a socalled railroader, the A 400 ZW, for use on railway tracks. It is a special version of the wheeled excavator which can be used on rails or on the road. For over 50 years now the company has been successfully offering railroaders in its range of products and it quickly gained market leadership in this segment in Germany. From the outset it was important to Hans Liebherr to develop and produce key technologies in-house. This became especially clear in 1983 with the A 912 wheeled excavator. Its diesel engine, hydraulic pump, swivelling drive together with planetary gearbox, excavator axles as well as gearbox and transfer box in the undercarriage were all now manufactured inhouse. In 1989 the Litronic followed as another innovation highlight from Liebherr. The Litronic is a complete system of intelligent electronics and functional hydraulics for monitoring, controlling and coordinating all key systems of the excavator. This sys-

tem was used for the first time in the A 912 Litronic and also continues to optimise the efficiency of every Liebherr construction machine in its modified form today. The perfect interaction of machine and tool attachment plays a decisive role for successful deployment on site. This is why Liebherr also invested in this area and in 2001 was able to present its fully automatic quick coupler system LIKUFIX. With LIKUFIX the machine operator can change all mechanical and hydraulic tool attachments at the touch of a button from the cab as well as adjust the hydraulic pressures and volumes. Further developments are continually being added in all areas in line with the motto "Standing still is a step backwards". Since the beginning of the 2000s the innovations have been shaped by the topic of efficiency as well as the vision of the digital construction site. Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the cradle of the group In 1949 Hans Liebherr founded the

company in Kirchdorf an der Iller in south Germany on the basis of his parent's construction business. The first few decades of the plant were marked by many forwardlooking new developments which formed the basis of Liebherr's success story. The many products which originated from the Liebherr plant in Kirchdorf and are now further developed and produced at other production plants of the company prove the high innovative strength of the location. Today Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ultramodern hydraulic excavators. The company also develops and manufactures an extensive range of material handlers and articulated dump trucks. The high performing machines are well established in a diverse range of applications for many areas of industry and are deployed all over the world.

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CONNECT alliance launched in 'spirit of collaboration' for HS2

"How can we do things differently?"

That was the challenge laid down to the construction industry by HS2 Ltd and embraced at the launch of the CONNECT Alliance - a collaboration of companies seeking to support the delivery of one of the most exciting transport mega-projects in Europe. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, was among the special guests invited to formally launch the alliance of industry leading companies and world-class manufacturers focused on delivering value, innovation and sustainability. Led by A-Plant, L Lynch, P Flannery Plant Hire and Fortel, the alliance of ten equipment and people providers offers the option of an integrated 'one stop shop' with a menu of services and an impressive portfolio of manufacturer-suppliers for HS2 and its contractors It has also been designed to embrace innovation by creating opportunities for

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SMEs and niche, specialist regional businesses to get involved and work collaboratively. CONNECT was launched at the Innovation Birmingham digital campus with high profile speakers including Tim Burnhope, Chief Innovation Officer at JCB, Craig Wakeman from the West Midlands Combined Authority as well as Clair Mowbray, Chief Executive of the National College for High Speed Rail and James Baker from the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester. As well as workshops and speakers, the event featured an on-site hire plant and equipment compound specifically designed to suit the needs of HS2 and showcase the capabilities of the alliance. The compound featured world-class equipment including JCB's new high visibility, safer dumper prototype and a Hydrema, which offers an alternative to

forward tipping dumpers. There was also solar powered lighting which can be controlled remotely, biometric security, electric loaders, the Haggland 'go anywhere' service vehicle for transporting equipment to 'difficult to access areas' and hybrid low-noise, low-emission powered access machines. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, called on the construction industry to think creatively and said it was an exciting time that called for a 'spirit of collaboration' within the construction sector. "HS2 is a opportunity to build something genuinely world class. "With ÂŁ900m of contracts for enabling works being awarded, now is a very exciting time for suppliers to go forward confidently and bid for work. It is a huge opportunity to think creatively and ask ourselves, how can we do things differ-

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ently?" Dave Harris, Commercial Director at APlant, said: "CONNECT is a collaborative group of like-minded companies offering a broad range of services and solutions to HS2 and its contractors. "We have come together across traditionally distinct categories of plant equipment, labour, training and operated and non-operated plant solutions, offering an integrated innovative supply chain. "HS2 has been coined the 'industrial revolution of the 21st century' and together as CONNECT our strategic goals are closely aligned with its vision as a catalyst for growth across Britain. This really is an opportunity to revolutionise the construction industry, share best practise and expertise." Mr Harris added: "The challenges for HS2 are labour supply, labour skills, equipment innovation and safer, environmentally and community conscious equipment specifications. The CONNECT alliance is confident that together we will be able to meet these challenges, providing everything required across the categories of plant and skilled people.

"The launch has been an opportunity to raise awareness about CONNECT and gather feedback as well as planting the seed for long-term commitment and collaboration within the construction industry." Tim Burnhope, Chief Innovation Officer at JCB, compared HS2 to other disruptive innovations such as the smart phone. "Disruptive innovations are revolutionary products and services that really change everything. HS2 will also change every-

thing from how people are transported and live and work across the country to the world of engineering, how industry collaborates and how construction equipment is made." Roger Garnham, Major Accounts Manager for Flannery Plant, said: "The CONNECT Alliance is game changing in its approach to a major infrastructure project - it's an opportunity for businesses to collaborate and offer our services and skills as part of a package for HS2."

The combined capabilities of the CONNECT alliance feature: * * * * * *

£1.82bn annual turnover £1.49bn worth of fleet 23,700 number of direct employees 494 UK locations £256m investments annually 600 apprentices

NPORS is Celebrating Supporting Industry for 25 years 1992 – 2017 Established in 1992 NPORS is now one of the leading Construction Plant Operator Registration Schemes in the UK. Working to demonstrable national standards NPORS is recognised by Build UK as an accepted card scheme in the construction sector and as such has become a CSCS Partner Card Scheme. Covering all industry sectors including construction, industrial, port and marine, utilities, oil, agriculture and gas NPORS is able to offer employers flexibility whilst maintaining standards and very importantly offers employers a credible choice when deciding which card or certification they wish their employees to hold.

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regulations, greater traceability and visibility in auditing are required.

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Datatag aids recovery of stolen JCB

On the 24th July 2017 a West Midlands based hire company hired out a JCB 8030 excavator to a local business who were later found to be ‘bogus’ and quickly disappeared without trace, taking the JCB and other goods obtained through fraudulent hire with them. Once the hire company realised what had happened they quickly reported the crime to Action fraud. The Official CESAR Scheme is owned A search was launched and the machine by the Construction Equipment Associawas soon located in the Hatfield area of tion (CEA) and is made up of state of the Hertfordshire. The local police were inart Datatag technology which provides formed and they quickly obtained a search each piece of equipment a multi-layered warrant for the premises. ‘fingerprint’ that thieves cannot fully reThings weren’t that simple however and move. This includes triangular ID plates before they could act they discovered that with a unique registration number, RFID the machine had been moved to another loScan Here to Download our Datatags, Datatdots® and forensic DNA. cation in Radlett. The excavator was found Media Pack Datatag operate a 24x7 call centre to supin use at a property on the 10th August. port the security marking and registration Police officers from Hertfordshire conscheme, which the police and other law enstabulary attended the address and found forcement agencies can use to establish the that the identity of the machine had been identity and ownership of CESAR regisaltered and some CESAR markings retered equipment. CESAR which celebrated moved. Fortunately the officers who atits tenth birthday in June now protects tended the address had recently attended a over 250,000 pieces of equipment and the training day organised by The Plant and risk of theft for CESAR registered maAgricultural Intelligence Unit (PANIU). chines is around ten times less than that The specially organised police training for unregistered equipment. event was supported by Datatag ID, the Thanks to CESAR and the PANIU potechnology provider to the official CESAR lice training four people were arrested inScheme. With the knowledge the officers Email us: cluding the owner of the company doing had obtained about CESAR they were able the work. The £21,000 machine was reto confirm the identity of the stolen mainfo@ukplantoperators.com turned back to its rightful owner with furchine by the remaining CESAR markings. ther enquiries continuing.

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YOU CAN’T SEE EVERYTHING BUT HYUNDAI’S 360° SAFETY SYSTEM CAN

THE NEW HYUNDAI 360° SAFETY FEATURE The new range of Hyundai excavators include an optional new state-of the-art Advanced Around View Monitoring (AAVM) Camera System, which offers the ultimate in safety for operators and site personnel. This unique technology allows the operator to secure a field of vision in all directions around his/her machine and informs you of nearby people or dangerous objects. It makes the new range of Hyundai excavators the safest excavators to operate on any jobsite. This system is exclusive to Hyundai. For more information, please find your nearest Hyundai dealer at www.hyundai.eu

www.hyundai.eu

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Lister Wilder supply pivotal in Standard Plant Kubota deal

Standard Plant Hire, one of the leading construction plant hire specialists in the South East, has pinpointed Lister Wilder’s ability to meet the machinery demand of its customers quickly and efficiently as one of the key factors behind the purchase of 70 new Kubota excavators this year, expanding its Kubota fleet to 240 machines. Michael Flemming, Director of Standard Plant Hire, stated: “There has been a lot of investment in new housing projects across the South East recently that has seen the demand for reliable construction equipment continue to grow. “A lot of our business operates in the utility sector, so with thousands of new homes planned for construction that need electric and gas supply lines installed, it’s vitally important that not only can we provide equipment that is up to the task, but

also as and when our customers need it.” Based in Croydon, Standard Plant Hire has been operating since 2009, providing construction equipment to a range of customers from small scale local builders to those working on high profile commercial contracts. Michael continued: “The Kubota KX and U excavator series are extremely popular with our utility contractors. Able to tackle the most challenging jobs, the Kubota machines are reliable, durable and offer superior digging force, which is everything our customers are looking for from an excavator. “Our strong relationship with Lister Wilder helps both us and our customers, meaning they are left satisfied. The parts and aftersales support received is first class and the residual value of the Kubota ma-

chines is beneficial to our plant sales program.” Paul Mahoney, Construction Sales Manager at Lister Wilder Ashford, added: “Having worked with Michael since day one, when Standard Plant’s fleet consisted of just one excavator and one dumper, it’s been fantastic to see his business grow so successfully. Michael has built a strong and loyal customer base, with all 240 of the company’s excavators being Kubota machines sold by Lister Wilder. “The surge in demand Standard Plant has experienced is indicative of current buoyant market conditions and also the strength of the Kubota brand. The whole Lister Wilder team looks forward to continuing this relationship with Michael long into the future, as the Standard Plant business continues to thrive.”

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new electric drive CAt® 988K Xe wheel loader Electric drive loader delivers 25% greater overall efficiency and up to 10% more productivity in load-and-carry applications than the industry leader 988K loader

The new Cat® 988K XE is the first wheel loader offered by Caterpillar with a high-efficiency electric drive system. This new large wheel loader joins the industry leader 988K and the recently launched 986K wheel loaders to provide customers with the most cost-effective loader for each application. Delivering high-production in all loading applications, the 988K XE is recommended for demanding job sites where fuel efficiency makes a difference in the machine’s total cost of operation. The new loader features switched reluctance (SR) technology and leverages more than 15 years of Cat electric drive experience and more than 4 years of stringent testing in a range of applications for proven reliability in the field. The field proven and tested C18 ACERT™ engine, mechanical dropbox, driveline and axles from the 988K remain in the electric drive machine for consistent, trouble-free operation. Maximum Efficiency & Productivity Offering increased truck loading and load-and-carry efficiency, the new 988K XE increases efficiency by 25% overall and by

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up to 49% in face-loading applications, as compared to the 988K. This reduces costs and helps operations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint. At the same time, Caterpillar production studies report the new loader delivers up to 10% higher productivity in load-and-carry applications. The new Cat 988K XE loader offers a range of bucket capacities from 6.2-17 yd3 (4.7-13 m3). Rated standard and high lift payload for the loader reaches 12.5 tons (11.3 tonnes) when working with face material and 16 tons (14.5 tonnes) with loose material. Advansys™ Series Ground Engaging Tools (GET) protect bucket components and reduce operating costs, so operations can get the most out of machine performance. The standard 988K XE wheel loader is performance matched to offer efficient 3pass loading of the 42.6-ton (38.6-tonne) Cat 770G and 4-pass loading of the 51-ton (46.3-tonne) Cat 772. Its high-lift configuration delivers 5-pass loading of the 61-ton (55.3-tonne) Cat 773G and 6-pass loading of the 70.5-ton (64-tonne) Cat 775G.

Extended Service, Lower Ownership Costs Cat electric drive technology found in the new 988K XE lowers overall maintenance costs, while increasing engine life expectancy. Offering extended oil change intervals of 2,000 hours, the electric drive wheel loader uses 40% less powertrain oil. The durable SR drive motor, generator and inverter are built to last through the second engine life with minimum maintenance. Additionally, the efficient electric drive design increases engine life by up to 3,500 hours, extending time between powertrain rebuilds. To assist with electric drive rebuilds, Caterpillar offers customers world-class service training material, backed by industry-leading customer support from the extensive Cat dealer network. Remanufactured drive motors, generators and inverters will also be available to reduce rebuild cost. Similar Operation, Greater Productivity Slight changes inside the cab of the new 988K XE provide operators with the famil-

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iar functions and feel of the 988K. At the same time, operators will experience improved handling smoothness and ease of operation. The new loader offers a single speed range, so the machine efficiently operates without the need for gear shifting. New virtual gears help to control machine ground speed and deliver smooth direction shifts. The standard Cat Product Link™ offers remote data monitoring through VisionLink®, so key personnel can stay informed of critical machine operating data. Fuel usage, payload summaries, scheduled service reminders, fault code alerts and various productivity reports are available to help improve machine management. Additionally, the onboard Vital Information Management System (VIMS) provides the operator with operating data such as realtime fuel consumption and fuel efficiency via an interactive touch screen display. The new Cat 988K XE loader is equipped with a host of technology solutions to increase operating efficiency and machine uptime. Cat Production Measurement (CPM) brings payload weighing to the cab, so operators can work more productively and deliver accurate loads with confidence. CPM offers advanced weighing modes, which assist with payload accuracy and increase loading cycle speed. Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a fully integrated Cat fea-

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ture, which enables operators to monitor tire inflation. Available through the VIMS display, the operator can quickly view each tire’s pressure and take action when needed to reduce wear and increase service life. As customers have come to expect from the 988K, operators safely access via left- or right-hand stairs built at a reduced 45-degree angle and maintain three points of contact at all times. The STIC steer armrest

easily folds up, allowing the operator to quickly enter the cab. Isolation cab mounts and an air-suspension seat reduce vibration transmitted to the operator for increased comfort, while the enclosed pressurized structure reduces operator sound levels. The automatic, in-cab temperature control system maintains operator comfort even in extreme temperatures.

