New American JCB 3CX Dealerships

Black Equipment Company is the latest company to join JCB's North American dealer network for providing new and used jcb 3cxs. Black JCB will provide new and used equipment sales and rentals to the construction and material handling industries, as well as offering a 24 hour parts and maintenance service. The new dealer is based in Evansville, Indiana, but will have dealerships in Hopkinsville and Paducah, Kentucky to supply jcb 3cx for sale.

Scott Bonnell, president of Black JCB, says that the new dealer has picked the industry-leader as a partner to grow its business.

"By becoming a JCB dealer, we're expanding our product offering to both new and existing customers," said Bonnell, adding: "We're impressed with JCB's quality machines and their leadership within the global construction equipment market. As the leaders in our local market, it just makes sense for us to join forces with JCB."

Black JCB has 140 employees, and is the only locally owned company providing material handling equipment sales and service for jcb 3cx in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois and Tennesee where it operates six facilities. The company was founded in 1956 by the late M.J. Black, and Black JCB remains a family-owned company to this day.

"Our company's focus has always been on service," Bonnell said. "We have technical service employees on staff who have been with our company for over 30 years. As a result, our customers can rest assured that our technicians and salespeople will do whatever it takes to get them the best equipment for their needs and keep that equipment up and running for top performance and productivity.

"Like other businesses throughout the country, companies in our area conserved money with fewer capital expenditures over the past few years. However, we're starting to see improvement, and we're now forecasting slow, steady growth. "

"JCB is very pleased to bring a quality dealer like Black Equipment, or now Black JCB on board," said John Patterson, chairman and CEO for JCB North America. "Over the years, its staff has built an outstanding reputation for providing quality sales and service, and I have no doubt that they will be excellent ambassadors for the JCB brand."

Plant Hire Firm Buy Two New 26 tonne Vehicles from Scania UK

Fork Rent, a plant hire firm based in Ipswich, have expanded their delivery fleet with the addition of two new 26- tonne P320 DB trucks from scania uk. The company have used body builders Andover to build custom bodies for the trucks so they can be used to deliver Fork Rent's range of construction equipment nationwide.

Andover's LPPB 26 beavertail bodies, measuring 9.3 m by 2.54 m, are designed specifically to transport the plant hire firm's range of forklifts, telehandlers, excavators, dumpers, diggers and general construction equipment. Fork Rent's stock of construction equipment currently stands at 2,400 machines.

The new Scania P320DB 6X2 MLA trucks join Fork Rent's existing fleet of 14 vehicles, that are responsivble for delivering equipment across the UK. The company says their vehicles typically cover over 85,000 kilometres a year, and make up to six drops a day, five days a week. In difficult economic times, companies looking to expand their delivery fleets have often been choosing cheaper vehicles, used volvo trucks, for example.

Trucks from scania uk are often chosen for their ability to easily fit custom bodies onto their chassis layouts. The new Fork Rent vehicles come fitted with a 3mm steel underlay, which is welded to the crossmembers under the whole floor to support the weight of heavy machines. Plant equipment is loaded onto the trucks by hydraulic powertoe ramps, which are fitted with expamet on the outer half and hardwood on the inner half.

“We chose Andover because of the exceptional quality of the product," said Guy Nicholls, managing director of Fork Rent.

"We’ve bought two bodies from this manufacturer before and both have delivered an outstanding performance. It’s rare to find a plant body which will last as long at such a competitive price.”

Fork Rent recently made the news for purchasing a Union-Jack styled JCB 3CX for £70,000 as part of a charity auction for armed forces charity Help for Heroes.

Latest Potain Cranes to be Showcased at Indian Industry Expo

The newest top slewing potain cranes will be showcased at Mumbai's bC India exhibition in February. The crane, the MC 125, replaces the MC 115 B.

