The founder of stone conservation and restoration pioneers Stonehealth has warned specifiers and building owners of the risk of using inferior machinery and unqualified practitioners. Brian Crowe said that since the latest iteration of the iconic Doff III machine launched earlier this year, increasing numbers of reports were coming in
Down to Earth Developments, a Home Counties-based land reclamation company, has invested in two Cat® D6 XE dozers from Finning, and is believed to be the youngest customer to own the latest electric drive Cat machines in the UK. Ben Maclean, 24, owner at Down to Earth Developments, bought one of
Star Platforms is delighted to announce its successful re-accreditation as an IPAF Rental+ company for the upcoming year. The company achieved an outstanding score of 98% during the comprehensive independent audit conducted at its Reading depot. IPAF Rental+ certification is a mark of excellence in the powered access industry, ensuring
6,000t capacity giant enables faster construction methodologies across the energy sector Mammoet, the largest global engineered heavy lifting and transport company, has today launched the world’s strongest land-based crane, the SK6000. As populations grow, so do our energy needs. The SK6000 re-defines the scale of human construction, allowing large energy
With national and global skills shortages in engineering, Finning – the world’s largest dealer of Catâ equipment, parts and services – is bucking the trend by successfully developing its own talent. Not only does its UK Apprenticeship Academy boast a 100% retention rate – meaning all students over the last
Enthusiasts of antique Caterpillar® machines were given a tour of the latest Cat® machinery – and a chance to see a rebuild project in action when they were invited to Finning recently. The Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) was welcomed to the Staffordshire headquarters of Finning UK & Ireland,
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
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
Sunbelt Rentals has secured a multi-year agreement to become the preferred equipment rental supplier for Mitie, covering all areas of Mitie’s operations, including plant and hire equipment. This partnership aligns with Mitie’s Preferred Supplier Optimisation Strategy, with Sunbelt selected due to its streamlined ordering process and shared values. Both companies
As part of the company’s first appearance at the GaLabau International Trade Fair from 11-14 September in Nuremberg, Germany, DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, will be premiering the new DX10Z-7 1 tonne zero tail swing mini-excavator at the show. The DX10Z-7 will form part of an impressive presentation of Develon
The founder of stone conservation and restoration pioneers Stonehealth has warned specifiers and building owners of the risk of using inferior machinery and unqualified practitioners. Brian Crowe said that since the latest iteration of the iconic Doff III machine launched earlier this year, increasing numbers of reports were coming in of impostor and incorrect machinery being used on sensitive restoration projects. Instances included chemical damage to stonework, excessive pressure blowing out sensitive lime mortar joints and stripping of surface layers of masonry. The company has even discovered a photo showing a competitor machine being used on a project in Scotland while carrying a Doff sticker in an attempt to appear authentic. Such deceitful activity could lead to legal action either from specifiers or from Stonehealth. “For the past 30 years we have created a reputation as the leaders in our field,” said Mr Crowe. “So while in a way it’s a compliment to have impostors pretending to be us, it’s not one that we welcome. “What we are often finding is that our products are specified for projects but then, to save costs, inferior machinery is used by unqualified personnel. “Our unique system enables high temperature steam – 150 degrees C at the nozzle end – to be gently applied when cleaning masonry. Any reduction in temperature must be compensated for by increased pressure, which is where damage can occur. “One of our other products, the Torc, is able to carefully use granulate and a gentle swirling vortex to clean delicate masonry. Inferior products will result in damage to the surface. “While this is a serious issue for our business – we risk suffering damage to our brand – we have a major concern about the impact of our heritage buildings. “If damage is done, it’s irreversible. If you remove the surface of stone or break then you can’t get it back. If there are any doubts over the credibility of machinery and operatives, then contact us.” Mr Crowe, who founded Gloucestershire-based Stonehealth in 1989, said education was key to ensuring that buildings continued to be properly treated. “Our intention is to make architects, surveyors and other specifiers – including conservation officers – aware of people working with something different to what’s been specified or approved. Any queries on whether the contractors and machines are genuine should be directed to us. We know where our machines are and the personnel who are trained to use them. “We place great emphasis on training the contractors who use our equipment, as well as ensuring that our machines are properly specified. “Our reputation has been earned over decades of innovation and care for our industry and we won’t tolerate abuse of it, or the risk of unsatisfactory results from impostors harming the likelihood of our products being specified again.” To help ensure that only bona fide contractors are considered and awarded