JCB takes next step on electric journey
JCB has expanded its E-Tech battery electric range, with the launch of the 403E compact wheeled loader. Dan Gilkes recently visited JCB’s HQ to...
New technologies put wind in the sails of civils contractor
A Komatsu HB365LC Hybrid excavator is among a range of machines that have been impressing on Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s build of the...
Callum Hammers home the message
CALLUM Mackintosh, owner of Highland Hammer Hire, is aiming to become THE one-stop destination for attachments in the north of Scotland.
It may seem like...
Reducing emissions from NRMM with alternative fuels
It is an uncomfortable truth that there is no single fuel solution to the air quality problem for the construction sector.
Are you really ready for winter?
Brendan Aherne, GRITIT’s regional director for Scotland, explains that taking on adverse weather conditions in increasingly litigious times takes careful planning and meticulous execution.
It’s...
Getting to know…Gordon Cameron
Gordon Cameron has been involved in the plant industry for many years now, working his way up to become managing director of Hardox Wearparts...
New SPOA President wants to “better the intake” into Scottish plant industry
Fraser Dykes is the new President of the Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA). His day job is running Dumfries-based heavy equipment contractors AMD Contract...
Innovative robot helps to keep security rolling
FROM being robbed 13 times to selling fruit smoothies outside of their university, the story of how two entrepreneurs from the same Zimbabwean school...
Built to last: JCB in new 3.5-t offering
Dan Gilkes tests out the new 35Z-1 zero tailswing mini excavator, which is tipped to appeal to customers globally
WITH more than 15,000 sales a...
Tracked conveyor is the ‘missing link’ for Breedon
BREEDON Northern has invested in the largest Terex Finlay tracked conveyor currently available from Finlay Scotland. The TC-100 is being used as a link...
Raising the safety bar in Edinburgh
THE Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, held on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, attracts massive crowds on an annual basis.
Seating for spectators is provided by...
Getting to know… Sandy Fairweather
SANDY Fairweather is one of the most admired and popular figures in the Scottish plant industry. He’s seen most things after a lifetime in...
Getting to know…Greg Paterson
KIRKCALDY-headquartered Astrak UK has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the leading suppliers of undercarriage and wear parts in the industry.
Recent developments...
Getting to know…Brian McGrane
BRIAN McGrane is area sales manager for southern and central Scotland for Liebherr, where he is tasked with selling a full range of products...
Island stay provides a welcome antidote
ORGANISERS of FINROCK 2021, a live virtual exhibition for plant operators, construction professionals and heavy equipment enthusiasts, have hailed the event a roaring success.
Hosted...
Anatomy of a quality steel
One breaker steel looks much like another, so it can be difficult to make sensible judgements about quality. Linlithgow-based Rock Force shared some of...
CRJ: Expert Third-Party Servicing for Recycling and Waste Processing Machinery
This article contains sponsored content.
In the competitive recycling and waste processing industry, machinery downtime can severely impact productivity and profitability. As the official UK...
Best foot forward
A.T. Best Handlers Ltd. has opened a new depot in Tranent, East Lothian after telehandler manufacturer Manitou extended the company’s area at the start of this year.
Hydrogen-powered future moves a step closer
Dan Gilkes reports on the progress of JCB’s research into the use of hydrogen to power construction machinery as the industry continues to seek...
Getting to know…Ian Barnes
IAN Barnes, head of business at SITECH UK and Ireland, fell into the plant industry through his self-proclaimed product geekiness and detail.
Starting as a...
Staying safe while working at height in poor weather
Matthew Bailey, divisional manager for inspection and certification at HCL Safety, explores what those working at height, and those responsible for their safety, need...
No job too big or small
Gary Moug reports on the Glasgow firm making waves in the hydraulic problem-solving industry.
TWO years ago, Annabel Allam and Craig Pottie took the bold...
Getting to know… John McGrath
John McGrath recently retired from his role as senior lecturer in plant mechanics at Glasgow Kelvin College.
John, who’s also chairman of the Glasgow branch...
Getting to know…
THERE'S not much Peter Yarwood hasn’t seen in over four decades in the plant industry.
From his early days in the family business to taking...
Perfect timing: Young Plant explains decision to expand in the north
YOUNG Plant Sales managing director Brian Young has hailed the firm’s new Inverness depot as “key” to growing the business in Scotland.
The Doune-headquartered firm...
Quick off the mark: latest X-Series model treads well-worn path
JCB has expanded its X-Series crawler excavator portfolio with the launch of the 145XR – a second reduced tailswing model. Here, Dan Gilkes gets...
Getting to know…Heath Davies
HEATH Davies is general manager of Mecalac Construction Equipment UK. The firm has added a number of new products to its portfolio over the...
On the Hunt for ‘durability and service’
HUNTSMANS have chosen another Atlas Copco HB 5800 breaker for primary breaking in its Cotswolds quarry.
The quarry has been operating since 1918 and now...
Pursuit of quality pays off for Loc Hire
A recent £3.5 million investment in mobile welfare highlights how far Bonnybridge-based LOC Hire has come in a short space of time.
The firm, which...
Departure from the norm helps breathe new life into trade body
Outgoing Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) president Callum Mackintosh reflects on his term in office and explains why the journey both challenged and exceeded...




































