New Bell machines for Stokey Plant Hire

Quality and service prove to be the key in Midlands-based plant hire firm’s latest investment 

MIDLANDS-based Stokey Plant Hire have purchased three B40D articulated dumptrucks (ADTs) and an L2606E wheel loader from Bell Equipment, continuing a successful relationship that has seen Bell machines used in a variety of mining and quarrying applications.

Stokey – based at new purpose-built workshops and offices in Telford – first purchased Bell ADTs in 2011, quickly amassing a number of Bell machines as part of their wider plant hire fleet.

Now, the company has ordered the additional machines to renew the fleet in anticipation of continued growth. The decision to use Bell Equipment once again was an easy one, according to Stokey director Stewart Cox. ‘Bell provide the ideal blend of first-class equipment and exceptional customer service,’ he said.

‘Fuel efficiency is paramount to our customers – especially given the often demanding conditions under which the machines are used – and Bell have proven time and again that they can save significant fuel costs compared with other manufacturers.

‘But we do not take their word for it. By using the Bell Fleetm@tic software, we can accurately monitor the performance of each Bell machine in the field, enabling us to report to customers on how to optimize their payloads.’

Mr Stewart said the decision to choose the 40-tonne B40D reflects the pre-eminence of Bell Equipment in larger-capacity ADTs. ‘There are two key reasons for our preference of the B40D,’ he explained. ‘Not only do they suit the heavier applications that our customers need, such as rock stripping, but they offer a better residual value which is enhanced due to the scarcity of 40-tonne trucks compared with smaller-capacity models.’

Stokey have also been impressed by the customer service offered by Bell, something recently underlined during the purchase of the new L2606E wheel loader. ‘We needed a loading shovel to run in a steelworks facility but there was some uncertainty at first as to the duration of the contract.’

Bell proposed a solution: that Stokey purchase a second-hand L2606E, with the option to exchange for a new machine should the steelworks contract become longer term. This is what occurred and Stokey have now taken on the new L2606E for the job.

‘It makes all the difference when a company is prepared to go the extra mile, and to show that kind of willingness to adapt the plan as circumstances change,’ concluded Mr Stewart. ‘That level of respect for our business needs is just as valuable as the quality of the machines themselves, and is something that really sets Bell apart.’

Sarah Jones, managing director of Stokey Plant Hire, visited Bell Equipment’s UK base in Barton-under-Needwood to take delivery of the L2606E wheel loader. She is pictured above with Ian Cobden, sales accounts manager at Bell Equipment UK (left) and Nick Learoyd, managing director of Bell Equipment (right).