The MC 125 is manufactured at Manitowoc's Pune facility in India and its factory in Zhangjiagang, China. The new model features a 60 m maximum jib length - 5 m more than the MC 115 B. In its standard form the crane has a choice of five possible jib lengths including the 60 m maximum. The new potain cranes also boast a maximum free-standing height of 44 metres, with potentially greater height achievable through tying off to structures. The crane's maximum capacity is 6 tonnes while at the 60 m jib end, it can still lift 1.15 tonnes.

Manitowoc will also be a showcasing a yet-to-be-announced mobile crane from its range, in addition to the tower cranes and self-erecting cranes for sale from its Potain brand. The exact model will be determined shortly before the show.

Visitors to the show will have the chance to operate a virtual crane in a simulator which replicates a real crane cab. The company will also be promoting their range of training courses for crane operators in a training next to the simulator. The event will be India's answer to the Big 5 expo held in the United Arab Emirates last year.

Raman Joshi, Manitowoc Cranes India's managing director, says the company are seeking to capitalise on the growth of the construction industry in India. "We have long seen the potential of India and have invested heavily here. We're now seeing our vision becoming a reality as the country starts to harness its true potential."

He also spoke about the company's participation at the show: "At bC India we will be increasing awareness of our customer support activities which we run through our Manitowoc Crane Care brand. We will also show our latest cranes, each of which has features and benefits of interest to Indian customers."

The bC India exhibition is being held for the first time in Mumbai from 8 to 11 February, 2011 at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, India.

Mercedes Benz Trucks No. 1 in Irish LGV Segment 2010

Mercedes benz trucks have topped the large goods vehicle segment in Ireland for the second year running, selling more than any other manufacturer. The company says its success is down to a loyal dealer network and international acclaim over the past two years.

The company sold 161 mercedes trucks in 2010, a figure combining sales of the German manufacturer's Actros, Axor and Atego truck models. This gave Mercedes-Benz a 15.8-percent market share. Thier chief competitors in the Irish market, DAF, came second in sales with a total of 147 units sold, equalling a 14.4 per cent market share. Behind DAF, Volvo made third place selling 118 units, making for an 11.6 per cent share of the market.

Analysts noted a significant dip in total LGV sales year on year, with total vehicles sold in 2010 equalling 1,020 versus 2009's total of 1,151. In 2009, 199 Mercedes benz trucks were sold, at the time giving them an 18 per cent market share.

Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle sales manager Fergus Conheady said that the manufacturer had been operating in "very adverse economic circumstances" but praised the work done by their small but loyal network of seven main dealers in Ireland to keep them at the top again this year.

The company received international recognition again this year, with its Atego model win the International Truck of the Year 2010. The Actros model won the same award for 2009.

The Atego has also received the International Motor Show (IAA) Commercial Vehicle’s Truck of the Year award for 2011, where its winning score was 127 points. The vehicles in second and third place managed noticeably lower scores of 85 and 42 points. The 12-ton vehicle was praised for its "versatility, balance of economy, emission reduction, safety, drivability and comfort."

£5K Reward Offered after Plant Hire Firm's JCB 3CX for Sale Stolen

Solway Plant Hire have offered a £5000 reward, after three vehicles including a jcb 3cx for sale were stolen from the Wishaw area in North Lanarkshire.

The machines had been supplied to North Lanarkshire Council to assist with snow removal operations in Scotland. All three vehicles were in Wishaw on snow clearing duties when they were stolen. The thieves took a digger, tractor and a jcb 3cx worth over £160,000.

Jason McLurg from Solway Plant Hire, owners of jcb 3cx for sale in Dumfries, has offered the cash reward for information which leads to the return of the vehicles, which police believe will still be in the area.

Mr McLurg, whose plant hire firm has around 40 vehicles in his fleet, said: “I’m sick, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. We were up doing snow clearing for both North and South Lanarkshire Councils and we had taken eight vehicles there.

