Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest hire company, brought together customers, partners, suppliers and industry voices for One – The Sunbelt Experience, a one-day event, on Thursday 7th May, centred on the ideas, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of the industry. Focused on innovation, technology, safety and sustainability, the event created a space for practical conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. From AI and equipment intelligence to digital tools, operational insight and lower-carbon solutions, the event programme explored how change is being applied in real-world settings across the industry. Across three theatres focused on covering, technology and innovation, customer, and people, attendees heard from speakers and experts on the topics driving transformation across multiple sectors and industries. Sessions explored how data, connected equipment, safety solutions and new ways of working are helping businesses improve performance, strengthen customer experience and support teams on the ground to work as one team. The event also featured live demonstrations, interactive displays and opportunities to connect directly with specialists from across Sunbelt Rentals and its supply chain partners, giving attendees practical insight into the solutions, services and thinking helping shape the next chapter for the industry. Title sponsor, JCB, showcased hydrogen solutions during the event, highlighting a shared commitment to practical innovation and technologies that support the transition to low and zero-carbon ways of working. Phil Parker, CEO of Sunbelt Rentals, said: “One – The Sunbelt Rentals Experience was designed to bring together the conversations that matter most to our customers and our business – how we deliver more consistent, joined-up outcomes as one team. We welcomed our customers, partners, and colleagues to Liverpool to experience how Sunbelt Rentals is evolving – not just in what we offer, but in how we operate. As customer expectations continue to shift towards more integrated, accountable delivery, our focus is on making it easier to do business with us – through one connected experience, clearer ownership, and solutions delivered at scale. The event brought that to life, showcasing the strength of our capability, the breadth of our offering, and how we are advancing our 4.0 strategy to deliver better outcomes for our customers and the sectors we support.” The event forms part of Sunbelt Rentals’ wider focus through their five-year growth strategy, Sunbelt 4.0, focused on being equipped for success by sharing practical insight, strengthening customer conversations and bringing together the technologies and expertise that will shape the future of the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

City Lifting has become the first company in the UK to take delivery of the Liebherr 195 HC-LH luffing jib crane, marking a significant milestone for both businesses. Ahead of the crane’s first project, a housing development in Essex, Liebherr worked closely with City Lifting’s technicians during the initial erection process at the company’s Leighton Buzzard yard, providing specialist support and familiarisation training. The agreement for the new crane was first announced last year and later celebrated at Bauma in April, where representatives from City Lifting and Liebherr marked the occasion together. Headquartered in Purfleet, Essex, City Lifting is widely recognised for delivering complex lifting solutions across London, supporting projects ranging from restricted inner-city developments to work on some of the capital’s best-known landmarks. The Liebherr 195 HC-LH has been designed to suit constrained urban construction environments, making it well suited to City Lifting’s specialist operations. The crane can operate with a minimum working radius of just three metres and achieve an out-of-service position of less than 10 metres, while also offering flexible configuration options for tight sites. Advanced features include a hydraulic luffing system capable of delivering fast and precise movements in under 90 seconds, helping improve efficiency and site safety. The crane also benefits from Load-Plus technology, which can temporarily increase lifting capacity by up to 25%, alongside Liebherr’s Tower Crane OS operating system for enhanced control and operational monitoring. Designed with busy city-centre logistics in mind, the crane can be transported using just four vehicles, helping reduce disruption during delivery. Assembly has also been streamlined, with individual components weighing no more than eight tonnes, allowing smaller assist cranes to be used on site. Before entering service, City Lifting’s technical team completed a week-long training and familiarisation programme delivered by Liebherr, covering the crane’s systems and operational processes in detail. Trevor Jepson, Managing Director of City Lifting, said several practical design features influenced the decision to invest in the crane. He highlighted the position of the hoist winch within the first jib section, which reduces transport requirements and saves time, as well as the larger drum size that reduces rope layering on taller buildings. He also noted the crane’s accessible maintenance design, allowing safer access to the brake and gearbox from the fixed working platform regardless of jib position. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