contracts, Stonehealth has set up its Approved Rosette Contractors Scheme. Approved contractors must meet stringent criteria including: full training in use of Stonehealth equipment, reviewed every year; use of only genuine Stonehealth parts and materials; annual inspection and servicing of machinery by Stonehealth; provision of at least two customer testimonials per year to maintain Rosette status. Stonehealth is based in Cam near Dursley in Gloucestershire and supplies systems and products throughout the UK and many countries worldwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Down to Earth Developments, a Home Counties-based land reclamation company, has invested in two Cat® D6 XE dozers from Finning, and is believed to be the youngest customer to own the latest electric drive Cat machines in the UK. Ben Maclean, 24, owner at Down to Earth Developments, bought one of the electric drive Cat D6 XE dozers earlier this year from Finning UK and Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat equipment, parts and aftermarket services. So impressed was he with the performance of the machine, he subsequently ordered another citing the machine’s sustainability credentials combined with its performance as the reason for the follow-up purchase. Ryan Trafford, Customer Service Manager at Finning UK and Ireland, explained why this deal is key for the industry as a whole: “We’re really pleased to be working with a next generation of machine owners, who really value sustainability when it comes to making decisions. Down to Earth Developments are experts in land reclamation and recovery, working with private clients and government agencies to restore land to its natural state. “Sustainability is quite literally what they do. Customers like Ben are the first generation to have grown up understanding the importance of making responsible decisions, with sustainability being at the heart of that.” The Cat D6 XE, the world’s first high-drive electric drive dozer, offers significant sustainability benefits, delivering up to 35% better fuel efficiency compared to previous models, resulting in a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, this reduction in fuel use directly impacts operating costs, meaning a significant financial saving over the life cycle of the machine. Ben Maclean’s decision to choose these state-of-the-art machines was also influenced by the operational efficiency they offer. He commented: “It’s not just the electric drive using less fuel but the all-round technology package you get with Cat machines that saves costs in quite a few ways. We also have two Cat 323 hydraulic excavators and their grade assist and payload technology help us get the job done that little bit quicker. “The D6 XEs are also fitted with Trimble™ 3D GPS systems supplied by SITECH® UK and Ireland, which means we make the absolute minimum number of passes to get perfect grading. We also ensure we tap into the telematics data that’s available through VisionLink® telematics so we can monitor machine idle time, productivity and fuel use, as well as the general health of each of the assets, so we can ensure timely and preventative maintenance that fits with our work schedules.” As a Contracts Director of Down to Earth Developments Ben ensures that they are using these efficiencies to their advantage, and with plenty of projects in the pipeline, they could be looking to expand the fleet in the near future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Star Platforms is delighted to announce its successful re-accreditation as an IPAF Rental+ company for the upcoming year. The company achieved an outstanding score of 98% during the comprehensive independent audit conducted at its Reading depot. IPAF Rental+ certification is a mark of excellence in the powered access industry, ensuring that rental companies meet the highest standards in training, equipment inventory, and customer satisfaction. The audit, which this year focused on the Reading depot, confirms that Star Platforms consistently upholds these esteemed standards. Del Patterson, Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) Manager, Star Platforms, commented: “Achieving a 98% score in the IPAF Rental+ assessment is a fantastic accomplishment. This result reflects the dedication and hard work of every member of the Star Platforms team. The IPAF Rental+ accreditation highlights our commitment to providing top-quality platforms and exceptional support to our customers, while maintaining the highest safety and operational standards in the industry.” The IPAF Rental+ scheme, operated by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), identifies rental companies that excel in critical aspects of powered access operations. The certification process evaluates maintenance practices, training and safety records, environmental standards, and company policies and procedures. The IPAF Rental+ status assures customers of high standards throughout the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) hire and rental process, confirming their choice of a company that adheres to rigorous health, safety, and quality standards. To maintain this accreditation, members must undergo an intense annual audit, ensuring a proactive approach to continual improvement. Steve Simmons, Joint Managing Director, Star Platforms, added: “Retaining the IPAF Rental+ certification is a testament to our relentless focus on quality and excellence. This re-accreditation not only affirms our commitment to industry-leading practices but also reinforces our position as a trusted partner in powered access solutions. We are proud of the team’s efforts and the standards we have set.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
