Network Rail is selling the rail plant business that it rescued from going under three months ago.

Network Rail Infrastructure set up Network Rail (NDS-Plant) Ltd as a subsidiary in November 2011 after buying the rail division of Hydrex Equipment (UK) Ltd from its administrators, KPMG. The purchase, which was approved by the Office for Rail Regulation, included the transfer of employment of all 531 rail division staff and ownership of more than 300 road rail vehicles (RRVs).

Hydrex was the largest provider of RRVs to the rail industry and a key supplier to Network Rail and its contractors. Network Rail stepped in to end uncertainty for Hydrex’s employees, customers and suppliers and provide continuity of business for the supply of heavy plant to the industry.

Network Rail national delivery service director Martin Elwood said: “The purchase of Hydrex’s rail division secured hundreds of jobs and meant Network Rail and its partners could deliver the vast majority of planned maintenance, renewals and enhancements across the rail network over the busy Christmas and New Year period.

“My thanks go to the transferred Hydrex staff and the NDS-Plant management team for their efforts in ensuring this much-needed continuity. Our plan is to continue to deliver high levels of safety and performance while Network Rail seeks a suitable buyer for NDS-Plant.”

Network Rail is consulting directly with NDS-Plant staff, trade unions, customers, contractors and the Office for Rail Regulation regarding the proposed sale, which will be via an open tender process.

Atlas Copco is claiming more punch per pound for its new HB 4100 hydraulic breaker, which it says is lighter and more efficient than the previous HB 4200.

The HB 4100 can be used on a smaller excavator, cutting costs, yet still offer improved performance, the manufacturer claims.

Heavy hydraulics attachments manager Keith Lambourne said: "The improvement is considerable and has enabled us to achieve significant performance increases, both in terms of efficiency and power output

"The follow-up costs of investing in a hydraulic breaker are often greater than the pure acquisition cost. The HB 4100, however, is very durable and easy to maintain making it possible to conserve resources, such as energy and work time, and therefore keep the total cost of ownership down.”

Changes include a new covering for the retaining bar to offer more protection and reduce wear and tear. The service window and the recesses for the lateral swivel threaded connections have also been reinforced.

With a service weight of 4,100kg, the HB 4100 is suitable for carrier machines from 40t-70t. All the usual features of Atlas Copco’s heavy hydraulic breaker series are in the HB 4100, including the VibroSilenced system, and PowerAdapt, which switches off the breaker in the event of a hydraulic overload. AutoControl, enables the adjustment of the blow frequency and blow energy to the hardness of the stone, while ContiLube TM II provides automatic lubrication.

Scottish contractor and plant hirer Advance Construction is further expanding its excavator fleet with an additional 11 compact Volvo machines, in addition to the 10 Cats that it recently purchased.

Advance has bought five Volvo EC55C and six Volvo ECR88 Plus excavators after trialling an initial batch of EC 55s last year.

“We decided to purchase our first batch of Volvo EC55C’s based on their sound reputation and strong third party references,” said managing director Seamus Shields. “And it’s proved to be a good decision for us. The machines have performed faultlessly, they give a good return on the investment and not least have been welcomed by our machine operators, so as we needed to expand our fleet it wasn’t a difficult decision to opt for the Volvo product once again.”

Mr Shields described the 8.8t ECR88 Plus excavator as “a very good all-rounder, with good dig depth and reach”.

Advance runs a fleet of 400 items of mobile plant, including 75 excavators.

Plant manager Gareth Mollan said: “Our initial batch of Volvo machines have been extremely reliable and have become a firm favourite with our operators. Equally the product is very user friendly when it comes to routine service and maintenance.”

Advance Construction also recently took delivery of 10 new Caterpillar excavators – it’s first major Cat purchase.

Speedy Hire has signed a three year extension to its preferred supplier agreement with Carillion.

The contract will now run from 2012 until 2016 and is expected to be worth more than £50m over the next four years.

Speedy is the preferred supplier for a full range of products and services across all Carillion's UK operations including joint ventures where it is the lead company.

Speedy chief executive Steve Corcoran said: "I am delighted that we continue to develop our relationship with Carillion, one of the UK's largest construction and support services companies. This new agreement is another important step in our growth in our key markets of water, waste, energy and transport, all of which are undertaking major new infrastructure projects in the UK."

New technology to prevent users of powered access platforms being trapped in the baskets is to be pioneered by Balfour Beatty at Heathrow airport.

