Evesham and Droitwich’s MP has spoken to one of the leading businesses in the area to find out how they’re setting the standard for road planing in the UK. ​Nigel Huddleston met a range of staff from Jet Plant Hire during his visit to the successful contractor. ​The company has an extensive fleet of planing machines and ancillary equipment which is deployed on projects right across the UK, from large contracts in the private and public sectors, to general hire.  The MP found out about the rich history of the company, which was originally founded in 1989 by the current Managing Director Sean Witheford’s father. ​Since its humble beginnings, the business has gone from strength to strength to become one of the largest local employers in Evesham. ​It’s also envied for the work it does to become an increasingly sustainable business, repurposing 100% of road planings during jobs. ​During the last year the company has delivered hundreds of thousands of tonnes of planings from job sites. The majority of these have gone to local businesses, with an average of 1 million tonnes of road planings generated every year. Currently the average tip is just 5.2 miles from the job site. ​Sean Witheford, Managing Director of Jet Plant, said: “It was a pleasure to host Nigel… I’m incredibly proud of the progress the business has made over the last few decades and it’s always great to be able to demonstrate that. ​“We’re fully accredited and accountable…. Our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and excellence in planing solutions reinforces our position as an industry leader, setting the benchmark for others to follow. ​“Nigel toured our Evesham HQ, met numerous people from our talented team and even got to climb onto one of our impressive two metre planers too.” ​Nigel Huddleston, MP for Evesham and Droitwich, said: “I was delighted to visit Jet Plant Hire and be able to talk to them about the challenges that they are facing, as well as being able to hear about a lot of the great work that they are doing for our highways network. ​ “They are an important local employer, and I was pleased to help and support them in their plans to engage with local schools about the job opportunities that they have on offer for our future workforce.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Following a campaign led by JCB, there is an amendment in the regulations to allow engineering plant to tow trailers under specific circumstances. Originally, engineering plant including wheeled excavators and loaders were prohibited under the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order (STGO) to the towing of trailers on UK roads. However, the case was made by JCB in that advancements in towing safety and technology, coupled with the benefits of reducing carbon, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency meant that a Ministerial decision was made by the Department for Transport that allowed a derogation to The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 2003, so that the towing of a trailer can be permitted for the activities of road construction, maintenance, and repair. To tow trailers under this derogation requires a Vehicle Special Order (VSO) that allows wheeled earthmoving machinery (engineering plant) to tow a trailer on the UK roads to transport certain attachments and materials with the towing machine. They will be allowed to tow trailers on all types of roads, except motorways, and are limited to a maximum speed of 20mph. The towing machine must also be road-registered and comply with all relevant parts of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. The overall length of the combined machine and trailer must not exceed 8m and the trailer must bear the same number plate as the towing machine. As they led the campaign, JCB have provided more detail on the changes restrictions and applications to this VSO concession at: https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/resources/blogs/2024/07/the-new-trailer-towing-legislation-explained?page=1  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

DEVELON, formerly called Doosan Construction Equipment, has launched the DX235RTF-7 Tunnelling Excavator, a new extension to the company’s line-up of Special Application machines. The DX235RTF-7 is based on Develon’s well-established DX235LCR-7 reduced radius crawler excavator and is powered by a DL06V Stage V engine, providing 141 kW (189 HP) of power. The DX235RTF-7 utilises the successful compact design and minimum swing radius of the DX235LCR-7, but the key part of the machine is the heavy duty Tunnelling Front, offering a new arm and boom design with special kinematics and a tilting function. Jan Breburda, Special Applications Product Manager for Develon Europe, commented: “The new DX235RTF-7 tunnelling machine is designed for superior performance in challenging underground environments. Complementing the safety and comfort of its operation, the advanced hydraulics and robust construction of the DX235RTF-7 ensure optimal power and durability, while its compact design allows for easy navigation in tight spaces.” The DX235RTF-7 has a total operating weight of 25,689 kg and offers a maximum reach of 9260 mm. The kinematics of the tunnelling front on the DX235RTF-7 excavator are designed to prioritize horizontal reach and precision over vertical movement. The special kinematics are based around a boom tilting function, providing a 45°/45° tilt in two directions, the movement of which can be operated via a pedal in the operator’s cab. The boom and arm configuration is specifically designed for operation in narrow areas, with ranges of movement slightly limited compared to the standard front on the DX235LCR-7. The DX235RTF-7 is specifically suited to work in restricted environments, without using the swing movement in narrow areas. This allows the DX235RTF-7 to work efficiently in narrow tunnels with the ability to reach the tunnel face and walls, while maintaining a low profile to navigate tight spaces.    For work in confined spaces, the DX235RTF-7 features protective equipment to safeguard against falling debris or contact of the arm with the tunnel ceiling and walls. As a result, the DX235RTF-7 has a level 2 FOG system combined with more heavy duty covers and hydraulic piping protection. The protection also includes covers over hydraulic hoses and arm work lights, as well as enclosing the bucket cylinder and links in a dedicated protective compartment and hiding the arm cylinder under the arm. Compared to the standard DX235LCR-7 model, the DX235RTF-7 has six LED work lights, four on the front and two on the back, as well as AVM cameras as standard. Other features include PERO rotating piping, centralized greasing points and a dozer blade as an option. The specifications also include a 6.4 tonne counterweight and 600 mm wide triple grouser track shoes. Tunnelling applications often require the transportation of the machine to areas with limited access, so the DX235RTF-7 is designed to be simple to lift and manoeuvre into place.   