6,000t capacity giant enables faster construction methodologies across the energy sector Mammoet, the largest global engineered heavy lifting and transport company, has today launched the world’s strongest land-based crane, the SK6000. As populations grow, so do our energy needs. The SK6000 re-defines the scale of human construction, allowing large energy and infrastructure projects to build from bigger pieces, in parallel – reaching first power sooner, and more cost-effectively. The SK6000 has a key role in offshore wind, where fast growth of components in recent years has led to supply chain issues. Lifting 3,000t to a height of 220m, the SK6000 ensures that wind farms in the planning phase today can be safely executed and delivered in the future. In the oil and gas sector, the SK6000 delivers reduced integration times to offshore floating projects, while onshore new build and expansion projects can be delivered with increased uptime. Both scopes then benefit from modular construction techniques that allow critical path components to be simultaneously built offsite anywhere in the world, before transporting to site ahead of installation. As more new-build nuclear plants are greenlit, the SK6000 helps the sector to benefit from similar tried-and-tested construction methodologies – helping projects to reach completion sooner and deliver low carbon energy to communities. The SK6000 has a maximum capacity of 6,000t, utilizing 4,200t of ballast to lift with a maximum ground bearing pressure of 30t/m2. The crane design uses containerization techniques for ease of deployment, and can be transported using shipping containers to any location worldwide. It also offers full electric power capability from battery or supply from the grid, allowing customers to reduce the carbon impact of projects significantly. “This crane is truly a world record feat of engineering, with a production schedule to match”, said Gavin Kerr, Director Global Services at Mammoet. “Hundreds of colleagues have been directly involved with its development across the business. There are very few companies on Earth – if any – that could have brought this crane into reality, and we are immensely proud to be able to do so”. The SK6000 is currently undergoing testing at Mammoet’s Westdorpe facility in the Netherlands, ready for deployment to its first project later in the year. [Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With national and global skills shortages in engineering, Finning – the world’s largest dealer of Catâ equipment, parts and services – is bucking the trend by successfully developing its own talent. Not only does its UK Apprenticeship Academy boast a 100% retention rate – meaning all students over the last two years have gone on to employment with the company – but it has now also achieved a “good” OFSTED rating. Finning launched its Apprenticeship Academy at its Cannock UK headquarters in 2007. This was an unusual step at the time, as most businesses take on apprentices in the role of employer, while an educational institution, usually a College of Further Education (FE) delivers the academic learning and administers the qualification. But the decision quickly started to return real business benefits. The academy was inspected by OFSTED in July this year, receiving highly positive feedback on the state-of-the-art learning environment, a culture of inclusivity and the enjoyment apprentices find in their courses. Inspectors also noted how effective communication between instructors and line managers helped apprentices to improve, and how students with additional needs achieved as well as their peers. As Academy Manager Craig Smallman explains, the rating reflects the importance Finning has placed on the scheme and the impact it has had both for apprentices and the business. “By keeping the whole apprenticeship program in-house, we can deliver academic learning in the best way to prepare our students for a career with us – enthusing people about engineering and addressing the ongoing skills shortages the industry faces. “The results from Ofsted speak for themselves. The national retention figure for apprenticeship employers is around 56%, but at Finning we’ve retained all but one of our apprentices over the last two years who have gone on to secure a job with us. It’s a fantastic endorsement of the talented people we have working here and the focus we place on supporting them.” With the program now in its 18th year, its positive influence can be seen right across the company. Academy graduates now fulfil a variety of management positions in both engineering and non-engineering roles. This includes Craig, who himself started his career with Finning as an apprentice, and is particularly proud of how the scheme has fostered wider diversity and inclusion: “Diversity and inclusion is an area where we see a real opportunity for the academy to contribute to the wider organization and the industry. We have measures in place to recruit and support a diverse cohort and it was great to see that recognised in the Ofsted report. Over the next few years, we plan to double in size and this year’s intake will be the biggest ever. The ages of our current students range from 16 to 53, we are a disability confident employer, one in six of our apprentices are female and we would like it to be more. Finning is an amazing place to work with opportunities to travel all over the world and work with great people. We have sites right across the UK and Ireland so whoever and wherever you are, if you would like to work with these amazing machines, we would love to hear from you.”
