ExEcutivE REPORt Small Plant Roundup


Nick Johnson highlights some of the latest non-op plant including machine updates, equipment trends and exciting plans for new ultra small telehandlers.


Caterpillar has the distinction of making what must be the world’s widest range of construction equipment including monster mining machines. But, whilst the Cat name has long been synonymous with large machines, it also produces many types of small non-op plant and it has recently updated two of its lightweight tandem vibrating rollers.


Of most interest to UK hire companies are the new era CB2.5 GC and CB2.7 GC which replace the former CB2.5 and CB 2.7 models. These nomenclatures relate to operating weights of 2,521kg and 2,698kg respectively and the rollers have the popular roll widths of 1,000mm and 1,200mm.


MT 730 H and MT 930 H hydrostatic telehandlers with maximum lift heights of 7.0m and 9.0m respectively. Both are compact machines with widths of 2.0m and overall heights of 2.0m.


The French manufacturer has also revealed that it is developing “the world’s smallest telehandler”. Testing is underway on new Ultra Light Manitous (designated ULMs) which will weigh only 2,700kg with attachments so that they can be towed to site on a standard plant trailer.


JCB’s new 35Z-1 mini excavator in action with the new thumb option to safely hold bulky material in the bucket.


operated thumb attachment. This device provides much greater operational flexibility as it enables awkward sized material to be gripped and moved securely and efficiently – this making the machine more attractive to hire customers on certain jobs. A new trend?


Few details of the ULM telehandlers have been revealed so far but Manitou has stated that they will be only 1.5mm wide and 1.9m high. They will also feature the company’s JSM joystick control.


With its 1,200mm wide drums, this CB 2.7 GC is one of two recently upgraded lightweight Cat tandem rollers.


The new CB2.5 GC and CB2.7 GC are both powered by a turbocharged Cat C1.7T engine rated at 18.4kW (24.6hp) that meets EU Stage V emission standards without an after-treatment system. They also have a new auto idle shutdown feature to conserve fuel consumption.


The reengineered operator controls feature simple rocker switches and an easy-to-read Cat display for intuitive operation. The rollers’ 50mm drum offset improves compaction efficiency when rolling next to kerbs and vibration is automatically stopped when the travel lever is in neutral so as to prevent marking an asphalt mat.


Manitou has announced an exciting programme of model updates and additions in an initiative that it calls ‘Build the Future’. Amongst the newcomers are the latest


On the mini excavator front, JCB has expanded its ‘Next Generation’ line-up by launching a 3.5 tonne zero tailswing compact excavator and a new 3.6 tonne conventional model. The new 35Z-1 zero is a replacement for the previous generation 8035ZTS whilst the conventional rear-end 36C-1 is a totally new model in the JCB range.


Both the 35Z-1 and 36C-1are powered by a 1.7-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder common-rail Perkins diesel engine delivering 34kW (45.6hp). They are equipped with a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) but there is no requirement for a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) such as AdBlue.


Usefully both these minis can now be factory fitted with a hydraulically


This Volvo ECR25 Electric mini is the first of several to be joining the Lynch hire fleet.


Meanwhile electric mini excavators are gaining in popularity and Volvo is making inroads with its 2,730kg ECR25 Electric zero tail swing model. The first UK sale of this notable machine by dealer SMT GB was to Eurovia Contracting and subsequently the first hire company buyer here is L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage.


Interestingly, Eurovia Contracting also invested in solar-powered batteries to boost low-carbon operations on site thereby reducing the use of more traditional diesel- powered generators. Another future trend? n


14 Executive Hire News - June/July 2021


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