Plantforce to purchase more Bell machines

Plant hire firm adding 10 new B30E articulated dumptrucks to existing Bell Equipment fleet  

WITH a comprehensive fleet and strategically placed depots in Bristol, Exeter, Bridgwater and, more recently, Birmingham, Plantforce have announced plans to double their existing fleet of ten B30E ADTs to meet growing demand.

As major equipment providers to the Hinkley Point development project, and suppliers to companies involved in the construction of HS2, Plantforce have developed a reputation as a plant hire firm capable of responding quickly to a wide range of client requirements and providing specialist, meticulously maintained equipment, together with the services of accredited plant operators.

With a fleet that includes self-drive mini-diggers and 52-tonne excavators, Plantforce currently offer 10 Bell B30Es – having made their first investment in the ADTs in March this year. 

‘With our customers increasingly requesting machines suitable for excavating sites such as Hinkley Point, quarry operations, housing sites, and for use as part of sea defence work, we felt the time was right to invest in a series of larger ADTs that would prove task compatible,’ said Samuel Mercer, operations director for Plantforce.

‘While considering market options we looked at the Bell B30E in close detail and chose to invest in the model for multiple reasons. Its capacity to provide superior levels of fuel efficiency, together with its notable build quality impressed us straight away. 
 
‘Furthermore, we felt that the model’s digital Fleetm@tic system was exceptional, and very versatile. So often, on-board management systems give users too much information that can prove unnecessary, while not presenting enough of what operators need on a practical level.’

As the industry continues to change, and contractor’s deadlines and margins become ever tighter, customers increasingly demand the upfront knowledge of a vehicle’s potential for productivity, fuel consumption, and idling time. 

According to Mr Mercer, Bell’s Fleetm@tic system provides Plantforce customers with this information simply and effectively which, in turn, helps them to better manage their operations. 

Mr Mercer has also been impressed by Bell Equipment’s customer service and aftermarket care. ‘The ability for a manufacturer to back us is a major factor for the company,’ he commented. 

‘I feel that Bell have supplied us with extremely dependable, hard-working machines that serve to promote our business reliability and we’ve also developed a great working relationship with the sales and support teams. We’ve found that Bell are always happy to help and are consistently prompt in responding to any needs or issues.’

Nick Learoyd, managing director of Bell Equipment, added: ‘It is tremendous to hear Plantforce are already looking to double the number of B30E ADTs in their fleet. The evolving construction landscape in the UK is prime for hardworking ADTs such as the B30E, and we feel certain that with its improved payloads, faster haul cycles and industry-leading fuel economy, Plantforce’s clients will be more enabled and productive behind the wheel of a Bell machine in this increasingly demanding construction climate.’