Enthusiasts of antique Caterpillar® machines were given a tour of the latest Cat® machinery – and a chance to see a rebuild project in action when they were invited to Finning recently. The Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) was welcomed to the Staffordshire headquarters of Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines, parts and services, to host its annual meeting. Founded in 1991, ACMOC has thousands of members from around the world with an avid interest in the history of Caterpillar machinery. Along with taking part in the annual meeting, members enjoyed a tour of the Finning site including an impressive display of static machinery including a Cat 395 hydraulic excavator, a Cat 770 off-highway truck, Cat D6 and D3 dozers, a Cat 14 motor grader and a Cat 986 wheel loader. The visitors were also able to get hands-on with the machinery in a challenge at the Cat Compact Store supported by Alex Clarke, CDI Qualified Operator Trainer and Graham Knighton, Senior Machine Demonstrator, who is also a member of ACMOC. Hayley Brown, Brand and Events Marketing Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “The group all have a shared passion for Cat machines – old and new. While many of the members are collectors of antique machines, there are current owners and operators in the club too, including Tom Balls from J.C. Balls & Sons. “During their visit we took the members on a tour around the Cannock site and workshops. As part of this, the visitors were able to see a Cat 345C hydraulic excavator rebuild in action, which the group was impressed to see. “Engineers explained the rebuild process and how the machine would then proceed to the final paint stage before being handed over to the customer in early June. This was of particular interest to the group as they were able to see first-hand that Cat machines can be rebuilt to have many new lives.” ACMOC President Bodie Hunter said: “We are so grateful to Finning for inviting us to host our AGM at the Cannock site and making us all feel so welcome. It was impressive to see the site in action and share this with our members, who are all huge Caterpillar enthusiasts.” Finning and ACMOC also raised money via a raffle during their visit, splitting the funds raised between chosen charities – the East Midlands Air Ambulance, and Mind UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
Sunbelt Rentals has secured a multi-year agreement to become the preferred equipment rental supplier for Mitie, covering all areas of Mitie’s operations, including plant and hire equipment. This partnership aligns with Mitie’s Preferred Supplier Optimisation Strategy, with Sunbelt selected due to its streamlined ordering process and shared values. Both companies place a strong emphasis on sustainability, exceptional customer service, and delivering social value within the communities they operate. Phil Parker, Chief Executive Officer of Sunbelt Rentals, who assumed the role on 1 May 2024, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are proud to support Mitie as their preferred equipment rental supplier. Over time, we have developed a trusted partnership based on our shared values. Our ongoing investment in sustainable equipment and innovative technologies will enable Mitie to enhance its operations and provide even better service to its customers. This agreement is an excellent way to mark the launch of Sunbelt 4.0, our new five-year growth strategy, as we focus on prioritising, elevating, and enhancing all aspects of our business to support our customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of the company’s first appearance at the GaLabau International Trade Fair from 11-14 September in Nuremberg, Germany, DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, will be premiering the new DX10Z-7 1 tonne zero tail swing mini-excavator at the show. The DX10Z-7 will form part of an impressive presentation of Develon compact equipment for the gardening and landscaping sectors. The DX10Z-7 will be one of the machines working in the Develon demonstration area, along with the DX100W-7 10.7 tonne wheeled excavator and the DX27Z-7 2.8 tonne mini-excavator. On the company’s Booth Number 5-406 in Hall 5, the product display will include the DX20ZE-7 mini-excavator, the first mass-produced electric-powered excavator from Develon. The DX20ZE-7 will be shown alongside the DX63-7 6 tonne Stage V mini-excavator and another of the DX100W-7 models. As well as the comprehensive array of products, Develon will also be represented at Galabau by dealers from its German dealer network, plus the new company owned store located in Mannheim serving the larger Rhein-Neckar and Rhein-Main area. Increased Performance The new DX10Z-7 provides a significantly improved performance compared to the previous DX10Z model it replaces. The DX10Z-7 is compact