Access rental company Nationwide Platforms is supplying more than 150 access platforms over the next two years to Balfour Beatty and its subcontractors on the £750m project to build a new satellite pier (T2B) at Heathrow.

Most of the boom lifts will be fitted with Nationwide’s recently launched SkySiren anti-entrapment system, which prevents the operator being crushed by using a pressure-sensitive strip on the control panel (pictured below). If the operator is pushed against the strip in the event of a collision with an upper obstacle such as a beam, the machine cuts out and an audible alarm sounds to alert fellow workers of the emergency.

Nationwide will also be supplying other safety-related products, including the SkySentry system, which uses PIN-activated key pads to prevent unauthorised users gaining access to the equipment, and the materials handling attachments.

The rental company will also keep a team on site to ensure maximum uptime and will also provide training and toolbox talks relating to working at height.

Balfour Beatty project director Keith Cannin said: “At Balfour Beatty we do all we can to ensure that safe working is the main priority on all of our projects. Nationwide Platforms will help us achieve this by providing a range of innovative answers to our working at height challenges. This includes the SkySiren anti-entrapment solution being fitted to appropriate machines, material handling attachments being made available to ourselves and our subcontractors, onsite IPAF training delivery for powered access operators and managers, and the SkySentry system for preventing unauthorised machine usage.

“Overall, Nationwide Platforms has taken major steps to help us reach the demands that a project of this stature requires, with a tailored approach to finding the best practice methods for all the work at height taking place on this site.”

Nationwide Platforms sales director Simon Beckett said: “Taking into account the prestige and magnitude of this incredible project, we’re very proud to have developed a complete working at height solution for Balfour Beatty and its subcontractors.”

Legacy branding is being phased out by Doosan Portable Power.

The logo of Ingersoll Rand, former owner of the compressors, generators and lighting towers business, can still be seen on compressors until the end of the year but will go completely next year.

Under the new scheme, the front and back ends of the compressor, light tower and generator products now carry the three-colour Doosan corporate logo, while the sides of these units have the large Doosan black product logo. 

Doosan acquired several of the construction equipment businesses of Ingersoll Rand in 2007, including Bobcat, Geith and Montabert.  The Korean manufacturer has decided that after five years the Ingersoll Rand brand no longer carries enough weight in the industry.

Bobcat dealer MTS has added a New Holland franchise to its operations.

MTS is representing New Holland Construction in the northeast and northwest of England, offering the manufacturer’s compact products and attachments only.

With Bobcat, MTS already claims the largest fleet of skidsteer and tracked loaders in the north of England.

“With the addition of the New Holland products, we will be able to support our customers with an extended offering of machines that will be real assets to their businesses,” said  managing director Peter Watson.

MTS sales and technical teams based in Leigh and Birtley will support customers in Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Cleveland and Durham.  The two depots hold a stock of parts and run a fleet of technical service vans.

New Holland Construction business director Scott Freeman added: “We are very pleased about MTS Group joining our network. They have a well-established team that specialises in compact equipment and will be able to support our customers with their expert knowledge.”

Advance Construction has bought 10 new Caterpillar excavators, its first major Cat purchase.

The Scottish groundwork contractor needs the machines for both its own use and external hire.

The 10 machines are seven Cat 312DL tracked excavators and three Cat 308D SBRT hydraulic excavators. The deal was made through Cat distributor Finning.

Advance Construction plant manager Gareth Mollan said: “At Advance Construction we have both a contracting and hire business, with a dedicated sister company that hires plant and equipment to customers across the region, as well as providing plant for our contracts.”

“We therefore looked at the purchase of the new fleet with three things in mind. The first was cost of ownership and the second was the capability of the equipment. Finally we wanted plant that would be reliable and support that was local to where the plant may be hired. The Finning engineering support and branch locations therefore played an important part within the selection process. There is no point in having a piece of equipment that is stuck on a site waiting for a part or service, this is crippling for a plant hire and contracting business.”

Finning key account manager Alistair Murdoch said: “We were in a pricing battle with two other suppliers on this deal, so it was very rewarding to win the business. Without a doubt this success came down to the strong combination of Caterpillar equipment’s quality and performance and Finning’s ability to service and support the customers’ needs.”

Tanfield, the UK manufacturer of Snorkel aerial work platforms, has conditionally raised £12m from a share issue to alleviate production bottlenecks and reduce lead times.

