GB Digger Hire has recently taken eight Kubota KX085-5 machines from Shellplant, as part of a larger deal for 16 of the 8.5-tonne models.
“We’ll be taking two of the KX085-5 each month to the end of May,” explained company founder Graham Byrne. “We normally buy 60-80 new machines a year.”
“We cover a large area and if you’ve got a contractor with an 8-tonne machine and they need to move their operator or the machine to another site, there is instant familiarity for the driver. If we need to supply additional buckets, a hydraulic breaker or to repair a quick hitch, they don’t have to work out what machine they have, we know instantly what is required on site and can take the right equipment from the yard.”
The policy also works for GB Digger Hire’s service department, ensuring that its engineers are familiar with the machines when the time comes for maintenance - or for an unscheduled call to site.
“We also handle emergency call-outs for utility contractors and they are instantly familiar with the machines when they arrive on site,” he added. “It makes our lives easier and it makes it easier for our customers too.”
While the company’s fleet is primarily available on a self-drive basis, the business can provide experienced operators when required. Machines are all delivered with quick hitches and auxiliary piping for attachments. Around 250 excavators are also equipped with Safety Shield’s ‘Thumbs up’ system, with a large brightly lit shield outside the cab, letting other operatives on site know if the driver has seen them, before safely approaching the machine.
“Shellplant is very pleased to continue the supply of Kubota excavators to GB Digger Hire and we are off to a great start with a £1m order,” said Julian Payne, co-owner and managing partner at Shellplant. “Their business is very much appreciated, and we look forward to supporting them over many more years.”
https://www.gbdiggerhire.co.uk/