and easy to transport, offering a width of only 730 mm when the tracks and the front blade are fully retracted, allowing the machine to pass through doors. The hydraulically expandable undercarriage provides the DX10Z-7 with one of the widest stances in the mini-excavator segment. Supplying an output of 7.6 kW (10.35 HP), the well proven D722 engine powers the DX10Z-7, providing dependable reliability, as well as low vibration and noise levels that are essential for working in confined areas in construction, rental, demolition, landscaping and many other applications. The increased performance of the DX10Z-7 is based around a new 1.45 m boom design and increased arm length (from 810 to 890 mm), resulting in a significantly enhanced working range compared to the DX10Z. This includes a 21.5% rise in dump height of 2205 mm and an 8.5% increase in digging reach at ground level of 3355 mm. Targetting Urban and Amenity Applications The DX100W-7 offers a high performance solution for customers looking for a wheeled excavator designed primarily for local authority, amenity, urban and maintenance applications. The DX100W-7 will be shown with a forestry mulcher, demonstrating the high flow from the smooth and precise hydraulic system which can be used to drive all kinds of attachments. For this type of work, the DX100W-7 offers the best compromise between compactness and agility, complemented by excellent productivity and high-end comfort. It is very important that this type of machine can operate in very restricted areas, so the DX100W-7 can be equipped with the option of four wheel steering and a crabbing mode, with two wheel steering as standard. Class-leading Power and Torque Working alongside the DX100W-7 at GaLabau will be the 2.8 tonne DX27Z-7, another of the company’s next generation mini-excavator range with a new shared global styling. The zero tail swing design of the DX27Z-7 makes it ideal for work in confined spaces on construction, landscaping and utility projects. Powered by the D17 Stage V compliant diesel engine providing 18.4 kW (24.7 HP) of power at 2400 RPM, the DX27Z-7 offers the highest power and torque in its class and covers a wide range of applications including heavy duty work. The DX27Z-7 offers a high auxiliary flow of 58 l/min to enhance work with attachments. Newly designed cast counterweights ensure excellent machine balance and stability when working. A long arm option is available with a 60 kg additional counterweight. Designed to Meet a Growing Demand for Electric The 2 tonne DX20ZE-7 mini-excavator combines low-noise and zero emissions with the features and performance enhancements that are found on the next-generation DX-7 Series family of mini-excavators. The DX20ZE-7 is powered by an in-house-developed 20.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with all of the electrical system and components on the machine optimized for work in harsh environments. A quick-charger system restores 100% of the battery power after only an hour and a half of charging, while the on-board charger restores the maximum charge after eight hours of charging. DX63-7 Six Tonne Mini-Excavator The DX63-7 is ideal for work in confined spaces on projects in landscaping, construction, utilities, rental, agriculture, recycling, waste and many other areas. It is powered by the D24 Stage V compliant diesel engine providing 44.3 kW (59.4 HP) of power. Despite offering an 8% increased torque of 26.5 kgm/rpm, the D24 engine still provides a 7% decrease in engine fuel consumption. With a high auxiliary flow of 90 l/min, the DX63-7 is designed for enhanced work with attachments. The flow capacity can be monitored on the Develon Smart 8 inch touch screen in 10 steps and controlled using the thumbwheel on the joystick. This flexibility is combined with an excellent traction force, travel speeds, lifting capacities and digging forces, together providing superior working performance, particularly for trenching and lifting work. Further Growth & Commitment for German Market In June 2023, Develon opened an interim Company Owned Store at Seckenheimer Landstraße in Mannheim, supporting customers on site with a well-equipped new rental fleet of the latest generation of construction machines, with a fast spare parts service, other services and with a wide range of new machines. The branch will relocate to a new 10,650 m² site on Lembacher Strasse in Mannheim in the fourth quarter of 2024. A modern customer and training centre with a demo area for machine tests will also be opened there. Overall this shows Develon is moving much closer to customers and dealers and is committed to Germany as a long-term location and underlines its ambitions to significantly expand its presence and market position in the German speaking market. For more on DEVELON, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