“On December 11 a John Deere tractor and a Caterpillar digger were stolen from the Tesco car park in Wishaw during the night. A few days later a JCB 3CX was stolen from a secure compound in Range Road, Motherwell."

McLurg is confident there is still a chance to find the stolen machines, and asks for locals to be vigilant. “I believe they are still within a 20 or 30 mile radius of where they were stolen. I think they are still in the central belt."

He added: "I’m desperate for them back, which is why I have put up the reward. It was the first time we had helped out and we still are, but now we only have five vehicles instead of eight.”

The three vehicles stolen were a John Deere 6830 Tractor with a snowplough fitted to the front, a Caterpillar 432 Digger and a jcb 3cx. Locals have been encouraged to contact police with any information on the stolen equipment.

Case Launch New Range of C Series Excavators

Case Construction Equipment has launched its C Series line of excavators with three new models. Case say that each of the new machines feature increased fuel efficiency, productivity and improved serviceability and operator comfort.

The models released are to replace those in the manufacturer's B Series product line. The CX250C, CX300C and CX350C diggers also feature Tier 4 Interim-certified cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) technology that burns cleaner while delivering superior horsepower. The new Case machines deliver 177, 207 and 266 net horsepower respectively.

Tim O'Brien, marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment say their new line has been designed to fulfil the industry's need for cost-efficient equipment: “Contractors are looking for lower operating costs and higher productivity. The new Case C Series excavators deliver both,”

O'Brien added: “In trenching applications, for example, the Case CX250C excavator can save as much as three gallons of fuel per hour compared to competitive models. If an equipment owner puts 1,000 hours on a machine in a year, he can put $9,000 straight to the bottom line.”

The new Case Intelligent Hydraulic System technology reduces total fuel consumption and improves performance, said O'Brien. A new Boom Economy Control feature lowers engine RPMs during the boom down and swing operation, while the Auto Economy Control lowers RPMs when the joysticks are not in use.

Swing Relief Control technology manages the hydraulic power allotted at the start of the swing operation, and Spool Stroke Control creates an automatic pressure adjustments when digging.

“These fuel efficiency gains are especially significant,” O’Brien explained. “While typical CEGR systems lose fuel efficiency, we’ve actually increased fuel efficiency on our Case C Series excavators by up to 10 percent over our previous B Series models.

"This is noteworthy considering that the Case B Series excavators earned the prestigious Energy Conservation Award, bestowed by Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, due to its fuel efficiency. While delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, the Case C Series models continue to be in the top of their class for productivity.”

AGCO Upgrade Support Network for their Massey Ferguson Tractors for Sale

AGCO Corporation, the brand owner of massey ferguson tractors for sale, has expanded to an enterprise license for SOURCE, the latest range of support software from support provider 4CS. The purchase means owners of massey tractors now have access to an intergrated global network of support, enabling problems to be solved faster and more efficiently.

AGCO Corporation is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of agricultural equipment, through a global distribution network of more than 3200 independent dealer/distributor locations in over 140 countries. AGCO's products, aside from Massey Ferguson, include Valtra, Challenger and Fendt.

The parent company of massey tractors have achieved their major market share positions in the world's key agricultural markets by their strong focus on customer service, leading edge technology and an independent dealer network.

AGCO's innovative products continuously receive recognition and awards at international exhibitions, but they say their most coveted award is the recognition of their wide-range of products by farmers and dealers across the globe. Now customers who have bought massey ferguson tractors for sale will be better supported than ever.

The 4CS Customer Lifecycle Management applications provide collaborative service solutions that enable businesses to meet changing needs throughout the customer's life, concentrating on the post-sale or aftermarket stages.

4CS iSupport software helps increase retention of customers by providing "a single point of access to all relevant information and applications in a personalized environment." iSupport is made up of four modules consisting of a Contact Center, Service Dispatch, Service Knowledge Base, Support Center, and Reporting & Analysis.