After a hiatus in purchasing in recent years, access platform owners are now overdue for renewing their fleets. Suppressed demand is now surging. During the first half of 2011, Tanfield’s turnover rose 25% to £24.6m while the outstanding order book rose 170% to £20.9m. However, the company’s ability to meet orders is currently restricted by working capital constraints and supply chain bottlenecks.

Tanfield expects that reducing lead times will return the accounts to profit.

Chief executive Darren Kell said: “The additional working capital raised by this placing will help to alleviate the bottlenecks within our supply chain allowing us to increase throughput, reduce lead times for customers and generate purchasing efficiencies. As a result, we believe it should accelerate our return to profitability and help to cement our position as one of the leading global manufacturers in the aerial work platform industry.”

Tanfield is placing 29,268,293 new ordinary shares of 5p each at a price of 41p per share.

East Anglia-based rental company Target Plant has ordered 18 new dump trucks from Thwaites dealer Shell Plant.

Shell Plant has already sold more than 100 dumpers since becoming a Thwaites distributor in August  2011.

Target’s new machines are a mixture of Thwaites Alldrive front tip, high tip, swivel and high tip swivel machines with capacities ranging from 1t to 9t. Target has more than 60 dumpers in its fleet and is now consolidating on the Thwaites brand.

“Although we currently have a mixed site dumper hire fleet, we have decided that because of their performance, quality and residuals, we will only purchase Thwaites machines in the future both for fleet expansion and replacement of existing dumpers,” said Target Plant hire manager Simon Braby.

 “We have recently opened a new ‘depot in Stowmarket, Suffolk adjacent to the A14. Most of the new Thwaites dumpers will operate from that depot and we will be looking to add further new machine packages – including dumpers – probably in the spring.”

Mr Braby added: “In previous years we would purchase machines in small numbers – twos or threes – but now we are confident to buy in larger packages. At the same time as the 18 dumpers we ordered 10 new five and eight tonne excavators. Dumpers and excavators are a common hire combination with eight tonne mini excavators regularly going out with six and nine tonne dumpers. Also very popular are the 1t and 1.5t high tip swivel dumpers for working on tight and confined space sites.

JCB Vibromax is introducing a range of double-drum ride-on rollers for high frequency compaction.

The VMT380 and VMT430 models are both available in two drum widths - either 1,300mm or 1,400mm -, creating four different machines:

• VMT380-130
• VMT380-140
• VMT430-130
• VMT430-140.

Design features include a single-piece exciter shaft, for durability, and front-mounted engine with tapered frame, for improved visibility and weight distribution.

These rollers replace the previous VMT390 and VMT500 in the JCB compaction line-up.

The drive system has been improved to delivers an extra 20% in vibration frequency, to 66Hz, for rolling speeds that are now up to 10% higher than the competition. Gradeability has been improved by 42%, while all models use a mechanical gear shift for smoother starting and braking, JCB says.

Turning radius is 2,380mm for the 1,300mm drum machines and 2,430mm for the 1,400mm-width models. Operators can now choose between single-front, single-rear or twin drum vibration, for more control on smooth finish asphalt layers.

With the engine moved to the front section of the chassis and the larger water tanks now rear-mounted, the operator station is all new. The drive lever now comes with an integrated cutter control, and an optional second drive lever adds versatility. JCB’s automatic vibration control (AVC) system, that cuts off vibration when the roller stops travelling, remains standard on all models.

 Specifications:

Luton-based plant hire company PC Lavin has bought four new Doosan crawler excavators from local dealer Leach Lewis Heavy.

The three new Doosan DX140LC units are in the 12-14t class. The fourth new machine is a 21-24t class Doosan DX225LC.

Some of PC Lavin’s new excavators are destined for use on a contract at the Sellafield nuclear decommissioning plant, and also earmarked for the planned new stadium of Bristol City Football Club.

PC Lavin owner Chris Lavin said “We have been really impressed with the Doosan Crawler Excavator range due to its power, superior performance and reliability. Leach Lewis Heavy has also provided excellent on-going support on our existing fleet, and these factors combined made our decision easier to make.”

He added: “My preference for the Doosan range is cemented by the high residuals we achieve when we exchange our fleet with newer models.”

Leach Lewis Heavy area sales manager Tony Martin said: “We are delighted to have secured a repeat order from PC Lavin knowing that their confidence in the Doosan range and in Leach Lewis Heavy were the contributing factors.”

JCB has upgraded its smallest backhoe loader, the 1CX, with new styling, longer loader arms, an extending dipper option, servo controls and a power management system.

The 1CX has been updated with the latest JCB corporate styling, including a revised cab roof trim, new working lights and sturdy electrical switchgear. The new optional loader arms are 100mm longer to provide easier loading of road tippers and site dump trucks, JCB says.

At the rear, an extending dipper option adds up to 500mm to the digging envelope, taking maximum dig depth to 3.05m. This allows easier load over of trucks, with the backhoe able to reach the centre of the tipper body.

A new power management system (PMS) has been added to beef performance. It reduces engine lug down as the machine starts to dig and increases power when driving into a pile with the front shovel.

Optional servo controls not only add to digging performance but also increase cab space as the control lever post is gone. Customers can choose between either SAE+ or ISO+ control pattern by using the optional changeover switch, to suit the individual operator.

 JCB 1CX standard machine specification:

* depending on cab/canopy - extending dipper and longer loader arm adds an additional 155kg

Tool hire group HSS has reported a 5% rise in revenues for 2011 and a modest rise in underlying profitability.

HSS Hire Service Group made revenues of £180.2m for the full year, up from £171.0m in 2010.

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) were £39.8m, up 2% on 2010.

The company said that revenue and Ebitda growth had come despite the loss of its Network Rail contract and significantly lower than usual revenue from air-conditioning and heating due to the mild weather.

Significant costs in the year included investment in a new operating platform designed to deliver improved customer service levels and operating efficiencies.

Investment in the hire fleet was also ramped up, particularly in powered access equipment for customers in retail and facilities management markets. HSS claims to be now the second largest provider of low-level powered access in the UK.

Chairman Archie Norman, the former Asda boss and Tory MP, said: “HSS has made good progress against its strategic development plan in 2011, and the business is well positioned as a trusted partner and service leader in the tools and equipment rental, outsourcing and services sector.”

Chief executive Chris Davies said: “I am pleased with the progress of the business in 2011. We achieved both revenue and profit growth against a tough market whilst implementing major change to our logistics and maintenance operation to provide increased fleet availability for our customers.

“Key accounts have continued to be an important part of our growth in 2011 and I am delighted that, through focusing on the key customer needs, we have won significant new opportunities with a number of large national accounts in the fourth quarter, including an outsourced equipment management partnership with Enterprise Group that demonstrates innovation in our service model.  We continue to benefit from excellent customer relationships in Retail, Fit-out, Facilities Management and Airports.

“HSS Training has continued to grow organically – it now leads the market in PASMA and is the second largest provider of IPAF training in the UK. We have continued to invest in our training venues and facilities for our customers and have launched a fully interactive course booking website to provide customers with ease of transaction.

“As planned, we invested heavily in the roll-out of our new logistics and operating platform and while costs associated with supporting this transition did impact our earnings in the short-term, we have laid excellent foundations for efficiency gains, higher utilisation and service-level improvements into 2012 and beyond.

“2012 will undoubtedly present us with challenging conditions – not least with the unseasonably mild winter continuing into the start of the year - but we are well positioned to keep building our business. We’ll continue to drive sales growth whilst focusing on improving margins. As always we will continue to concentrate on the things we know matter most to our customers whilst investing in our colleagues and managing our cash generation and costs in order to take our business forward.”

Rising global demand for aerial work platforms is boosting the order book of Tanfield Group, manufacturer of Snorkel and Pop-Up access equipment.

In a pre-close trading update, Tanfield said that orders were coming in faster than it could fulfil them. Order intake significantly outstripped monthly shipment revenues, the company said, meaning that the order book continued to grow.  The company is now considering measures to manage the growth in lead times.

CEO Darren Kell said: "Global demand for aerial work platforms continues to build, driven by fleet replacement at major rental operators.  The Company is examining  ways that will allow it to respond to that increased global demand and to reduce its lead times accordingly."

JCB is adding two skid steers and a compact tracked loader to the new generation machines unveiled last year.

The JCB 135, 155 and 150T all use a radial lift version of the JCB Powerboom single-sided lift arm, providing maximum digging capability and reach.

Features of the JCB 135, 155 and 150T include improved fuel efficiency and a 46% larger cab.

With the introduction of these three models JCB now offers 12 new generation machines. Additional models will be launched throughout 2012, bringing the total range to 17 models, including radial and vertical lift machines.

JCB says that the new machines also need less maintenance that competitor machines, with fewer grease points than a twin arm design. The single lift arm design is also said to improve visibility for the operator, compared to twin arm machines. A tilting cab makes it easy to access components.

