RESIDENT COLUMNIST: KATIE KELLEHER


dedication that have helped shape the sector we work in today. In an industry where companies can come and go 50 years represents thousands of lifts completed, countless projects supported, and generations of people who have contributed to that success. Most recently, I attended JCB's


Hydromax event and this event has perhaps occupied my thoughts the most. Looking around the room it was clear the project's appeal extended far beyond construction. Representatives from automotive, agricultural, and construction media had all gathered to hear about the programme. It was a reminder that genuine innovation rarely sits neatly within a single sector. At Hydromax, JCB outlined its ambitions for hydrogen combustion technology and its plans to use that technology in an attempt to break the world land speed record. Backed by a £100 million investment in hydrogen, and a team of more than 150 engineers, the project represents far more than a one-off record attempt. It is part of a wider commitment to exploring hydrogen's role in the future of machinery and equipment. Several presentations highlighted


the transfer of knowledge between JCB's hydrogen-powered construction equipment and the Hydromax programme, reinforcing the point that this is about far more than a single record attempt. While Hydromax may capture attention through its speed and ambition, the engineering lessons learned have relevance far beyond the salt flats. One of the highlights was hearing from


Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, who drove JCB Dieselmax to a world land speed record almost 20 years ago. Listening to him speak it became


apparent that this project is about far more than speed alone. The engineering team described Hydromax as '20 years of technical advancement on a familiar recipe' and, while the vehicle shares some of the same DNA as Dieselmax, Andy explained that virtually every component has been re-engineered. In his words, the only things the two


vehicles really have in common are “the tyre valve caps and the driver”. What struck me most, however, was the sheer ambition of the programme. Andy explained that the team's first meeting on the project took place only a year ago. The vehicle itself only began taking shape around six weeks ago and, with Bonneville Speed Week scheduled for 1–7 August, the team now finds itself


JCB's Lord Anthony Bamford is 'either completely mad or totally brilliant', says Andy Green OBE (above)


HYDROMAX TOP TRUMPS Target Speed: 350mph+ Power Output: 1,600hp (800hp per engine) Hydrogen Storage Pressure: 700 bar Cooling Capacity: 250kg of ice Aerodynamic Improvement: 10% more effi cient than Dieselmax NACA Duct Contribution: 4% of aerodynamic gain Transmission: Twin six-speed gearboxes Drive System: Four-wheel drive Location: Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA Attempt Date: 1–7 August, 2026


on the final stretch of an extraordinarily ambitious programme. For anyone familiar with the history of land speed records, those timescales are remarkable. Referencing Burt Munro, whose story was told in The World's Fastest Indian, Andy highlighted that many record attempts involve years of development, testing and refinement, often requiring multiple trips to the salt flats before success is achieved. In contrast he remarked that JCB was


effectively attempting to do it in ten days. As Andy put it: "The chairman is either completely mad or totally brilliant." Judging by what I saw there's a strong argument for the latter. Perhaps the most memorable answer came when Andy was asked what keeps him awake at night. His response wasn't the speed, the risk, or even the challenge of driving the vehicle. It was the sheer ambition of the engineering behind it.


Despite the engineering complexity involved, one


observation from the technical team also stuck with me. After explaining the countless


aerodynamic, cooling and performance improvements incorporated into the vehicle they concluded with a reminder: ultimately, Mother Nature will define the performance of the car. Even with all the technology available today the Bonneville Salt Flats still have the final say. As someone who can happily spend


an afternoon talking about cranes and an evening talking about cars, the prospect of seeing a hydrogen-powered vehicle challenge a world record is something I'll be following very closely. In truth, I'd love to be standing on the salt flats when the attempt takes place. Looking back, these three events


represented very different aspects of our industry. One focused on future talent. One celebrated a proud history. And one looked firmly towards the future through innovation. Yet all three shared a common thread.


L Lynch isn't content to accept skills shortages. Ainscough hasn't remained successful for 50 years by standing still. And JCB isn't content with simply talking about the future of technology. None of them are content to stand still. For a sector that often spends its


time discussing challenges, it was refreshing to spend a few weeks hearing about solutions. Solutions driven by investment, ambition, innovation and opportunity. For my first Cranes Today column, I can't think of a better place to start. Contact / follow: LinkedIn: @Katie Kelleher Instagram:


@katie_cranes CRANES TODAY 13


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