Wheel loader trial converts Marshalls to Bell Equipment

Company commits to long-term lease of two machines following drivers’ seal of approval

AFTER taking two Bell Equipment wheel loaders on trial, Marshalls – the UK’s leading manufacturers of hard landscaping products – have committed to the long-term lease of both machines after receiving the seal of approval from their drivers on the quality of the loaders.

Marshalls, who manufacture a wide range of natural stone and concrete hard landscaping products, decided to review their loading operations at one of their main sites at Brookfoot in Halifax. Although their drivers have been loyal to familiar brands of loader in the past, Marshalls were interested in testing their reaction to a change of brand.

This process included a one week-trial of a Bell 1706 wheel loader alongside models from other manufacturers. After the trials were complete the drivers ranked Bell higher than the other loaders, showing a distinct preference for the Bell machine’s performance and cab specification.

Jonathan Galvin, senior group buyer at Marshalls, explained: ‘As a the market leader in the hard landscaping industry, we are extremely reliant on superior earthmoving equipment that will stand up to the demands required at our numerous operations around the country.

‘Quality and reliability are critical components in our machine selection process, as any equipment used needs to meet the challenge of materials handling across our extensive product range. However, it’s our drivers that have the soundest knowledge of how machines really perform when put to the test.

‘We want our operatives to feel confident in the capabilities of the equipment they use as well as its ergonomic aspects, so we enabled a process of feedback whereby machine selection decisions can be made on a site-specific basis in conjunction with looking at the lifetime cost of running the machines, including maintenance and fuel burn.

‘Over the years we’ve put a number of wheel loaders from different manufacturers through their paces – all of which have offered quality, but not necessarily cost-effectiveness.’

When the latest opportunity for change arose at the Brookfoot operation in Halifax, Bell Equipment offered their 1706 wheel loader on trial and it was this machine – which benefits from the power and fuel efficiency of a John Deere engine – that came out on top, having been rated the preferred loader of the trial models by the operators.

‘It was a unilateral choice to select the Bell machine,’ continued Mr Galvin. ‘Our drivers were impressed with so many of its aspects, including the more powerful, longer arms that enable operators to effortlessly reach from the aggregate bays into tall batching plant hoppers, and the ergonomic cab that offers greater, practical comfort.

‘In addition, this invaluable ‘trial’ exercise has been a superb opportunity to test what’s actually out on the market at present, and how machines really compare, as well as the options to purchase or hire.’

The successful selection of the machine at the Halifax operation subsequently led to Marshalls requesting a similar demonstration trial at their Sittingbourne operation in Kent, where drivers were equally impressed with the equipment and, once more, a Bell wheel loader was introduced as the latest addition to the fleet.

Bell Equipment UK’s managing director, Nick Learoyd, said: ‘We’re delighted with Marshalls’ decision to bring our Bell Loaders on board and are confident that they’ll remain extremely pleased with their choice.’