Adrian Powell, Director Global Technical Projects for AGCO, said, "Resolving issues quicker results in reduced costs for dealers, reduced downtime for customers, and an overall improved satisfaction level with all concerned. Improved communication improves efficiencies and customer satisfaction, which is instrumental for sales growth. Overall profitability is positively impacted through the reduction of warranty costs and improved sales."

Plant Hire Firm Choose Thwaites Dumpers in £20m Fleet Upgrade

UK plant hire firm Hewden is to invest £20m in new equipment, including thwaites dumpers, which it believes will it will invigorate the construction industry.

The company believes its investment is the largest of its kind since the beginning of the recession. Hewden, based in Stretford, is determined to developing its relationships with customers namtionwide with the new range of equipment.

Chief executive Kevin Parkes said: “Hewden is building closer relationships with the leading players in the construction, infrastructure, environmental and industrial market sectors, creating partnerships that deliver a more efficient supply chain."

He added: "We are determined to increase levels of availability so plant and equipment is ready for hire, where and when customers need it."

The order includes a contract for 125 thwaites dumpers, and a £14 million order for JCB equipment. The order is only the start of Hewden's plans for 2011, which Parke says will include further expenditure on widening the range of equipment they offer, for customers needing only a minidumper, to those requiring equipment for large-scale earthmoving and construction.

“This £20m investment is just the first stage in our development plans for 2011 and is a clear sign of our commitment to customer service and achieving growth," said Parke explaining Hewden's strategy. “We currently focus on five product platforms: plant, access, cranes, power generation and accommodation. We will be investing in each of these areas but we are also exploring opportunities to expand our range with complementary products.”

The company was bought by investors Sun European Partners in May 2010, and now has over 1,400 employees around the UK. Sun have increased investment in the company since its purchase, and Parke has plans to use this capital to the fullest to cultivate a distinct advantage over its competitors.

“During 2011 this is likely to include the re-introduction of a specific range of tools for hire, so we can support customers with a full product offer, further improving efficiency and service."

Irish Mini Digger Supplier Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Dublin-based plant hire firm Kiernan's is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Larry Kiernan started his business with just one JCB mini digger, and now supplies a range of plant machinery for hire from the company's base of operations in Balbriggan, north of Dublin.

"There are now over 50 pieces of machinery available for hire ranging from one-ton mini diggers to track machines, tipper Lorries and other plant equipment," says Bernie Kiernan, Larry's wife and business partner, speaking to Irish Trucker magazine. Kiernan's stocks models from a range of manufacturers including Caterpillar, JCB, Komatsu, Hino, Atlas and Terex. All maintenance work on the machines is done by Kiernan's themselves. “The fleet hasn't been added to for the past year or two, so it is important to keep the plant well maintained. Each driver has his own machine which he maintains and we also have 2 fitters for more bigger maintenance," explains Mrs Kiernan.

Bernie says that the key to their success over they years has been striving to provide excellent customer service, based on the range of well-maintained machines they offer, "Customer satisfaction is our priority as it always has been. We have a large customer base and if we can hold on to what we have then we will delighted. We don't plan to expand the plant too much, but then again you never say never and if we feel that we have too then we will.”

Whether a customer requires one mini digger or a range of tracked excavators and backhoes, Kiernan's operates to the same policy of providing high-quality service, no matter the size of the job. “When the customer wants a job done, we want to ensure that it will be done as quickly and efficiently as possible, while at a reasonable rate," says Mrs Kiernan.

She added: "Most of the customers that we have would be with us for years. Whether they are a big or small company, everyone is treated the same with us and we're very grateful for their business over the years.”

New Flexi HiLOAD Articulated ForkLift Truck

Fork lift manufacturer Flexi Narrow Aisle have released a new model designed to handle heavy loads in very narrow aisle storage environments. The company has targeted its new forklift truck, the Flexi HiLOAD, at businesses working in the manufacturing, building materials, engineering and food ingredients sectors, where space is at a premium and big loads need to be moved in confined spaces.