For building design and construction professionals, reliable aftermarket parts suppliers, such as Custom Truck, H&R Construction Parts and Equipment, DMC Wear Parts, and FAB Heavy Parts, are crucial for minimizing downtime. Keeping your machines running involves routine maintenance and sourcing the right components from these reliable suppliers as quickly as possible. Investing in top-rated aftermarket parts for heavy equipment offers a practical way to keep costs low without compromising performance. The key is knowing which providers deliver consistent quality, dependable support and the inventory depth needed to keep your operations moving seamlessly. 1. Custom Truck: Best for Whole-Fleet Support Custom Truck stands out for its full-service approach. Instead of operating as a simple parts distributor, it supports your machinery life cycle from acquisition to maintenance and beyond. Its model works well if you manage multiple machines or locations and need consistent support across your fleet. Instead of juggling multiple vendors, you can consolidate sourcing, service and long-term planning in one place. Key Features 2. H&R Construction Parts and Equipment: Best for Brand-Specific Component Rebuilds H&R Construction Parts and Equipment has built a reputation on specialization. It focuses on new aftermarket, rebuilt and used units for major manufacturer brands, making it a strong option when you need components for specific machines. The company is a reliable choice for items designed for well-known equipment brands and refurbished components. It’s especially useful for maintaining older machines where OEM components may be harder to source. Key Features 3. DMC Wear Parts: Best for Earthmoving Equipment Spares DMC Wear Parts specializes in high-wear components, particularly ground-engaging tools (GET), such as bucket teeth, blades and cutting edges. These units face continuous stress, making durability a top priority. For operations involving large-scale digging, grading or material handling, having a reliable source for high-wear parts can make a noticeable difference in maintenance cycles and operating costs. Key Features 4. FAB Heavy Parts: Best for E-Commerce Convenience FAB Heavy Parts takes a more modern approach, offering an e-commerce-driven platform built for speed and convenience. If your priority is fast sourcing and straightforward ordering, this option can save time. It’s best to order components well in advance for standard maintenance, but for emergencies, it may mean longer downtime to replace a broken part. It has excellent sales and shipping support. Key Features Compare Heavy Machinery Aftermarket Parts Suppliers Deciding on the right partner depends on how you operate. If you need ongoing support across multiple machines, a full-service entity makes sense. If you’re sourcing individual items for planned maintenance, an e-commerce platform may be enough. Provider Best For Part Focus Service Model Custom Truck Full fleet support and long-term partnerships Broad equipment and truck components Integrated units, service and support H&R Construction Parts and Equipment Brand-specific and rebuilt components Major OEM brands Parts-focused with rebuild services DMC Wear Parts High-wear components GET and wear parts Specialized product expertise FAB Heavy Parts Fast online ordering, though import taxes apply General non-OEM items Transactional e-commerce How to Buy Top-Rated Aftermarket Parts for Heavy Equipment Several considerations matter when identifying reliable sources for fabricated non-OEM items. Criteria Why It Matters Product breadth and availability Finding components for multiple machine types or brands in one place makes working with distributed suppliers or a single core entity easier. Quality and reliability Consistency in performance and adherence to industry standards determine longevity. Customer support and service Access to knowledgeable teams who can help you identify and source the right components reduces downtime. Industry reputation A track record of serving construction and industrial machinery professionals guarantees professionalism. Frequently Asked Questions About Aftermarket Parts Prepare for repairs before they become failures with knowledge and the right partners. Asking questions ensures you get the best service and components. Q: Are aftermarket parts as good as OEM components? A: They can be, depending on the manufacturer and supplier. High-quality fabricated units are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications. The difference comes down to materials, engineering and quality control, which vary between fabricators. Q: How do I ensure I’m buying the right part for my machine? A: Start with your machine’s make, model and serial number. From there, work with a supplier that offers technical support. A knowledgeable team can confirm compatibility and help prevent costly mistakes. Q: What is the biggest benefit of using a supplier with service and support? A: Access to service support helps you go beyond part replacement. You can diagnose issues faster, reduce repeat failures and keep equipment running longer. This approach supports uptime and reduces disruptions across your jobsite. Where Can You Buy Top-Rated Aftermarket Parts for Your Heavy Equipment? Sourcing aftermarket parts is essential to daily operations, but the supplier you choose shapes your team’s efficiency. Reliable inventory, strong support and consistent quality all contribute to keeping your machines in service and your deadlines on track. When your provider understands how your machinery operates in the field, you spend less time troubleshooting and more time getting work done.