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over £1 Billion – the cost of the UK’s damaged mobile phone screens Almost a fifth of UK mobile phone users have cracked their screen from a drop in the last three years, leaving a giant potential repair bill totaling over £1 billion. Despite manufacturers attempting to make more resilient ‘life proof’ devices, phone fragility is still a major issue for millions of people in the UK, according to new research from UK smartphone manufacturer Bullitt Group, global mobile device licensee for Caterpillar. The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, revealed that 20% of mobile phone users have cracked their screen through a drop in the last three years. Young people are most likely to have sustained damage to their mobile phones with a third (33%) of users aged 18-24 having cracked their screen from a drop, along with 32% of 25-34 year old users. The research, carried out by YouGov on behalf of Bullitt Group**, also shows a huge 77% of all UK mobile phone users have no insurance for their device and must therefore pay for any repairs in full. The findings show that over half (56%) of us try to safeguard our phones by using protective cases, which are often bulky and therefore undermine the sleek aesthetic and high-end design of many of today’s smartphones. Additionally, nearly 10% of those polled said they had damaged the body of their phones after dropping them. A further 7% had scratched screens from carrying devices in their bags or pockets, and 8% scratched their screen from a drop. The research also indicated that iPhones are the most vulnerable to damage with 43% of UK consumers with an iPhone damaging or breaking their device in the last three years. Ben Wood of leading mobile analyst firm CCS Insight, said: “The mainstream Android smartphone market is now dominated by a small number of large players offering similar looking devices with near similar features. Differentiation is becoming increasingly challenging. This research shows there is demand by some users for more rugged devices and we see this as a growth area in the smartphone market over the next

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few years. This is evidenced by the fact that many bigger phone makers are also working hard to make their devices more resilient.” The research was conducted in the run up to the launch of two new additions to the Cat phones portfolio – the Cat S31 and S41 smartphones. Both devices build on Cat phones’ heritage of creating industry leading rugged devices to keep you connected, no matter what challenges the day presents. In separate research CCS Insight forecast that global shipments of rugged smartphones will grow to 22.2 million units in 2017, representing a year-on-year increase of 25%. They predict the market will continue its growth trajectory to reach 54.5 million units by 2021.1 By comparison, overall smartphone shipments are set to grow at just 7% in 2017, according to Strategy Analytics’ forecasts.2 The faster projected growth for the rugged segment shows the extent to which a niche, but significant, group of consumers are looking to invest in mobile devices that are fit for their purposes. Cat phones are used by customers who work in a range of industries, and take part in recreational activities, that regularly put

their mobile phone under stress. These customers come from trades including construction, agriculture, security, and vehicle repair, or enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and biking. Consumers who have made the switch to rugged are generally far more satisfied with their devices. In another study of nearly 22,000 Cat phone users*, it was revealed that 94% of users said that they valued their phone being drop proof, and 68% saw it as essential. Similarly, 71% said that a scratch resistant screen is essential. The research is clear that, for a large number of people, mass market smartphones are insufficiently robust,” said Tim Shepherd, Director of Market Intelligence at Bullitt Group. “Cracked screens and broken devices are expensive to repair, and can be hugely inconvenient. Insurance compensates for the damage, but does not prevent the problem. Protective cases add some resilience, but also obscure and compromise the elegant design. It’s unsurprising, then, that the number of consumers considering well-designed and feature-rich rugged devices is now growing fast.”

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Caterpillar Celebrates production of 100,000th Compact wheel loader

Caterpillar produced its first Wheel Loader back in the 1950's, but did not introduce its first Compact Wheel Loader (less than 100hp) until 1979 which was a 910 built in Japan primarily for snow removal. The Compact Wheel Loader was originally seen as a bucket and fork machine, very simple by design. But over the years operators have demanded more from a CWL, and today the Cat CWL boasts features such as High Flow Hydraulics, Skid Steer Style Coupler, High Speeder Option, Cold Weather Packages and a Deluxe Cab to name but a few. The Cat CWL was first to market with Electro Hydraulic controls, bringing online first to industry features such as Rimpull Control, Implement speed and Hystat modulation adjustment, which makes the machine cheaper to run and safer to operate and has helped achieve its market leading status Today Caterpillar produces the 901C2 903C2 in Japan mainly for the local market and North America and the 906M, 907M, 908M, 910M, 914M aswell as the brand new 918M at their Leicester facility in England for the global market. For territories such as Africa, Middle East and South

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America, a range of K-Series Compact Wheel Loaders are also available to better suit those market conditions. In June of this year, Caterpillar manufactured their 100,000th Compact Wheel Loader at the Leicester facility, an impressive milestone given the fact it relates only to the less than 100hp industry As a means to celebrate, Caterpillar produced nine limited edition Compact Wheel Loaders each customised to an automotive standard. With Germany being the largest industry and the 908M being one of the bestselling machines in its size class, the decision was made to schedule a 908M for Germany as the actual 100,000th unit. At the same time Caterpillar released new high capacity attachments for the CWL. Each unit has the following modification: - High capacity bucket attachments with chrome wear items - Unique 'Gun Metal' custom colour factory paint job - Honeycomb vinyl wraps on each loader arm - Cat branded LED roading lights - Chrome Cat decal on the rear grille - Bespoke leather seat, individually num-

bered - Commemorative brushed metal plaque, individually numbered - Hand-over box with chrome cat key The machines will be on show at local shows within their respective regions. Five will be shipped to the US and four will remain in Europe. With the North American CWL industry doubling in size over the past few years, the substitution of CWLs into some traditional Skid Steer Applications and the addition of exclusive features and options, it would be prudent to think that the next major milestone will be achieved much sooner for the Cat Compact Wheel Loader. It has proven to be the chosen machine of choice for many customers and those lucky enough to purchase one of the nine limited edition units will no doubt find themselves in the best seat on the jobsite If you're interested in trying out a Cat Compact Wheel Loader, why not contact your local Cat Dealer and book a visit to the Leicester Visitor & Training Centre located at the site where the machines are built and see if it's right for your business

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first hyundai 120-tonne excavator put to work on a Major demolition project in europe Démolition et terrassement XL Sàrl from Nidderkuer, Luxembourg, has been using the largest capacity Hyundai excavator, the R1200-9, which has an operating weight of 120 tonnes, on a major demolition site in the financial heart of Luxembourg City since March 2017. This is a first for a Hyundai machine of this size to be sold in Europe. The gigantic work site, once complete, will host the new offices of the Bank of China. Located at the junction of the Boulevard Royal and the Rue Notre Dame, the huge excavator is being used for breaking reinforced concrete foundations with a 7tonne hydraulic breaker. The first task to complete is a 35-metre-deep, 6-storey underground parking area. HMB CLOSES THE DEAL HMB, the Belgian and Luxembourg Construction Equipment dealer, is very proud to be the first European dealer to have sold the R1200-9. Paul Verbiest and Tom Haesevoets, owners of HMB, commented on the deal: “Mr Carlos Alberto Rodrigues de Sousa, the owner of Démolition et terrassement XL Sàrl, came to see us at Bauma (Munich, Germany) in 2016, where we concluded the deal. Mr de Sousa was already familiar with the Hyundai range and has 12 Hyundai machines in his fleet. For this special project he was looking for a machine of substantial size to complete the task. What really convinced him was the combination of the quality and efficiency of the Hyundai machines, a good price and our excellent service and good relationship with his company. We are very proud to contribute to this project.”

tionary digging and long-reach demolition duties. The standard equipment includes double grouser shoes measuring 710, 800 and 900 mm in width. For this particular demolition job, the client was looking for narrow shoes, which will also be used for the excavator’s next assignment at a quarry near Luxembourg City. The R1200-9 has placed the South Korean construction equipment group in the top league of largecapacity equipment manufacturers.

formance, high speed and optimum fuel efficiency. Power mode ensures maximum machine speed and power for maximum productivity. Standard mode provides reduced engine speed for optimum performance and improved fuel economy. Economy mode adapts flow and engine power to specific load conditions for maximum fuel efficiency and controllability.

CAPO (COMPUTER POWER OPTIMIZATION)

Various jobs require varying machine settings and some operators may prefer individual machine settings. User mode allows the operator to customise engine speeds, pump output, idle speed and other machine settings such as hydraulics pressure and volume for the attachments according to personal preferences.

AIDED

The state-of-the-art CAPO (Computer Aided Power Optimization) system ensures optimum performance from the engine and the two hydraulic pumps. The different power modes serve specific working loads. In addition, the system features auto deceleration and a power boost. The LCD display monitors engine speed, coolant and hydraulic oil temperatures and the diagnostic error codes. At the push of a button, the operator can select boom/swing priority and power mode settings. As with all other Hyundai hydraulic excavators, the operator has the option of selecting the power mode appropriate to the job, materials or attachment. The three power modes ensure maximum engine per-

USER MODE

AUTO BOOM/SWING PRIORITY This smart function adapts the ideal hydraulic flow balance for boom and swing operation to the application at hand. CAPO monitors the hydraulic functions and continually adapts hydraulic flow to provide maximum performance and productivity. The 120-tonne high-capacity excavator comes with a 7,550 mm mono boom and a 3,400 mm arm.

WELL-SUITED FOR THE JOB The excavator, powered by a 567kW turbocharged diesel engine (displacement 23 l), was designed for heavy earthmoving, sta-

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Hill Engineering – A Profile

Established in 1994, Hill Engineering has been designing and manufacturing pioneering excavator attachments for 23-years. The company’s award winning quick coupler, the TEFRA, is designed for excavators ranging from 3T to 120T. Its bucket range includes the TITAN HD (standard) and HDX (rock) buckets from 13T upwards, which encompasses all forms such as trench, grading, riddle and V buckets. The company also manufacture rippers up to 75T and pallet forks up to 20T. Product Range The company is best known for its award winning fully automatic hydraulic coupler TEFRA, which has transformed health & safety on construction sites around the world – and has been significant in the company’s financial growth and increase in market share. TEFRA has proven itself as the safest coupler on the market today – with only three moving parts – it has reduced downtime extensively and it allows operators to be more productive in their operations. In 2014 Hill introduced its TEFRA Tilt. The TEFRA Tilt is designed for customers who need the full functionality of a Tilt bucket but see the versatility of having the 180-degree tilt function on all of their attachments with a standard pin grabbing system. Most tilt rotate systems are de-

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signed with dedicated attachments, which comes with a high level of investment. Hill Engineering sales and marketing manager Oliver Phelan said, “The TEFRA Tilt represents a very strong middle ground. The product itself has really taken off. We are selling more and more as the months go by. We have seen a 60% growth in sales of the Tilt over the last year and it’s still growing.” Phelan added, “There is a big demand for them out there and from a pricing perspective, we are positioned very well. If someone invests in a tilt coupler from us they don’t have to invest in new attachments to fit that coupler – they can use any existing attachment they have for that machine. Some of the markets where we have seen this growth is in the forestry, landscaping and civil engineering sectors such as installation of wind turbines. We have seen similar growth in the construction markets also predominantly in Ireland and Scotland.” Hill estimates that a Tefra Tilt in comparison to its equivalent in a tilt rotator is approximately 30% of the cost. So, it’s the ideal ‘inbetween’ product where it gives the operator the majority of the functionalities they need but at a fraction of the price. Hill’s Thumb is the latest addition to the product range. Phelan said, “The ‘Thumb’ concept is quite a new concept in the UK but in other markets, such as the USA, it’s

huge – 90% of machines will be fitted with a ‘Thumb’ in the USA. In the Irish & UK market, it (Thumb) has been very well received. We have seen growth in interest in this product and we feel that there is future growth to be had. We’ve seen progression in the material handling and demolition sectors where rather than just having a grab on the machine, the ‘Thumb’ allows the user more flexibility where they can some of the functionality of a grab, but also then be able to pick up large bulk material and hold it in securely in the bucket.” Phelan added, “Again the ‘Thumb’ offers an alternative product at the fraction of the price – it doesn’t have all the functionality of a grab but it has a very similar impact when using it. When it comes to the general construction market we feel that over the next five-years we will start to see ‘Thumbs’ coming into play more often in this sector on excavators - again purely down to the versatility that it offers.” When not in use the ‘Thumb’ has no impact on the digging functionality or the functionality of the machine and does not get in the way – when it is in use it adds huge security that when you are moving bulk material or rock that is securely held in the bucket. It also adds safety and efficiency for the operator at a fraction of the cost of a

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grab. Phelan reported, “Hill customers that have bought a thumb find that they are using it far more than expected – they tend to use it every day – from an excavation point of view customers that have it they tend not to work without it down the line – it adds so much speed and functionality and the operators now feel it’s a vital part of their equipment.” Steady Growth Hill’s level of growth in the last threeyears has been significant, the company foresees this steady growth continuing until the end of the decade. Phelan reported, “In 2015 we saw a slight dip in the market, however, we continued to experience growth even when market dips were increasing, our client base was growing.” Phelan added, “2014 was an exceptional year for everybody having come out of several tough years and our clients were in a position to renew their fleet. We are now at a point in 2017 and 2018 we are experiencing a similar cycle where three-years on we are starting to see the plant hire companies renewing their fleet after 2-3 years of operation.” Exports and emerging markets Hill Engineering’s products are exported worldwide. The US and Canadian markets are continually gathering pace for Hill following strong levels of industry growth over the past number of years and with a high level of market confidence on the ground this market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Growing markets for Hill include the Middle East, Africa and China. Phelan added, “We are focused on the markets that we have invested time in however markets such as South America, Russia, Africa and India are continually developing, processes are changing and safety regulations are becoming more and more stringent as the global safety standard ISO13031 becomes embedded takes precedent.” Commitment to the Irish market “While our export markets are very important to us we have never lost sight of the markets that helped us get to where we are today, Ireland and the UK.” Phelan said. Hill Engineering have a significant share of the UK and Ireland market and the company is one of the last few manufacturers based in Ireland. The whole build process including fabrication is completed in the

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company’s factory in Newry. Phelan said, “We are 100% committed to the Irish market not only from a supply perspective but also from a manufacturing perspective. We make every effort possible to keep our supply chain locally sourced. We have recently strengthened and added to our sales team in Ireland with the appointment of William McIntosh who has been with the company for several years and has been brought up through the business in different departments.” McIntosh said, “We want to significantly increase our market share in Ireland over the next two-years by supplying quality products. The Irish construction market is back in growth mode which is why Hill have committed the people, time and production to meet the needs of this strategic market for us.” McIntosh added, “Our products have been used in Ireland from the inception of the company, some of which are still working today over 20 years on! We manufacture to the highest standards and are proud of the quality products we produce for our clients.” R&D and the future Hill Engineering have a number of ongoing R&D project most of which are still in development. One project that the company can talk about is the new addition to its coupler range – a new 1.5 tonne TEFRA hydraulic Coupler aimed at the ever-increasing mini excavator market – which will be coming onto the market before the end of the year. Phelan reported, “We are currently in test mode – the product is being used in multiple environments so we can be 100% confident it mirrors the qual-

ity and durability of its big brothers.” On the company’s growth Phelan said, “We have had many client acquisitions in the last year These new clients have switched their allegiance to Hill because of the reliability of the products we manufacture – it’s a testament to how they are made and designed. These companies do not want downtime with their machines. We have other big clients about to make their move to Hill in the near future and we continue to work with the large manufacturers and machine dealerships – again it’s down to quality - that’s what these clients want – a product that matches the quality of the machines they manufacture and sell.” Hill have appointed John Boyle as general manager, an expert in process management and engineering who has worked in the Irish market for many years. Hill Engineering managing director, Ian Hill said “John will take Hill to its next phase of development and brings a fresh approach to management, manufacturing and stock control”. Hill concluded, “Rather than putting more hours in the working day we are looking at the way we work – work smarter not harder. This will be of great benefit to our clients with stock on the ground, more accessibility to our product and reduced lead times, to match the demands that their clients put on them for delivery of machines. We are still a company that’s in growth mode, but with the team we have in place right now along with the quality of product we manufacture we are giving ourselves the best opportunity possible to take our business to new and exciting heights.”

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Hydraquip Hits the Road Hydraulic hose replacement specialist Hydraquip invests in new vans to extend national coverage and enhance local service.

Hydraquip, the UK’s largest independent provider of emergency on-site hydraulic hose replacements, has continued the expansion of its mobile service vehicle fleet. The company has purchased four new Mercedes Sprinter vans from Crawley-based dealer and long-term supplier Rossetts. The new vans are fully equipped to Hydraquip’s exacting standards and are stocked with hoses, fittings and couplings that are purpose-matched to the needs of customers. The new vehicles will be pressed into service at Hydraquip depots in Scotland and the North West and South West of England and East Anglia. 2020 Vision During 2016, Hydraquip added 36 new vans to its national fleet. It will exceed that number during 2017 and is on schedule to achieve its “2020 Vision” of having 200 vans on the road by the year 2020. “We are an ambitious company,” states Service Director Jay MacBain. “It is our intention to become the UK market leader in emergency on-site hose replacements. That will mean more vans, more depots and more engineers.” MacBain reports that the purchase of the new vans is merely the latest significant investment for a company that is enjoying an unprecedented period of growth across the UK. Hydraquip recently relocated its Thurrock depot to a better

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premises, and has multiple depots planned for the coming years. The company also remains on a recruitment drive, bringing in experienced hydraulic hose specialists and training new engineers within the fastestgrowing hydraulic hose replacement company in the country. Fully-Loaded Supplied by authorised Mercedes commercial vehicle dealer Rossetts – a company that has been supplying Hydraquip since 2000 – the new vans were selected and specified to meet the needs of customers whilst providing the company’s engineers with the best possible working environment. “Our staff are our single biggest asset. They are the public face of Hydraquip. It is important that they are comfortable and - above all – safe when they’re in their vehicles,” MacBain continues. “In our opinion, the Mercedes Sprinter van is the best commercial vehicle available. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity as standard so the engineers can communicate hands-free and listen to their own music. On the most recent vehicles, we have specified air conditioning to keep the engineers comfortable even on hot, sunny days. Our engineers love their vehicles and, as a result, they take great care of them. Despite often challenging operating conditions, we aim to ensure that every Hydraquip van arrives

on site clean, tidy and ready to solve a customer’s problems.” Solving Problems That desire to resolve customer problems quickly is also evident in the rear of the vans. Each vehicle is equipped a full-line of state-of-the-art hose cutting and swaging equipment to allow bespoke hose assemblies to be produced on-site to minimise customer downtime. This equipment is backed by a comprehensive stock of hose, fittings and ferrules that is matched to identified customer needs. “We monitor all hose and assembly sales electronically so that we can monitor trends in demand and then adjust the holding on each van – and in each depot – to match,” MacBain explains. To provide customers with even greater peace of mind, Hydraquip stocks high quality Manuli Rockmaster hose that is 10x more abrasion resistant than hoses on offer from Hydraquip’s competitors. “Our customers often operate in applications such as construction, demolition and waste handling that are a hostile environment for a hydraulic hose,” MacBain explains. “We offer Manuli Rockmaster hose as standard to ensure a rapid replacement or repair and to provide the customer with a longer life for further reductions in downtime.”