The Flexi HiLOAD is available with chassis widths of 1250mm and 1350mm, and is capable of lifting up to 2.5 tonnes as high as 9.5 metres. This is made possible by the machine's unique heavy duty vision tilting lift mast design.

John Maguire, sales and marketing director of Flexi Narrow Aisle, says the the new fork lift truck is designed with its customers needs in mind. "The Flexi HiLOAD has been developed for heavy duty applications where customers want to save space and increase pallet throughput," said Maguire.

He adds: "Bulk foodstuffs, raw materials and part processed products are often heavier than the typical load in, say, the grocery retail sector. The Flexi HiLOAD will be welcomed by companies industries where high pallet weights are common."

The Flexi HiLOAD is electric powered, and promises optimal battery efficiency and minimal maintenance costs by using state of the art AC technology and a high capacity battery. The battery has been designed so that the Flexi HiLOAD maximises time between recharges, meaning it can deliver high performance even when working on long shifts.

The company pride themselves on products that require as little manoeuvring as possible in aisleways. In the Flexi HiLOAD, this is achieved through a maximum 'over rotation' and smooth digital encoder steering, so that only one turn is needed to load or de-stack any pallet load. Flexi Narrow Aisle say this means higher efficiency and safety for the operator.

The manufacturer, known for their agile and compact lifting equipment, know that businesses are looking to cut unnecessary costs wherever possible, and have built their new forklift truck so that can function outdoors as well as indoors. The Flexi HiLOAD can unload from large vehicles and deliver them straight to their racking in one operation, eliminating the need for additional vehicles. This can boost productivity and efficiency across a company's operation and reduce costs.

The Midlands based company's products are available worldwide through a network of authorised distributors and dealers.

New Minidumper Will Revolutionise Health and Safety on Construction Sites

A pair of British entrepreneurs have released a remote controlled minidumper with the intention of improving the safety of construction workers worldwide. Stuart Selway and Ryan Symes' creation is called the Shannon Solo, a 500kg hi-tip dumper which they believe will appeal to a broad market of users concerned with growing demands over health and safety.

Due to strict regulation in the construction industry, health and safety risks on construction sites is now a chief concern for buyers and operators of plant hire equipment, and it is this demand to reduce risks in the workplace that the new Shannon product is aiming to capitalise on. The remote controlled dumper is just the start. Selway and Symes plan to develop and produce a full range of remote controlled equipment designed to improve worker safety. The Shannon Solo remote control minidumper has an operational range of up to 100 metres, which Shannon believes will reduce the risk to any workers that are using it. The Solo can lift a maximum of 500 kilos, uses a scissor lift action and can load a standard skip.

The vehicle aims to solve the problems associated with sites that have gradients that can endanger workers, and other conditions such as deep water and nearby falling debris. The operating distance of the new minidumper keeps the operator out of harm's way, and Stuart Selway believes the Shannon Solo will be an asset to construction companies that want to reduce risk to their employees. "Because the Shannon Solo is operated by a remote control, it is safe to be used in hazardous areas, considerably reducing the number of times a person is exposed to the danger."

He added: "It can be used in quarries or demolition sites where there is a threat of falling debris, near deep water where people would normally be at risk, or in other dangerous areas like airports, power stations and railway sites."

Future products from the Shannon line have said to include a remote sprayer, post rammer, mower and dozer. Shannon has said these will all be launched in spring 2011. There are no current plans to develop a vehicle in the category of road rollers, where German compaction giant bomag leads the field presently. bomag have a wide range of compaction equipment is all sizes but have not developed a remote control product in this category. It is yet to be seen if Shannon will exploit this current gap in the market.

People will have their chance to see the Shannon Solo in action at the Executive Hire Show in Coventry, where it will be launched at the event in the Ricoh Arena from 9th to the 10th of February. The vehicle will also be on sale at the event.