Global Crane Services has strengthened its heavy-lift capability with the arrival of a fourth 700-tonne class mobile crane at its Scottish operations. The business has taken delivery of another Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1, expanding its capacity to support large-scale lifting projects across the civils, renewable energy, ports and offshore sectors. The new eight-axle crane will operate across Global Crane Services and Global Wind Projects, both part of Global Port Services Scotland Ltd. Delivered to the company’s Aberdeen depot, the crane underwent operator familiarisation training delivered by Liebherr Great Britain’s training team before being deployed straight into active service. The LTM 1650-8.1 offers two telescopic boom configurations, with a 54-metre base boom extendable to 80 metres. When paired with its 90-metre luffing jib and Y-shaped guying system, the crane achieves a maximum hook height of 152 metres and a working radius of up to 112 metres, making it well suited to demanding wind and heavy-lift applications. Global Crane Services general manager Gordon Harper said the latest addition would play a key role in supporting ongoing and future projects. He noted that the LTM 1650-8.1 has already proven itself as a reliable and versatile performer within the fleet, particularly on complex wind energy and heavy-lift operations. The delivery forms part of a wider programme of fleet investment. Global has already placed orders for two 250-tonne Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 cranes, which are scheduled to arrive later this year. During the past year alone, the company added seven new mobile cranes ranging from 70 to 250 tonnes. Global Crane Services now operates a fleet of more than 70 cranes, almost entirely Liebherr machines, including two LG 1750 lattice-boom truck cranes, each rated at 750 tonnes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Kubota (UK) has marked one of the largest single equipment deals in its history after securing a major order from GGH Hire. The Enfield-based hire firm has taken delivery of the first machines from a 150-strong order of compact excavators, forming part of a multi-million-pound investment programme. The purchase follows GGH Hire’s recent acquisition by St Albans-based Herts Tool Company and was completed through local dealer Boss Plant Sales. The order spans a wide range of Kubota mini and midi excavators, from the sub-one-tonne KX008-5 to the 8.5-tonne KX085-5, the manufacturer’s largest compact model. Around 100 of the machines will be used to fully refresh GGH Hire’s existing fleet, while the remaining 50 excavators have been earmarked to support future growth as demand continues to rise. GGH Hire was acquired by Herts Tool Company in December 2025. Both businesses will continue to operate independently, with David Shallow taking full responsibility for the Enfield operation. Former owner Gerry Gardiner remains involved with the business following the acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

With winter in full effect, Finning are seeing more customers utilising VisionLinkTM telematics to help improve safety and security on site. Building on more than a decade of condition monitoring insight, the latest iteration of VisionLink, launched in August 2023, is helping Finning customers tackle the short days and hazardous winter weather conditions that impact operational safety and efficiency during this time of year. With shorter, darker days, and wet and freezing weather conditions, a staple of UK construction conditions in the winter, VisionLink data ensures operators are aware of fault codes before they become serious safety issues, greatly reducing the risk of costly downtime. VisionLink has been developed by Caterpillar® to provide machine and fleet owners with key insights and pre-empt operational faults, highlighting key factors including machine health and operator performance as well as converting data into training assets that help managers improve safety on site. VisionLink has unique geofencing capabilities which supports both lease and inventory management, allowing owner-operators to track their machines movements. Additionally, automatic alerts signal any movement outside of the predetermined fence or permitted zone, which helps enhance the safety and security of both people and machines on site. Becky Wallis, at Finning UK & Ireland, explained: “During the colder weather it’s essential to carry out extra checks to ensure that heavy machinery continues to operate efficiently and VisionLink plays a critical role in reducing operational risk during the winter season. Its capability to support operators with consistent, reliable data helps with avoiding sudden machine failures, improving uptime, and giving supervisors greater awareness of machine status and use.” VisionLink insights provide a centralised view of the entire fleet in a unified safety dashboard, supporting safety by streamlining risk assessments. The data can be used to identify training opportunities to help enhance efficiency, productivity or compliance, and can mitigate hazards by highlighting user patterns or habits that could compromise safety.  “Access to telematic data is vital, particularly given the challenges of the winter months. The ability to proactively resolve any issues greatly reduces risk of unplanned breakdowns or safety incidents that could occur as a result of freezing weather conditions or reduced sightlines due to darker days.” VisionLink is available for owners with one machine, or large companies with an entire fleet, and is available as a mobile app to provide ease of access to daily insights and data.  Continuous developments in VisionLink technology mean customers will continue to benefit from its insights, with the backing from the experts at Finning who monitor the system to provide proactive service and customer support. To learn more about VisionLink or to arrange a demonstration, visit: https://www.finning.com/en_GB/performance/manage-your-equipment/track-your-equipment/visionlink.html Find out more about VisionLink here: https://www.finning.com/en_GB/performance/manage-your-equipment/track-your-equipment/visionlink.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Site managers are being urged to ensure power systems are serviced and back-up plans put in place, as forecasters predict a cold winter ahead. The Power Systems team at Finning UK & Ireland is advising facilities managers to shore up their contingency operations to protect against costly downtime caused by any future outages. Engine cold starts, increased friction, fuel gelling, and low battery outputs can all cause significant generator damage if left unaddressed. According to the Royal Meteorological Society, last winter Storm Darragh (December 2024) caused 2.3 million power cuts. And long-range forecasts for early 2026 are showing a likelihood of a colder and drier than average winter. With significant financial and functional impact at stake for businesses across sectors such as healthcare, digital infrastructure and manufacturing, establishing good generator health going into the winter months is crucial to protecting continued operations. Finning said it is never too early to prepare for blackouts and power cuts, as the cold weather puts additional pressure on an already fragile electricity grid. Rob Froome, Head of Project Delivery Contracts & Commissioning at Finning, said: “Whether it’s data centres, construction sites or hospitals, we know the cold weather will be a problem for site managers across the board. The key is to determine your power requirements, whether you plan to provide power for the entire facility or for critical load only, and then implement a temporary power solution that is tried and tested before you need it. “We know that engine wear is highest during a cold startup, with it typically associated with around 70% of engine wear. Running generators cold means increased stress on the system leading to a shorter lifespan. Generator maintenance, servicing, and planning for lower temperature use will help elongate the life of components and help to burn fuel more efficiently during these conditions.” Emergency planning is another key aspect to winter weather preparation. Having clear operational steps for loss of power will help reduce downtime. Finning Power Rental can help to prepare backup power options or provide quick response in the event of an emergency to implement backup power. Rob added: “Having the right equipment, the right emergency contacts, and a plan for fuelling is critical for cold weather running. Don’t wait for the inevitable to happen because by then it’s too late, the damage is done. Increased costs from longer downtimes and fuel usage, as well as generator damage, result from a lack of planning and maintenance. Prepare for the worst now and expect the best later.” A planning document to assist site managers is available to download by visiting: https://www.cat.com/en_US/by-industry/electric-power/electric-power-industries/rental-power/disaster-preparedness-article.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals