Ffrench connection with new LiuGong machines
London-based plant hire firm places one of the largest UK orders for LiuGong equipment
WEST London-based J. Ffrench Plant Hire have recently signed one of the largest orders for LiuGong construction equipment in the UK. The deal will see the delivery of 20 LiuGong machines, supplied by Construction Plant & Machinery Sales (SE) Ltd (CPMS), over the coming months. The order also includes the supply of the UK’s first Dressta dozer – a TD15M Extra model.
Commenting on the deal, Grant McGregor of CPMS said: ‘We are delighted to announce that J. Ffrench Plant Hire have placed this order with us, for what is a comprehensive package of LiuGong machinery, including Dressta bulldozers.
‘After testing the reliability and productivity of the equipment, and seeing first-hand the benefits of the low running costs, we feel that Mr Ffrench has been convinced that the product will be a valued addition to his fleet.’
The first five units to be delivered include one 915D 14-tonne hydraulic excavator, two 922LC 22-tonne excavators, and one 936LC 36-tonne excavator.
The popular 915D model features a four-cylinder Cummins Tier 3/Stage IIIA engine, which offers a gross power output of 82kw (112hp), has a maximum digging depth of 5,470mm and tips the scales at 13,900kg. Standard bucket capacity on this model is 0.55 cubic metres.
The 922LC is powered by a six-cylinder Cummins Tier 3/Stage IIIA engine, which produces a gross power output of 116kw (158hp), and has a maximum dig depth of 6,615mm and an operating weight of 22,000kg. Standard bucket capacity on this machine is 1.0 cubic metres.
The 936LC – currently the largest LiuGong excavator available in the UK – once again draws its power from a Cummins Tier 3/Stage IIIA engine, offering a gross power output of 209kw (284hp), and has a maximum dig depth of 7,340 mm and a standard operating weight of 37,600kg. Standard bucket capacity on this model is 1.6 cubic metres.
All the excavators in the order have been equipped with full demolition specifications as required by J. Ffrench Plant Hire. These modifications include heavy-duty bucket tipping ram guards, strengthened side-skirt protection, FOPS cab-guard protection, boom and dipper arm check valves, and ‘boxing ring’ style fall-from-height protection on the upper structure.
All the modifications were carried out by CPMS’s team of LiuGong-trained engineers, at their workshops in Portsmouth.
The Dressta TD15M Extra dozer has also been modified to include a full power, angle, tilt (PAT) blade and a heavily strengthened three-tine ripper assembly. The machine is powered by a Cummins QSC8.3 Tier 3/Stage IIIA six-cylinder turbo-charged engine, which offers a gross power output of 153kw (205hp). The dozer ranges in weight from 20,660kg to 21,620kg, depending on specification.
Commenting on the deal, Justin Ffrench, managing director of J. Ffrench Plant Hire, said: ‘I have dealt with Grant McGregor for more than 20 years now, and when he first approached me with the idea of LiuGong construction machinery I was rather sceptical at first. But having taken a number of machines on long-term demonstration, and having supplied them to our customer base for their response, I have been pleased with the feedback we’ve received.
‘The response has been very positive with good comments from some and no adverse comments from others. The machines have proven to be reliable and fuel efficient. I have done many deals with Grant McGregor of CPMS over the years and have always been supported one hundred percent.’
In addition to this deal, Construction Plant & Machinery Sales have also recently secured an order to supply seven LiuGong wheel loaders to West Sussex-based Dudman Group, providing another sign of the growing popularity of the Chinese brand.
