More JCB machines for Apex Plant Hire

Leicester-based firm invests in more than 40 new JCB products including six 225T compact loaders

APEX Plant Hire have taken delivery of more than 40 new JCB machines, including: six 225T compact tracked loaders; seven 85Z-1 excavators; 10 tandem vibratory rollers; and eight 8016 and ten 8026 mini-excavators. They join an extensive range of JCB tracked excavators, telehandlers, backhoe loaders and compaction equipment in the firm’s predominantly JCB fleet.

In evaluation against a competitive model, the JCB 225T – powered by a Tier 4i-compliant JCB Ecomax engine – proved significantly more fuel efficient, according to both companies.

David Marriott, director of Apex, said: ‘The first thing we noticed about the new machines was the massive fuel savings. The competition just cannot match up. We compared a JCB unit to a rival manufacturer’s model and it used a third less fuel on the same work. The JCB only needed to be refuelled two or three times a week, while the competitive model required four refills.

‘The machines also really come into their own in applications where manoeuvrability and low ground bearing pressure are important. The tracks can either protect delicate virgin ground or prevent further damage in poor ground conditions.’

Mr Marriot added: ‘Working in wet and boggy conditions is where the safety benefits are also magnified. Slippery boots and clambering over attachments would be a dangerous combination with conventional two-arm machines. The side entry door on JCB models is a massive bonus for customers when it comes to health and safety.

‘Over 85% of our fleet is JCB because we value the excellent service support and value for money on high-spec machines. We have a strong relationship with our dealer and like to support a UK manufacturer. The JCB LiveLink system is another great addition with the potential to boost our fleet-management efficiency.’

The 225T compact loaders feature JCB’s unique ‘PowerBoom’ design, which uses a single arm rather than the conventional two-arm skid-steer design. This provides a unique left-side entry door which allows the operator to enter/exit the machine clear of the attachment and loader arm, making it one of the industry’s safest skid-steer models available.