Specifications for DX235RTF-7 Tunnelling Excavator: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bobcat has launched the company’s new PG40 and PG50 portable generators, providing a leap forward in portable generator design. Powered by Stage V D24 engines and Stamford alternators, these eco-conscious models replace the previous generation Stage IIIA G40 and G60 units, delivering a combination of increased power output and lower fuel consumption compared to their predecessors. The D24 engine in the new generators is a very impressive unit – more powerful than those in other machines of this size on the market and with a higher capacity. This has allowed Bobcat to offer a true 50 kVA prime unit on the market in the new PG50 model and still be below the Diesel Exhaust Fluid system requirement. Alongside the PG50, the PG40 delivers a prime power output of 40 kVA. In addition, both generators have a new sleek, compact design, with a selection of novel features including optional factory-mounted running gear, with either fixed or variable height, for easy transportation such as towing behind a car. This upgrade provides unmatched convenience, ensuring mobility on and off the job site. The new generators also have ‘Liquid Heat’, a low-load management system designed to reduce downtime and deliver peace of mind. Their versatile capabilities allow the new generators to manage lighter loads while preserving engine life, making them the perfect investment for job sites. Power Matched By Versatility The Stamford alternators on the PG40 and PG50 continue the use of this brand that started with the previously introduced PG100 100 kVA generator. The mechanical and electrical configuration and options also follow most of what is offered on the PG100, providing owners with the versatility they require. The COMAP MRS16 controller is again at the heart of the PG40 and PG50, with telematics options that allow units to be easily located and for their status to be read remotely. Building on its proven track record, the successful connection system from the PG100 is incorporated in the new models. Tested and trusted, these connection points guarantee optimal efficiency, facilitating hassle-free set-up and smooth performance. Operation is again quiet, with the new models offering a low noise level – the LWA 88 sound power level on the PG40 and LWA 89 on the PG50, make them among the quietest units on the market. As well as being quiet, the PG40 and PG50 are also clean running, featuring a bunded base designed for 110% fluid containment, where spills are virtually eliminated, ensuring environmental protection and reducing maintenance needs. The standard product warranty – as well as technical training and parts availability – are covered by Bobcat and the company’s extensive dealer network. The major difference in the new PG40 and PG50 is the engine coverage, which is handled by Bobcat’s own network without any third party involvement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, engines, equipment and power solutions, has launched a new power pack designed specifically for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the industrial sector. Designed, built and supplied by Finning using a Cat C3.6 engine, it provides a flexible, configurable solution that can be integrated into a wide range of machines, helping OEMs streamline their engineering and testing processes. The new power pack is part of an effort from Finning to support customers in their energy transition activities by developing customer-centric solutions that meet emissions regulations. It has been designed and built as a bespoke industrial power pack for the recently released Cat C3.6 industrial power unit – although designs are also available for other Cat engines – and enables integration with alternators, hydraulic pumps or hybrid systems. Steffen Barrett, Sales Manager, Industrial Engines, at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “Our new Cat C3.6 power unit, which we’ve been developing for over three years, draws on our extensive experience in supplying power systems to the industrial sector. The unit is designed to be an end-to-end drop-in solution, reducing the number of suppliers OEMs need to manage while simplifying the integration process, as well as reducing engineering needs. “What sets this power pack apart is its flexibility. It can be configured to fit a wide range of machines, and the design accommodates different engines, power ratings and emissions levels. This adaptability, combined with the robust construction suitable for harsh environments, makes it an ideal choice for industrial OEMs. By providing a comprehensive and configurable solution, we aim to help OEMs simplify their machine development process and bring their products to market faster.” The power pack features a 300-litre fuel tank that can be serviced from the left or right-hand side, providing up to 16 hours of running time at a 70% load factor with the 100kW engine. Serviceability is a key focus, with all service items located in one area and drain ports positioned outside the canopy for easy access.  Finning can also supply a full wiring and control system for all driveline types, including direct drive, hydraulic, electric drive and hybrid configurations. The control system is capable of managing both the engine and the machine itself. The Cat C3.6 power unit is now available in the UK and Ireland through Finning. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bennetts Cranes, a leading specialist tower crane hire company, has erected the first Potain MR 309 crane in the world – the manufacturer’s latest luffing jib model.  The Potain MR 309 crane has been erected at a landmark site in Westminster, in the heart of London, where two eight-storey office buildings are being redeveloped. This new model from Potain has many new, improved features that will benefit the construction of this site, including, a simpler tower crane erection, upgraded load charts, a short out-of-service radius (9.5m on a 55/60m jib), and less collars and ties for taller heights and to increase lift capacity. The crane is equipped with a Potain Crane Control System (CCS) which helps with faster set-up and unparalleled control, as well as Potain’s CONNECT telematic to optimise fleet management and uptime. The new features make this crane model ideal for high-rise buildings and congested urban sites. To further avoid any collisions or oversailing on this site, Bennetts also installed the crane with AMCS zoning technology. Edward Seager, Managing Director at Bennetts Cranes, said: “We’re pleased to have supplied the first Potain MR 309 in the world. The MR 309 was best the crane for this site in London as it has a 25-tonne maximum capacity that met the site lifting requirements. “The crane needed to have exceptionally low base loads so it could be bolted to the core of the building and the limited power supply on-site meant that adjustable power supply was essential. This requirement was fulfilled by the Potain Power Control function which enables the crane to reduce its power up to 50%. Plus, the short out-of-service radius ensures the crane remains within the site boundaries at all times.” The redevelopment of the two eight-storey office buildings will provide approximately 115,000 sq ft of new high-quality accommodation. As well as a restaurant and a retail unit. The scheme was designed by Allies and Morrison to replace dated buildings with attractive accommodations that will enhance the historic character and streetscape. This crane is estimated to be on site for 50 weeks. Watch how the Bennetts Cranes team erected the Potain MR 309 here – https://www.tower-crane.co.uk/bennetts-cranes-erects-world-first-potain-mr-309-in-london/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals