MARTIN Plant Hire Ltd has considerably expanded its fleet with an order of 28 Kubota mini-excavators in the last 12 months, supplied by HRN Group.
The haul includes seven Kubota 1.6-tonne KX016-4 diggers, boasting a Stage V-compliant engine, and two U27-4 machines – Martin Plant’s first 2.6t Kubota excavators, described as having the largest cab in its class of 2.5-tonne, short radius models.
Martin Plant Hire, which operates from seven depots across central Scotland, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The company was founded in 1974 by Jimmy Martin and established itself initially by providing small tools such as Stihl saws.
The business has vastly expanded its range and today supplies a wide range of equipment from powered access and welding kit through to dumpers and excavators, to customers across the UK.
MD Andy Martin has been with the business for 30 years and told Project Plant that Kubota machines have been a staple in the fleet over the years due to factors including reliability and user-friendliness. The latest models will be utilised on a range of applications including utilities, general building work, DIY and agriculture.
Andy Wilson, Kubota construction sales manager at HRN Group, said, “Firstly, it was great to have been invited to attend Martin Plant’s 50th anniversary dinner back in February. We have a long-standing relationship with Martin Plant Hire; I remember meeting Andy Martin at the Highland Show many years ago and he told me it was remarkable to see their customers coming in and requesting to hire their Kubota excavators over other brands.
“Kubota have also increased their portfolio this year by adding compact loaders and telehandlers to the construction division, with larger machines on the horizon for 2025.”