There are twin travel speeds on the 155 skid steer and the 150T loader to improve productivity. Creep speed, standard on all models, allows the operator to fine tune travel speed at full power for the operation of high flow attachments such as planers, trenchers and for other slow moving applications.

The side opening door means not having to climb over attachments or tools, improving safety for the operator.

Specifications

JCB has developed its own work platform option for its 535-125 HiViz and 535-140 HiViz Loadall models for aerial access.

Designed and manufactured within JCB, the personnel basket option adds to the uses to which the two HiViz models can be put.

A third-party access platform, manufactured by a supplier, will remain available for the Loadall 540-140 and 540-170 models. There is a choice of three platform models and all can be used with either of the HiViz machines.

These include a fixed basket that is 1.2m wide and 2.5m long. There is also a fixed extendable basket, also 1.2m wide, but with a length that extends from 2.5m to 5.0m. Lastly, customers can order a slewing extending platform, offering a 1.2m width and a length of 2.5m-5.0m, along with a 180 degree rotation capability.

All three platforms offer a payload of 400kg, up from 350kg on previous models. The EN280 compliant carrier machine has stabiliser and boom interlocks to promote safe practice and there are hose burst protection valves fitted to all primary function hydraulic rams and stabilisers, to prevent collapse in the event of pressure loss. An emergency get-down pump and emergency stop function ensure both operators and other site personnel can control the machine in the event of a malfunction.

Proportional joystick control provides multi-function operation, while a twin pump hydraulic system controls lift and placement.

Specifications

JCB has overhauled its excavator range to make the machines compliant with latest engine emissions regulations.

Seven models are now powered by JCB’s own Dieselmax engines, resulting in fuel efficiency improvements of up to 24%, the company claims.

JCB’s JS excavator series comprises 19 tracked models and four wheeled ones, from 11t to 46t. All get a new cab and styling.

JCB is now installing its Dieselmax 444 engine into the following tracked models: 

• JS115 (11t)
• JS130 (13t)
• JS145 (15t)
• JS160 (16t)
• JS180 (18t).

In addition, the JS145W (15t) and the JS160W (17t) wheeled excavators will also be powered by the 4.4 litre engine. The Dieselmax engine replaces the Isuzu unit. JCB says that with a larger engine displacement, the 97kW/130hp Dieselmax delivers up to 23% more torque in the JS 160, JS180, JS145W and JS160W machines – or 532Nm of torque.

In the remainder of the tracked machines, power is rated at 74kW/100hp, achieving an increase in torque of up to 13%. The engine in the JS115, JS130 and JS145 tracked excavators delivers 434Nm of torque.

The benefit the Dieselmax engine brings to customers is the ability to move earth or rubble more easily, JCB claims. The engine response time is faster and in the case of the JS160 and JS180 models, the engine operates at lower rpm – up to 10% lower - increasing the overall efficiency of the machine and lowering noise levels. 

The cooling package is now larger and quieter, mainly because of a 9% bigger cooling fan which rotates more slowly.

While the pedigree of the 4.4 litre JCB Dieselmax engine is well proven after several years powering backhoe loaders and Loadall telescopic handlers, the engine has been in all JS160s and JS180s since the middle of last year, with good customer feedback, JCB says.

JCB’s biggest market is for 20-24t machines in developing countries. The 20-24t weight range accounts for just over a third of all machines sold, with 80% going to countries that are not subject to the more stringent US or European engine emissions legislation. JCB is therefore now using its 4.8 litre Stage 2/Tier 2 Dieselmax engine on all 20–22t JS excavators destined for these markets.

For regions requiring Stage 3A/Tier 3 equipment, JCB will continue to supply the JS200, JS210, JS220, as well as the 23t JS235HD model, with the existing 5.2 litre Isuzu engine with a power rating of 128Kw or 172hp.

With optimised pump settings and a revised spool configuration, and the introduction of a revised electronic control system, fuel efficiency has been improved by 11% on each of these Tier 3 models with no engine modification. This means a British customer working a JS200 for 1,500 hours per year will save £2,750 compared with the previous model.

Fuel efficiency on the new Tier 4 interim JS240 (24t), JS260 (26t), JS330 (33t) and JS360 (36t) improves by 8%. These are the first JS models to move up to Stage 3B/Tier 4 Interim compliance.

Improvements in fuel efficiency have been achieved by using the same advanced hydraulic technology and revised electronic control system in the heavier models as their smaller stablemates.

Tier 4i compliance has been achieved by using Isuzu engines and by incorporating a variable geometry turbocharger, exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter.