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First Volvo for Burnside Plant & Piling Contractors Following his first impressions at Volvo’s ‘Live It Dig It’ event at Alloa, Scotland, this March and a successful demonstration, Ian Orr, Proprietor of Burnside Plant & Piling Contractors, he has opted for his first Volvo excavator in the guise of the twenty-two tonne EC220E.

Purchasing his first general purpose excavator from Volvo is a new departure for Ian Orr, having traditionally been associated with alternative brands, but the high level of operator comfort, smoothness of control and overall stability and performance of the EC220E persuaded him to ‘bite the bullet’ and purchase one! “Visiting Volvo’s ‘Live It. Dig It’ event gave me and my operators a really good chance to look at the Volvo excavator range close up, and it was the EC220E that really impressed us,” explains Ian. “The machine was so responsive and smooth to operate and when we started to discuss a deal, I was pleasantly surprised with the competitive package on offer, together with the prospect of a high residual value four years down the line. Following a further evaluation on one of the sites we are currently working on, we made up our minds and decided to order one – we couldn’t be more pleased with the result,”

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he says. Powered by a six-cylinder Volvo engine developing 174 nett hp, the EC220E offers the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication. Operator comfort is another major plus point, with the Volvo Care cab providing plenty of leg room and foot space. Excellent all round visibility is enhanced by pressurized and filtered cab air supplied by a fourteen-vent, climate control system. An adjustable, easy-to-read LCD colour monitor provides real-time information of the machine functions. The EC220E will be deployed on a variety of applications including general groundworks, but will also be paired up with a Movax sheet piling rig which will pick up on the Geith quick-attachment bracket supplied with the machine. “We specialise in permanent and temporary retaining walls, especially sheet-pile retaining walls, cofferdams and king-post

retaining walls, with about 90% of our work being contracted in to Advance Construction who are one of the largest housebuilding companies here in Scotland,” says Ian. “The new EC220E will become the optimum tool in our arsenal for general excavation as well as sheet-piling duties.” Burnside Plant & Piling Contractors was established in 2011 and is based just outside Cambuslang in Glasgow. SMT GB markets Volvo Construction Equipment products which include wheeled loaders, articulated haulers, hydraulic excavators, Volvo utility equipment and Volvo road equipment products in Great Britain. There are eight strategically placed customer support centres, a dedicated National Used Equipment Centre and a network of utility equipment dealers to ensure high quality customer support is maintained throughout the country.

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Thwaites celebrate with Jim Dicker Plant Sales. Thwaites are delighted to recognise the first anniversary of Sussex and Surrey Distributor, Jim Dicker Plant Sales. Based in Worthing West Sussex, the business managed by Jim and wife Suzanne has been established since 1997.

Essential Fleet Services completes the acquisition of Go Plant.

Thwaites Dumpers were added to the Company’s product range in June 2016. Since then, with a first-year target of 80 dumpers, Jim is delighted to announce site dumper sales have exceeded 150 machines. This next year, continued growth is forecast with sales of Thwaites Dumpers expected through Jim Dicker Plant Sales - to exceed 200 machines. Commenting on the distributor’s first anniversary Jim Dicker said, “We offer customers a personal touch, ensuring the level of service and attention is at the very highest level. It’s my name above the door so to speak, therefore I am trusted to oversee every transaction and communication, through to completion and my Customers' satisfaction”. Thwaites Managing Director Ian Brown said, “Thwaites were delighted just 12 months ago to welcome Jim Dicker Plant Sales as a UK Distributor, giving additional reach to site dumper customers across Sussex and Surrey. A great relationship has

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been established during this period, allowing the tradition, investment and innovation we deliver as a manufacturer, to match the sales and operational excellence Jim and Suzanne deliver their Customers ". To mark the occasion Jim and Suzanne visited the Thwaites manufacturing plant in Leamington Spa where a specially commissioned and liveried dumper was unveiled. Image L-R: Jim Dicker, Ian Brown Thwaites MD, Suzanne Dicker, Andy Sabin National Sales Manager. Thwaites Limited 2017 The Thwaites name is synonymous with the best-quality dumpers on the market. Advanced design and investment in tooling provide today’s customers with the very best products at the cutting edge of technology. This means more than just the strength and reliability you know you can expect from Thwaites; it means an increased focus on customer satisfaction, safety and ergonomics across the range.

Essential Fleet Services Limited, the specialist vehicle contract hire business, is delighted to announce that it has completed the acquisition of industry peer Go Plant Limited for an undisclosed sum, to create one of the UK’s largest providers of specialist and commercial vehicles. The transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses with customers across the public and private sectors that will be able to access specialist vehicles and managed commercial services from one day to more than a decade. The combination of Essential and Go Plant creates a group with sales of £80million, over 500 employees and 35 depots and service centres across the UK. Andrew Cope, Executive Chairman of Essential Go Plant, said: “This is a really exciting time for our new company, our people and our customers.” “Our combined business is now the UK leader in the provision of specialist and commercial vehicle contract hire, maintenance, rental and driver operated vehicles, delivering a consistent UK-wide service powered by our network of dedicated workshops and knowledgeable teams.” “The combination of Essential with Go Plant is strategically and geographically complementary, and we’re excited about the benefits we can bring to all of our customers through this transaction.” Essential Fleet Services is one of the UK’s leading specialist vehicle contract hire, maintenance and rental providers, working with many of the UK’s local authorities and a range of corporate organisations in the utilities, highways, rail, construction and waste industries.

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“It’s the best on the market …” … is the considered opinion of Fastsource Director, Keith Blasket, as he adds another Volvo excavator to his plant fleet.

And joining his mixed fleet of equipment which includes existing Volvo excavators, dozers, wheeled loaders, crushing and screening equipment, comes the latest thirty-tonne Volvo EC300E that now becomes the company’s prime mover on bulk muck-shifting projects being undertaken by Fastsource. “In all honesty, we consider the Volvo excavator to be the best on the market having run the 21-tonne machines and the D-series EC300,” says Keith. “Yes, we had some initial issues with the Stage IIIB engine but Volvo swiftly resolved these and it’s proved to be a cracking machine. In addition, they provide excellent support when we need it, so if this new EC300E with the added enhancements and additional operator comfort is as good as the old one, we’ll be more than pleased with it,” he continues. Fastsource Ltd specialises in general earthworks, demolition, remediation and the supply of aggregates with contracts undertaken mainly in the Yorkshire Ridings but will extend its geographical territory for regular clients. Supporting these activities is a bespoke recycling centre based in Wakefield which recycles aggregate, inert

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non-hazardous soils and hardcore to produce general bulk fills and recycled Type-1 material. “We have the expertise to carry out bulk muck-shifting projects and where necessary offer a comprehensive remediation service. We also recycle and re-use material for large infrastructure sites for the commercial and private sectors,” comments Keith. “The 30 tonne excavator is the optimum prime-mover for the typical project we undertake. It’s big enough for mass bulk excavations but equally capable of carrying out more precise profiling operations as well.” One major benefit of Fastsource’s operations has been the addition of a Trimble grade control GPS system. “We trialed this initially on one of Volvo EC220’s with great success so we’ve opted to install it on the EC300E as well,” Keith says. “The system has been a real boon to our operations and has basically halved the time it takes to carry out cut-and-fill excavations. It simply allows the operator to profile ‘on the go’ and negates the need for a surveyor to be permanently on site marking the job out. It’s taken some getting used to and, of course, our operators still need to use common

sense when tailing off profiles, but it’s certainly the way forward for us.” The EC300E is excavator number seven for Fastsource Ltd and is incremental to the fleet. It is powered by a Stage-IV compliant engine, developing 243 net horsepower and offering the latest in engine technology and operating sophistication. The Volvo Care Cab offers a large roomy interior with plenty of leg room and foot space and has been enhanced by the addition of an optional heavy-duty screen – essential for demolition duties. As with all Volvo excavators up to fifty tonnes in operating weight, the machine comes with hose rupture valves on both the boom and dipper cylinders and a hammer/ shear circuit as standard. Fastsource Ltd is a family owned and operated excavation, demolition and aggregates contracting company based in Wakefield which was established twentyseven years ago by Keith’s parents. Keith and his sister, Nicola, are now in charge of the day-to-day running of the business. The company has over twenty-five items of mobile plant and operates a fleet of on-road tippers.

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McKinstry keeps productive with expanding JCB fleet

Up until four years ago, McKinstry Skip Hire, had never bought a JCB. Now, Northern Ireland’s leading waste management company runs a fleet of 14 – all supplied by local dealer BC Plant. Sourcing a large fleet of materials handling machines from a single supplier helps McKinstry to maximise productivity at its growing operations. This is not only because the machines are designed to handle the waste and recycling environment but also, McKinstry need only turn to one source for support to maintain uptime for its entire fleet. The latest additions to its materials handling fleet include a 437 wheeled loading shovel, two Wastemaster Loadalls – a 56080 and a 531F-70 – and a JS131 tracked excavator. Another recent acquisition was a JS20MH material handler. With this excavator, which has a 20,720 kg maximum operating weight, the operator can gain greater visibility over a site and high piles of waste thanks to its hydraulically-raised cab. As manager of McKinstry, Mark McKinstry points out: “JCB offers a good range of waste-spec machines.” McKinstry specialises in waste management and recycling, skip hire, waste services, biomass, quarry products. From its

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plants in Nutts Corner, Belfast and Portadown it provides cost effective and efficient waste solutions to both the public and private sectors. It is a specialist in the collection and recycling of dry waste and all construction and demolition waste streams. Seven JCB machines work at the Nutts Corner facility, which is McKinstry’s main site and where it has made significant investments in its Material Recovery Facility (MRF). With the company striving towards achieving zero waste to landfill, it is playing a significant role in the development of sustainability in Northern Ireland. A decade ago, 90% of all the waste collected by McKinstry from across Northern Ireland went straight to landfill. That’s been reversed with over 90% of waste now being recycled – with a broad variety of waste streams leaving its MRF for destinations across the globe. “We are very busy with a throughput of 250-300 skips per week – and that’s just the skips part of the business,” says McKinstry. The company also happens to be Northern Ireland’s biggest producer of Biomass. “We receive a lot of waste from third parties and are contracted to biomass through Stobart Biomass.”

Commingled waste received by McKinstry is loaded into a shredder, using the JCB JS20 material handler, to give a consistent size. A variety of recovered recyclable materials are exported worldwide and the residual waste is processed into clean, dry one-tonne square bales of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), which Stobart then delivers to consumers. The materials handling machines are vital in keeping all of McKinstry’s operations productive, as Mark McKinstry explains: “Our JCB machines are very reliable; they are powerful and we have good service and back-up so there’s no down time – that’s important.” Among the waste-spec features on JCB’s machines that Mark McKinstry highlights as being advantageous for working on the company’s sites are the maintenance-free solid tyres, which are a big contributor to uptime. He also cites the safety reversing cameras, immobilisers and ground clearance that allows the machines to drive over waste easily. McKinstry is also keen to keep the fleet operating at optimum productivity by not racking up the hours on the hard working machines. “We have a programme to replenish our JCB machines because we don’t want to put a high number of hours on them – some of our machines can have up to 7,000 hours on them,” says McKinstry. “We now want to replace our machines after 2500 hours, which is the secret to running efficient machines.” And with JCB taking care of this efficiency, McKinstry is free to focus on continuing its successful growth.

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Bobcat of London: 10 Years on

Since its inception in April 2008, Bobcat of London has grown from strength to strength into a truly international company. They now sell in excess of 450 machines a year. The roots are in New York where their parent company is located and has been trading in its current family run business format successfully for over 40 years. Managing Director Sage Prigozen said “The decision to take on the dealership which covers the South East of the UK was not a difficult one, Bobcat is a quality product“ He continued “Initially we forged some strategic links with plant hire companies and many of these still remain in place today. The largest of these is with Tara Plant who have just reached the incredible milestone of taking delivery of their 1000th Bobcat. Currently Bobcat have 9 field based engineers with fully equipped service vans and £250,000 of spare parts in stock ready to meet their customer’s needs. General Manager Daren Bigg said “We usually have a new machine inventory of 70-80 machines at any one time and are ‘Totally Bobcat,’ having a single brand allows us to focus our efforts on things such as machine stock, service training, spare parts stock and first time fix, all these play a major part in giving our customers what they need and have come to expect from us.”

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The Bobcat range of machinery is ever increasing, the Skid-steer concept was born of Bobcat’s pioneering spirit in 1958. Innovation still drives Bobcat’s product development, and continually leads to superior work and time saving capability as well as income generating ability. Bobcat provides versatility and increased productivity. Thoughtful design and quality engineering keep service and maintenance costs low, while the renowned Bobcat durability and reliability keep the resale value high. Bobcat entered the compact excavator business more than 25 years ago and today the Bobcat range of compact excavators has grown to become one of the industry’s best, offering models from 1 to 8 ton, varying configurations, a choice of conventional or Zero Tail Swing, comfortable cab and exclusive all-hydrostatic drive system. Bobcat compact excavators offer many advantages over larger equipment. It starts with advanced hydraulic systems that respond to loads with more usable power for faster cycles they combine speed and power to produce industry-leading performance, reducing the time it takes you to complete your tasks. The 1 ton, Bobcat E10 machine has been an enormous success over the past 3 or 4 years as it offers all the attributes of a larger digger with its joystick servo controls and powerful digging ability in a

package that will get in to the tightest of spaces such as back gardens or inside houses and basement conversions The Bobcat Telehandler range has recently been upgraded and offers reach, agility and strength others find difficult to match, the range goes from 6m to 18m and covers capacities from 2.5t up to 4.1t. Bobcat are always looking to push the boundaries. Engine development is certainly one area that effects the London location. Emissions levels are a constant topic for government and main contractors and R&D in this area is always at the top of the list. Greener still are plans to produce an electric version of the micro digger E10 which will have a massive advantage in a whole range of different applications. Bobcat of London are now looking forward to continuing the early success they have achieved in the plant industry. Daren who along with Kevin Bedford (Service Manager) and Beverley Howells (Office Manager) were 3 of the original ‘cast’ members, added “we would like to thank all of our customers and suppliers for supporting us during our first ten years. To view our range of new and used equipment please visit our website at: www.bobcatoflondon.com

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hawk plant hire partner with prolec to enhance safety and productivity on M6 smart Motorway

Hawk Plant Hire, the leading plant hire company in the UK, has installed the Prolec PME500 system across thirty-five machines currently working on the M6 project. Working with the Carillion-Kier joint venture on the on-going installation of the M6 Smart Motorway, Hawk selected the technology from Prolec to help improve safety and productivity on the project, enabling machinery to work effectively near traffic and overhead infrastructure. Hawk Group Director Paul Allman explained: “Innovation has long been a core value for Hawk, and we have pioneered the use of machine control technology in the UK for over a decade now. That is why we took the decision to install the Prolec PME500 system on our machinery working on this project.”

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Allman continued: “The PME500 system is designed to understand the geometry of the machine, calculating whether movement is safe, and where necessary stopping the boom slewing to avoid hazards such as bridges, oncoming traffic or signage.” Product Support at Prolec, Paul Mosely, elaborated, “We call it a virtual barrier. We take the machine specification supplied by Hawk and effectively create height and slew limits, which will prevent the machine exceeding these limits when it is unsafe to do so.” Those working on the project have been impressed with the results. Stewart Brierley, CKJV M6 J16-19 Works Manager, commented: “The PME 500 system, installed in all CKJV machines supplied by Hawk has, and will continue to improve our safe working systems. We already have a

number of safety measures such as RAMS, POWRAs in place which are fit for purpose but with the added security of the Prolec system the safety of our personnel and road users will be improved. People plant segregation is a must, these innovations can only bolster our arsenal towards a safer, more productive and better managed site. The Prolec PME 500 is a very flexible and versatile piece of kit, saving us from many hazards and machine strikes.” Hawk Plant Hire is part of the Hawk Group of Companies, made up of nine companies which collectively promise to offer customers a one-stop-shop of construction solutions. Another of the companies in the Group is Safety and Training – a specialist provider in construction training and accreditations. Safety and Training worked with Prolec to train all Hawk operators on how to correctly use the PME500 system. Guy Brookes, Safety and Training Director, explained: “The technology from Prolec is fantastic, but it’s through a detailed and comprehensive understanding of how to use the system that you can truly unlock the benefits. That’s why we placed such importance on making sure our operators had the correct training and we are seeing the rewards on the project now.” Paul Allman concluded: “Whether it be the quality of our machinery, systems like the PME500, or our operator training; it’s all part of our promise to offer customers the highest levels of productivity, quality and safety. We are aware of cheaper systems on the marketplace but we were not prepared to compromise the safety of our workers or our customers and felt that working with a leading international supplier such as Prolec was the only solution.”

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Colas and Us partners Global launch of first Autonomous road safety Vehicle

Colas in partnership with US companies Royal Truck and Equipment (RT&E) and Micro Systems Inc. (MSI) have developed the world’s first Autonomous Impact Protection Vehicle (AIPV) for use on the World’s highways to protect the lives of road workers. Today’s launch sees the AIPV being used live onsite in Colorado, United States. The introduction of autonomous technology in an IPV is to remove the requirement of a driver in a vehicle that has been designed to be used as a mobile crash barrier protecting road workers and equipment from errant vehicles on the world’s busy highways. Although considerable advances have been made in recent years to lower the risk of fatalities and accidents through various industry incentives, incidents involving road workers still happen. Fitted with an electro-mechanical applique kit and fully integrated sensor suite, the Autonomous IPV utilizes a Leader/Follower capability that enables the unmanned

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AIPV to follow a driver operated Leader Vehicle. Navigation data that includes vehicle speed and heading is transmitted from the Leader vehicle to the Follower vehicle enabling the Follower vehicle to use the data to follow the exact path and speed of the Leader vehicle at each point along the route. Initially deployed for use in the US Military, the drone technology has been tailored by RT&E and MSI for use in the highways industry. Colas CEO, Lee Rushbrooke said: “We are dedicated to advancing health and safety issues and will continue to invest in cutting-edge research and development projects to benefit our employees, clients and the wider industry. We are extremely excited about this new technology and are looking forward to giving this a global reach to save lives of road workers, across the world” Engineers from Colas, RT&E and MSI have worked constantly together to develop, monitor and trial the system to ensure the

highest possible performance. To date, over 200 hours of rigorous and successful testing and training has been completed prior to the vehicle being declared ready for use on live worksites in the US. Robb Roy, President of Royal Truck and Equipment said; “Colas’ innovative approach to health and safety is precisely why we are delighted to be working with them on this cutting-edge project in Europe. There is no doubt that this technology has the potential to change the way the industry operates forever”. Mike Wilson, Executive Director for Safety, Engineering and Standards at Highways England commented: “Our number one imperative is safety and we believe no one should be harmed when travelling or working on our road network. “We welcome this innovative work by Colas which, through the use of connected and autonomous vehicle technology, has the potential to help the sector address the risks road workers face on a daily basis.”

Machine Control solutions from Opti-cal ensure that excavation and earthworks activities on your site are right first time, every time. Whenever you hire excavators or earthworks machines, make Machine Control from Opti-cal your number one priority to improve quality and productivity on-site. The use of equipment fitted with Machine Control technology increases efficiency, reduces the time on the job, improves health & safety, and also reduces resource and material usage. Machine Control is just one product in the Opti-cal range of instrumentation, which includes optical levels, rotating lasers, dual grade lasers, interior lasers, pipe lasers, reflectorless total stations, robotic total stations, GPS kits and a wide variety of measuring, scanning and detection equipment.

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Construction Training Made Easy Get the lowdown on the Construction Training Academy (CTA), who are they, what do they do and why they are an excellent choice for anybody looking for industry recognised accredited training.

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WHAT WE DO…

Construction Training Academy were formed in 2014 with the full intention of providing a value added service to the industry as a direct business to business approach. CTA are a leading independent Training solution provider within the Construction industry with the sole aim of providing end to end services directly for the end customer. The key founders of CTA are all from a long history of Construction and Plant operations and delivery, realising the need for a dedicated service to improve upon experiences of customer service and quality assurance. Focussing on driving the standards across the UK Industry with a clear need for end to end training and assessments delivered by a dedicated organisation, CTA was created. Operating as a nationwide service provider we pride ourselves on being an approachable, family run business who believe in quality of service above all else.

Construction Training Academy is a fully accredited Construction and Plant Training Centre with highly qualified and experienced trainers, instructors, testers and operations staff. All personnel at CTA come from a Construction background with many years of collective experience and knowledge. Training Courses can be delivered at our training Centres in Doncaster, Sheffield & Norfolk along with nationwide coverage including onsite training and assessments in line with awarding bodies’ criteria. Our courses are available 7 days a week and are fully accredited by the relevant sector Awarding Bodies and will prepare you for any working environment. In addition to our highly experienced and qualified team who have been providing successful plant training for over 25 years – At CTA we can help and guide you to choose your career pathway within your relevant Industry Sector from basic entry to Supervisory and Management Level. We have excellent classroom facilities for all Health & Safety

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courses and theoretical assessments along with our custom built practical training grounds for new roads and street works courses, lifting operations, a full range of plant and machinery including, excavators, telescopic handlers, ride on rollers and forward tipping dumpers. Construction Training Academy delivers training for a range of established blue-chip companies, through to individual construction operatives, who find our approach to the industry as extremely professional.

CoVer storY CONSTRUCTION MADE EASY…

TRAINING,

Here at Construction Training Academy, we understand the importance of accredited training. Owing to our team of highly qualified and experienced instructors/assessors, we also understand that finding the right training, at the right time, for you or your business is as equally important. That’s why we pride ourselves on delivering professional courses and assessments in an accessible and approachable manor, whilst not only offering the best advice to help you reach your requirements, but with the desire to meet them at a time that’s right for you. OUR TRAINING MISSION… Our Mission is to address the industry’s future skills shortage by delivering knowledge & skills that promote and encourage employees and learner development to significantly improve our course participants’ on-the-job productivity, thereby enhancing their contributions to the goals of their organisations. From skills training and plant operations to vocational training qualifications and track safety, Construction Training Academy Ltd will deliver innovative programmes designed to nurture, enhance and develop all learners alike.

WORKING ACHIEVE GREATER…

TOGETHER TO SOMETHING

As a result of becoming one of the fastest growing training providers in the industry today, we have built a number of strategic partnerships with leading organisations such as TC Harrison JCB, Engcon and Falcon with the goal of being able to offer a wider range of services within the construction industry. Working with TC Harrison JCB to provide Professional Training to the construction industry. Offering a full range of new JCB machinery for training purposes provides candidates the opportunity to operate the most up to date equipment in conjunction with our purpose built training centres. “TC Harrison JCB are pleased to be working in partnership with CTA to provide Professional Training to the Construction Industry. ” – TC Harrison JCB. ENGCON CTA run a ‘try before you buy’ demonstration day along with Engcon and their products to allow CTA to demonstrate the newest equipment within the industry and maintain their high quality, professional training services.

FALCON TOWER SERVICES LTD

CRANE

Construction Training Academy (CTA) and Falcon Tower Crane Services Ltd (FTCS) work proudly in partnership and we pride ourselves on the delivery of our training. CTA and FTCS offer a selection of lifting courses in relation to Tower Cranes and Pedestrian Operated Tower Cranes and heavy lifting operations. CTA are currently in discussions with other industry bodies to ensure the ‘best of breed’ is always a key focus and to strive for maintaining our high standards of customer loyalty and service. THE EVOLUTION… At CTA we are all excited and enthused about the future of our industry and the opportunity to create further success and value to our existing and new customers as a key service provider. Through the use of Technology CTA firmly believe that working with key partners and customers we can generate a new way of working. Technology and the ability to automate services and solutions is at the core of both CTA and the industries need to evolve into the future. Working in conjunction with industry bodies and our internal team across the business we are currently striving for the next generation of tools and services to allow the industry to work in different ways with a single goal of simplifying and communicating more affectively.

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One Big, Bad Dozer Turns 40 with its cutting-edge elevated sprocket design, the Cat® d10 changed the face of the dozer market

Forty years ago this September, Caterpillar rolled off of its production lines 10 pilot models of the world’s largest, most powerful dozer, destined to leave a lasting legacy on the industry. The Cat® D10 dozer’s radically different design, high weight and horsepower, and resilient undercarriage answered the growing calls from large mining and big heavy construction operations for a more powerful dozer. “We bucked conventional wisdom with the D10 and tinkered with a centerpiece that was a part of the Caterpillar product line since the company was formed in 1925,” says George Alexander, a retired Caterpillar engineer who served on the D10 research team and one of four individuals named on the patent for Caterpillar’s elevated sprocket design.

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The result of the team’s out-of-the-box thinking was a machine with no rival for weight, power or productivity. Offering 50 percent higher productivity than Caterpillar’s largest dozer of that era, the D9 dozer, the D10 weighed over 190,000 lb (86 180 kg) and measured 15 ft (4,6 m) tall, 12 ft (3,7 m) wide and slightly more than 31 ft (9,4) long. Power was supplied by the 700 hp (522 kW) D348, V12 diesel engine. Radically Different A changing industry in the late 1960s and early 1970s stretched the D9 to its productivity limits, and the mining industry led the charge for a dozer with more and more horsepower. Contractors working in predominantly hard rock applications also demanded a design that improved track

longevity and durability. “The D9 dozer was the best track-type tractor of the day,” adds Alexander. “It worked great for dirt operations, but interstate and heavy rock applications were hard on the solid bottom tracks that were a part of all dozer designs of that era.” To address the market’s needs, Caterpillar tapped a team of Research and Engineering personnel to develop a new, more powerful dozer, the D10. “The development and product introduction involved every discipline of the company. It was highly successful because of the total team effort. The challenge of beating the competition in our core product was a tremendous incentive,” recalls Ron Krolak, track-type tractor chief engineer, retired.

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The D10 research team established a set of design goals for the new dozer: high productivity; modular design; simplified maintenance; operator efficiency; and transportability. It quickly became evident that a new track design and improved undercarriage were needed to meet the production and durability goals for the new dozer. With management approval in 1970, a test bed was built for the new track. Engineers started by flipping the final drive for a D9G upside down. “We worked on undercarriage geometry a lot, and within six months we had it operational,” says Alexander. The new resilient track with elevated sprocket design was tested thoroughly in multiple demanding applications to verify its durability, and it showed significant potential for improving undercarriage durability for extreme tasks. Two years of testing led to the first elevated sprocket patent application and ultimately building the first two D10 test models in August of 1973. “Our team generated 93 patents involving all systems of the concept,” adds Krolak. By separating the drive sprockets from the track roller frame and elevating them above the tracks, more track remained on the ground for improved traction. The elevated sprocket design was also better able

to absorb ground shocks for longer life and greater operator comfort. While initial testing proved the efficacy of the resilient undercarriage with elevated sprocket design, there were still some skeptics of the new design. “It didn’t look like any traditional Cat dozer,” explains Alexander. “The entire dozer was different in almost every way, except for the engine.” Beyond looking different, the new undercarriage design required the transmission to be mounted behind the engine to provide for the only track-type tractor final drive system with a common centerline between the steering clutches and brakes. It also allowed engineers to move both the dozer blade and ripper closer to the tractor, providing a concentrated center of gravity and improving the balance of the machine. Lasting Legacy The pilot D10 dozers built in 1977 were immediately embraced by Caterpillar customers. Their ripping and pushing capabilities made a significant impact on the mining industry, as studies showed the cost/yard to move material using the D10 was comparable to that of larger draglines. The resilient undercarriage with elevated sprocket conformed to the ground better than solid tracks, helping to improve machine pushing power and undercarriage life

and enhancing operator comfort. The dozer’s modular concept helped to increase machine transportability, as removable components facilitated machine moves from location to location. Its modular design also substantially advanced assembly and service task efficiency. The transmission and bevel gear removal and installation times on the D10 compared to that of the D9H dropped to 6 hours from 30 hours, while service time on the final drive plummeted to 9 hours from 45 hours, lowering long-term operating costs. The original big and bad Cat D10 legacy lives on today with thousands of Caterpillar elevated sprocket dozers operating around the world. The elevated sprocket track concept has been expanded to today’s Cat D6N and D6T medium dozers and the D8T, D9T and D11T large dozer models as well as the current D10T2 model. “After I retired in the 1990s, I gave my presentation on the development of the elevated sprocket design, and a person afterwards said to me, ‘Wherever you go, you will see the results of your work,’” recalls Alexander. “He was right. No matter where I traveled in the world, I saw dozers with the elevated sprocket design, and it made me proud to be a part of the original research team.”

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JPE continues to invest for the future. JPE Holdings Limited the Midlands Leading producer of Sustainable Aggregates and one of the largest independent Quarry and Recycling companies in the region has made another investment in its future with a new fleet of plant machinery.

The company that operates 3 strategically based Quarries producing a mixture of both quarried and recycled aggregates as well as a fleet of over 30 state of the art Tipper Vehicles including both 8 wheelers and artics has continued its policy of staying on top of its game by replacing its plant machinery every 3 years.

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As well as its investment in its machinery JPE has an ongoing undertaking to promote diversity and equality in the workplace. They like to outline that they take pride in employing staff based on merit and openly encourage further training and improvement within the workplace. To further highlight this they have recently employed

their first female dump truck driver and given her, her own personalised livery. Six months ago Sandy approached JPE in search for a new career, But she had no idea what was round the corner. After some talks JPE thought we need a little girl power within the company. Now being a lady in a male dominated environment you would think would be a tough but not for Sandy she was determined to make a go of this new career. JPE have trained up Sandy to drive the articulated dumpers and to celebrate Sandyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six months on the dumper they decided to shock her with a brand new Komatsu HM400 dump Truck Sporting pink Komatsu livery. UKPO caught up with Sandy to see her one of a kind machine and she is totally smitten with her new love. It was great to meet a lovely young Lady who was so keen and not scared to get her hands dirty, coming into a male dominated environment canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been easy but she ran with it.

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Sandy stated that she loved her truck and couldn’t stop smiling. JPE have agreed to upskill Sandy on to other items of plant in the coming months with her doing so well on the truck I’ve no doubt it will be kept like a palace inside so from all of us at UKPO welcome to the industry Sandy I shall give an update in the coming months on her progress. By renewing its ongoing partnership with Marubeni Komatsu which has seen them bring in 15 new machines this has allowed JPE to continue to strive for continuous improvement in both its Quality, Environmental and Health and Safety practices. These machines will both allow the company to reduce its downtime as well as it’s carbon footprint further outlining the company’s commitment to its ISO accreditations of 9001,18001 and 14001. The machines they have recently acquired are 3 HM400-5 Dumpers 2 HB215-2 Hybrids 6 WA470-8 Loading shovels 1 WA270-8 Loading shovel 2 D65-PX18 Bulldozers 1x PC490 LC-11 They also hold 2 HB365 Hybrid Excavators on the fleet. In addition to having a Repair and Maintenance contract with the company, JPE take full advantage of Komtrax which is Marubeni Komatsu’s exclusive tracking and monitoring system. This state of the art programme allows JPE to monitor through GPS the health of its machinery. It will track data on production and efficiency as well as helping with downtime by monitoring servicing intervals and error codes. Dave Rogers Operation Manager at JPE’s Shire Oak Quarry said “I’m delighted to continue our excellent long-term relationship with Marubini Komatsu. Their great service, prompt response to any issues and quality machinery means we can maximise our up time and continue to offer an impressive range of services to our wide customer base” If you would like to know more about JPE’s range of services then please check out their website www.jpeaggregates.co.uk or email us on sales@jpeaggregates.co.uk.

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Paul Argent visits AW Demolition Manchester based AW Demolition Ltd have recently completed a complex demolition project for Bristol City Council on one of the busiest roads in the city.

The contract to remove the pedestrian walkway and demolition of a pair of reinforced escalator buildings challenged the company more form a logistics standpoint than from the actual demolition work involved. The structures stood across the Old Market Roundabout in Bristol city centre which is in turn located above one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest roads, the A4044. The bridge section themselves ranged in size topping out at 28m and 70 tonnes in weight. Elevated on reinforced concrete columns, the footbridge spanned from the adjacent Marriot Hotel and escalator building, across the slip road onto the A4044, 4 lanes of the A4044, the off slip road and culminating in the final escalator building and access stairs, all of which were destined for demolition. While the demolition works could have commenced in-situ, the severe disruption to the traffic flow through the area would have been immense therefore the decision to remove the sections and recycle

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off-site was taken. Prior to any demolition work taking place, a thorough decontamination of the escalator buildings at each end of the structure was undertaken. Years of decay, vandalism and pigeon infestation had left the buildings in a severe state of dilapidation. Along with a program of asbestos removal, the buildings were cleaned and cleared from an internal birdcage scaffold. Once cleaned and soft stripped, the basements on each structure were in-filled with concrete as the local authority were worried for the structural integrity of the surrounding ground once the cranes were in position to lift off the bridge sections. With the preparatory works complete, full and partial road closures were applied for with traffic management schemes put into action with night works being undertaken to remove the steel handrailing to the footbridge prior to the full road closure for the first of the lifts to take place. Heavy lift

specialist, Baldwins were brought in to lift the sections off with Midlands based heavy haulage specialists TDR supplying the transport to remove the three largest sections back to Manchester for processing. With the road suitably protected under a layer of heavy duty crane matting, two Baldwins Liebherr LTM1500 500 tonne capacity cranes were rigged to undertake a single lift each and a tandem lift of the large centre section. With the road closure operational until midday on the Sunday, the 16-hour operation went like clockwork with the last section lifted off and on the low loader by 10am on the Sunday. This gave the AW Demolition team enough time to clear the site ready for the traffic to flow. Partial road closures during the following fortnight saw the Marriot escalator building demolished during a number of short evening possessions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would have liked to have worked through the night to remove the building

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in one go” explains Austin Wilkinson “but the proximity of the hotel required us to extend the demolition time to four nights.” With this first structure removed and the ground reinstated, the AW Demolition team were able to prepare the final bridge sections for removal. Again using the services of a 500t capacity crane from Baldwins, a full road closure on the roundabout was put in place. At the same time as the final bridge section was being lifted from its bearings, the final escalator building was being demolished. Working off heavy duty crane mats the company’s Volvo EC360 excavator equipped with Lehnhoff Variolock coupler and Rotar selector grab was used to remove the redundant escalator workings before quickly swapping attachments to work on the reinforced concrete structure. “The Lehnhoff system has revolutionised our operation and made it much quicker for us to undertake any demolition operation.” Commented Wilkinson “We only need a single excavator to do this job whereas, prior to fitting the fleet with the hitches, we would have sent two machines down here. That would have meant two lots of transport, diesel and two operators. It simply saves us time and money.” Along with the Volvo excavator, the AWD team also had a Doosan DX210W rubber duck in operation. Equipped with a hydraulic breaker the machine was used to break out the concrete supporting columns of the footbridge. With the base of the column suitably protected with plywood sheets to stop any ma-

terial from dropping onto the live dual carriageway below, the experienced team from AW Demolition quickly removed the four columns situated on the kerbside. The final works for the contractor included the reinstatement of the pathways where the escalator buildings were situated along with brickwork repairs to the hotel

building where the bridge was joined to the structure. Working in very tight confines and under tight time constraints, the AW Demolition team completed the project within time and to the full satisfaction of their client.

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Redevelopment of Earls Court DiggerPix had the wonderful opportunity to be allowed access to the Keltbray site of the joint venture with Capco to the redevelopment of Earls Court.

Keltbray has called upon lifting technology used in the offshore industry to lift 61 portal beams out from over the London Underground lines that supported the former exhibition centres and deployed the AL.SK190. Designed and manufactured by specialist engineering firm ALE The heavy lifting crane (technical name: AL.SK190 crane) is an industry-leading in-

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novation. The crane will carefully lift 61 ‘portal beams’ out from over the London Underground lines that lie below the former exhibition centres. The large concrete beams supported the weight of the exhibition centre and need to be removed to enable development on site. The smallest beam is 80 tonnes with the largest beam weighing 1,500 tonnes, the same as 118 London buses. This crane was specifically chosen as the optimum engineering solution and the method has been designed to minimise the impact on local residents, to help reduce the carbon footprint of the project and will significantly shorten the project timescales. The 120m-high AL.SK190 crane, was launched in 2008, is made by Stafforshirebased engineer ALE Heavy Lift, is the largest capacity lifting crane ever to be used in London. The AL.SK190 – named to reflect the measurement of the load moment based

around the point of rotation, which is the standard industry convention for measuring the lifting radius of cranes – has a lifting capacity of 4,300t, a maximum boom height of almost 200m, and a load moment of 196,000tm. It has two big advantages: it can perform lifts previously unachievable, and it can do this while occupying a very small footprint of just 35m x 55m. The crane will operate only on the Earls Court site and will not over sail any of the nearby properties. According to ALE, the crane may cut as much as two years off the construction time. The first lifts took place in late March 2017. The lifting of the portal beams will occur overnight in ‘engineering hours’ after the last District Line train has passed through the tunnels underneath the beams. Work is expected to conclude by the end of 2017 when the crane will be dismantled and leave Earls Court.

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Specially designed spreader bars are used which can be shortened or lengthened easily to accommodate varying lengths of the beams. Special reinforced 40’ open-topped containers are used for the ballast material, filled by standard mechanical shovel. Weight of each filled container is 100t, requiring around 4,000t of local ballast . A hydraulic cylinder is positioned in each skid shoe which can compensate up to 400mm in stroke, having the crane structure supported on hydraulic cylinders allows the engineers to calculate the exact ground-bearing load underneath the crane at any position, any time during the project. In the event that settlement takes place it can jack-up the foot of the mast to keep the crane structure level to reduce any side loadings which can occur on un-level ground; The pressure readings in the hydraulic cylinders are also used to monitor the loads in the mast foot and is used as an extra safety feature. The unique honeycomb design of the load spreading mats means that the load is evenly distributed over the whole area of the

mat surface. The operators cabin may look basic but it has all the modern computerised technology that the operator needs and is accommodated inside a transport container that is a module section of the crane. The two 4000t winches are manufactured by Liebherr The crane runs with a tight knit happy

crew who travel with this mammoth all over the world. This crane has been transported from Turkey, previous to that it was operating in Brazil. Both engagements were involved in the petro-chemical industry, so this ‘construction’ site is unique, and it happens to be in the best city in the world.

For plant operators seeking the very best working relationships with exciting, long term projects within the civil engineering and construction industry, nationwide.

Logical Personnel Solutions recognises that our experience and success hinges solely on the quality of our workforce. By building the strongest teams and working with clients that share the same core values as ourselves, Logical has established an exemplary reputation with the country’s leading Civil Engineering and construction companies on a national basis.

Diligence, reliability and efficiency are key concepts integral to Logical Personnel Solutions work ethic. All of our plant operators are accredited through CPCS/NPORS training both in the classroom and on site. We ensure our workforce have the right tickets, qualifications and frame of mind to get the job done safely and efficiently.

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Leeman Brothers back Atlas machines The Atlas name has been in the UK since the early 1960s with early adopters of what was seen as very expensive machinery benefitting from increased productivity and safety over the more commonly used rope cranes.

One of the UK’s earliest Atlas customers, and still one to this day, are the Leeman brothers from Essex. The brothers currently run one of the largest recycling concerns in the county, Benfleet Scrap and operate nine Atlas machines of which five are the Atlas 350MH. While the Leeman family has prospered from the growing trends for recycling metals, their original methods of handling material are far removed from how the company operates in the present day. Horse drawn carts and the hand-balling of tonnes of material was replaced by rope cranes and four wheeled tipper trucks; a huge step forward in increasing productivity. Move on to the early 1970s when some yards in the UK were moving to British machinery from Hymac and JCB as well as the French made Poclain The late 1960s had seen the company purchase an old brickwork site in Low Street, Tilbury where the company knocked

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the old works down to create what was then a large and modern metal recycling facility. Still using rope cranes to tranship material, Percy Leeman invested in an Atlas AB1702 wheeled material handler from the local dealer, Thomas Ward. While many questioned the huge investment in an untried German machine, the increase in capacity, safety and driver comfort soon gave the doubters an answer. Although the company were now able to handle a larger amount of material in the yard, site handling was still being carried out with rope cranes. Seeing the future for the company as a recycler rather than going out to site to dismantle structures and all the associated pitfalls which came with this job, Percy’s son Tony quickly invested in further recycling advances such as some of the first crushing and baling and fragging plants to come to the UK. Tony’s foresight into streamlining the company activities was instrumental in placing the company on the path to where

we find them today. Within a couple of year’s, the company were running 6 Atlas machines at the East Tilbury depot with one as a spare. To this day, the Leeman brothers (Richard and Anthony) maintain the fact that they can only be making money if the material is being put through the recycling process. “If it is just dumped on the yard, it’s worthless to us.” This means the reliability and productivity of the machines is key to the prosperity of the company. “We could purchase other brands and have had the opportunity over the years to do that” explains Anthony “We know what we get from an Atlas machine. We know we are buying reliability and superior build quality and whilst that is very important to us, we also know we are getting a first class service and back-up from the dealer. That makes a huge difference to us. Everyone has issues no matter how large or small it is and the difference is always made by the response and profes-

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sionalism shown at dealer level. This is something we cannot fault at TDL.” The late 70s and 80s saw the Leeman family expand their interests in metal recycling with the addition of further yards around the London and Essex areas culminating in the Benfleet Scrap business they own today. While the brothers are Atlas’ longest serving customers in the UK, Anthony explains that it hasn’t all been plain sailing; “We have had our issues with the product and dealers over the years but, at the end of the day, they have stood by us and backed the product to the hilt. We cannot believe there is a manufacturer out there that doesn’t have issues with any of their machines. It’s how they look after them and their customers is a major point. Atlas and now TDL have been great to deal with. We do have our arguments occasionally, but we cannot fault them for their customer service and especially their back-up. As for the Atlas product, we think they make the best material handlers around. We wouldn’t have been buying them for the last 40 or so years if we didn’t think that!” The latest Atlas machine to join the fleet is a Tier 4 Final 350MH Blue. Powered by a modern and fuel efficient Deutz 6.1l diesel, the 36t crane has been purchased for the Benfleet depot where a series of expansion and modernisation of the site will see capacity increase over the next few months.

The site is also home to a pair of older 350MH models and despite the amount of work undertaken by both machines, the condition their operators keep them in is testament to the way the whole fleet is turned out. “We take great pride in the way our trucks look and this pride runs through to the machines we operate in the yard.” explains Leo Leeman, Ops Manager at the Benfleet depot. The newest 350MH is a far cry from the AB1702 the company first purchased. Independent stabiliser legs with swivelling pads allow the machine to be kept level and steady at all working radii, smooth electro over hydraulic controls and one of the most efficient and clean engines available in this type of vehicle. The first machines the company purchased were derived from wheeled excavators complete with two-piece booms. As the years progressed, later models such as the 1602, came fitted with bespoke material handling equipment and fixed riser cabs. Whilst these machines were seen as far superior to some of their British and French counterparts at the time, the new models are even further removed again and more akin to operating a modern car. Access to the elevating cab is now safer and easier thanks to well placed non-slip steps and grab handles and once in the cab, all the controls fall easily to hand. A comfortable high backed seat, climate control

and fully adjustable joysticks make for an environment any operator won’t mind spending a shift in. Impact resistant glass and a full cab guarding offer excellent operator protection and the smoothness of the electro-hydraulic control system means smoother loading and unloading of vehicles. Fitted with a dedicated 18.2m material handling configuration allows the operators to work in a far greater working zone, reducing the amount of times the machine needs to be moved during a shift. This latest model Atlas 350MH offers increased lifting capacity and faster cycle times and is capable of comfortably operating with a 700 litre E761 Atlas grab delivering enhanced productivity. Early orange peel grabs were found to be wearing out too quickly for the brother’s liking. Additional hard-facing and protection strips were added which was eventually taken up by Atlas and added to their new grabs. “The grabs we are using today are ideal for the work we do. We do have to look after them but the build quality is far better these days.’ Commented Anthony. Whilst still retaining a sentimental thought for the older machines, Anthony believes the new Atlas handlers are the best on the market. Offering a combination of high productivity, operator comfort and economical operation, the 350MH is far exceeding the company’s already high expectations.

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inside View

Would you help a fellow Operator? Do you help, with advice and guidance, the more inexperienced lads & lasses when you encounter them out on site or do you laugh, take pictures of their mishaps, refer to them as tossers and walk on by whilst forgetting how shit you were when new in the seat. The proper term is to mentor, or to be a tormentor as some of us will remember them as! Some of us encountered some right animals in our greener days but if you were smart and didn't take things personal you could glean a lot of information from the craic, blaggarding and shouts of abuse mixed in with the nuggets of wisdom from the older hands. I remember hearing the expression, "non of us were born on a batterâ&#x20AC;Ś though some of them were possibly conceived there" many times. Aged 18 I got the start with Dowsett on A38 Ripley By-pass. It was to become the hot summer of 76. I'd been around Plant in the shape of a MF40 bhl and it's predecessor without the all in one cab from age 11 so was shit hot and knew everything about everything. Typical gobshite teenager! who when it came to big muckshifting machines and how those men went to work was greener than the grass next door. I'd gained a bit of seat time on B100 drott, BTD8 and Track Marshall dozers around farms having moved to N Yorkshire a couple of years earlier and now had the dream of sitting in the seat of a yellow monster with CATERPILLAR across the bonnet. Bill Barr gave me the start after a visit to site and he taking me down the spread to see, old school, if I had what it took. No cards, no tickets, a simple straight forward get in seat and show me. I'd been honest, never sat in a Cat cab so he told me to mount up and sprag it around in the cut to get a feel of it. There was another D6 busy pushing truck loads of topsoil up the very long batter beside me. I made sure not to get in the busy mans way. It was only later I learned that he'd watched the land rover pull up and thought hooray, got some help at last, only to have his joy squashed as some twat who obviously didn't have a clue spent 10 minutes shunting back and forth spragging left then

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

right while threatening to touch the cutting edge on the ground but never actually making contact ffs Bill finished chatting and made his way over to me. Ok? He asked. I can only imagine the stupid ear to ear grin I must have been wearing. Ever been up one of those? He asked looking up the batter that seemed to go into the sky for ever. He knew I hadn't and gleefully climbed into the seat, displacing me to sit on the metal box alongside him. Think it was probably the battery box. I'll do a couple of pushes then you can have a go if you fancy it, he said, as he pulled full throttle, short reverse, spragged 90deg, hit decelerator as he selected forward while dropping blade, then foot off pedal and straight through centre of latest tipped load. Up and up we went, me taking it all in as he tweaked the blade and touched the clutch levers to keep her on the course he wanted, shaking the blade as he eased the soil off toward the top of the push. He promptly decelerated, turned his head to the left as he pulled the travel lever in to neutral and let the tractor clatter all the way back to bottom with me hanging on for dear life, my arse feeling every cleat on every track plate at the rollers thundered around underneath us. BANG! as batter became verge and we stopped once again on level ground. Bill's head turned to face front as he selected forward motion and reached for a

slew clutch to line us up for another bite of the topsoil heap. It was at this point he looked at me and said "sorry, forgot you were there, been a long time and I was enjoying myself" I started week Monday having worked my notice with my previous employer. I was taught to jack regimental, you never know when you might need to go back. Treat folk as you wish to be treated which has stood me in good stead throughout my working life. Gutted on start day to find an experienced op getting my seat. No drama, I got sent to learn on the D3 with PAT blade doing topsoiling on verge and fill batters. Cannot recall lads name but he must have wanted to kill me. He was cool, quick and very very good then this twat turns up greener than a well manicured golf course to make a mess of his verge & batters. Yes, his verge & batters, any experienced op owns the work he does and hates someone else doing a "bit" as that "bit" will not match the rest, no matter how much they say, it's fine, grass will hide it, no problem, they hate you. I know, I do it now. Incredible what you can learn watching an experiment operator although he was rightly adamant I needed to get my arse in the seat. Fair play he taught me a lot, some simply by my being able to watch, some as straight forward guidance and some via the craic in the pub at night amongst the other experienced operators ribbing the new boy.

Y C oi nVse ird es tVoi erw *Although UK Plant Operators & itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publisher reserve the right to edit, amend and distribute the Operator Blog, the views expressed are that of the author, and are in no way a representation of UK Plant Operators or itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publisher. No liability is accepted whatsoever regarding the views or accuracy of the Operator Blog. I became a sort of spare driver amongst the dump truck drivers hauling the topsoil, watching in awe as the 977 with rock bucket gouged buckets of soil from the mountain that had been built during the site strip by tractor & boxes and motor scrapers. Non of this present day bullshit of not stacking topsoil higher than 2 metres as it kills the grubs and such like. Stripped and heaped heavens high and compacted to a concrete like block by massive machines due to the lack of space within the site boundary. Dug and loaded by trackshovel a couple of years later to be spread and tracked in by another dozer on the batters. No mention or requirement for the expense of hydraseeding or other modern day bullshit. Grass grew then and still does today on the batters of all the big motorway projects built the old school way with 6-9" of topsoil tracked in by dozer. Sat having breakfast in the Tea bus one morning, Charlie Robinson the plant manager pulls up and comes aboard. When he zeroed in on me my young heart sank, this was non other than God and I was in his crosshairs wtf had I done wrong my head was spinning. You still want to be a tractor driver? he asked or you going to stay playing on those trucks? All eyes were on me. Pretty sure every man breathing a sigh of relief that it was me he was after and not one of them. Christ! 1) I didn't even realise he knew who I was and 2) that he was aware I'd been spelling the truck drivers. Young and inexperienced doesn't begin to cover the naivety of this dumb kid playing in a mans world. I spluttered a yes please in what I can only imagine to be a slightly pleading, wanting way. This seemed to be make or break day for young Taylor. I was taken to a D6 and given the task of tracking a fill batter that a dragline had pulled to shape. Get the feel of how it reacts on the batter, slight angle, not straight up and down and stay out of the V ditch. Any big rocks push up to the top. Was my instructions.

I managed that task without incident while learning hell of a lot about how a tractor reacts on a batter, until being collected one day and taken to cover for a lad who needed a few hours off to go sort a problem with his car. This was real pressure. D6 on a fill area with a proper working gang, this was big time for me. I landed just as D6 was about to hook up to the towed vibrating flat drum roller. Op jumped out, I jumped in. Shaking and shitting myself, this was real world where I would live or die as a possible operator in the next 10 minutes in the eyes of the men in this gang and by word of mouth throughout the site. Very aware of the danger and responsibility of having men between machine and roller in order to drop the pin in, I pulled for full throttle while planting right foot firmly on the decelerator, left foot on a brake pedal I selected 1st reverse, felt her bite and screwed around hard in seat I gently eased the machine back until signalled to STOP. With a sigh of relief having not killed anybody or made a fool of myself, hearing & feeling the clunk as the pin dropped in, I twisted back straight, knocked her into neutral, still holding on the brake pedal and shoved the big throttle lever forward while I gained my composure. Looking over my right shoulder there was a shout, a clatter as the roller engine went to full revs and a thumbs up that all was clear for me to go. Reaching forward I again pulled for full throttle, foot on decelerator, roller going ballistic behind, rattling and clanking in the drawbar jaws I selected 1st forward, released pressure on footbrake whilst easing my foot off deceleratorâ&#x20AC;Ś nothing happened! I didn't move! Roller is getting upset now and giving the drawbar jaws a right banging, my eardrums can hear nothing but the roller and my arse can feel nothing but the machine vibrating under it but we are not moving ffs. It seemed like an eternity, my non existent street cred slipping rapidly into obliv-

ion, the roller going nuts, every man and his dog looking on expectantly while I frantically tried to fathom out why it wasn't moving. Looking at the gauges told me it wasn't running although you wouldn't have known due to the noise and vibration generated by the roller. I'd pushed the big throttle lever too far forward and killed the engine. Not a major problem in the big scheme of things if you know how to restart the bloody thing, I didn't. On big muckshifts the black gang checked, started the machines and shut them down at end of shift. As operators we never shut a machine down even at brew time. Only exception was an emergency like low engine oil pressure. Scanning the dash I found a raised metal lever type switch, pointed top with heat one side and start the other but would the bastard thing move. I tried it both ways but it simply wouldn't move, it was jammed solid! At this point my saviour appeared in the cab doorway. The 977 op who was loading fill material had obviously been watching with interest to see how the cocky kid was going to perform in the big time, he knew straight away what I had done, clocked I was floundering and had legged it across the fill area to save me. He calmly showed me that the switch needed to be pushed in before it would turn, gave it a twist, saw chimney cover raise with exhaust gases, winked and was gone, back to his seat in the 977. I've made mistakes throughout my operating life. At least one of which I was lucky to survive. I might tell that tale another day. There was no social media, no camera phones or YouTube back then. No keyboard warriors or trolls. Non of us were born operators. In my opinion it takes time to gain experience and passion to be an accomplished operator. Next time your looking with distain at someone on a bit of plant, consider how you learned and how shit you were before you start slating them.

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inside View

How CITB will change under my leadershipBy Sarah Beale - CEO CITB

We all know our industry faces significant challenges to deliver its pipeline of work and raise its performance. Crucial to this is attracting, developing and retraining skilled people. This will get harder with an ageing workforce and the likely change in approach to migrant workers as part of Brexit. But we are focused on solutions and I want to outline how a reformed CITB will work hand in glove with construction and with government to deliver them. Hitting the accelerator The review being led by Paul Morell has indicated that the CITB should be retained but needs significant reform. As its new chief executive, I agree with this and have my foot down hard on the accelerator to make this happen. We still have to secure industry’s agreement to continue with the levy, but we are working hard to secure it this summer.

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

If we achieve this, we will have the launchpad to really make a difference. But more importantly, construction is now talking more seriously about modernisation and I will ensure that the CITB is a key part of that conversation. This week at the Construction Leadership Council, with Mark Farmer’s vision of a modernised construction industry under debate, we will look at how to deliver it. I also shared our vision with the CLC for how a new CITB can work closely with our industry to help it to achieve its goals. The first part of this is behaving differently. We will be much more transparent and accountable, working with employers to agree the outcomes we are targeting and the yardsticks to judge our success. We will also be more responsive. To give you one example: for a much larger

part of the funding we provide, we will work with industry to agree the outcomes and then commission bids to deliver them. More to come We are also reforming what we do and how we do it. We will now have a much sharper focus under the three headings of careers, standards and qualifications, and training and development. We will only intervene where we are best placed to make a difference. Last month’s sale of our awarding body – Cskills Awards – was a demonstration of this, but there will be more changes to come. We will be more forward-looking and evidence-based in how we agree what needs to be done and how to go about it. For example, our report on offsite construction identified the skills and actions needed to realise its opportunities, while our migration research will give industry and government the evidence base to address this complex issue. This isn’t the first time construction has discussed modernisation and I am not the CITB’s first leader to promise reform. But the prize for success and the risks from failure are now so great that we must act now.

Know how

Do you know your Safe Zones?

Red Zone The red zone is the danger area, never approach the machine whilst its working, always wait until you have made eye contact with the operator and he has stopped working and made the machine safe, give the thumbs up then approach with caution.

Grey Zone The grey zone is the blind spot for most dump truck, if your in this zone the operator will most likley never see you, never aproach a machine from this angle.

Green Zone The green zone is the plant operators arc of vison, always approach a machine from this point once the operator has acnowledged your presence.

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the lighthouse Construction industry Charity joins forces with Construction Youth trust to make a difference to young people Twenty young people participated in a collaborative construction learning project supported by The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and Construction Youth Trust. The core aim of the Lighthouse Learners Programme was to raise awareness of and develop career opportunities whilst supporting the youngsters to overcome barriers to access employment, training or apprenticeships in the industry. Bill Hill, Chief Executive of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity said “If just one of these young people getts a job in construction, the social return on investment is £130,000, this is the calculation the government has made on the long term cost of somebody becoming permanently unemployed. We are changing lives and giving young people an opportunity to learn a trade.” Canary Wharf Contractors hosted a fantastic site visit and work placement opportunities at the Shell Development site in Waterloo; where students were inspired and excited to see the construction industry at work. All of them went on to successfully achieve an accredited Health and Safety in a Construction Environment qualification, 50% have passed their CSCS test to date and seven have progressed into full time employment. One of the seven is Kayode Badejo. He was referred to Contruction Youth Trust by HMP Cookham Wood. An outstanding student with 100% attendance and punctuality, he was selected for the Canary Wharf Contractors work placement opportunity with a view to finding out exactly which area of construction he’d like to pursue as a career. Kayode was buddied up with Brett Lewis, Senior Project Manager for Swift Brickwork. After a two week work placement, Brett recorded Kayode’s ability to focus, use his initiative and follow instruction as excellent. He also recorded his work

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

ethic and attitude as outstanding, saying “Kayode is a good lad and Swift are going to offer permanent employment.” Kayode started full time employment with Swift on Monday, July 31st. Kayode said “I told Brett I’d been in trouble and that I’d been away for a while. I’m so grateful to have this chance. I can’t thank everyone enough. Pearl and the team at Construction Youth Trust for believing in me even though I’d been in trouble. They’re so supportive and taught me so much. They showed me how I could change everything for myself. I was a bit nervous at first about going on site but then everyone was so welcoming. Brett is great and I felt really good after the first day! The worst bit was getting up at six o’clock in the morning

but I’m used to it now and the best bit was getting the news on the last day that Swift Brickwork were taking me on full time.” Angie Ward, Employment & Training Coordinator for Canary Wharf Contractors said ” It was great to see that great big smile on Kayode’s face. I am so pleased for him.” This kind of result is only achievable with the tangible support of the construction industry. We wish to extend a very special thank you to Canary Wharf Contractors, Laing O’Rourke, Swift Brickwork, Alandale Logistics and Kilnbridge for site visits and work placements, Randstad CPE for helping with CV and employability advice and Work and Wear for providing a full PPE kit for the learners.

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JCB’s £7.5 million young talent investment creates almost 170 jobs JCB have recently announced the recruitment of almost 170 apprentices and graduates as the company steps up investment in its Young Talent programme to record levels. This year, the Staffordshire-based company is ploughing £7.5 million into recruiting young people into the business to help meet future growth – triple the amount invested in the scheme when it started four years ago. Of the 168 people who are joining JCB, a total of 117 are apprentices – the biggest ever single intake of apprentices in the 71 year history of JCB. A number will be Higher Apprentices who will go on to take degrees, learning while they earn and avoiding the need to incur costly student loans. The apprentices started work this week. It brings to £20 million the amount the company has invested in its Young Talent programme over the past four years – an initiative which has seen around 550 graduates and engineers join the business. The news comes as JCB prepares to open up applications for its 2018 programme on Monday, October 2nd. Information will be available via the JCB website (www.jcb.co.uk). JCB Chairman Lord Bamford started his career as an engineering apprentice in 1962 before joining JCB in 1964. He said today: “Young people are the future of our company and investing in young talent is vital as the company expands. I began my working life as an apprentice and I’m delighted to see a record number of apprentices joining JCB this year. It’s a fantastic way to learn skills vital to our business, progress to degree-level study and to advance to senior roles in the company.” The 117 apprentices joining JCB are on a range of programmes from Level 2 upwards. The latest recruitment drive has seen a significant increase in the opportunities to develop welding and assembly skills which are essential to the UK manufacturing business. These options are attractive to new employees entering work from education for the first time, or those from other sectors with work experience who are looking to learn a new trade and apply what they have learnt through their daily work.

The number of opportunities to join the Higher Apprentice programme has also been doubled enabling 20 places to study up to degree level for those who have attained either A-levels or a Level 3 Apprenticeship. This programme has been specially adapted to meet the technology needs of the business and supports careers in Mechanical, Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering. In addition, 24 undergraduates with mechanical, electrical, electronic and software skills will also begin work in September along with 27 graduates, from a range of disciplines. They will gain in-depth knowledge of technical and commercial aspects of business operations on programmes which include design, manufacturing, powertrain, purchasing, sales and marketing. Group Training Director Alan Thomson said: “JCB is expanding quickly and launching a range of innovative and exciting new products. We are ambitious to grow the business and the record level of investment in this year’s Young Talent programme is crucial to our future.” Earlier this year JCB Design Engineer Holly Broadhurst was crowned the UK’s top Higher and Degree Apprentice. The 22-year-old from Leek, Staffordshire, beat off competition from hundreds of other con-

tenders to land the accolade at the National Apprenticeships Awards in London. Holly joined JCB as a Higher Apprentice aged 16 after studying at the JCB Academy in Rocester, Staffordshire. She went on to take a two year foundation degree before stuyding for two more years for a BEng degree in Mechanical Engineering. She graduated last year and now works at JCB Compact Products in Cheadle, Staffs, where she is part of the team designing JCB’s award winning mini excavator range. Holly said: “Becoming a Higher Apprentice at JCB was one of the best decisions of my life and has opened up a great career path for me. The apprentices joining JCB this year have a very exciting time ahead.”

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swapping the classroom for the construction site A pilot scheme where children and students of all ages can learn construction skills on site – supporting classroom learning – has been launched.

'Skills on Site’, supported by CITB and the University of Wales Trinity St David, has officially been introduced at the SA1 Waterfront development. The scheme is a collaboration between the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC), Kier Construction and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The partners will work alongside education providers and career services to promote onsite learning on the new UWTSD Waterfront site and develop engaging construction activities based on the master programme for the construction works. Kier Construction has also set up a dedicated classroom and observation platform at the waterfront site. The scheme will be rolled out to further construction sites across Wales following the pilot, with a further site to be launched in Carmarthen . The scheme was launched as part of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) World forum, where over 90 delegates from across the globe visited the SA1 Waterfront development/CWIC development to find

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

out more about the landmark project and to share ideas. Strategic Partnerships Director for CITB Wales Mark Bodger said: “Skills on Site’s aim is to support construction organisations to be able to open up sites to become learning zones. I’m delighted the SA1 site, which is home to the new Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC), is the launch pad for the scheme. “CWIC and the SA1 development are already committed to onsite learning, with students developing various skills throughout the build of the new centre. The SA1 development has also been awarded National Skills Academy for Construction status, which will help create jobs for the local workforce, create high quality apprenticeships and deliver industry-led, first-class training at the development.” Gareth John, Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Building Hub in Wales, commented: “Promoting the benefits of a career in the construction industry in a collaborative way is vital to ensure we attract new

people into a vast array of roles. In Wales, we currently have 12,000 companies employing more than 100,000 people in the industry which accounts for an annual spend of around £2.3bn. The construction industry is a vital lifeline to Wales and schemes such as ‘Skills on Site’ are essential in ensuring we attract the men and women of the future into this innovative industry.” Gerald Naylor, Director of the Construction Wales Innovation Centre, said: “Skills on site will deliver 'realistic' construction learning on a live site for further and higher education students and staff. The aim of the Construction Wales Innovation Centre is to create a new model for delivering skills to the construction sector in Wales and beyond. I’m delighted we are doing this during the build of the project. It was an honour to showcase this landmark project to the CIOB members from across the world during their visit to the site” Jason Taylor, Operations Director for Kier Construction - Western and Wales, said: “Kier are leading the way in working in partnership with the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC), CIOB, CITB and the National Skills Academy, within Wales. Kier has a longstanding record in training and recruitment and following the signing of the memorandum, has provided increased opportunities for employment growth within the local communities and the construction sector in general by working closely with local support groups to target skill gaps and upskilling where necessary. The training facilities has provided an excellent ‘on-site’ learning hub for local schools, colleges, universities and new entrants within our industry and we are committed to continue our relationships with our partners on other projects”

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scottish construction industry launches appeal for new, diverse talent The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched a campaign to get young people to join the construction industry – as new stats show 20% of the sector’s workforce is set to retire in the next decade. Can You Dig It? has been timed to coincide with the exam results season, and encourages Scottish students to consider a construction career. Young people are being urged to take a special Personality Quiz on the Go Construct website to find out which of the over 150 construction careers is right for them. The need for new talent is clear. CITB statistics show that the industry in Scotland currently employs almost 16,000 people aged 60 or over and around 15,000 aged 55-59. As these workers move towards retirement, there is an excellent opportunity for young jobseekers, as well as more experienced people considering a career change. The campaign also aims to make the industry more diverse – as construction currently has a workforce of only 14% female and 6% from an ethnic minority background, and that needs to change. Ian Hughes, CITB Strategic Partnerships Director in Scotland, said: “The reality in Scotland is that in five years’ time, around 10% of the industry workforce will have retired. Over the next decade, that total figure is closer to 20%, at nearly 31,000 people. The opportunities in construction are therefore truly vast for young people getting their exam results this August. “The Can You Dig It? campaign sends a very clear message that the construction industry is open to all. With over 150 different jobs available – from drone operators to

landscape architects, BIM managers to traditional stonemasons – there really is a career for everyone.” “With rapid and exciting changes in construction technology, the potential for offsite manufacturing to revolutionise the industry, and a 5.7% growth rate in Scotland’s private housing sector over 2017 and 2018, the industry needs young people – and their families – to give serious consideration to a career in construction.” CITB is meanwhile working closely with

industry to ensure that the construction industry continues to modernise and flourish with the recruitment of new, diverse talent of all ages and backgrounds. The Can You Dig It? campaign invites people from all backgrounds to take a fun and simple Personality Quiz (www.goconstruct.org/personality-quiz) to find out which construction career they are most suited to. Participants are asked to share their results on social media using the #CanYouDigIt hashtag.

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hawk Group open new training Centre to expand facility

Shropshire based Safety & Training, part of the Hawk Group, have opened a new Training Centre at their site in Sandford. Safety & Training are specialists in training, testing and consultancy for a range of competencies in the construction industry including operator qualifications, environmental accreditations, health and safety consultancy and their new Apprentice Training Academy. The new 19,000m2 has been built as an extension of Safety & Training’s existing training and demonstration facility and is purpose built to conduct classroom training, seminars and courses to the highest standards and external environment for practical, hands on training. The new centre also features a raised viewing platform which will allow spectators to view machine demonstrations in comfort and style. The new centre has been designed, built and opened in partnership with on-board machine technology specialists Leica Geosystems. Hawk Group have been a pio-

neer of using on-board machine control technology on their own equipment for a number of years and have forged a strong partnership with Leica Geosystems during that time. Leica Geosystems will also use the facility to conduct trials and tests from the site, as well as to train operators in the benefits and effective use on machine control systems. Neil Williams, Segment Manager for Leica Geosystems said of the partnership, “It is fantastic to be involved with Hawk Group and Safety & Training in the opening of this facility, which will be a state of the art training and meeting environment

for our industry. Hawk Group have long been using machine control technology and the facility at Sandford will be an ideal environment to demonstrate the benefits the technology can provide such as increased productivity, efficiency and safety.” Guy Brookes, Director of Safety & Training said, “We’re delighted to be expanding our training facility which means we are able to offer more training courses – both classroom based and hands-on. We are passionate about enhancing the skills and safety of the construction industry and our new centre gives us the perfect environment to deliver on this mission.”

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FAST & FLEXIBLE . FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION TRADES L3 Assessor qualifications . L4 IQA qualifications . L3/4 Trainer qualifications

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

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what is a pts Card & why do require one? Personal Track Safety Card, or PTS Card, is the name of the basic requirement needed to allow a person to work on or near a railway line.

The new cards, more accessible database and enhanced sponsor duties in the scheme rules all underline that the change to Sentinel is about improving safety. Together, they ensure those working on the infrastructure are competent, medically fit and have the authority to do so. WHAT DOES A PERSON HAVE TO DO TO GET A PTS CARD? To get a Sentinel card, an individual needs to find an employer willing to sponsor them for a training course. The training course is delivered by a licensed trainer at a licensed training centre using only approved training material. Depending on the competency, the individual may need to have interim assessments before the expiry date of the competency. Why is it so important that people working on the railway have one of these cards? The Sentinel card is the demonstration that an individual has achieved the required level of competency and is working for an approved employer. Without a Sentinel card, Network Rail does not know if an individual has attended approved training or is working for an unauthorised employer. Sentinel card is a simple and secure way

to check that everyone working on the railway has completed the relevant training and qualifications. When track workers report to site, they just simply need to present their card – if they don’t have a card, they won’t be allowed to work. It is simple to check and means that any maintenance, renewals or enhancement work is being carried out by properly trained people with the right skills, safely at all times, and that their competencies are current. Why are they only available to people to who are sponsored by a company? Doesn't

this mean that you already have to have a job in rail to get one? A Sentinel card is only available to an approved company as that company has agreed to monitor working hours, distribute Personal Protective Equipment and accept responsibility for that person on Network Rail infrastructure. You don’t need to have a job already as a company can sponsor an individual for the entry level Personal Track Safety.

Here is a list of all of the Sentinel certificates you can obtain: PTS - Personal Track Safety for non-electrified lines PTS AC - Personal Track Safety for AC electrified lines PTS DC - Personal Track Safety for DC electrified lines LKT - Lookout and site warden LKT (P) - Lookout trained to use Pee Wee LKT (K) - Lookout trained to use kango warning equip NP OLE/AC-i - Nominated person ES - Engineering supervisor AOD: HS - Handsignaller AP OLE/AC-i - Authorised person AOD:LXA - Level crossing attendant RIO - Rail Incident officer AOD: PO - Points operator BSN1 - Bridge strike nominee grade 1 IWA - Individual working alone BSN2 - Bridge strike nominee grade 2 TRK IND - Track induction BSE - Bridge strike examining engineer PICOP - Person in charge of possession SPICOP - Senior PICOP COSS - Controller of site safety PC - Protection

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the practicalities of Upskilling With the industry skills gap still widening many companies are looking to find a suitable and sustainable solution to the skills shortfall, says Philip Burgess of the Construction Equipment Association’s Skills Advisory Panel. This method of upskilling is completely free. Taking on a junior employee as a mentee is a big commitment, but it can be best way to teach someone. Your experience is one of your most valuable assets, so joining a mentoring programme, or just committing some spare time towards enriching a junior employee’s skillset can be highly effective. Decision-making, problem solving, critical thinking and other essential skills can be learnt and honed through mentoring. Government and privately funded For employees who want to engage in more costly training, it can be subsidized with government funding. The Education and Skills Funding Agency supplies business with funds to upskill their employees in a variety of ways. If an employee wants to embark on a more intensive form of training such as a degree or an apprenticeAs we know, the extent of the skills gap from our members’ experiences of what has ship, there are bursaries and grants available that can be attained with your guidance and is such that only a small fraction of the worked well and what has not. Upskilling an employer’s workforce is a support. number of new engineers and technicians Encourage education needed each year across UK industry can be long-term investment that improves busiTraining doesn’t always have to follow a expected to be met by new graduates and ness in a number of ways. The most notable through apprenticeships. More shorter- benefits are boosted morale, higher valued formal process. To be the best in any field, term measures are needed and the up- work and a more adept and versatile work- learning should never stagnate. Fostering skilling of existing employees is force; all leading, in theory, to greater pro- an environment of education can help emincreasingly being regarded as the having ductivity, competitiveness and profitability. ployees take education into their own hands Although training can be costly, it doesn’t both outside and inside of the workplace. the greatest potential to achieve this. But how can we further enable and en- have to be the financial drain that many Continual learning is the only way to stay current and relevant, so positive reinforcecourage people to retrain and upskill employers fear it to be. As a precursor to the provision of guid- ment can help with this. In addition to through their working lives when practical tools and case study examples showing so- ance specific to our sector, here are some providing upskilling opportunities as referlutions for effective upskilling are few and practical, generic and cost-effective training enced above, employers can hold meetings and seminars promoting self-education. Infar between and hard to find? The onus methods for employers to bear in mind. centives for learning targets can also enshould be on each industry sector to define courage self-studying. Online courses upskilling as an issue for itself and to seek It is often said that training differentiates Some online training courses are free, to address it in practical terms; and the CEA Skills Advisory Panel is about to take while others may cost money but require no a successful company from a floundering on this challenge for the construction additional expenses. The only requirement one and that keeping employees trained in equipment industry. We aim to better un- to embark on an online course is an internet current practices is essential to business sucderstand the working relationships between connection, which is paltry compared to the cess. If budgets are making this difficult, employers, their employees, further educa- costs incurred from travel and accommoda- then there are always options that are more tion training providers, universities and tion for face-to-face courses, but employees affordable. Motivating employees to keep communities at the local level which up- still gain essential knowledge and training. up their self-learning is important both for skilling and lifelong learning demand. Some virtual lectures and seminars offer al- the technical and practical skills gained by From this the intention is to provide suc- most the same experience as live attendance. it and for the increased productivity and morale that should follow. Mentoring cinct advice on upskilling measures drawn

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

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CitB invests in simulator training for next generation of plant operators The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has made a major investment into revolutionary technology to help train the next generation of plant operators.

The £1.2m funding has seen 16 state of the art plant simulators move into CITB’s National Construction College in Bircham Newton, Norfolk. CITB contributed £700,000, with £450,000 of funding coming from the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership. The simulators will be used to train apprentices and trainees in a wide-range of plant machinery, including excavators, cranes, crawler dozers, telehandlers, tractors and dumper trucks. CITB plans to use this technology to train people for an even wider range of jobs in the future. The simulators provide a unique immersive experience for all learners. They give trainees a chance to try out what the equipment is like before using the real thing. This helps provide an incredibly life-like experience, while minimising health and safety risks. The simulators also electronically record progress and analyse how learners behave in different scenarios. Graham McPhail, Head of Education and Training at CITB, said: “New methods of technology are playing an increasingly important role in construction and this investment will help us modernise the way we train. It is really pleasing to see the added

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value the simulators provide to all our learners. I am very grateful to the LEP for their support in helping this to happen. “CITB is committed to ensuring the right training is in place to produce the highly-skilled workforce required in our industry.” The simulators, from CM Labs in Canada and TenStar in Sweden, offer environmental benefits by reducing the amount of carbon emissions associated with traditional plant machinery. They can demonstrate the adverse effects that different weather and time can have when operating plant – for example changing from day to night, or rain, wind and snow – as well as creating modern construction scenarios that cannot be replicated in a typical real-life training session. The investment comes at a time when construction is in need of plant operators. CITB’s latest skills forecast shows strong demand in this area, with almost 5,000 plant operatives required over the next five years. Laura Welham-Halstead, Head of Communications at the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are delighted to sup-

port the development of this unique training facility in our area. Ensuring that we have an appropriately skilled workforce both now and in the future is one of our key priorities, and there is no doubt that this new facility will help us to achieve that goal.” Josh Missin, a 24-year-old plant apprentice from Wisbech who works with planthire firm Mervyn Lambert, has been training on the simulators. He said: “The simulators are great. As someone who had never used any form of plant machinery before, I was quite nervous before doing so. However, the simulators allowed me to quickly learn how certain controls worked, which meant I felt much more confident when using the machines in real life. “They are also good when bad weather would stop us from using the real machines, as you don’t feel like you’ve lost a day’s work. “I would definitely encourage anyone interested in this type of construction to have a go on the simulators. They should be used in everyone’s plant apprenticeship training.”

the CpA news

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rob joins the CpA team The CPA are pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Squires to the role of Training and Safety Manager and will be supporting all of the CPA Special Interest Groups and the Training of Plant in Construction Group (TOPIC). As training issues are high on the agenda and with the ongoing review of CITB and its function, Rob will work closely with them and other organisations to ensure that Member’s training requirements are met, relevant and are delivered properly. Rob will further both ensure that grant aid continues to be available and will be seeking new funding opportunities for Members from CITB and other funding bodies. Rob joins the CPA after his time as Training Manager of the National Demolition Training Group and brings with him a strong training and management background, starting with his time in the

Armed Forces and latterly at CITB where he oversaw the staffing and delivery mechanisms for all of the construction based card schemes including CSCS, CISRS and particularly CPCS. CPA Chief Executive Colin Wood said, “I’ve known Rob for a number of years and I’m very pleased to welcome him to our CPA team and know that he will make a great contribution to the work of the Association and to the plant sector in general”. CPA Director Kevin Minton said, “Rob’s background in training delivery and management will be of great benefit to the Association and with the advent of the CSCS-badged card initiative which is affecting many of the CPA members, Rob’s knowledge of card scheme requirements and his contacts with CITB and CSCS will allow us to thoroughly support the membership on these issues”.

Rob added, “I’m very pleased to be joining the CPA and look forward to making a valuable contribution to the Association and supporting the Members in navigating the sometimes complex issues of carding, funding, qualification and training delivery requirements”. Rob can be contacted at the CPA on 0207 796 3366 or at rob.squires@cpa.uk.net

haydn steele retires After many years of sterling service, Haydn Steele, CPA’s Safety and Training Manager has decided to retire on 22 June on the grounds of health. For many CPA members and for those from the plant and construction industry, Haydn has been a high profile character and a key contact at the CPA during the sixteen years he has worked there. Haydn came to the CPA from the Royal Air Force bringing with him a strong background in training and health and safety. Haydn has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to training and safety for CPA Members and the industry over the years and amongst his many day-to-day activities, has helped many of them with advice on training and safety issues, and worked closely with and was the main link between CPA and the CITB, not afraid to challenge them on numerous occasions to ensure that the needs of CPA Members and the plant sector in general were met. Amongst the many numerous functions he fulfilled, he chaired the CITB Health & Safety Test Questions Sub-committee, represented CPA's interest on the CPCS Management Committee, has been instrumental in managing and administering the CPA

Special Interest Groups, played a significant part in developing - in partnership with other European countries - the European Crane Operator's Licence (soon to come to fruition), and administered the Training of Plant in Construction (TOPIC) group which has grown in strength over the years including encompassing the recent introductions of the Trailblazer apprenticeships. Members who've visited the CPA stand at the many trade shows over the years such as SED, Plantworx, Vertikal Days, Executive Hire Show etc. may not be aware that Haydn was the driving force behind the organisation of the CPA stands, as well as other activities such as the CPA Golf Day but perhaps Haydn's greatest profile was the setting up and organising the very successful 'Stars of the Future' apprenticeship awards for which his hosting expertise on stage will always be memorable. Space limits all Haydn’s achievements over the years but he will undoubtedly be missed by his CPA colleagues, Members and the numerous people from the industry who've interacted with him over many years. In summary, Colin Wood, Chief Executive of the CPA said, "We're sad to lose

Haydn but understand the reasons for his departure, he's certainly left his legacy and a hard act to follow and his character and achievements will be noted for many years to come. We wish him all the best in the future”. Kevin Minton, Director said, "We have all enjoyed working with Haydn, and we wish him a happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement" The final word comes from Haydn; “The time has come for me to retire from the CPA after 16 years on 22nd June 2017 due to health issues from which I can now put my feet up and relax….some would say I’ve been relaxed enough during the past 16 years!! It’s been a privilege and pleasure to have worked with and alongside Members and industry during my time at the CPA. Much has changed during this time, mainly for the good and I hope my time spent with the CPA has been appreciated, having done the best for the Members and industry in general. I will miss the interaction with everyone and I wish you all a very prosperous and healthy future”.

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CITB – What’s the discussion about it’s future about? Every three years, the Construction Industry Training Board has to prove it has the support of the industry in order to collect the Levy that funds its existence. This process is known as consent. Consent is now being sought and Levy paying companies will have their say.

Time to end the CITB Grant and Levy? The Construction Industry Training Board is about to ask the government for another three years of levy raising powers. It will only likely continue in its current format if it has the support of the firms that have to pay the levy. For major contractors, who claim millions in training grants, it can be a revenue stream. But most small businesses see the levy as a tax. The CITB however, it spends significant amounts of the levy payments on running costs, and a big amount on research into the future of the Levy!! What has always seemed strange is the small companies who need the support for training must pay in without automatic entitlement to grants. So they end up with LESS money to invest in training, the bigger companies who can afford the training can make money out of the Levy due to the volume of trainees and therefore the draw down.

Many of our members and readers even say the CITB distorts the training market and dramatically pushes up prices. Small businesses make up 85 per cent of levy payers. So if most of them say NO to three more years, that’s the end of the CITB levy and grant. The CITB hopes to tip the balance. It’s been supported for decades by Consensus Federations. The Federations vote on behalf of their members and the CITB thinks it’s unnecessary to send out ballot papers to every levy payer. It doesn’t think your voice should count. But then again, the CITB has promised almost £9million to the Federations So how can small businesses change the system? If you’re a small business and a Federation member, demand a vote. If you’re not a member, you’ll probably be called by IFF Research on behalf of the CITB. That’s your chance to ask how your vote will be cast and make sure your opin-

ion is heard. Don’t forget to ask for a transcript of the call as proof of your vote. One of Britain’s biggest construction companies has launched a scathing attack on the industry’s main training body and is threatening to cut off financial support in a row over its effectiveness. Balfour Beatty chief executive Leo Quinn said he is poised to protest against an annual levy the company pays to fund the CITB. If Mr Quinn’s rebellion is supported by more than half the industry in a triennial vote the board could be scrapped. Leo Quinn, chief executive of Balfour Beatty, has questioned the effectiveness of the CITB training and its failing to address the shortage of skilled workers that is becoming a major problem within the industry. Mr Quinn said: “By 2020, the industry needs another million workers – assuming we lose none of our current European em-

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ployees, post Brexit. “To close that gap – to attract that number of people into the industry and train them properly - requires every part of the system to be pulling its weight. “The skills shortage shows it [the CITB] hasn’t been doing its job for some time.” The body, which was set up in the 1960s, currently gets £200m a year from a levy on construction companies, who are slated to pay 0.35pc of their wage bill to the CITB. The CITB is responsible for training in construction and setting standards. Mr Quinn raised concerns about how the CITB operates. A government-led review of training boards had been due to report before the triennial vote but its findings were delayed by the election. Steve Radley, CITB policy director hit back, saying it was working hard to tackle the skills shortage. “There is more detail to be fleshed out on how we will change but there is a huge amount of information out about what we plan to do,” he said. “We are reducing the services we provide to reflect the interests of our members and become the industry body they want.” In Response the government has urged construction firms to vote in favour of keeping the CITB – and warned the industry could be hit with bills if it scraps the training body. A letter from three ministers to CITB chair James Wates backed the retention of the training board through the consensus process. Consensus, which allows trade bodies and more than 6,000 non-affiliated firms to vote on whether they want to keep paying the CITB levy, runs until the end of September. Ministers last summer announced a review of construction training boards by former chief construction adviser Paul Morrell. This was due to report in spring 2017 so its findings could be taken into account by construction companies during consensus. However, a recent letter – from skills minister Anne Milton, housing minister Alok Sharma and industrial strategy minister Lord Prior said the report would not be published until October, which seems pointless after the vote!! Firms with a payroll under £80,000 will continue to be exempt from paying the levy. A rate of 1.25 per cent will remain on payments to Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) subcontractors.

UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

The ministers’ letter added: “We hope the CITB’s reform programme will be enough to persuade industry colleagues to support the CITB’s levy proposals this summer. “If the industry decides not to support the levy, the CITB may have to close. “That would have significant financial costs, and we would have to consider carefully how those costs should be met: we do not think it would be fair for the industry to expect the taxpayer to bear the lion’s share. “There would, of course, be an ongoing need for skills development and analysis in the construction industry, and we would consider what options there might be for doing that in future and how it should be funded.” Concerns about the cost of the CITB levy on firms intensified as a result of the government launching its own apprenticeship levy in April, which forces firms with a payroll of over £3m to pay 0.5 per cent of that amount into the central fund to pay for apprenticeship training. The Unions have had their say also on the matter with the UK’s largest construction union is urging firms to “seriously consider” before voting to end the industry’s current training levy and plunging the future of the CITB into jeopardy. Unite has warned against “throwing the baby out with the bath water”, adding that the potential disappearance of the training body would be “devastating” to the construction sector. Unite said that while it has “concerns” about aspects of the CITB’s operation, the union believes the role it plays in apprenticeship training is “critical” and that the skills crisis currently engulfing the industry would worsen. Gail Cartmail, assistant general secretary of Unite said, “If the CITB is going to be able to cope with the challenges that the industry faces in the coming years, it needs to be radically reformed. For too long smaller companies which actually employ construction workers have felt they have been denied grants which are too often given to the major contractors, who have the expertise of applying for grants but employ few if any construction workers. “Until the CITB is properly reformed and its governance structure represents the key stakeholders in the industry, including unions, professional institutes, employers’

associations and SMEs there will continue to be distrust towards the organisation. “The CITB must create the impression it is operating in the national interest and not in the interests of big business.” Sarah Beale, CEO of CITB, said last week that the reform of the organisation has already started and full details will be shared in November. She added, “Our biggest ever industry consultation held this spring suggests that a majority of firms, including the smaller employers that dominate our industry, broadly welcome CITB’s reforms. These include streamlining what we do to provide better value for levy payers, embracing the modernisation agenda to help all construction firms become more productive, and ensuring that standards, training, support for careers and our reformed grants scheme are in place to meet industry’s key skill needs. “We have also made it clear that we will work closely with our industry, with employers of all sizes and across Britain, to agree our objectives and to ensure that we are held to account in delivering them. We are confident that a reformed CITB, with active support and challenge from industry, will be well-placed to meet construction’s challenges ahead.” The fact is that whatever happens the CITB does not go far enough to support the individual, we first talked about this with the NFPEO’s ‘beyond Blue’ paper which showed the lack of support once you had achieved a qualification, but more importantly as the majority of labour within construction is self-employed there is no way to access any career development plans, so many operatives either self-fund or leave the industry for ones which offer full employment and training. An organisation which spends most of its given money on its on costs is surly flawed and perhaps the CITB should be more of an overseeing auditing body with the many national training schools acting and doing the training for them. Public companies are subject to rigorous corporate governance, the CITB is not closely accountable to the industry it exists to serve an therefore needs to change.

JOIN TODAY AND HAVE YOUR SAY ON INDUSTRY TOPICS

The NFPEO has great experience in the rail & Construction industries, so we can see first-hand the growing gap in the market for skilled plant operators. We also understand how operators are struggling to gain experience on projects. As â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Voice of the Operatorâ&#x20AC;? the NFPEO is looking to bring about fundamental changes in the operators working conditionsespecially in regards to training and continual personal development. This is to ensure good operators remain in the industry and that new operators can be attracted to fill the current shortage.

Find out more at: http://nfpeo.com

o irdYe C VoeVnetrs sGt U e

Completely Boelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d over at MatExpo 2017 The 3rd biennial Plantworx Construction Machinery Show, hosted by the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), ended on 8th June following an extraordinary three-day action-packed event!

UK Plant Operators were invited to the MatExpo 2017 event in Belgium where we teamed up with the UK based company Survey and Laser, a machine control hire specialist. The primary objective was to attract masses of people to the stand of their new parent company Boels Rental whilst providing in-depth knowledge of the Leica Icon Machine Control system, using two state of the art Plant Simulators exclusively modified and equipped with the Leica Machine Control systems, something completely new to the Belgium market. The Event Matexpo 2017 was a five day event held from 6th September to the 10th September 2017 at the Kortrijk Xpo in Kortrijk, Belgium. This event showcases products and machinery, recycling, civil engineering, material handling and cleaning equipment in the Automotive, Construction, Railway, Shipping & Aviation industries, the event is currently boasting a massive 37 years of

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exhibitions. With over 400 exhibitors at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event ranging from CAT, JCB, Sany, Liugong, Volvo and of course our host Boels Rental, this event saw a massive number of visitors with tens of thousands passing through the gates and walk the famous red carpets of this event.

Survey and Laser UK, our partners in this event which have a very good reputation in the UK for Leica machine control and survey systems, called in UK Plant Operators to help deliver this massive undertaking, after the success of the recent partnership with Leica at the 2017 Plantworx show in the UK where we created a simulator com-

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petition involving the Leica ICON system, we were asked to replicate a similar concept for introduction to the Belgians at this prestigious event. The Stand Major exhibitors at MatExpo do not take the event lightly, and Boels Rental were no exception, in their famous Orange everything was presented and executed down to perfection, including their on stand catering. The stand was awash with many of their latest machines and products with everything looking pristine, and through the giveaway of branded bags and buckets the whole of MatExpo was turned orange over the five days. Alongside our simulators on display were

Boels products varied from the PROFGUARD security camera system, lighting solutions, accommodation buildings, vacuum glass assembly robots, Leica products, A Kubota KX057-4 and a Manitou Rotary Telehandler among others, all polished to perfection and you guessed it, in the famous Boels Orange. The Challenge Just the logistics of attending an event of this magnitude was immense, our UKPO team worked alongside over 20 specialists from Survey and Laser and Boels Rental to execute a great experience for every single person walking through the doors of MatExpo and provide the delivery of machine control introduction through simulator

based training. With many obstacles in our way and occasionally facing a language barrier we compiled a similar concept to the UK event where we created a competition through simulation to excavate a v-ditch using the Leica icon Machine Control box for guidance, the winner of the competition was the operator who excavated the v-ditch as close to grade in the allocated four minute time slot. Once the operator had been explained the challenge, controls and objective from us or through some incredibly helpful multi-lingual members of the Boels team they were away, with over 480 sessions a day on the simulators we had a very close contest, the level of experience displayed by the French, Belgian and Dutch operators was amongst the best we have ever seen, even the young operators all knew how to operate, with the competition eventually being awarded an iPad courtesy of Boels. Who are Boels? Boels Rental is one of the most renowned rental companies in Europe where the rental of machines, tools, units and catering and event equipment is concerned. In 1980, Pierre Boels Jr. first became involved in the company, which was founded by his father in 1977. He has been in charge

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of day-to-day management since 1996 and has overseen the tremendous expansion the company has undergone, growing from 20 branches in 3 countries to more than 390 branches in 11 countries. The enormous expansion of activities is based on autonomous growth as well as a number of strategic acquisitions and has resulted in a doubling of turnover every five years. This makes Boels Rental one of the fastest growing rental companies in the world. Machine rental is and remains the core business of Boels Rental. From over 390 locations (branches) in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy and Slovakia, Boels rents the most modern and latest machines and tools. Naturally, the rental assortment is constantly expanded and supplemented, which means customers can always work with the best available equipment and with a comprehensive range of products geared specifically to their needs.. Naturally, every product comes with perfect service that is characterised by one telephone number for all rental needs and a dedicated contact (Customer Care Centre) if required, as well as the option for companies to send their employees to professional and accredited product training courses at

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the Boels Rental Training Centre. The Outcome An absolutely fantastic event and a great time had by all, plenty of buzz and activity non-stop over the five days. The Simulator competition and GPS demonstration was a real hit in Belgium drawing a massive crowd throughout the event and received enormous amounts of praise from Operators, Students, the general public and company decision makers alike.

The team at UK Plant Operators would like to extend a massive thank you to the guys at Survey & Laser for the invitation and for the whole team at Boels Rental for putting on a great stand and making us a part of the team, ensuring we were looked after and had a great time, a great company with some truly excellent employees, we look forward to working with you again soon.

PC138US-11 HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR ENGINE POWER 72,6 kW / 97,3 HP OPERATING WEIGHT 13.880 - 14.820 kg BUCKET CAPACITY max. 0,72 m³ An ultra-short tail excavator Built around the latest EU Stage IV engine technologies for emission control, the Komatsu PC138US-11 offers improved operating comfort and new safety features, along with a significant reduction in fuel consumption. An ultra-short tail swing makes it perfect for work on roadways, bridges, in urban areas, or anywhere with limited space.

Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd, Padgets Lane, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 0RT Tel: 01527 512512 · info@mkl.co.uk · www.marubeni-komatsu.co.uk

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UK Plant Operators - Issue 08

Aurelia Ltd tel: 01638 751492 NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Tyneside Training Services Ltd tel: 0191 286 2919 NORFOLK ace lift truck training tel: 01508 218862 britiania safety and training tel: 01953 606100 MPH Training tel: 01603 882 220

National Construction College tel: 0844 844 0466 NORTH HUMBERSIDE mitts training tel: 01482 323709 national forklift training ltd tel: 01482 644855 pastel training tel: 01964 529006 simpson training ltd tel: 01377 255566 NORTH LANARKSHIRE MG Scotland Ltd tel: 07774641482 NORTH YORKSHIRE KR solutions tel: 01757 707775 Training & Safety Associates tel: 07802 410567 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE c b training tel: 01536 201871 djc safety training tel: 07927 850958 Moulton College tel: 01604 491131 pheonix training tel: 01933 677708 NORTHUMBERLAND John Wright Training Services Ltd tel: 07919 662634 Owen Pugh Training Services tel: 0191 250 4601 Robson Bros Excavations tel: 01434 683734 Safety Advisory Services tel: 07903 199417 White Tower Training Ltd tel: 07751 232324 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE direct(flt) training tel: 0115 926 9123 forklift training ltd tel: 01623 861721 sefety & leisure training tel: 0843 2896120 uk industries training tel: 0115 979 1068 PENARTH shorecliffe training cliffe

no G Vperro V sitdo er s Y t r A i n iC

tel: 01745 815977 PLYMOUTH Industrial Safety Training (National) tel: 07071 700111 PONTYPRIDD Apex Training (Plant) Ltd tel: 01443 844 300 CITS Ltd tel: 01443 844 091 ROSS-SHIRE Award Training Services Ltd tel: 01862 894 729 Serimax Training Ltd tel: 01349 830 007 ROTHERHAM Adskill Ltd tel: 07889 387698 SHEFFIELD bobby berveridge tel: 01709 836700 HTC Plant Ltd tel: 01709 559 668 Norton Training & Tesing tel: 07759 156828 Plant Operator Training Services tel: 01142 884150 SHROPSHIRE Beddows Training Ltd tel: 01691 680 312 Enterprise Training tel: 07810 050 723 Safety and Training Limited tel: 01939 236 941 SOMERSET Bridgwater College tel: 01278 655004 C H Contracting (South West) Ltd tel: 01373 471268 Civil Skills Plus tel: 01935 827030 KD Construction Safety Services Ltd tel: 01935 474651 Kelston Sparkes Group Training Centre tel: 01275 332 751 M M Training tel: 07717 651317 pa safety services ltd tel: 01935 412545 SOUTH HUMBERSIDE

corridians tel: 01724 868571 STAFFORDSHIRE Eardley's Training & Maintenance Services tel: 07799 792585 J.F. Services tel: 01889 567 766 go direct training tel: 01543 221720 Roger Bullivant Ltd tel: 01283 525066 staffs operators training tel: 01782 503500 STIRLINGSHIRE independant training solutions ltd tel: 01324 821000 SUSSEX Accredited Plant Training tel: 01403 782837 SUTHERLAND Donald Munro Plant Training tel: 01863 766 271

tel: 01922 701401 WARWICKSHIRE UK Plant Training Ltd tel: 02476 690970

- Leading provider of CPCS training and testing across all plant categories - NPORS Accredited - NVQ Centre - CSCS Touch Screen H&S Test Centre - Excellent facilities across two multi-acre sites MPTT West Midlands Swan Works, Pelsall Road, Brownhills, West Midlands WS8 7DL MPTT South West Tinkley Lane, Nympsfield, Storehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 3UW Call 01543 899706 or email Gerry Jackson at gerry.jackson@mptt.co.uk

SWANSEA

WEST GLAMORGAN

D M Training & Consultancy tel: 01639 844755

kjr trainingltd tel: 01792 324223

TORFAEN

WEST LOTHIAN

Batch Plant Ltd tel: 01495 756 505 TURRIFF

Central Training Services Ltd tel: 01506 829 883 Sibbald Training tel: 01501 750900

Norman Taylor Plant Trainer Assessor tel: 07890 062662

WEST MIDLANDS

TYNE AND WEAR at your place tel: 0191 416 5460 tom hannah flt training tel: 07775 917158 tyneside training services ltd tel: 0191 286 2919

action midlands ldt tel: 01902 730909 Advanced Training and Testing Ltd tel: 0121 707 4200 Central Training Services tel: 01905 759 259 UK Operators Training Ltd tel: 01562 636035

VALE OF GLAMORGAN

WEST YORKSHIRE

JP Training Consultancy Ltd tel: 01446 744 775

Afi-Uplift tel: 01924 234 800 Birkwood Plant Training tel: 01924 860 444 Norton Training & Testing tel: 07880 743288 training-worx ltd tel: 0844 3576060

WALSALL epro training services tel: 01543 547347 midland plant training & testing ltd tel: 01543 899 706 vital training services

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