Executive Hire News › Archives › October 2008 › Executive Report: Saltex showcase
Executive Report : Saltex showcase
EHN reports on the latest equipment appropriate for grounds care hire, shown at the Saltex exhibition at Windsor Racecourse.
Plantool blazes a trail
Plantool Hire has had an innovative delivery vehicle designed to its own specifications, to overcome problems that can face hire companies concerning towing regulations. It was displayed by the manufacturer, KFS Special Vehicles of Andover.
“It is illegal for anyone without category B+E on their licence to tow a trailer over 750kg,” says Rodger Webb, a Director of Plantool. “A typical mini excavator in a tool and equipment hirer’s fleet weighs between 800-1600kg, without a trailer, and it costs approximately £1,000 to get a driver through the necessary test - and that is if they pass first time.”
The new truck is designed on a front-wheel drive tractor unit and an Al-Ko low chassis, similar to those used on modern motor homes and buses, giving a very low loading level. A mini excavator or a small scissor lift can be loaded straight onto the deck, which can carry approximately 1600kg.
“There is no need for a tail lift, which would require regular testing and maintenance,” says Simon Jones, also a Director of Plantool, “and anyone with a current full licence can drive the vehicle.” The company has depots in Daventry, Warwick, Nuneaton, Kettering, Lutterworth and Stratford-upon-Avon. Pictured inspecting the vehicle are Plantool’s Area Manager Ben Jones (left), Rodger Webb (centre) and KFS Sales & Marketing Director Steve Elwell.
Probst’s one-man solution
New from Probst is the VPH Mobile. It comprises a standard VPH150 vacuum slab lifter, which normally requires two operators, plus a VPH Wheel Set that turns it into a single-user trolley. Different heads can be fitted to suit various slabs, blocks and paving stones, and the maximum lift capacity is 150kg.
01939 235325
www.probst-handling.co.uk
Attached to Avant
Avant Tecno promoted new attachments for models in its range of articulating multi-purpose tool carriers, including the new 210 backhoe, as well as a self-adjusting clamp for handling containerised shrubs and larger potted plants in nurseries.
Also shown was a new front-mounted rotary mulching mower with an integral 210-litre grass collector, which tips hydraulically for easy emptying. The stand display included a new lightweight cab for 500 and 600 series models, and a range of hydraulic breakers weighing 70, 110 and 160kg. Avant prided itself on offering something for all visitors - even ‘tyre kickers’, as our picture shows.
01953 714896
www.avanttecno.com
Datatag plans new Cesar derivative
Datatag promoted its Cesar (Construction Equipment Security & Registration) scheme for protecting plant and machinery. Equipment is fitted with both visible and covert markings to deter theft and aid identification, with details held on a central database that can be accessed by the Police.
Managing Director Kevin Howells told EHN that Datatag is in the final stages of developing a Cesar variant for smaller equipment and tools, which will be launched at the Executive Hire Show in February.
01932 895304
www.datatag.co.uk
Timberwolf in three dimensions
Brand new from Timberwolf is the TW190TVGTR (turbo variable gradient tracked) chipper, the result of 12 months’ development. Derived from the popular TW190 series that process timber of up to 190mm diameter, it has a specially designed cantilever undercarriage which, according to Sales Director Alex Ball, gives the machine three-dimensional capabilities.
“Operators can extend the width of the tracks for stability, raise the height of the machine for ground clearance, and tilt the unit for work on slopes. These parameters can be altered singly or in any combination.
“It is ideal for contractors working on highway verges, railway embankments, waterways and other utilities. Early advance orders already justify our investment in the machine’s development.” The chipper should enter full production in the first quarter of 2009.
01449 765800
www.timberwolf-uk.com
JCB machine out front
Occupying centre stage on JCB Groundcare’s stand was the FM30 out-front mower, which is now in full production. It is offered with a choice of 1.5 and 1.8m rotary decks, as well as a 1.4m-wide twin-flail version designed to achieve a fine mulching effect when cutting grass and vegetation.
The company also gave details of the new 403 compact wheeled loading shovel, which has a 36hp engine and a bucket capacity of 0.3m3. The articulated machine accepts standard and high-lift loader arms.
01889 590312
www.jcb.com
Cutting-edge Camon
Tracmaster, which manufactures the Camon range of grounds care equipment, showed its new BCS Professional Mulching Mower attachment, which has an 80cm cutting deck and is designed for heavy-duty clearing tasks on difficult terrain. An automatic blade brake is incorporated, and mobility is enhanced by two pivoting castor wheels at the front.
Also on display was the recently introduced Camon TC07 turf cutter. Replacing the popular TC12, it has a 30cm-wide reversible cutting blade, adjustable to provide working depths of 20-40mm. Independent levers engage the blade and the drive to the rear wheels, and an anti-vibration system results in the machine having a quoted vibration level of less than 3m/s2.
01444 247689
www.camon.co.uk
Stihl’s powerful performers
Stihl unveiled a new line-up of grass trimmers designed for low emissions and fuel economy, and which are said to be virtually impossible to flood. The company says this makes them ideal for hire to domestic and occasional users.
The engine used on the FS 40, FS 50 and FS 56 models was originally developed for professional chainsaws, offering fast acceleration and high torque. It features four-port technology and ‘stratified scavenging’, which injects air between the fuel in the crankcase and exhaust gas in the combustion chamber. This reduces the proportion of unburned fuel escaping to the atmosphere.
Stihl also showed new versions of its HS 81 T double-sided hedge trimmer and HS 81 R hedge cutter with ErgoStart easy-starting, plus the HS 95 long-reach hedge trimmer with a fuel-efficient 4-Mix engine.
01276 20202
www.stihl.co.uk
Take comfort from Takeuchi
Pride of place on Takeuchi’s stand went to the new TB235 3.5-tonne mini excavator. Its cab offers the operator extra comfort, foot room and storage space. The company says that the increased height and angle of the dozer blade facilitates grading and finishing work, and the tail swing of the machine has been reduced by 36mm compared with its predecessor, the TB135.
Also promoted on the stand was the FAE UML/SSL-175 forestry mulching head, designed for high-productivity mowing and clearance work. The attachment, which can be fitted to tracked loaders, is available through Takeuchi dealer Roy Francis Plant Hire of Melksham.
01706 657722
www.takeuchi-mfg.co.uk
Compact Cautrac carriers
Cautrac reported strong interest from Saltex visitors in its line-up of TrackBarrows, compact machines that are only 630mm wide. Models are available with payload capacities of 350 or 450kg, the former having expanding sides. The larger machine features a hydraulic tipping mechanism, and both are said to be competitively priced for the hire market.
01206 273111
www.cautrac.com |