For a British customer operating a Tier 4 Interim-compliant JS240 for 1,500 hours per year, it will save them £2,000 compared with the previous model. In the case of a JS360, the saving over 1,500 hours rises to £3,300.

New cab

JCB is introducing a new cab across its range of JS excavators. The split between the top section and bottom section of the front windscreen is now 125mm lower in response to customer feedback. It is now a 70/30 split to give the operator a better view of the digging area, JCB says.

A positive seal has also been created between the top and bottom sections to keep dust out. The bottom section of glass can be removed and stored within the rear window stowage area.

The front upper corner of the cab has been shifted forwards to accommodate a flat glass panel, instead of curved glass. This makes replacement easier and cheaper. Both the upper and lower sections of glass are laminated for additional scratch resistance, as is the new roof glazing, which was previously polycarbonate.

The wiper mechanism is now mounted in the roof in a steel pressing and is equipped with an isolator switch for when the windscreen is raised. The wiper itself is held by a steel bracket to eliminate any lateral movement when the windscreen is in the raised position.

Other cab improvements include a more spacious storage area behind the operator’s seat for tools.

JCB’s new cab also focuses heavily on the structure, with roll over protection (ROPS) available on all JS excavators.

For all models below 24t, ROPS will be integral to the cab – achieved through internal strengthening of the cab and machine structure. Externally, the ROPS cab will look the same as the non-ROPS cab. A data plate inside the cab will highlight to the operator that it is the ROPS-protected version. For all models over 24t, a bolt-on ROPS cage will be fitted on to the machine.

Falling objects protection (FOPS) is available for all models for both front screen and roof screen. This can be factory-fitted or retro-fitted without the need to make any modifications to the cab structure.

Baldwins Crane Hire has taken delivery of a new 200-tonne capacity all terrain mobile crane from Liebherr.

The LTM 1200-5.1 will operate out of Baldwins’ Newport depot.

The crane has a 72m telescopic main boom and Baldwins has opted for a 12.2m to 22m double fly-jib which can be offset by 0°, 22.5° and 45°. This provides a maximum height under hook of 98m and an optimum working radius of 78m with a maximum 1,000kg load.

The crane superstructure is powered by a four-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine which develops 145kW at 1800rpm. The crane cab can be hydraulically tilted to improve the operator’s view.

The five-axle carrier, with 10x8x10 drive/steer, is powered by a six-cylinder 370kW Liebherr diesel engine.

Baldwins managing director Wayne Baldwin said: "These cranes are first choice for us simply because they are reliable, offer excellent performance right through the duty charts and the Liebherr after sales product support is absolutely first-class.”

JCB has updated five models in its Hammermaster hydraulic breaker line-up.

Three of the updated models are in the large breaker range, with two updates to the medium breaker line. The new models all incorporate features aimed at providing improved performance and efficiency, plus a high power to weight ratio for maximum efficiency.

The large breaker range includes seven models designed for use with machines ranging from 10t-75t operating weight. The three updated models - HM870Q, HM1270Q and HM1570Q - are designed to work with carrier machines from 10t–28t, offering an improved performance of up to 31% and increased hydraulic efficiency by up to 15%, JCB claims. A new Power Control Valve provides more adaptive performance from the breaker, varying blow frequency while maintaining impact energy to match the conditions. The heavy duty housing design results in a more robust breaker, while contributing to a reduction in noise levels of up to 5dB(A).                       

The breakers are designed to be easy to maintain and built to last, with a single piece cylinder, an Autogrease system and a dust wiper fitted as standard. The HM870Q offers an increase of performance from 17.4kW to 19kW, a reduction of 50kg weight to 800kg and a hydraulic efficiency gain of 56%. The HM1270Q achieves a 29% performance improvement, up from 19.8kW to 25.6kW, a reduction in weight from 1,250kg to 1,200kg and a 10.6% improvement in hydraulic efficiency, taking it to 64%. The HM1570Q features an increase in performance of 31%, reaching 29.5kW, a reduction of 100kg in weight to 1,500kg and an increase in hydraulic efficiency from 57% to 67%

The medium breaker range, designed to work with midi excavators, backhoe loaders and skid steer loaders, consists of four models covering carrier weights of 2t-12t. The HM166Q and HM266Q join the existing HM386Q and HM495Q, to provide higher performance and efficiency figures and a noise reduction of up to 10dB(A).  Featuring a sealed accumulator, solid body and floating bottom bush, they deliver low maintenance, long service life and high performance, JCB says.